We can’t help but notice them during our daily drive to work or to the shopping mall or even on a visit to friends or relatives. Those bossy traffic signs like STOP or Yield or even ones that tell us there’s a detour ahead. They may seem to be pushy or authoritative and they are, but with a purpose. These custom signs are put there by regulatory laws that are meant to keep us safe. When you take your written driving exam in most states you will be presented with a variety of shapes that depict traffic signs that are in use. You should be able to identify the most important signs by their shape in order to pass the test.

Traffic sign identification 101

The triangle shape, for an example, is a Yield sign while an octagon shape (eight sided) depicts the STOP sign and is a bright identifiable red color with white lettering. Another important sign identified by its unique shape is the round sign usually in use as railroad crossing warning sign. Diamond shaped signs are usually reserved for directional information such as Deer Crossing, Road Work Ahead, and DEAD END warnings. Rectangular shapes offer more informational signs that give directions such as SPEED LIMIT 55, NO PARKING or STOP AHEAD 500 FEET. An important safety sign is the house shaped School Zone sign. Most of these custom signs are manufactured by independent sign companies rather than state or government owned businesses and can be special ordered to meet each individual requirement of states or cities.

Custom signs must meet certain criteria and be reflective

When a city or state purchases street signs they want to be sure they will be uniform in quality, be painted with a reflective material for good visibility at night, and are built to last a while. They will have high standards and expect the custom sign maker to follow their instructions to the letter. Sign makers love these types of orders because they will be repeat business for decades if they make them happy and being able to boast that your company makes signs for the state of etc. is always a good recommendation for future customers and their orders.

Personalized custom signs can be fun and affordable

Drive out to the country anywhere and you may notice such personalized custom signs as those stating duck crossing or slow down for the chickens. These and many more ideas can be ordered in the same sturdy custom sign materials as those used for state highway signage. Many farmers have fun watching those who drive by their farmhouse read the sign then slow down and look around for the chickens or whatever the sign warned about. But they also wish to impress upon those passersby that livestock is loose out here in the country – so please beware!

Big city signs are a vital part of the daily commute to the city

Those big green custom signs that hand down from freeway overpasses or stand alone along the road are there to guide motorists to where they wish to go. Having them visible well before you need to move over to exit the freeway or merge left to allow oncoming traffic is very important to every driver. Signs such as those that stateVenturaandLos Angelestraffic merge left help keep many of us from becoming frustrated or actually involved in a collision with other traffic.

Look for alodized aluminum for your high quality custom made signs

A high quality form of aluminum, one which meets US government as well as the Canadian requirement, is termed alodized 5052-H38 aluminum, and meets specific hardness and durability requirements from the USDOT and works best as signage for outdoors. It comes in various thicknesses such as .040, .080, .063, .100 and .125 which can be used in a custom sign that qualifies for most uses. 3M makes retro-reflective vinyl sheeting and that is customarily laid over the aluminum to produce a highly reflective film that finishes the signs. Some government entities have their own specific requirements such as the USPS who have their own regulations regarding parking and traffic guidance. Look for each individual business or regulatory agency to have their own specifics regarding how they want their custom signs to look but basically they will be safe and useful guides for moving ahead in your day.

Many business owners realize the value of attending the trade shows and convention halls presentations. They know that is where they’ll likely put on a show that will certainly attract attention and most assuredly bring in more business for their company. As those passersby thunder down the aisles like a herd of buffalos, they spot attractive signs and stop by for a visit and perhaps a brochure or free samples. But what cause them to stop by your stand in the beginning is the banners and signs you use. Selective use of bright, colorful and appealing banners and signs can mean the difference between going home without your samples, brochures, or any new customer attention and having an thoroughly enjoyable time at the show while also gaining new clientele that will surely remember you when they next need whatever it is you have to offer.

Signs were invented by sales personnel to do the work for them!

When a salesman first put up a sign promoting their business or what they had to offer it was as if they’d employed another person on their sales staff. Banners and signs are meant to do the work of a sales person and grab attention of all who can see them. Why not go bold with your signs and attract even more interested buyers than just a single sales person possibly can. Everything from labels to stickers, vinyl signs to overlay decals, and decals on trucks and other business vehicles are meant to promote the business and grab the attention of the public. Signs can be made from vinyl, polyester, wood, glass, as well as various metals such as brass, copper, steel, aluminum, and even bronze. When properly employed banners and signs can be worth their weight in gold! Good advertising doesn’t cost but it sure pays!

There’s an old adage that states that “it takes money to make money” and that is surely true, especially in today’s economic downturn and present conditions. Many business owners are afraid to spend much on their advertising campaign for fear it’s only money down the drain, so to speak. But not advertising will only serve to bring your business to a stagnant condition where it won’t generate any revenue whatsoever, making the future of your business enterprise rather bleak!

Don’t be afraid to Boldly Go with your advertising banners or signs!

Gathering new customers is necessary to bring in “new blood” to your business, and even for keeping your already established clientele. Bringing in newcomers can increase your revenue while also attracting even more customers who are friends and contacts with your new clientele. Banners and signs will help attract the attention of those who are walking the trade shows. Using bright, color-filled and exciting graphics always garner the attention of all who attend those shows as well as any passersby at convention halls and shopping malls if you sets up your promotional venue in a visible and attention gaining location.

You only get one chance to win over new customers

Even those who have a thriving business only have but one chance to gain new customer interest and one opportunity to beat out the competition. Why not spend that opportunity with well-planned advertising banners and signs that give a positive message to all who pass by your booth at trade shows? How can you possibly hope to beat out the competition without banners that outshine theirs? Affordable and absolutely effective banners and signs will make your business shine while your competitors lag behind. Do not allow your promotional signs to look cheap when you can promote with signs and brilliantly colored banners that “pop”! Remember, your competition that uses sub-standard signs and less-than-effective promotional language that will only serve to make yours look all that much better! Be a winner with highly effective banners and signs.

Vinyl lettering can go just about anywhere! In fact, it’s hard to think of a place where vinyl lettering doesn’t belong.

Often posted on the sides of walls, they add a decorative message as a back drop to a fancy reception desk at a professional office like a law firm or doctors’ office. They may be scripted or custom designed, with a built in spacing. This makes them literally fool proof to apply.  Simply peel, apply and you have a wonderful fresh message which helps set the tone in any office.

Vinyl lettering can be placed on showroom windows in deep, bright tones to indicate a reduction sale or some other important information. Even the name of the business can consist of vinyl letters.  Pressure-sensitive vinyl (PSV) lettering has come a long way in recent years. It’s not as obvious as it once was. Lettering has become more refined, varied and user friendly for a cozier atmosphere and a nearly universal application.

For example, glass or wooden doors often provide a backdrop for vinyl letters.  PUSH or IN or NO SMOKING are all made from vinyl letters!  ENTER, EXIT, Restrooms – the options are limitless. Vinyl lettering is also commonly used to specify the normal hours of a business, easily replacing the hour if the times were to change. This is an inexpensive option for businesses with varied times throughout the year, like a tourist destination. It is less expensive to replace a single number than to have a brand new sign printed up. PSV lettering saves the day (again)!

Vinyl letters are durable enough to use out of doors as well. Many businesses post contact information on the back window of their vehicles using vinyl lettering. Vinyl letters also look bold and handsome on the outside of a truck trailer. The vinyl lettering can be huge or small, sporting company name, contact information, and even a website address. Compact delivery autos often show a toll free telephone number to contact for delivery information – and guess what – these too are made from pressure-sensitive vinyl.

You may be surprised that vinyl lettering is also used for boats! Yes, they are that durable. With a variety of text, vinyl letters are both attractive and very useful.  If you were to gauge by the appearance, most people would guess that such attractive lettering was painted on, not simply a peel and stick message made from PSV lettering. These days, technology and beauty have come to realize a very profitable and enjoyable partnership.

Vinyl advertising lettering almost always has something important to say. It has a style that can be shouted – like 50% off! Or whispered like Chris and Joan’s Van.  Custom vinyl lettering is already pre-spaced, so it’s practically foolproof to apply.  It’s designed to let you get the perfect look that you desire – practically impossible to mess it up when you apply it to the wall.

Vinyl letters are also used on children’s toys, snowmobiles, autos and other fleet vehicles. Without vinyl lettering, it would be hard to identify one from another. These letters are also used by the police force on the roof of the squad cars so they can be identified by helicopters. Washable and color-fast, vinyl letters are designed to withstand the dirt and grime of city traffic, snow, smog, weather and the harsh sunlight day in and day out.

Vinyl lettering has come a long way in such a short time!  From being a purely functional thing, it has gone beyond its former limitations and evolved to something beautiful and artistic. No wonder that vinyl lettering is almost everywhere that you want to be!

Have you ever noticed the impressive effect that a bronze plaque lends the character of a business?   Bronze plaques add something to an office, home and other institution or establishment.  A medical, dental or legal office takes on a new perspective and level of prestige when graced with quality bronze plaques outside the business’ entrance.  It tells passersby, we have been around for quite awhile.  When you invest in a bronze plaque it also indicates that your firm intends to be around for a long time into the future, as well.

Bronze plaques do more than advertise businesses.  The entrance to a private, gated community of homes is often preceded by a bronze plaque stating the name of the community and decorated with an appropriate symbol, like an oak tree, lion or other logo which adds status as well.  Important churches, city hall and other buildings of vital importance often have bronze plaques with pertinent historical and civic information.

In the same way, a golf course or country club will often use signs and plaques in basic geographical shapes, most commonly rectangular but occasionally shield or oval shaped.  No matter which style you choose, bronze plaques are really something special.  It is probably a true statement that a small bronze plaque will make a greater impact than a huge futuristic billboard that can be seen for miles around.  A bronze plaque whispers notoriety, class, and substance.  If you are admitted within its walls, this means that you are a person of notoriety and class as well.  This gives members a source of pride and status without ever having to speak a word.

Bronze plaques have a long history behind them.  Kings and queens of old often used bronze plaques to commemorate the site of a important happening lest it be forgotten in history.  In modern society, we continue to use bronze plaques to commemorate a location where an important battle was fought, where a historical person was born and at the foot of a statue.  Rich and famous people also used to bronze their baby shoes – but that is another story!

In everyday life bronze plaques provide a service in a variety of normal ways.  When an individual or a sports team wins the championship, the winning team or school often receives a bronze plaque to hang up on the wall!   Speech contest winners, runners up and others who have reached a high level of education and notoriety may receive special bronze plaques.

Men and women who have given years of  excellent or extraordinary military service, recipients of the purple heart and even law enforcement / police officers who went beyond the call of duty are often given bronze plaques commemorating their contribution to the police force and to the society they serve.

Ornate or plain, they are attractive to look at and will last a long time.  They may contain a raised up design, like a quill pen or a single initial.  The logo of the parent organization (the one dispersing of the bronze plaques) may also be included.  This is as if to symbolize the relationship of trust and appreciation between the giver and the receiver.  Photographs may be included on bronze plaques to give further recognition to the recipient.  Because they are made to last, perhaps generations later the child or grandchild of the recipient will lovingly refer to it as a source of pride and family heritage.

Locations of cultural interest are often marked with bronze plaques, stating their importance and value.  “Here Slept George Washington”, or “First Colonial House Built – 1652″ – may be engraved on a cultural marker of information and importance.  For such monumental descriptions and notifications, bronze plaques seem to do the job best.  For example, wood signs are very attractive, rustic and down to earth.  When it comes to a message that is expected to be marked for the sake of posterity for future generation to come, nothing beats bronze plaques.

Bronze plaques can withstand the elements of snow, rain, moisture, heat, dryness, buffeting winds and even abuse.  They are strong, shiny, and treated to outlive even human beings!  The best way to care for bronze plaques is to keep them dusted off, wiped with a damp cloth, and occasionally lightly polished with a mild bronze cleaner.

When you use office signs outside your door, you can almost imagine the inevitable big sigh of relief from those seeking your services.  Most businesses look more, or less, alike and only high quality, easily seen office signs can spell the difference between missions accomplished and being lost in never-never land.

When it comes to office signs, clear spelling, a nice upbeat color and eye level installation do a lot to ensure that the office signs you chose will do their job in getting your clients in your front door.

Office signs can be a source of pride like any other decorative addition to your work area.  Office signs may be brightly painted, designed with a meaningful logo or symbol to help clarify, at a distance, what your firm is all about.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and here is just the same.  Office signs can be wooden, synthetic, hanging, mounted, or in posts or pillars in the ground.  They may be hung on an outdoor fence railing.  There are office signs that look homemade, like professional carpentry – or rather formidable.  There are as many varieties as there are people.  The main purpose of business signs is to identify your firm so that the postman, clients, and others who are trying to find you can do so effortlessly and independently.

Almost every entrepreneur who has “hung out his shingle” relies greatly on his or her office signs to get walk in customers and the publicity of being the neighborhood expert.  Passersby see your sign and read it on a daily basis, if not consciously, then subconsciously.  This is a great way to promote your firm in an everyday way.  Dentists, lawyers, court interpreters and specialist of all types use office signs near their entry door or on the street.

Office signs should be attractive, elegant, impressive – and most of all easy to read.   What’s the point of having a sign that no one can understand?  Too many loops or a hard to decipher font may bring more confusion than assistance in bridging the gap between you and your client.  The sign should reinforce your professional image as a solid, trustworthy and honest firm to do business with.  The background color needs to support the message, not compete with it.  Beyond a doubt, business signs, like human beings, have the opportunity to make a powerful, and lasting, first impression.

What are the normal dimensions for office signs?  They can be in most cases in a quadrant shape, either a square or a rectangle.  Other firms like to jazz it up a little with an oval shaped office sign that is posted to the wall outside their office.  They may opt for a chevron shape, which is a shield shaped format with plenty of room to post the name, type of firm and owners names, as need be.

Business signs have been around since the Middle Ages when the guilds began encouraging craftsmen to specialize in their individual work styles.  These workers or masters of their crafts later branched out into individual existences away from the guilds, while remaining a card carrying member.  In the old days, many used a shingle from their roofs to write their names and professional expertise so that the public would be informed of the services they provided.  That was over 500 years ago, and it’s still true today.

Nowadays, physical office signs continue to provide a necessary service.  The internet notwithstanding, a sign is a sign, and a well presented business sign can often make the difference between being found and discovered or being completely left out of the loop.  Additionally, they leave a good impression and give the client a basis on which to judge the type of work that you provide.  Even before the potential customer walks in your door, they get a good feeling or a negative one based on the look of the office signs outside your door.

It’s often been said that “you can’t take it with you“.  With magnetic signs, though, you can do exactly that!  They are great because you can take them with you wherever you go, and post them on a variety of metal surfaces which are used in everyday life.  Magnetic signs are useful, qualitative and can be posted in a variety of imaginative, creative places.  In this sense, they can help you promote your business in ways that other forms of advertising may not so easily be able to provide you.  All you need is a flat surface and your imagination.

Magnetic signs can show a company name, logo, or a combination of the two.  Most traditional magnetic signs are rectangular or square shaped, especially when used as a form of advertising on a truck, car or utility vehicle.  A standard size is 12“ x 24“ but the sky is the limit.

Who uses magnetic signs?  A large number of professionals, especially those who use their vehicle in business.  For example, Accountants, Computer technicians, Delivery Services, Electricians, Gardeners, Insurance Salesmen, Pizza Delivery, Plumbers, Private Contractors, Musicians, Realtors, Television Repair Services, Travel Agencies, Wedding Planners – you name it!

Magnetic signs are usually short and to the point.  Company name, contact person, telephone (in big, bold letters) and a symbol tell the whole story well.  A website address is another welcome addition, making sure that the magnetic signs layout remains clean and uncluttered.  Keeping it simple is advised, when you consider that your viewer will be catching a glimpse of your ad on the run, unless they happen to view it in a parking lot!

Contrasting colors, like dark blue and white or black and yellow, make it easier for people to read the information that you are trying to convey to them.  A border is also recommended, it has been proven to promote faster reading and comprehension.  If the car is moving while your ad is being read, contrast is certainly better.

In choosing a logo, it should be something that best identifies with your business so that a picture tells a thousand words.  Uncomplicated is best.  A dog groomer could show a picture of a well groomed dog.  A gardener might choose a tree.  And so on.  Even if the viewer is unsuccessful at reading your ad, the logo tells him what your business is about.  He will remember the dog or the tree and try to catch the remaining details the next time he sees your magnetic signs.

Many people just getting started in their business wisely invest in magnetic signs to get the word out.  Another great point is that you can bring the ad to the people you want to reach.  By choosing a target market – perhaps a suburb of a large metropolis – you can effectively boost your base of clientele by doing your shopping in the neighborhood where you would like to increase your base of clients.

Those who like magnetic signs usually like to take it one step farther and have a smaller version made up for promotional gifts.  They are inexpensive and get a lot of views as refrigerator accessories.  They also attach well to computers (not too close to your hard drive) and metal file cabinets.  Just about anywhere that you’d like to attach a note or important print out, tiny magnetic signs make life easier and more fun.  Sticking on cellophane tape, then having to dutifully remove it from a hard surface is a chore that no one relishes.  Using small magnetic signs, your paper is affixed and you are free to go about your business without having to deal with the clean up portion of the job later on.

After investing in your magnetic signs, be sure to clean them from time to time so that they maintain their brightness and readability.  They may get dirty in traffic or be a magnet for dust and grime.  By washing them in a light detergent, they will be easily visible, legible and useful for years to come. With magnetic signs, you really can take it with you!

Now that the weather is seasonably warm, the majority of people want to get out in the sun and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.  As they say, if the wise man can’t come to the mountain, bring the mountain to the wise man!  In this case, the wise man is your customer, and the mountain is your ad.  Lawn signs come to where the action is and delivers the information in a non-threatening, unexpected way.

With lawn signs, you are reaching your customer at a moment when he is at his least defensive. Casually sipping a drink or out for a stroll with a loved one, seeing a lawn sign has just the impact to sneak into the subconscious and remind him of something he’s been thinking of. When people are relaxed they are most open to new impressions.  This effective medium of advertising doesn’t have to cost a bundle and will be probably more effective than others who may be jumbled together among a mass of other competing firms in a local marketplace or square.

These are the opportunities that all marketers dream of – a moment of easy access to the receptive prospect.  Lawn signs don’t have to be used only for advertising, they are often used to inform voters of a political candidate or important measure on the ballot.

Most lawn signs are mostly displayed at waist level or below, with dimensions of approximately 18 x 24 inches or larger. This traditional box shape is effective because it puts the emphasis on the message printed up. The logic for rectangular shaped signs was to keep it simple. Most lawn signs are concentrated in nature – small but powerful, designed to make an impact on their viewers.

In recent years, lawn signs have taken on a new look.  In some areas you may find a lawn sign in the shape of a person or other geometric shape to spice up and shake up the old familiar laws signs dimensions.  The Wall Street Journal reports that these newfangled lawn signs have been effective in getting attention without confusing or mind-boggling the ordinary citizen on their way to work, home, or school.

Different cities, counties and states have different statutes and regulations regarding where and how lawn signs are used.  Some states require that the sign be no closer than 25 feet away from the highway’s edge to avoid car accidents and de-concentrated drivers which could be dangerous to the public welfare.  Because of the drive-by nature of the sign, the colors and white-on-red contrasts must be sharp to perfection and eye catching in a plain and simple way, using block letters and a simple, easy to remember slogan or message.

Lawn signs are often placed in the yards or greenbelts of the voters who support a particular candidate.  They may also be placed near the voting location, designed to remind voters of the desired candidate.  They are an excellent, low cost investment.  Research has shown that each sign is exposed to 25,000 viewers a day.  They can be counted on to bring in six to ten votes each for the candidate, which is a pretty decent turnout rate.

Lawn signs, like any other form of private property, are protected by law and cannot be damaged, stolen or vandalized.  Lawn signs must be left where they are placed since they are usually placed in front of private homes with the homeowner’s express approval, or in a publically designated location.  Those who cause damage to another candidate’s or opposing party’s lawn signs may be held guilty for petty theft and may have to pay a fine or worse.

Wood always looks quite nice when it’s been carved and placed in an attractive display, be it sign, letters or even an engraved picture frame. Using wooden letters adds a touch to your message, whether you need to inform customers of your company name or wish to leave an impressive set of initials near your mail box, or adding to the decor and sophistication of your house’s appearance.

Wood is a natural fiber, with beautiful wood grains, variations and color hues.  There are many types of wood, which add a luster and resonance to whatever you wish to display. It gives a look and sentiment of solidity, nostalgia, of something true to the earth, hinting at integrity and dependability.  All of these are excellent subliminal messages for your clients, friends and acquaintances to receive.

There are all types of wooden letters to choose from. They may be flat or convex.  They may be in block style print or in cursive, handwritten style. Even fanciful modern scripts are available, so consider all of your options. Birch wood or alder wood may be used, as well as synthetic HDU (high density urethane) which, if painted, no one can ever tell the difference between it and wood! With a little investigation and computer “window-shopping” or web-browsing, you can come to the conclusion which style and material make the most sense for you and your needs. It’s an individual decision that only you can make for yourself.

Once you decide what appeals most to your senses, you need to ask yourself the next question: Where can you display wooden letters? Well, wooden letters can be placed almost anywhere that the human eye can see them. They are fine when installed outside, and better if they are under a protective roof edge or other partially sheltered area. They are also quite suitable for display inside your home, like in the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, or nursery for example.

A large family initial may be used as an accessory with framed family photos in a hallway gallery. Imagine the thrill your teenager will experience to see her name spelled out in fanciful wooden script letters over her bed! Of course, your son may appreciate a manlier, block style presentation. Who could question that this is “their” room, desk, bed, or play area? It is a simple touch that adds a lot of character, and for much less than other wall decoration alternatives.

Wooden letters may also be hung by a ribbon as hanging wooden letters or hanging framed wooden letters, which are extra nice to see. The hanging style is cute for a baby’s room or a little girl up to her teens. As an alternative, a simple mounted presentation of the letters A B C may add didactic pleasure to your preschooler who will inevitably reach out and touch the different shapes, curves, and texture.  This type of learning is very important for young children and is among what child developers call “smart toys“.

You have a choice of block-style printed, or even cursive letters which need to be hung up individually. Your creativity can really go wild. They may be placed in a whimsical way or in a proper straight line. Wood letters can be carved out from a long continuous piece of wood.

Painted or unpainted, stained, varnished, antiqued and more – the options are truly endless. One thing remains the same – a classic is a classic. The difference between wood and plastic speaks volumes. If you choose unpainted wooden letters, you may paint them with quality acrylic paints or however you like to create a personal touch that can never be duplicated.

Do you know where you’re going?  Even if you don’t, outdoor signs can make a difference in making, and missing the boat for a business appointment, agreement with friends, or an affair of the heart.    Even the best made plans can go awry, and a convenient, well-placed metal sign can make all the difference in getting to where you need to go.  Haven’t you ever experienced the other person holding a grudge after having had to arrive even a little bit later than originally planned!  It is easy to be unjustifiable misunderstood and labeled as non-serious when it was just a matter of having bad directions or poorly displayed road markings to get you to the desired destination.  Worse yet, long after it make take a long time to regain the trust you lost by your late, lost, or completely failed business or personal meeting.

What can you do, to avoid that from happening in the future?

Make the directions as clear as possible.  Believe it or not, outdoor signs showing a little arrow, logo, diagram or word at the proper place can save the visitor the time-wasting, nerve-wracking hassle of going around in circles for hours!  Haven’t you ever found yourself wondering if you missed (or did not miss) your intended highway turn-off or not?  What looks common to those who travel the same route every day may not be so completely obvious to the first time visitor.

If you decide to make some outdoor signs, there are in fact laws to guide you.  Although the US Department of Transportation sets the tone for all interstate traffic, most traffic signs need to be adhered to on the local, state level.  Each state has its own laws.  You may be confined to putting only words, like “Joe’s Eatery” on your metal signs, or, if you are lucky enough according state laws – be able to add your logo for easier recognition.  However, these logos must be approved before being posted.  Historically speaking, there’s a chance of having your outdoor sign approved if you’re advertising a fuel station, restaurant or lodging.  A much needed service as a traveler wanders to his destination is a welcome sign displaying information about the nearest gas station, an eatery or rest location; after all – road signs are geared towards road travelers.

Metal road signs which have reflective properties can provide a great effect, similar to those equipped that are internally illuminated.  Alternately, there are those with external lights shining up on the sign from below.  They are often sensor activated, so that when it gets dark at night they engage, and when the sunlight is strong enough, they shut off again.

Other types of outdoor signs are self-illuminating, including the popular Digital Traffic signs with Light Emitting Diodes (or LED for short).   These displays consist of little tiny lights which, when joined together, form together to make letters and words.  They are used to create on-the-spot messages and are controlled from a remote location.  The message board looks like an electronic chalkboard, much like the ones used to warn drivers of road repairs up ahead or tell the score at a school football game.

Generally speaking, all outdoor signs put out on the road have to be approved (either by the US Department of Transportation or the State) before being installed by any road or highway.

The laws can be quite strict about what can or can’t be put on these signs, including the thickness of the metal used and its dimensions.  There is a reason, however.  The fact that metal signs are in the weather day in and day out require anti corrosive (for aluminum) properties to ensure their quality.  Just about the only thing the law is silent on are LED signs, but they too must be approved on a case by case basis before being put out on the highway for your guests and customers’ use and convenience.

Never underestimate the importance of your company’s signage.  When your valued customer arrives at your business, atmosphere is extremely important.  First impressions are usually the most long-lasting.  A quality sign can make all the difference, like a warm handshake and a “Welcome, Neighbor!” response that every guest would love to experience.

All successful businesses have one thing in common – they use the best tools available that help you show your clients what you are all about.

Wooden Signs, a Proven Classic

The quality of carved wooden signs is indisputable.  It has been documented as one of the oldest types of informative written communication, historically situated alongside writing in the sand, etchings on cave walls and ancient papyrus scrolls.  Of course, not all things stay the same, and wooden sign carving techniques have definitely improved over the years.  Centuries later, wooden signs remain as popular and impressive as always.

Practical and Versatile, Creative and Attractive

With the global availability of wood and carving tools, wood signs have always done the job for relatively small expense and effort.  Depending on taste preferences, a wooden sign can be geometrically shaped or fancifully carved with curves and swirls.  They can be sanded and lacquered or colorfully painted with artistic motifs and golden or raised letters.  The sign’s edges can be enhanced with a jigsaw drill which can easily maneuver intricate turns.  Metal stands holding the sign high above your shop entrance can also be simplistic or stylistic.    Although they are among the oldest types of writing known to mankind, wood signs have the usefulness and practicality to serve their original purpose – information and advertisement.

A Deeper Message

Wooden signs can send a message of rustic nostalgia, exclusiveness, or authenticity.  There is nothing synthetic about a quality wood sign.  They are often hung at well known restaurants and at the entrance to exclusive housing projects.

Wood Sign Options

Three options exist.  The first is the traditionally preferred, but very expensive Redwood, which is a scarcer and somewhat endangered wood source, solely available inNorthwestern California.

The second is Western Red Cedar which is abundant along the entire North American continent’s west coast side, fromCaliforniatoAlaska, providing a reasonably attractive option for a reduced price.

The third option is a non-wood substitute called High Density Urethane or HDU.  Because it is not truly wood, it lacks the wood grain.  Other than that, it is actually superior to wood due to its resiliency, long lasting finish and non expandability like porous wood.  At the same time, HDU has all the attractive and emotive properties of a classic conventional wooden sign.  A graining frame can also be used to create a faux wood grain if the sign is going to be painted.

Everything you ever wanted to know about HDU….

For one thing, HDU expands 10x less than natural wood.  Not only does it retain its original shape, it holds paint much longer than classic wood options.  For this reason alone, HDU makes sense for an outdoor sign which will be exposed to weather’s elements.    If it is a matter of wood grain display, HDU cannot provide this look because, after all, it is not wood but a superior wood substitute.  However, a painted sign does not show the wood grain, so no one will know the difference with its colorful appearance.  Essentially, your result will be considerably more long-lasting and economical in the long run.

Sandblasting and a Faux Grain Effect

Want an extra special look? A combination of raised letters on a sandblasted background can help you achieve that.  So if you choose the HDU material, no wood grain would be visible – right?  Well, yes and no.  Unless you want to see the physical bare wood grain itself, you can use the faux grain effect which is impossible to see with the naked eye.  To create the appearance of a classic wood sign, wires stretched across the sign while sandblasting (a graining frame) has the look that speaks “wood” but in reality is truly “HDU”.  Paint and sandblasting gives the wood texture desired while having the benefits of HDU.  The addition of gold leaf edging really creates a classy look on your wooden signs, showing that your firm is not a run of the mill business.