Sign Tips & Tricks
Just as important as buying a great sign is taking care of it... Here are a few Sign of Life tips to get the most out of your sign.
Quick 'Jump' Index:
Vinyl Graphics care - all applications
Vinyl Graphics installation - flat surfaces & general instructions
DIGITAL
ARTWORK: We’re able to import many
file formats, but are most successful with the following vector files: Adobe
Illustrator (.ai version 6.0 or earlier), Corel Draw (.cdr version 8.0 or
earlier). If you cannot supply one of these files, contact us to discuss
alternatives.
Raster images can
be converted to a vector file in our shop if supplied at 600 dpi, full size, 1
bit (black & white),.tif format.
Raster images can
be used for digital image printing when supplied at 150 dpi at full size, .tif
format.
With any digital
file, include a viewable image (.jpg), or paper print with correct colors or PMS
specifications for comparison with the final artwork.
Please e-mail
digital artwork to: artwork@signsoflife.net,
or provide on a PC formatted CD or floppy disk.
PRINTED
ARTWORK: We can accept PMT’s or
laser printed artwork if printed on quality white paper, without halftones,
to fill an 8.5 x 11” sheet. Artwork containing halftones should be provided
digitally, or can be reproduced in our shop. InkJet printers and faxes generally do not provide a clean
enough image for our use. All printed artwork will be evaluated before use.
ARTWORK
CREATION: It may be more efficient
to create original artwork or recreate your artwork in our shop. We create all
of our artwork as vector images, which is universally accepted as the cleanest
format for sign creation, as well as most printing processes.
We reserve the right to reject any artwork deemed unsuitable.
·
Magnetic signs are designed to be used for temporary sign
needs; when you need one sign for different vehicles or when you want to ‘shed
the business image’ and go undercover. Whatever the use, magnetic signs are a
great way for you to put your idea and name out for the world to see. However,
there are a few things that you must do to keep your sign in the best condition
and make it last for years to come.
·
Before
you apply the sign, make sure the application surface is completely clean. Using
soapy water to wash the
surface is recommended, then completely drying with a clean towel. Now, do the
same to the
back (application surface) of the magnetic
sign.
·
To apply the sign, start by putting one edge down, along a
level reference point (usually the best reference is the bottom of a door or
other trim that is level with the ground- not
the top of the door or window). Gently lay the rest of the sign down- smoothing
it as you go. Our magnetic sheeting is magnetized throughout, versus in
‘bands’, therefore when it is flat should not have any ‘bubbles’ under
the surface. If you must reposition the sign after it’s down- DO NOT SCOOT IT-
remove it completely and start over. Never move the sign when affixed to the
metal, this may damage the paint on the vehicle and degrade the magnetic
surface.
· Once the sign is applied, we recommend removing it weekly to dry the moisture and clean the grit that will accumulate. Failure to keep the sign and surface beneath it clean may result in paint degradation and sign failure…
· When storing your magnetic sign, do so with it laying flat with vinyl text and graphics facing up. For short periods of time it may be rolled with the vinyl facing out. If the magnetic sheet develops a 'memory'- stays rolled up- lay it flat in a warm room for several hours to regain its original composure.
·
The vinyl used in your sign is among the best available for
this type of application. Vinyl grades are defined by the type
of use- in or outdoor, term of use
in months and years, and color permanence
to name only a few. Based on the information you supplied at the time of order,
we have selected the ‘best’ material in cost and performance for this
application. This selection also means that the vinyl will perform according to
the original intent: florescent calendared vinyl will see the end of its life at
around 4-6 months. White cast vinyl
may never show any wear- perhaps for
the life of your vehicle… All of this information to explain why the 60 day
vinyl job you had done 2 years ago is looking shabby… Ask about the
performance if you plan to do something other that what we discussed at the time
of specification /order.
·
The care of vinyl is very straightforward when you
understand the mechanics of this medium: 1) Vinyl graphics are a thin plastic
with an even thinner adhesive backing which is designed to be permanent,
although it may be removed with the proper technique at anytime.
·
Cleaning is simple, once you understand how it’s made.
When washing a vehicle with vinyl graphics, DON’T direct the pressure directly
on the edges of the graphic- rather spray over the graphic briefly and use the
palm of you hand to rub the dirt (once wet) from the surface. Although not
required, paying some extra attention to your new sign may add years
to its life.
· In the event that part of the graphic is damaged by any means, contact us immediately for repair. We keep a digital file of your job for several years ‘just in case’ and for reorders - which means that your damaged sign could be repaired within hours, without starting over.
SURFACE PREPARATION is a critical part of every installation. Care must be used to remove all tar, grease, dirt, et cetera from the surface, as well as any remnants of the towel used for cleaning (cloth or paper). Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed 10 days to dry before application of vinyl.
SURFACE TEMPERATURE must be above 55 degrees.
INSTALLATION:
A) Use
small strips of tape to properly align the legend panel exactly where you want
it to be. Remember to measure twice (or thrice) and apply once!
B) Apply
a horizontal tape ‘hinge’ across the top once the panel is aligned properly.
C) Lift
the panel away from the substrate and remove the entire release liner (backing)
- allow the panel to drape down. Use firm, even pressure and squeegee the legend
onto the substrate starting from the center top- working straight down from the
hinge. Work down & outward to the right and left of the mask, always moving
away from the tape hinge.
D) Allow
the legend to sit for a few minutes, then remove the mask at a 180 degree angle-
peel straight back- slowly. Finally,
re-squeegee the entire legend- laying the release liner (slippery side
out) to protect the vinyl from the squeegee.
·
Banners are produced of a certain weight according to your
specifications when you ordered. Not only does this affect the price, but the
performance as well. If you originally specified a banner for use attached to a
wall, one sided with no real wind exposure- do not use it on 2 posts in the
middle of a field with 40 MPH wind gusts! Use your banner for it’s intended
purpose for optimal performance.
·
If your banner has grommet holes only, secure them to the
face of the wall using at least 1” screws with the appropriate sized washers.
Attach all of the grommets so parts of the banner don’t sag later. Start in
the middle and work toward the corners, stretching slightly as you go to give it
a smooth face.
·
If your banner has ropes along the top and bottom, stretch
the rope tightly to either attachment point and return to the nearest grommet
hole. Now, run the rope through the grommet hole and back to original attachment point, securing tightly. Failure to
return through the hole will result in the banner ‘bunching up’, as the rope
is not sewn to the banner itself, but only runs in the channel along the edge.
·
It is imperative that you monitor the banner during the
first few days of display and make necessary adjustments. Composed mostly of
plastics, it will have a tendency to stretch based on weather, sun exposure,
etc- this is normal! You may re-tighten the banner to restore the original
smooth face as needed.
·
Cleaning banners after exposure to dirt and dust may be
done with regular dish detergent and warm
water. Never use a pressure washer directly on the lettering &
graphics.
·
To store the banner after use, roll it on the supplied
cardboard (or similar) tube with the letters and graphics facing out. Lay flat to prevent it bunching up on one end of the
tube. Folding may cause the vinyl to fail prematurely or fall off completely.