ACRYLIC. Often used as a general term to cover most plastics, both clear and colours, such as ‘Perspex’ or ‘Plexiglass’.
AWNINGS. Fixed or retractable blinds for shops which, as well protecting goods from sunlight, also offer excellent signage opportunities.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNS. A broad description covering all specialist building signs. May be mounted to the facia, roof, parapet etc. Can be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the building.
BANNER. A sign made of fabric, plastic or other non-rigid material which has no enclosing framework. May be painted, screen-printed, digitally printed or decorated with vinyl.
BUILT-UP LETTERS. Usually cut out letters given ‘sides’ and so stand in relief to their background. Typically made from metals and plastics.
CORPORATE. A general term given to office/headquarters signage, both interior and exterior. Includes engraved plaques, built-up letters and facias.
DIGITAL PRINTING. A term given to a wide range of techniques. In signmaking, a process where solvent based inks are printed onto vinyls and banners. Finished product can withstand at least 3 years outdoors. Suitable for short-run, large format printing of banners, point of sale and exhibition graphics.
EXHIBITION GRAPHICS. Usually installed after the initial build. Typically a mix of vinyl graphics for walls and windows and digitally printed rigid panels.
FREESTANDING SIGNS. Any sign not attached to a building. Includes gantry signs, aluminium directional sign systems and signposts.
FLEXFACE. A general term covering various systems where a pliable PVC graphic is stretched across a frame. When tensioned this gives the impression of a rigid sign, without joins.
GANTRY SIGNS. Freestanding signs mounted in the ground with poles.
HEALTH & SAFETY SIGNS. The only signs a company HAS to have. A professional survey will ensure there are no areas overlooked.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS. Essential to get your message across all hours and all weathers. Cabinet signs usually use fluorescent tubes, lit letters and logos normally use neon tubes.
LARGE FORMAT PRINTING. See digital printing.
NEON. Although first used well over seventy years ago, neon still remains one of the most eye-catching and effective methods of illuminated signage, it is also possibly one of the most interesting. Glass bending is a highly skilled trade and glass canes can be made into virtually any shape, enabling the most intricate lettering style, symbol or logo to be reproduced. Neon lends itself best to such locations as nightclubs, department stores, amusement arcades, and, due to their low level of energy consumption, even internal illumination.
OUT OF TOWN. Retail parks. Often require larger, more striking solutions where the restraints of the high street do not apply.
PENGUIN. A trade name for a type of banner stand which is tensioned by carbon fibre rods.
POINT-OF-SALE. Retail signs, usually interior, which act as instore advertisements for products or services. Typical examples are banners, showcards, mobiles, shelf wobblers etc.
POLE & PANEL SYSTEM. A basic display system for flat panels.
POP-UPS. An easy to transport exhibition system. The graphics hang with magnets on the concertina like cage. Can be curved or straight.
PROJECTING SIGN. A sign which is attached to a building but extends beyond the building structure.
ROLLER BANNER STAND. A spring loaded cassette takes the banner which is pulled up and attached to a pole.
ROUTING. Elimination of material in a substrate, using a tool bit machined to remove material. In computerized signmaking, a tool is programmed to eliminate material along a tool path created along X, Y and Z axes.
TRAY PANELS. A very common solution for wall-mounted exterior signs. Usually made of welded aluminium.
VACUUM FORMED. Where plastic letters or logos are formed with heat and a mould.
VINYL GRAPHICS. Still the choice where a large area of colour is needed on signs and vehicle graphics. Logos and word cutting are controlled by computer.
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