How Building Signs Are Made

Building signage is key to attracting customers.

Building signage consists of three basic types: flat signs with painted or vinyl letters, dimensional signs of metal or plastic, and electric signs which are illuminated with neon, LEDs, fluorescent lights, or other light sources.

Flat Signs

Although flat signs are the simplest to make, they still require technical expertise. They begin with a flat base. Metal is preferred for its durability. The shop uses a photo-imaging software program to design the sign to the customer's satisfaction. The sign is cut out of vinyl letters or printed onto a durable material in advanced plastic, vinyl or metal. The words are glued or riveted to the base.

Dimensional Signs

This dimensional sign uses layers of materials to create depth and atmosphere.

Dimensional signs use a variety of materials. After designing the individual elements, a laser cutter cuts out the individual letters, graphics, or design elements. Often, elements are layered for the dimensional and color effects desired. Materials are crucial, depending on whether the sign is exterior or interior, the lighting used, etc.

Electric Signs

This is a channel sign illuminated with neon.

Electric signs are signs that light from within. Again, the processes begins with layout on a computer. The simplest electric signs then transfer the image to a piece of plastic, which is attached to a box with a fluorescent or other light inside. However, neon signs may be formed by glass handlers with tubes of illuminated glass. Channel signs have individual letters and elements illuminated from within with neon or LEDs.

References

• Sign Industry: LEDs: 'Channeling' More Opportunities to Sign Makers
• Australia Signs: Three Dimensional Letters Designed to Impress
• Sign Industry: Challenge of Creating Architectural Signs
• Australia Signs: Laser Cut Shop Signs and Building Signage

Resources

• Sign Industry Home Page