Posted by admin | Posted in Fan Apparel and Souvenirs | Posted on 26-09-2011
Tags: art, design, metal, metal sign blanks, metal sign holders, metal sign letters, metal signs, metal signs for business, sign, signs
Custom metal signs are the blue jeans of the sign industry
Everyone knows that safe, comfortable, amazing feeling you have when you slide on your favorite pair of blue jeans. They are durable, well made and just right for any occasion. Everyone’s favorite pair of blue jeans are unique. They come in all styles, all shapes and all sizes. No two are made, worn or look exactly the same!
Metal signs did for the sign industry what American blue jeans did for fashion. They made signs durable, long lasting, unique and perfect for any business. No matter the event, promotion or purpose, custom metal signs can be made to fit.
Just as every pair of blue jeans you own are not alike all metal signs are not created equal. These signs can be created and manufactured in a number of different ways. Each customer is trying to make a different statement, promote a different image and create their own sense of style.
How are custom metal signs made?
Metal signs can be manufactured in a number of ways. We are going to discuss the three major ways that custom aluminum signs are printed in the sign industry today.
- Cut vinyl – Traditional metal signs were all made from precision cut vinyl lettering being weeded, masked and applied to aluminum. Sign companies still have the ability to, and occasionally do, produce custom signs just this way.
Cut vinyl is rated 3-5 years durability if using intermediate vinyl and 7-10 years if using high performance vinyl. To accomplish this vinyl is precisely cut on a plotter, weeded, masked and hand laid onto aluminum. This process is a more time consuming process, but is still rated the longest lasting vinyl method out there. Only disadvantage is that your design is created from individually cut letters so it is open to being tampered with, letters removed, etc.
Sign industry manufacturers provide numerous colors and finishes of vinyl. Ranging from standard intermediate and high performance vinyl colors to DOT reflective grade there are several manufacturers out there consistently coming up with new options. Today you can purchase camouflage, carbon fiber, neon colors and so much more. Cut vinyl can be done with outlines, drop shadows and multiple colors. Cut vinyl cannot provide gradients, fades, custom colors, etc.
Which leads us to option 2…
- Digitally Printed Vinyl – This is the world we live in today. Most sign shops own and consistently use their digital printers. Printing all vinyl for custom metal signs is more time and cost effective than cut vinyl. Although digital printed vinyl is only rated for 3-5 year no fading, manufacturers have developed a number of laminates to extend its longevity to 7-10 years plus without fading. Digitally printed vinyl offers a more consistent and economical process for sign development. There is less room for human error while prepping and laying your designs onto your metal signs.
By digitally printing your custom business signage you open doors to numerous design options that would otherwise be unavailable. This is required to produce fades, gradients, custom pantone color matches, etc. The ways that you can add to your design are limitless if you go with digitally printed vinyl on your metal signs. Laminates available include Dry Erase, Graffiti Proof, and standard laminate.
- Direct print – Metal signs can now be printed directly to the substrate as well. This can be done two different ways: screen printing and flat bed printing.
- Screen printing offers high durability, crisp edged printing and awesome clarity. It is used especially when doing large quantity orders. It is the perfect process when doing spot colors, you cannot do gradients or custom fades. You can screen print in half tones, but it is not the effect that most customers today are looking for.
It does have limits though… screen printing costs more when needing to do full bleed printing or when custom pantone colors need to be mixed and matched to get the specific colors that are needed.
-
- Flat bed printing is the most cost effective, quick turnaround, most flexible printed method out there next to digitally printed.
Flat bed printing has several print speeds and print quality levels depending on the type of signs needed and how they will be used. Print quality on thousands of Coroplast yard signs is the total opposite of a high end full color real estate sign. The advantages are that there is no vinyl application time because the printer prints your design directly onto the metal.
It offers the same durability as screen printing, but offers more printing options. Flat bed printing allows more opportunities for your vinyl signs to be more custom and unique. It allows for full color printing, fades, gradients, custom colors, etc.
Next to digitally printing your metal signs, flat bed printing allows the most options to achieve the look you desire for your company.
How do you decide what type of custom metal sign is best for you?
Ask questions.
When you go to your local sign shop ask how your signs will be manufactured. Ask what methods of production they have available. Ask how they would suggest that your custom sign design be produced.
By knowing the options out there, looking at your design and working along with your sign company you can make the best decision for your investment.
Metal signs are one of the best investments you can make for your business or organization. They have limitless uses ranging from for sale signs, job site signs, and special events signs to larger signs for your buildings, larger construction sites and so much more.
What do you do next to find the right custom metal sign?
Go shopping!
Like that favorite pair of blue jeans you love, you have to shop for your one of a kind custom metal signs as well.
By working with your sign shop you can identify your niche for your own unique custom aluminum signs. Remember they are durable, well made and just right for any occasion. Just like those blue jeans your custom aluminum signs can come in all styles, all shapes and all sizes. No two are made, worn or look exactly the same! Make sure yours is unique, shows off your style and brands your business.
Custom metal signs are an investment you will not regret. Ask questions, create a design that you are comfortable with, that you are proud of and that shows the image you want for your business or organization.
If you do all of this your custom signs will offer the same safe, comfortable, amazing feeling for you as you have when you slide on your favorite pair of blue jeans.
About the Author
Robin Harrelson, also nationally known as TheSignChef, is a visionary in the sign industry. With her husband Tim, their live, interactive website provides instant access to unique online signs tools, how-to videos and corporate class custom signage.
For 23 years, TheSignChef has accumulated a wealth of industry-specific knowledge to create masterpieces which are guaranteed to delight! For the first time, TheSignChef is inviting us behind the scenes and into the “kitchen” to share secret sign recipes, tips and tricks. So come on in for a bite!
Krusader – Holy Metal Sign
|
|
Authentic Willets Pt Shea Stadium NYC MTA Metal Enamel Subway Sign Train Mets $10,000.00 |
|
|
huge billboard vintage budweiser bud metal tin advertising sign that’s beer 1964 $9,999.00 |
|
|
“CBS RECORDS” Original Metal Sign from CBS Pressing Plant Pittman NJ $9,995.00 |
|
|
Stuckey’s Porcelain & Metal Store Front or Billboard Sign Large Letter Roadside $5,900.00 |
|
|
MASSIVE COCA COLA SIGN TRANSPORTATION SIGN BUS TERMINAL METAL ONE OF A KIND $3,999.00 |
|
|
Hotel Lee Peoria Illinois Motel Double Sided Porcelain Metal Advertising Sign $2,989.00 |
|
|
Vintage Kodak Film Counter Display Metal Sign $2,500.00 |
|
|
super rare~ “MAN O WAR” GEORGIA RAILROAD METAL SIGN WITH DERBY HORSE LOGO !! $2,500.00 |
|
|
Beautiful Original Antique Studebaker Service Yellow Enameled Metal Sign $2,250.00 |
|
|
c1900-20 INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE sign 9′ x 34″ black sand on TIN w/GOLD letters $1,750.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE OWBRIDGE’S LUNG TONIC Porcelain Sign C1900 RARE HISTORICAL METAL SIGN $1,999.00 |
|
|
Original MR GOODWRENCH Man Metal Sign 70′s-Large 70″ GM Store Display -Auto Adv $1,695.00 |
|
|
Rare Vintage Ford Display Sign for Liquid Glaze Advertising Metal Display Co $1,800.00 |
|
|
ENGLISH PUB trade sign BOY & BARREL painted on metal w/wood frame 39″sq x 3″ $1,600.00 |
|
|
Antique PAINTED METAL Pub Sports SIGN Vintage RARE $1,600.00 |
|
|
Large Hanging BEER Sign on Curved Arrow Vintage Industrial Metal Electric Lights $1,550.00 |
|
|
Vintage Coca Cola Metal Advertisement Sign $1,500.00 |
|
|
Vintage Metal Sign Mobil Porcelain marked 1957 large 81 x 41 Inches Hard to Find $1,299.00 |
|
|
Antique 1917 Ford Fordson Oliver Tractor & Implements Metal Advertising Sign $1,380.00 |
|
|
Rust Free Outdoor Bar Tropical Wood Bamboo Style Tiki Shelves Shutter Bar Sign $1,395.00 |
|
|
Vintage HUGE Folk Art Trade Advertising TAVERN Sign “MEMPHIS BELLE” New Orleans $1,100.00 |
|
|
Student Prince metal beer sign Covington Ky Heidelberg Brewery 3 ft by 5 ft WOW $1,200.00 |
|
|
Long Red 48″ Bent Arrow Vintage Industrial Metal Signs & Lights (Recessed Face) $1,250.00 |
|
|
COCA COLA metal sign 40 inch $1,200.00 |
|
|
ENORMOUS 99 ” X 48″ HTL PARADE PRODUCTS DOUBLE SIDED GAS METAL SIGN $1,200.00 |
|
|
LARGE Old VTG Metal Spaulding Advertising Sign ORIGINAL Table Queen Bread 69×33 $1,195.00 |
|
|
Metal English CROWN LIGHTED VINTAGE SIGN God save the queen england old BIG $975.00 |
|
|
Beacon Feeds Service Milling Co. Inc. Cayuga New York Metal Advertising Sign $989.00 |
|
|
vintage metal neon sign- ironwood mi. Trier Drugs Walgreen Agency 1929-34 $1,000.00 |
|
|
NICE VINTAGE 4′ X 5′ GASOLINE STATION S&H GREEN STAMPS METAL SIGN STOUT SIGN CO $999.99 |
|
|
Antique New York Street Sign Lyle Sign Co Cedar Lane Cast Iron & Metal Vintage $999.99 |
|
|
Antique New York Double Street Sign Sands Point Road Cast Iron & Metal Vintage $999.99 |
|
|
NEW YORK CITY MTA AUTHENTIC SUBWAY METAL LARGE SIGN BROOKLYN QUEENS MANHATTAN $999.00 |
|
|
Antique Orig US GOVERNMENT RESERVATION Metal Raised Letter Sign-Danger/Keep Out $995.00 |
|
|
Lot (3) LARGE Metal Signs $995.00 |
|
|
Vintage Metal Sign White Rose Gas En-Ar-Co Porcelain Large 57 x37 Inches Rare! $890.00 |
|
|
1950′s Vintage Original Carnation Ice Cream Light-Up Sign Glass w/Metal $899.00 |
|
|
NEWS Letters Vintage Industrial Metal Sign Light by Artist Mitch Levin 40″-48″ $875.00 |
|
|
RARE VINTAGE ANTIQUE COLLECTIBLE WINCHESTER DEALER STORE METAL DISPLAY SIGN $899.95 |
|
|
VTG GERST 57 BEER BAR METAL SIGN Nashville, Tenn. RARE $949.99 |
|
|
Antique 1926 Oval Coca-Cola metal Advertising sign Girl Flair Glass Very RARE $899.99 |
|
|
Lighted Outdoor “Jewelry” Sign. Excellent for precious metals buyers! $900.00 |
|
|
1930s ANTIQUE METAL RELIEF COPPER SIGN OF CUZCO PERU $900.00 |
|
|
LARGE Railway Express Agency Porcelain/Metal Sign 48″ $899.99 |
|
|
Vintage Texaco Motor Oil Porcelain Metal Sign ca.1920′s Black & Green T $849.00 |
|
|
Tin Metal Drive In Theatre lighted antique retro sign Movie lighting vintage sty $689.00 |
|
|
Vintage Goodyear Tires Porcelain Metal Sign Large 64 1/2 x 22 1/2 inches $799.99 |
|
|
BLACK MONT BLANC, painted metal channel letter, signs, per set / 10” $839.99 |
|
|
Vintage Metal Tin Opera Drug Store French Soda Pop Metal Advertising Sign Coke $789.00 |
|
|
3′ X 4′ Vintage Metal Double Cola Sign (VERY RARE) $750.00 |
|
|
ANTIQUE-VINTAGE METAL COCA COLA SIGN 40″ X 108″ $800.00 |
|
|
Large Ornate metal sign $800.00 |
|
|
BERLINER STYLE BEER METAL WALL SIGN $799.99 |
|
|
SET OF 4 M.H. CO VINTAGE “MOM AND POP STORE” METAL LARGE SIGNS (6FT X 2 FT EACH) $799.99 |
|
|
ANTIQUE Original VINTAGE GIANT COCA COLA advertising tin metal SIGN soda 7up $695.00 |
|
|
Vintage Metal Sign Gillette Tires-Batteries-Accessories dated 1947 Large 73×19″ $725.00 |
|
|
Tin Metal MOTEL arrow lighted antique retro style sign Rt 66 vintage advertising $689.00 |
|
|
1950′s PHILCO Auto Radios Metal Advertising Sign $750.00 |
|
|
Vintage Metal Sign Wills”s STAR Cigarettes Porcelain Large & heavy 60 x 36 ” $683.10 |
|
|
Sovereign Service Oil & Gas Porcelain sign Double sided Vintage metal sign Large $699.99 |
|
|
Coffee House Cup Java Silhouette Wall Art Metal Mug $10.59 Hang this fun stack of coffee cups in the kitchen for a fun bostro look. Light metal black finish cut out coffee cup design is perfect for a whimsical decor accent. Easy to hang and will enliven any bare spot you have in the kitchen…. |
|
|
NEW, Ring-Clip Place Cards, Place Card Holder, Menu Holder, Banquet Table Place Card Holders, Stainless Steel – 1 Dozen $10.19 These tabletop card/menu holders are ideal for any restaurant, party or banquet needs. These holders are made from quality stainless steel, features a tight-ring hold with three insert channels and a heavy balanced base for a sturdy hold of yoru card menus, table number, name cards, etc. DIMENSIONS: |
|
|
Coca-Cola Wall Mount Bottle Opener $6.25 This is a reproduction of our classic ‘Drink Coca-Cola’ STARR “X” Bottle Opener. Does not carry the patent# nor the STARR “X” trademark on the bottom of the opener. But is still a great item. Perfect for your kitchen, home bar, deck or any other gathering place. This is an essential item for the beer and soda drinker. Comes with two mounting screws. Purchase a bottle cap catcher to make the bottle… |
|
|
Hanger Cascader/ Wonder Hanger Platinum Edition- 2 Pack $7.69 Hanger Cascader Closet Solution hang six times the amount of shirts, skirts, pants and more in the space of a traditional single hanger. Simply hang on closetrod, hang clothes hangers on the allotted slots, and drop one end to maximize closet storage. Great for belts and other accessories too! Set of two.Chrome steel, 10 1/4 x 3/4 …. |
|
|
6 Inch LCD Digital Caliper with Extra Battery and Case $9.99 Caliper, Electronic Stainless Steel Body 0-6inch/0-15cm Stainless Steel Digital Caliper, increments are .0005 inches/0.01mm.Measures either metric or SAE in the same digital caliper…. |
|
|
Dremel 290-01 0.2 Amp 7,200 Stroke Per Minute Engraver includes Letter and Number Template $17.46 Ideal for identifying and personalizing your valuables as well as decorative engraving, Engraves wood, leather, tools, machinery, hard steel, stone, glass, ceramics, porcelain, plastics, and more, 115V, AC, 60 Hz, 0.2 amps, 7,200 strokes per minute, Includes replacement carbide steel engraver point… |
|
|
Looney Tunes Super Stars: Road Runner & Wile E. Coyote – Supergenius Hijinks $5.98 Features include: •MPAA Rating: NR•Format: DVD… |
|
|
King Kong (Collector’s Edition) $9.99 “Now you see it. You’re amazed. You can’t believe it. Your eyes open wider. It’s horrible, but you can’t look away. There’s no chance for you. No escape. You’re helpless, helpless. There’s just one chance, if you can scream. Throw your arms across your eyes and scream, scream for your life!” And scream Fay Wray does most famously in this monster classic, one of the greatest adventure films of all … |
|
|
Pink Paislee Vintage Vogue Tin Titles Embossed Metal Signs (Pack of 4) $3.47 Package contains: One (1) package with four tin title platesAcid and lignen freeDimensions: 9.25 inches high x 3 inches wide |