Search results

If it's already a done deal, 3M makes several diffuser films (series 3735) that may help.

The paint used on the wall is a big consideration. Many institutions will use epoxy paint, which is durable and easy to clean, but will easily flake off the wall. In most cases, even masking tape will pull the paint off. I would have a discussion with the building engineer or custodial staff...

Don't get too frustrated with some of our contributors. In many cases, they have spent tens of thousands of dollars on equipment and hundreds of hours to learn how to get the desired results. To answer your question correctly, we would need a lot more information regarding your market and the...

Presentation paper i suppose. I dont use it for proofing, mostly a3/a4 photos but i'd like to print of images to present to clients (not as a proof) Then you have to decide whether it is just for the client to look at, or whether you need an archival quality print that will be framed and...

Those Gerber plotters are workhorses. They will cut regular vinyl (punched, of course), and they are great at thick stencils. If you are cutting monument stencils or making sandblasted signs, it might be worth getting them to work. Because of environmental regulations (and cost), I now...

I use these Unistrut posts. A two part post makes everything easier (including shipping the posts non-freight). https://www.unistrutohio.com/how-to-install-telespar-sign-post

Nothing under 45º F. Have I done it colder? Yes. Did the customer pay me? Yes. Was the quality good? No. You can get away with a lot putting graphics on trailers and box trucks. Your work will be under much tighter scrutiny if it is on a Shelby GT.

There is, of course, a whole variety of paper you can use. Epson makes 100% rag content hot and cold pressed papers, along with its photo and archive quality papers. Hahnemühle Photo Rag is another quality choice; they also have glossier options. Are you looking for a quality presentation...

Price out replacement pans. If you want to make a charitable donation to the non-profit, go ahead, but don't compromise your professional standards.

For letters with threaded studs I have a set of I/2" studs ground to a point. I make my pattern using those, then put the long studs back in. This avoids having to "wallow" out the hole to get the letter to seat properly.

I get remarkably consistent color accuracy using Adobe products for file preparation and sending the file to a well calibrated RIP. It is important to understand the limits of the output device and make sure the colors used are within that machines achievable color gamut. Anything outside the...

It is not hard to break into this market. Start with your local franchise and corporate store managers; they will generally give you contact information for their corporate support departments or sign suppliers (most corporate owned and franchise stores are contractually obligated to order...

If the intellectual property belongs to the client, it is best practice to forward it to them. If doing so takes more than 10 minutes or so, it may be appropriate to charge for your time. Contact them with your proposal. If you own the intellectual property, then give them a price or say you...

In general, use RGB for digital output, CMYK when printing (many printers are now preferring RGB files in order to get more accurate conversions; for 4-color process create in CMYK color space then convert to RGB for fewer surprises). They have different color gamuts, and converting RGB to...

Squeegee technique and not stretching the vinyl is most of it. Go slow and firm. If you have a big piece, roll it up so it doesn't sag. A big squeegee can be troublesome. I use the standard size gold ones for everything. The cheap squeegees will wear out and eventually form a curve at the...

I specify Pantone spot colors using Illustrator's Pantone color palettes. I also print out small boxes on the proof with the spot colors named. Who knows how the client's monitor is calibrated, or even worse the desktop printer they might use (our monitors are calibrated). If color is...

$6k (more for corrugated and unusual rivet issues) sounds about right for a typical commercial shop using typical equipment. That said, there are production companies out there that are running multiple Vutek GS5000 printers (or similar) on two shifts that can kick these 1000 sq. ft. cast...

There is no reason to hire out part of the process that you are skilled at and best at providing. I only suggest hiring out parts of the process where you have less skill and expertise. For example, I do not have a paint booth. Therefore, if I want to paint a sign, it would have to be brush...

Are you ready to hand over all of your accounts and immediately double your output capacity? Do you have the equipment and personel in place, right now, to do that? If not, I would stick to what you are doing and grow at a more measured pace. A good sign salesperson is going to want to see...

The primary value of a sign is not the paint on the board, it is the idea. What it says, how it says it, and how much attention it attracts is the most important aspect of a sign. That value is placed within a matrix of initial cost plus maintenance cost to reach a price. The customer will...