What WOOD You Choose?

The Substrate Choice

We make signs from a large variety of materials. In the sign industry, we refer to the material in which we place the message on, as a "substrate". A substrate can be metal, acrylic, foam, wood and engineered wood products,etc. Today, I would like to take a look at the difference between real wood and HDU (High Density Urethane) from a sign standpoint. 

WOOD

There are a number of considerations to think about when trying to decide which product to use. Probably at the top of the list is the durability of the product. It is important also, to consider where the sign will be located (indoors or out) and exposure to the elements or other possible impacts.

Wood

As defined by Wikipedia, wood is a porous and fibrous structural tissue found in the stems of roots and trees & other woody plants. It is an organic material that has been used for thousands of years for both fuel and as a construction material.

Wood in the strict sense, is yielded by trees, either softwood or hardwood. For instance, the wood from broad-leaved trees (Ex.Oak) is called a hardwood. While wood can be fabricated to create attractive signs (as well as many other products), when used outside there are some distinct disadvantages. 

An exterior sign is going to be exposed to weather with the change of the seasons. It will expand and contract, and may also experience bacterial/insect degradation.The primer seal may be broken. Paint, will degrade and the sign will require maintenance or replacement to present and maintain an attractive appearance.

SIGN FOAM

HDU Also Called Sign Foam

Engineered wood products are becoming a bigger part of various industries, including the industrial, construction and signage arenas. Engineered wood products are produced for application~specific performance requirements. 

Different Sign Foam Textures

HDU or High Density Urethane is a  rigid synthetic foam. HDU was first introduced to the sign-making industry in the late 1980's. There was a genuine need for an alternative to wood. A product that could withstand harsh environments and be more cost effective. Unlike wood, Signfoam will not warp, crack or bow like solid wood when exposed to the elements and humidity. It is slightly lighter than wood. HDU Sign Foam can be seamlessly laminated together to create any size, shape or form. HDU is also waterproof and impervious to solvents.Sign Foam is more cost effective than wood. Because of these positive attributes, Sign Foam is the preferred sign choice for most sign-makers. For the customer, this means a long-lasting sign at a better cost savings than using real wood.

Blast, Carve and Route

What makes Sign Foam continue to grow in popularity in addition to the details mentioned above is that the traditional wood carving tools that you use on wood will work great on Sign Foam. Because there is no grain, directional carving is not required. Penetration into the material is much faster than wood. Grain devices are available that will create the illusion of wood grain. 

Wood or Sign Foam, Can You Tell?  (Hint: SF)

For most people it would be very difficult to tell the difference between a substrate made with real wood vs. Sign Foam. Many creative techniques, using multiple levels of blasted or carved panels offer you (the customer) more three dimensional art for scenery, logos or other images. All types of router tools can be used to create an attractive sign.

Made With Sign Foam Panels

Not sure if an HDU sign would work for your project? Contact the Vital Signs Design Team to discuss the options. We have showroom examples; photo albums and can discuss your specific project to determine if Sign Foam will work for you. We look forward to helping you!

Call Us Today at (412) 494-3308

P.S. Don't forget to enter our Vital Signs Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY!! Visit our homepage at: ://www.vitalsignspittsburgh.com/ & click on the Treasure Chest to enter.

How You (The Customer) Can Help Us!

Let's Be Partners

You need a sign(s) and we make signs..so we already have the makings of a great pairing. But there are several other key variables that could serve to make this partnership succeed with flying colors. For instance, many customers come to us with only a vague idea of the type of sign(s) they need. Some have given little thought to what types of signage they may require; what the design will look like, etc. 

This post is written for our customers who need guidance with sign planning. One of the documents that Vital Signs has compiled, is Sign Details To Consider. This resource asks important questions for you the customer, to consider when contemplating the purchase of signage. If you can go through our list and answer the Sign Detail questions, than you have already helped us immensely in starting to understand your signage needs.

Technology Apps

T-E-C-H-N-O-L-O-G-Y

There are very few of us that do not have a cell phone these days. It doesn't matter whether you have an Apple or a Droid. And for those of us who are ...hmmm...let's just call it, 'Empty Nester' age or somewhere in that neighborhood, we thought that all of these "apps" are for the younger generations. Not! I want to tell you about a few apps that can help you (and us) in determining your signage needs.

For example, you need a sign for your business and just happened to drive by a business in a nearby city or even on vacation and saw a design that would be perfect for your type of sign. Stop the car! It only takes a moment to hop out of the car & utilize the camera on your phone to take a snapshot or two of the sign(s) you like. 

OH SNAP!

We love it when our customers do this. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Having an image of what you would like helps move us in a direction. From that image, we can see the style or texture/material you like, possibly the colors you want, maybe the shape of the sign, whether it has lighting or not & what kind, or maybe just the feel or attitude of a sign (like the fun upscale grooming shop name/sign design below).  It also helps us to be able to check with your local city or township codes to see if your desired sign type is allowable.

Another Colorful Scenario

Let's consider an existing building that just got painted. You need to match your current sign to the building, but don't necessarily need or want the expense of a new sign, we simply need to match the paint color to a vinyl we intend to use for the sign face replacement. A few neat apps come to mind. There are paint color matching apps made by Sherwin Williams, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and others. So easy with just the push of a button, even I can do it.

 

Measurements Matter

We've all heard the phrase, size matters. It does, and especially so when talking about signs. Correct measurements for signs are critical. There are a few apps that make sign & site measurement easy. For instance, the I Handy Carpenter is a cool app that includes 5 tools in 1. Take a look;

Level With Me

• Plumb Bob Level: Verifies the verticality of lines or walls.
• Surface Level: The best tool to ensure that any surface is flat & level.
• Bubble Level Bar: A digital level.
• Ruler: Measures in inches & centimeters.
• Protractor: A simple & fast way to measure angles from 0 - 180 degrees. 

Photo Measurement Too..

Can Add Measurements Right Onto The Image

There are at least a few or more photo measurement apps that are available for the click of a download. What makes this type of app especially useful to people (and Sign-makers) is that we have the ability to take a picture of an existing structure and add/draw measures right on the picture. Being able to measure dimensions, angles & areas in a photo is a huge time-saver. And sometimes our customers choose to do the legwork of obtaining their own sign permit. This type of app would be helpful to provide some of the necessary information needed for a sign permit application.

For most, if not all of our customers, Vital Signs utilizes email, phone & fax in the planning & during the communication period of the sign purchasing process. Some of these apps can be really helpful to both the customer and to us, your sign company of choice. There are literally thousands of apps and we have to be careful not to use all of our phone memory in putting them on our phones. But a few key apps can assist all of us greatly for both business and residential purposes. 

Face To Face

Vital Brainstorming

We still appreciate the opportunity to sit down with our customers and brainstorm your sign project. But a few apps along the way can save time and move the process along. Not to mention...they're just cool!

Don't Forget..

Hey..one more thing..don't forget to click on the TREASURE CHEST on the Vital Signs' Home Page for your opportunity to win our Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY! this quarter.

Call Us Today For Your Next Sign Project!

(412) 494-3308

All Gender Restrooms Part II

A Sign Of Confusion

As Sign Makers we have never given a lot of thought to the signs that we make. We want to please our customers & provide them with the best version of their sign desires. Most the the signs we make are custom. That is, they are not signs that someone can go purchase off of the shelf at a big box store.

Sign images featured in the Nov.15, 2015  New York Times Article

Things Change

Along with the rest of the world, we have watched the metamorphosis of simple bathroom signs used to label the basic use of a public space turn into emotionally charged legal battles in many places. Thinking (at the time) that we were making the most acceptable version of the widely desired gender-neutral bathroom signs, last year we made the wheelchair, female, male pictorial signs with another figure wearing a divided skirt and pants for one of our customers.

Gender Neutral Signs

We have now come to learn (and let me stress the word learn) that those who identify as gender non-conforming, don't appreciate the reference to them as "half of a gender". I can understand that and it never would have occurred to me to think about the image in that way. I don't know who came up with that version of a gender-neutral restroom sign. It seems to change so quickly that it is hard to keep up. Especially, since there is no universally accepted version.

In an excellent article by Aimee Lee Ball in The New York Times, Aimee noted "that even when the intention is inclusivity, the reality is complicated. Strict plumbing codes or landmark status mean that businesses can't just change the signage and then be in compliance. Multiple codes regulate the requirements depending upon the type of building, the year it was built and occupancy." It also never occurred to me that code compliance would enter into this seemingly simple signage issue.

The Bottom Line

I know that many people have passionate opinions about how bathroom signs should stay the same or change to reflect the changes in our culture. I have always thought that it is hard to totally understand someone's position (no matter what the topic may be), unless you walk in their shoes and their experience. When needing the use of a restroom, I don't think that anyone should be forced to hold their bladder until they risk an infection, and I believe that everyone deserves to be safe..that hasn't changed for me.

So Which Image & Text Do We Put On The Sign?

All Gender?

We have now seen the text of Gender Neutral, Gender Inclusive, Gender Open, Unisex and All Gender. We have seen various pictorial images, the latest being a simple toilet. We have seen only text and text paired with image(s). 

We don't know the answer, nor do we wish to debate the argument, just know that Vital Signs is happy to provide you with whichever custom sign you need with any design that you want. All of our customers are important to us, no matter who you are.

Call Vital Signs Today For Your Sign & Graphics Needs!

(412) 494-3308

Don't forget to sign up for the Vital Signs Build Your Brand Giveaway

Go To The Vital Signs Homepage & Click on the Treasure Chest!

Exhibit Professionalism

Make The Right Impression

Another day, another tradeshow. Same ol', same ol'. Well, not anymore! There was a time when a simple banner on a pull-up banner stand set up at a tradeshow was the norm for everyone. 

Times have changed within the graphics and signage industries. Along with those changes have come an explosion of cool, colorful and creative tradeshow exhibits.

Large  Extra Wide Banner Stand

You Decide..We'll Design, Print & Fabricate

There is no excuse for ordinary anymore. If you are going to put your product or business out there for the world to see, go big or go home. There are endless possibilities for your choices of tradeshow eye candy.

The important thing to remember, is that your tradeshow display is an investment into your business. People often forget that the initial front-end expense of a tradeshow exhibit (and they can be costly) can pay big dividends over time.

Fun, Table-top Banner Stand in Different Sizes

What Does Your Tradeshow Display Say About Your Business?

Your marketing collateral speaks volumes about your product or company. What kind of impression would your business card make if each time you handed it to someone, the name of the printer who provided the cards to you for free, was printed in the corner of each card?

Would it say that your company is a successful company? This is equally true of a cheaply made banner stand or shoddy tradeshow exhibit. You don't even have to be a sign professional to spot a flimsy banner stand that is likely to break after a few uses. The bottom line is that it sends the wrong message about you and your company.

Custom Stretch Table Throw

Do It Right Or Not At All

If you can only afford the cheapest banner stand you can find..just wait. Keep saving your marketing dollars until you can purchase the display that will best represent you and your company/product at it's best. Don't take a chance of making the first and lasting wrong impression.

Hanging Rectangle Display

Hanging Square Display

Tiered Ring Hanging Display

The Good News

The good news is that Vital Signs is here to walk you through the process of finding the tradeshow exhibit that will best represent you and your product/company. Our designers are ready to brainstorm the design possibilities with you.

Large Master Exhibit With Over-head Lighting

Customizing your display is what we do best. We were recently contacted by a customer who had an idea for a tradeshow display, but did not know if it could be done. After discussing the idea with our customer, our design team came up with a solution to create a one-of-a-kind color-change display.

This unique project has a remote-controlled color changer. The color, speed and mode of presentation (fade, constant, strobe, etc.) are easily changeable. Vital Signs created an acrylic box with stand-off clips attached to the box to hold the 3 individual signs. This double-sided display can function as part of a tradeshow exhibit, be used on a surface (when not at the tradeshow) or can easily be hung, if the customer chooses.

We think that this project turned our great and so did our customer!

Let Vital Signs Help Design Your Tradeshow Exhibit!

One More Thing...

Don't forget to sign up for Vital Signs quarterly Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY! This quarter we are giving away ...OOP.S..gotta go to our homepage & click on the treasure chest to find out (and submit your entry)! Enter Daily.

Call (412) 494-3308 to brainstorm your Tradeshow Needs!

Custom Wallpaper..Yes We Can!

Did You Know

There was an interesting movie created in Pittsburgh awhile back, called: Perks of Being A Wallflower. It definitely had/has an intriguing name. I don't want to brag by mentioning that I made my star debut in the movie, by playing an enthusiastic spec in the football crowd. But, I did in fact play a very convincing seat warmer on the bleachers of the Peters Township football field. I never actually saw the movie after it came out. At some future date however, I do intend to enjoy the teenage angst of it all.

Wallflower ~ Wallpaper..What Eva

So what made me think about that movie name? I found myself thinking about the fact that Vital Signs offers custom wallpaper. So the "Perks Of Custom Wallpaper" can feature your own creative, custom design.

Have you ever had a specific room or wall in which you wanted a very specific look but could not quite put your finger on it. Or perhaps you know exactly what the look is. You saw it somewhere?? Hmm. Was it a magazine, was it showroom vignette in a furniture store. You can't remember where you saw it, but it was really cool. If only you could re-create it right?! We can help!

Where To Start

Vital Signs has access to a very extensive collection of art files that you may choose from or our designers are here to help you create that one-of-a-kind design.

We recently created some custom wallpaper/art work for one of our customers. The Bruceton Grill called for that unique Pittsburgh "hometown" touch. We were given art files that were specifically created for our customer by a caricature artist.

The Vital Signs design team can easily work with outside designers to create your wallpaper. Not only that, we actually have a few different medias for consideration. A traditional wall covering (requiring a pasted application) is one option. Or we can provide a media that is easily applied to the wall & smoothed out onto the surface (no messy hands or fumes involved). This media offers a light tack adhesion, and can be easily applied and removed.

One Of A Kind!

Whether you are looking for a custom wallpaper for a business environment or your residential space, Vital Signs can accommodate your project. No more sitting for hours looking through wallpaper sample books...design it yourself. 

Call Us Today (412) 494-3308

Don't forget to enter our Build Your Brand 

Quarterly GIVEAWAY..we just added a new prize!!

Visit our Homepage & Click On The Treasure Chest To Sign Up!

www.vitalsignspgh.comhttp://www.vitalsignspittsburgh.com/