Apr 02 2009
Vehicle lettering and graphics are a proven, effective advertising medium for any business. What other advertising promotes business 5 to 7 days a week with all that exposure – not to mention mobile – for, and this is important, a one time expense. You can certainly use the local paper, radio or even TV, but the meter is running every time they mention your business name. Continue Reading »
Apr 02 2009
Vehicle lettering and graphics are a proven, effective advertising medium for any business. What other advertising promotes business 5 to 7 days a week with all that exposure – not to mention mobile – for, and this is important, a one time expense. You can certainly use the local paper, radio or even TV, but the meter is running every time they mention your business name.
It can be as simple as door and window lettering, to partial or full wraps
like a moving billboard and everything in between. We continue to hear from customers who were in a parking lot or just in traffic and received calls as a result of their vehicle graphics. No matter what type of business or service, vehicle graphics can help your business and provide a professional image.
When you are providing a service or product in a business area or even in a neighborhood, your vehicle with graphics acts like a referral; the
assumption is that if the business next door or neighbor is utilizing your
services, they have performed a due diligence on your company and more than likely are happy with your work. It’s a much better impression than having nothing on your vehicle which raises the questions of who you are, what are you doing, should you even be there and are you a small company just renting vehicles. Instead, your vehicle can be working as a silent salesman when it’s parked.
What are the choices?
New materials and printing processes provide lots of exciting options, from vinyl cut letters to full digital graphics. There is also the perforated vinyl for windows so you can see out but not in that is popular especially on buses. And don’t forget vehicle magnetics, versatile and effective.
How do I get started?
Are the graphics removable?
Yes, gently lift the edges of the vinyl or graphics and pull. Many times a
heat gun or hair dryer can be used to help loosen the adhesive. Adhesive removers are available at most hardware stores to help get rid of any residual adhesive after the graphics are removed.
Can I apply these graphics?
Yes, in most cases. We supply instructions to help. Graphics are sent
throughout the US for business vehicles, boats, RV’s etc and we rarely have to replace them from an installation problem.
So get your pen out, write down your information and submit it to us one of the above ways. You’ll be happy you did.
Don’t forget to park your vehicle in front of your business or on the
adjacent busy street and put your graphics to work!
Good Selling!
Mar 14 2009
So that fabric, temporary banner appearance won’t do. Let’s move up to rigid substrates – metal, sign plywood, plastic, aluminum composite panels, fiberglass – lots of choices. All are long lasting, weather resistant signs for business, resorts, parking, roadside, construction, etc.
Vinyl, digital or reflective messages are available on all these products, one and two sided.
Metal or metal composites – A favorite for those in extremely harsh environments or requiring long life expectancy – available with vinyl, digital, or reflective lettering and graphics. More expensive, but if your horizon for the application is years, the cost benefit it there.
Sign quality wood signs – Clearly the most commonly use for everyday use. Again, businesses, jobsites, commercial property management and development, residential real estate are typical. Even with sealed edges, eventually weather will win the battle – but it will last years, 3-5 in most environments, upwards of 10 years in many cases. Again the cost benefit for that period can be attractive.
Plastic – Solid plastics, common brand names Sintra, Komotex, Trovicel, have their place. Most common applications are indoor / outdoor for business, directional, tradeshows, and parking. Depending on location and environment, expect 3-5 years. Application significantly affects the life expectancy. If outdoors, attach to a flat surface, avoid fastening to posts especially in cold climates where the plastic can crack or break upon impact or vandalism. The most common thicknesses are 3mm (1/8th) and 6mm (1/4”), the latter a favorite with parking management companies.
Light weight plastics – Corrugated plastic that resembles cardboard are great for temporary signage, directional’s, real estate, elections, estate sales, and one time events. Common brand names are Corex and Coroplast. Inexpensive metal stakes are available that are inserted into the flutes of the signs. Be sure you order your signs with vertical flutes if you require stakes. Also, vertical flutes are helpful in high wind areas to help resist horizontal fractures. Grommets for hanging the signs are common.
Back lighted sign faces – The translucent polycarbonate faces are designed to be back lighted to highlight the graphics on the sign all hours. Most common graphics and lettering are produced from translucent material to bring out the color. Opaque material is also used in which case the light will go around the lettering. Black is commonly opaque since there is little benefit for a translucent effect. The panels are costly but the life expectancy and performance resemble metal. Faces may yellow over time due to UV exposure, but he process is gradual. Typical applications are “tenant changes” at leased office complexes. New back lighted sign boxes require permits and qualified electrical contractors for installation. Electrical sign companies provide the necessary services. The panels are hardy and as one salesman said years ago, “they’ll take a bullet”!
Plexiglas – Classy appearance indoor applications for business and building signs including suite signs, directional’s, and reception areas. Different colors are available but clear panels can be back printed any color. A popular application is the entry to offices where we back print the Plexiglas and mount off the wall with stand off fasteners to provide a dimensional effect – makes an impressive statement, similar to dimensional letters.
Trade show polycarbonate signs – These signs are most commonly used in conjunction with traveling displays. The material is hardy and can be rolled up for traveling displays. High impact graphics are back printed which offers maximum protection and Velcro is attached for affixing to the display face.
These above substrates and applications are the most common. There are additional products available – if you have a unique application just contact us at info@instantsignfactory.com or call toll free 877-778-7446.