There is a lot to know about signs, but we are here to make it easy for you. Reading this information will help you understand what type of sign you need and the information we need to best serve you.

Types of Signs

When planning a new sign, you need to know answers to the following questions:

  • What is the purpose of the sign - advertising, informational/directional, regulatory, etc.?
  • What size did you have in mind?
  • Indoor or outdoor?
  • From how far away must it be read?
  • What is your budget?

We make many types of signs, including:

  • A-frames
  • Banners
  • Braille
  • Dimensional lettering
  • Golf tournament hole markers
  • Monuments
  • Office lobby signage
  • Regulatory
  • Sandblasted
  • Stickers
  • Trade show displays
  • Traffic & parking signs
  • Vehicle graphics
  • Window graphics
  • and many more.

Materials

We use different materials (called substrates) depending on the job.

MDO (Medium Density Overlay) - This is high-quality laminated wood with a flat top lamenate for the sign surface. It can be painted virtually any color, and comes in thicknesses from 1/2" to 1". The sides are sealed, primed and painted.

Sintra PVC - This is a synthetic material. It comes in 8 colors and thicknesses from 1/16" to 1/2". It is excellent for indoor or outdoor use. It can be routed into shapes, including letters in any font, or your logo.

DiBond - Plastic is sandwiched in between two thin pieces of aluminum. This material offers high strength in a thin package. It comes in thicknesses from 1/8" to 1/4".

Aluminum - Excellent for road and parking signs, site signs and virtually all exterior long-lasting needs. It is available in various thicknesses up to 1/16".

Alumalite - Corrugated plastic is sandwiched between two thin pieces of aluminum. This material offers good strength in a thin, light package. It comes in thicknesses from 1/8" to 1/2".

Acrylic - This plastic product is durable and transparent, and comes in a variety of shades, clear, or frosted. We often use it for backlit signs, but recommend Polycarbonate as a superior product because acyrlic can be shattered.

Polycarbonate - This plastic product is virtually unbreakable and comes clear. We have many colors of translucent vinyl with which to backcoat Polycarbonate. We recommend it for backlit signs.

Vinyl

Vinyl lettering is the material used to add graphics and text onto signs today. We use the highest quality vinyl made by 3M company. Many sign shops use inferior vinyl which peels and fades sooner. We have a palette of over 60 standard colors and many more specialty colors from which to choose.

sign color swatches

Custom Graphics

We custom design each sign for our customers. We can work from your sketch, existing logo copy, or computer file. Most logos require setup for our system, and an additional fee applies. Email, fax (831.438.7420), or bring in your artwork for an estimate. If you do not yet have a logo or design, we can consult with you to create one.

Computer Files & Formats

We use a different types of files to make your sign, depending on the type of job. Usually we use vector eps files, which would be created in programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Macromedia Freehand, and other vector-based applications.

For digitally printed signs we can also use bitmap files, created in programs like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint, Macromedia Fireworks, or another bitmap program. Most people do not have their artwork in eps format, so a conversion fee may apply.

Digital Printing

We can print your artwork onto banners at sizes up to 16' in height and 100' in length. We print directly onto banners, or vinyl, which we can apply to all other materials.

 

Please don't hesitate to call with any questions at 831.438.7446, or email us at: asignasap@aol.com. You can also fill out our Quote Request Form.