The How-To Magazine
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How To:
ARCHITECTURAL, VEHICLE GRAPHICS
SIGN DESIGN: SPCA-FINDING
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Contents November 2018
Vol. 32
No. 281
How-To Columns
14 16
24
FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS
By Lori Shridhare Taking the plunge into vehicle advertising.
SHADES OF SIGNAGE
By Jeff Wooten A 3D forefront design idea so bright that it has to wear shades.
departments
8 12 37 40
EDITOR’S COLUMN
It can sometimes seem as if the whole world is angry, and editor Jeff Wooten wonders how this affects our lives.
IN THE INDUSTRY
World Sign Associates announces its annual Coolness Competition winners, and Massivit opens up about 3D printing.
Sign Show
The newest products and services from sign manufacturers.
SBI Marketplace
Advertisements and announcements from the sign trade.
Shop Talk
ISA’s David Hickey says that OSHAmandated crane certification is coming whether you’re ready or not.
Features
18 24 28
16 2
Sign Builder Illustrated
November 2018
31 34
TRIPLE PLAY
By Jeff Wooten A medical center makes three statements with its new EMC pylon sign.
NAVIGATING THROUGH THE CHANNELS
By Lori Shridhare Signs that “sell themselves.”
A WORTHY CAUSE
By Jeff Wooten Finding one’s way at the SPCA for Monterey County.
MEETING UP ABOUT PAINTS AND GILDING
By Jim Hingst Letterhead Geezers gather again in northwest Minnesota.
PURCHASING POWER
By Ashley Bray Considerations when it comes to buying a CNC router. signshop.com
Cover Photo: Clear Sign & Design/WSA.
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LEARN MORE: See us at USSC Foundation The Sign Exchange November 29-30 in Atlantic City, NJ
November 2018, Vol. 32, No. 281 Sign Builder Illustrated (ISSN 0895-0555) print, (ISSN 2161-0709) digital is published by Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
Subscriptions: 800-895-4389
executive offices President and Chairman Arthur J. McGinnis, Jr. Publisher Arthur J. Sutley 55 Broad Street, 26th floor New York, NY 10004 212-620-7247 ; Fax: 212-633-1863
editorial Editor Jeff Wooten 323 Clifton Street, Suite #7 Greenville, NC 27858 212-620-7244 jwooten@sbpub.com Managing Editor Ashley Bray 55 Broad Street, 26th Floor New York, NY 10004 212-620-7220 abray@sbpub.com Contributing Writers David Hickey, Jim Hingst, Michelle Johnson, Lori Shridhare
art Art Director Nicole D’Antona Graphic Designer Aleza Leinwand
production Corporate Production Director Mary Conyers
circulation Circulation Director Maureen Cooney mcooney@sbpub.com
advertising sales Associate Publisher/East Coast Sales Jeff Sutley 212-620-7233 jsutley@sbpub.com Mid-West & West Coast Sales Monica Boutros 212-620-7225 mboutros@sbpub.com Sign Builder Illustrated is published monthly. All rights reserved. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. To purchase PDF files of cover and layouts or hard copy reprints, please call Art Sutley at 212-620-7247 or e-mail asutley@sbpub.com.
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Sign Builder Illustrated
November 2018
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Editor’s Column
AGENDA
By Jeff Wooten
November 2018 NOVEMBER 29-30:
Join the USSC Foundation at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey for The Sign Exchange, the first-ofits-kind convention where the tradeshow serves the industry. (usscfoundation.org)
February 2019 FEBRUARY 20-22:
The Midwest Sign Association Winter Meeting takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. (signexpo.org)
We’re Not Gonna Take It! Does it feel more “angry” these days?
6
Sign Builder Illustrated
blaring horns). It’s starting to feel like the angry society is turning us all less-human-thanhuman. (In fact, I’m sort of angry that I’m writing about this topic this month.) Maybe it’s the current zeitgeist, or maybe there’s something in the water. Or maybe everyone really is an expert at everything, whether you want to hear it or not. But I get it. We all get over-worked and over-stressed at times, which further puts nerves on end. But I also think we get over-dependent on technology to get through everyday life, as we race to update statuses, transform our lives into bytes, and download faster. And I worry when I see technological assets prioritized over employee relations. However I was pleasantly taken aback when I interviewed Merry Trucksis, owner of Trucksis Enterprise, for a story appearing this month (page 28). She picks a lot of her projects and supplies based on companies and clients that “pay it forward” (the concept of being nice to someone will begat that person being nice to someone and so forth and so forth). While that concept may be a little too “out there” for you and your shop to adopt, I do have to admit, for once, it’s still refreshing to hear about a little more serenity instead of a lot more hostility today.
Jeff Wooten Editor, jwooten@sbpub.com
November 2018
FEBRUARY 22:
The Mid South Sign Association presents “Ideas Exchange 2019.” This event will be occurring at Charles Hampton’s A-1 Signs Inc., in Burns/Dickson, Tennessee. (midsouthsignassociation.org)
April 2019 APRIL 23-26:
International Sign Expo 2019 takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (signexpo.org)
May 2019 MAY 19-23:
Photo: Shutterstock/ LightField Studios.
W
hy does it seem like almost everyone is so angry these days? I’m not certain if this a legit viewpoint you share as well or if it’s just after-effects as I sit down to write this month’s column only a few hours after leaving Las Vegas (host to this year’s final-ever SGIA Expo). Online vitriol has been the rage for years, but it feels even more ramped up than usual now. Social media and online forums are filled with outrage from every angle. It feels the more connected we become, the more disconnected we end up being. And it appears, to me, to be seeping more and more into the real world. For example, while out walking the crowded Las Vegas Strip one night and its miles of casinos, entertainment venues, and tourist spots, a guy at a crosswalk illegally stepped out in front a car with the right-of-way through a green light, causing the driver to slam to a halt and blare out (a little too long honestly) on his car horn. The jaywalker responded by not moving and angrily motioning with his hand for the driver to come at him, all while his friends on the curb cheered him on and the cars behind the stopped driver honked one-by-one in dominoesfalling fashion. Then I found myself growing angry at the stupidity on display. There’s no backing down these days, nor looking at all sides. Discourse is rarely civil, and opposing viewpoints are routinely trashed. For lots of people, it’s “our-way-or-the-highway” (and it’s filled with non-moving pedestrians and
LIGHTFAIR International, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting tradeshow and conference, will be electrifying as it sets up and runs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (lightfair.com)
signshop.com
In The Industry A
WSA Announces Its Annual coolness
Competition Winners
D
enver, Colorado—The 2018 WSA Coolness Competition concluded in September with the World Sign Associates’ sign company and associate product members voting on the most innovative electrical signs produced during the past twelve months by WSA’s nearly 200 companies. Glowing Monoliths Welcome Life Sciences Workers. Clear Sign & Design of San Marcos, California was honored with “Best in Show” and best “Less Than 100-Square-Feet Freestanding Sign” for its distinctive signage marking the Axiom Campus, a group of commercial buildings serving San Diego’s thriving life sciences, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic industries (Photo A). 8
Sign Builder Illustrated
Clear Sign & Design designed, manufactured, and installed sophisticated exterior wayfinding monuments. Two logo monoliths and three multi-tenant signs were cast in-house and mounted on underground concrete footings with electrical conduits and hoisting points. A seamless 3D panel with hidden fasteners enclosed a halo of LED lights for a subtle after-hours glow. Updating a Theater Entrance with Flair. Mattatall Signs swept the “Potpourri” category by creating an exciting new entryway for Neptune Theatre’s Fountain Hall in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Photo B). An architectural canopy was designed and produced in-house at Mattatall Signs using an aluminum frame-
November 2018
work, ACM skin, and soffits. The front and sides of the canopy support brushed aluminum lettering illuminated by LED modules. A combination of globe marquee-style lighting lines the underside of the canopy giving the entrance a grand, welcoming ambiance. Transforming a Drab Wall into an Illuminated Mural. Plumb Signs of Tacoma, Washington took first place in the “Wall Sign” category for its innovative American Lake Conference Center sign at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state (Photo C). The sign transformed a non-descript, grey concrete exterior into a scenic illuminated mural that showcased the building’s name in a creative way. signshop.com
B
C
Plumb Signs designers and fabricators collaborated to create multi-dimensional layers punctuated by LED uplighting and carefully chosen paint colors. Too much light would have washed out the letters, while too little would make it tough to read from a distance at night. Plumb Signs achieved just the right combination to produce an award-winning result. Remaking a Classic 1950s Landmark. In the “Freestanding 100-SquareFeet or Larger category,�YESCO won for its Ritz Classic Apartments sign, a rebuild of a towering 90-foot-tall bowling pin that stood on State Street in South Salt Lake since 1958 (Photo D). The well-known landmark now signals the entryway to the new Ritz Classic Apartments. signshop.com
D
The sign was redesigned using modern technology for a fresh appearance with a vintage feel. YESCO successfully incorporated LED tube lighting on the perimeter of the pin and in the interior channel letters. Founded in 1947, World Sign Associates (WSA) is a trade organization for electrical sign manufacturers and suppliers throughout North America. The association offers an executive forum for education, fellowship, support, and exchange of ideas. WSA members adhere to the highest ethical business standards and bring the utmost value to their customers. For more about WSA, call 800/4210641 or email wsa@wsanetwork.org.
a seamless 3d panel with hidden fasteners enclosed a halo of led lights for a subtle glow.
November 2018
Sign Builder Illustrated
9
In The Industry
Massivit Opens Up About
3D Printing
L
od, Israel—Printing technology has evolved from the early days of screen printing to the latest in digital printing. On September 6, Massivit 3D hosted a North American open house event at The Color Spot, Inc., in Marietta, Georgia where they informed attendees that the next evolutionary step will be 3D printing (especially now that the technology’s speeds are faster). The event attracted graphics providers, sign shop owners, movie prop producers, amusement park theming professionals, and Sign Builder Illustrated to learn more about how 3D printing can generate new sources of revenue. Massivit’s 3D printing leverages unique, patented Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology to produce lightweight, large format, hollow models and displays with instant polymerization and without geometric constraints or the need for complex support structures. Its flexible levels of transparency allow for illumination, backlighting, and a range of finishes (many on display here). A testimonal from The Color Spot Owner Justin Merletti about how Massivit 3D printing capabilities were being
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utilized at his shop accompanied informational sessions conducted by Massivit 3D President Kevin Sykes and East Coast Sales Manager Matt McEwan. They showed videos demonstrating how their 3D printing technology differs from thermoforming (allowing the ability to scale and form in minutes and eliminating the need for a finish), as well as examples of how 3D-printed objects were being used for bus wraps props, billboards, point-of-purchase displays, illuminated objects, and more. McEwan explained that the average Massivit application type was led by Props & Displays (retail, entertainment, promotional, theming, etc.), followed by Thermoforming (3D signage, retail displays, and vehicle wrapping), Channel Letters, and SEG Frames for fabrics and photos. “The technology is revolutionizing backlit boxes because you can now make all types of shapes instead of squares and rectangles,” he explained. Sykes spoke about how 3D printing has brought innovation, new applications, and production efficiencies to any industry that has adopted it—from industrial engineering to consumer prod-
November 2018
ucts. “Health and medical fields are creating prototypes of kidneys, bones, and hip joints, while in the architectural field, Habitat for Humanity is printing houses out of concrete,” he said. “And it’s exciting that people are now starting to take advantage of this technology in the visual communication and graphics arts industries.” Sykes mentioned how 3D printing is eye-catching. “Our research shows that it has five-times the stopping power versus 2D printing, with four-times the staying power of 2D printing,” he said. “At Macy’s, they recently 3D-printed flamingos for display in the store. People stopped to look at it and then they stayed around to check out the clothes selection.” Sykes caught the attention of attendees when he told them that it’s important to know what your market is with this technology. “Don’t under-value or under-price your 3D-printed products,” he told them. “Customers where money is no object are eager for this output.” While the start-to-finish process behind the larger Massivit 1800 Flagship 3D Printer was shown off to attendees in The Color Spot’s production room, attention was also brought to the company’s economical “baby brother,” Massivit 1500 Exploration. McEwan ended the day by suggesting three areas of return-on-investment for users to consider are: (1) profit on 3D stand-alone jobs; (2) profit on 2D jobs won due to 3D elements; and (3) profit using 3D as marketing bait, noting that non-3D jobs have been won thanks to people’s general interest in at least seeing 3D print technology. —Jeff Wooten
signshop.com
Sign Show ACRYLICS/PLASTICS
LED MODULES
Makrolon No More! Plaskolite Introduces TUFFAK Premium Polycarbonate Sheet Product
New ExternalDrive Type C Tubes Offer Energy Savings and Potential Rebate Opportunities
Plaskolite, LLC, the thermoplastic sheets manufacturer, is excited to announce the l a u n c h of i ts T U F F A K ® Polycarbonate Sheet, a premium polycarbonate sheet product that was formerly known as Makrolon®. As part of the August 1 acquisition of the Covestro polycarbonate sheet business, Plaskolite secured the Makrolon product line and a limited time license to use the Makrolon name. TUFFAK is now the new name for those Makrolon sheet products. The TUFFAK name is the only change—the product itself and all manufacturing processes will remain the same. “We will continue to produce the same virtually unbreakable, colorful, innovative, and dependable polycarbonate sheet using the same manufacturing processes made from the same resin our customers are accustomed to receiving,” says Mitchell Grindley, president and CEO of Plaskolite. plaskolite.com
Since 1945, Keystone Technologies has manufactured quality-driven lighting solutions for the industry’s leading lighting fixture manufacturers and wholesale distributors, and the company continues to expand their line of LED tubes today with the introduction of ExternalDrive Type C LED tubes. These new Type C tubes operate with a remote driver, rather than using an integrated driver or an external ballast as a power source. These ExternalDrive Type C LED tubes are the ideal choice for customers who want to update systems that are using older fluorescent ballasts but prefer not to install Type B line voltage tubes. Keystone’s Type C tubes are designed to work with specific Keystone drivers, which guarantees system compatibility and ensures both high system efficacy and high performance. ExternalDrive Type C tubes can be integrated with extensive dimming and control functionality and are compatible with Keystone LED emergency backup solutions. Type C tubes are also eligible for unique rebate opportunities that require the ret rof i tte d f i x t u re to include an external LED Driver. In retrofits, the driver replaces the existing fluorescent ballast. KeystoneTech.com
DIGITAL PRINTING EQUIPMENT Canon Redefines the Large Format Printer with the imagePROGRAF TM Series Offering a new, versatile large format printing solution, Canon U.S.A., Inc., has unveiled the latest offerings from its imagePROGRAF lineup: the TM Series. The new TM Series is designed with the quality, speed, and ease-of-use that customers have come to expect from Canon’s imagePROGRAF devices. The TM Series is designed to offer a solution that is not only ideal for technical documents (such as CAD drawings and GIS maps), but also short-term outdoor posters, signage, and displays with the use of Canon’s LUCIA TD water-resistant pigment ink. Canon has engineered the TM Series to be faster than previous five-color imagePROGRAF models when printing sets or multiple page documents by optimizing the print sequence time, which helps to increase productivity for the end-user. This series offers wireless printing, an intuitive touchscreen panel, and quiet operation—making the imagePROGRAF TM Series an ideal fit for retail, restaurants, and office settings, as well as the traditional architectural, engineering, and construction environments. With a strong focus on ease-of-use with the addition of new software and hardware enhancements, these new models are designed to provide users of all types with everything that they need to produce a variety of output. Utilizing LUCIA TD pigment ink, the imagePROGRAF TM Series provides superb print quality and longevity for vibrant displays and outdoor signage, especially when used with Canon’s water-resistant media—opening up new markets and applications for these printers. usa.canon.com
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signshop.com
Sign Show PAINTS/FINISHES
VINYL FILMS/SUPPLIES
Matthews Paint Mobile Color Scanning Generates Easy Formula Retrieval
Mactac Establishes the New Standard in Easy-toapply, Short-term Indoor Promotional Graphics
Finding a Matthews Paint color formula by scanning an existing paint sample has now been simplified. M a tt h e ws Pa i n t a n d MeasureColor have come together to release a convenient color-scanning tool and associated app for the sign industry. This portable color scanner, weighing about an ounce, easily fits in the palm of the hand. Paired with a smartphone or tablet a user already carries, the device is ideal for scanning color in the field. The small, Bluetooth®-enabled scanning device accurately captures surface color. The device then syncs with the app installed on a smartphone or tablet to find the closest Matthews Paint color match. Users then simply tap the link in the app to go to the MPC Online Color Formula Retrieval and access the color formula. The scanning device uses Delta E calculations and L*a*b* color values for accurate color, allowing customers to achieve an accurate color scan on the spot (and seldom needing to send color samples to the Matthews Paint color lab). The device and annual app subscription can be ordered through a link on the Matthews Paint Web site. The app is available at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. (800) 323-6593; MatthewsPaiint.com/MeasureColor
With a unique and exceptionally forgivable dot-patterned adhesive, new IMAGin® M-Dot from Mactac® can be applied, re-applied, and removed by anyone—no graphic installation experience or tools are required. M-Dot was custom-engineered to allow quick and easy error-free, bubble-free application on smooth, flat interior surfaces (such as windows, walls, tradeshow displays, point-of-purchase advertising, and more). Additionally its semi-sphere-structured, clear removable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive ensures a quality bond for up to one year. IMAGin M-Dot is available in two product constructions: M-Dot MD128 (5.7-mil matte white polypropylene film) and M-Dot MD199 (4.7mil clear gloss softcalendared PVC film). M-Dot features exceptionally high image clarity, making it ideal for latex, UV, and solvent-based inkjet printing. (866) 6228223; mactac.com/ graphics
SIGN BLANKS Sintra ECLIPSE Provides for the Easy Printing of Graphics that Pop on a Black PVC Board Sintra® ECLIPSE from 3A Composites USA offers printers the latest advancement and ease in printing vivid images on a black PVC board while retaining the dramatic dark look of black edges all around. The end-result is a product that is perfect for creating point-of-purchase displays, exhibits and kiosks, and interior signage and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Sintra ECLIPSE is comprised of moderately expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in a homogenous black sheet with low-gloss, thin white PVC on one surface that is specially designed for screen and digital printing applications. Sintra ECLIPSE saves processors both time and money by eliminating the need for either print pre-coating or laminating processes. The thin white PVC layer offers a superior surface for printing and is designed to be nearly invisible against this graphic display board’s dark edges, maintaining the dramatic look of a black rigid substrate. Durable-yetlightweight Sintra ECLIPSE is easy to fabricate with wood or foam board techniques. It cuts cleanly, creating smooth edges. Sintra ECLIPSE fabricates easily without special tools and can be formed into limitless shapes using standard PVC fabrication techniques. Sintra ECLIPSE also offers superior dent and scratch resistance. Sintra ECLIPSE is available in 3mm, 6mm, and 12.7mm thicknesses in 48-inch by 96-inch sheets in the one white facer/one black facer/black core color combination. (800) 626-3365; 3AcompositesUSA.com
signshop.com
November 2018
Sign Builder Illustrated
13
How To VEHICLE GRAPHICS
By LORI SHRIDHARE
Flushed with Success
H
ere’s a question for you: What’s the best object to hoist atop a plumber’s truck—an object that will not only attract attention but also tell people what the company does without having to say all that much? Yep, you guessed it. And the puns in the title of this article may have been the giveaway. Strapped for cash, a New Jerseybased plumber took matters into his own hands when he decided to create his own mobile advertising platform. His idea: build a larger-than-life plunger and affix it to the roof of his Ford® Transit van. “We started the plumbing business with limited clientele,” says Bill Shuster III, owner of Shuster’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning based in Marlton, New Jersey. “At the time, I needed a surefire way to advertise for little to no money or monthly costs. It was important for me that we would be able to stand out more than the typical plumbing truck.” And stand out they have. Since the giant six-foot-tall plunger made its de14
Sign Builder Illustrated
but six months ago, Shuster has seen his business soar. To get started on this project, Shuster collaborated with Bill Kohler, a local contractor who builds props for special events, working side-by-side with him to make the giant plunger a reality. “We started off sketching out the scale and came up with the best idea to safely fit the plunger onto the van,” says Shuster. The plunger was constructed from seven-ply, marine-grade plywood. Approximately fifteen pieces were custom cut using a band-saw. Kohler and Shuster then constructed the frame of the plunger base, created the mold, and formed the shape with body filler and fiber glass. “We used a screen-like material to create the undersurface or catch all,” says Shuster. “We fiber-glassed the under surface to ultimately make it waterproof, which prevents water from seeping through.” “The final stages were to paint the mold with tennis court paint and add
November 2018
the handle, which was covered in wood grain fabric.” The giant plunger was affixed to the roof of the Ford Transit using bolts that were attached through the flange. In its short life of just six months, Shuster says that the plunger has weathered well—except for a few crashes into tree branches. “Believe it or not, we do not exceed any height restrictions for local bridges,” says Shuster. “The final height of the truck with the plunger standing on top comes to just over thirteen feet.” The oversized plunger perched atop Shuster’s van gets attention—lots of it. “People are always pointing, smiling, laughing, and checking out their rear view mirrors, let alone trying to snap photos while on the go,” says Shuster. “We actually created a Web page and Facebook page following the plunger that links up to our main Shuster’s plumbing Web site.” Another ingredient on the van that attracts attention is the see-thru vinyl Nintendo Mario Kart-themed characters applied to the windows that Shuster had a local sign shop create. Shuster grew up loving the original video game and decided to add these characters just for his own fun. He was surprised to learn that a new generation is still playing these games. “Kids love it,” says Shuster, “and adults think it’s the coolest thing.” When asked if he has any recommendations for others looking to do something similar to their vans, Shuster laughs, “If you’re a plumber, don’t do it in my area—you’re free to go elsewhere and build whatever you like.” But on a practical note, he offers, “Plan thoroughly, measure twice, cut once, and spare no expense.” Based on his invention, let’s add another piece of instruction here: Spare no creative expense. signshop.com
Photo: Shuster’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning.
Taking the plunge into vehicle advertising.
How To
VEHICLE GRAPHICS
By LORI SHRIDHARE
Coach’s Corner 4.0: Ten Ways to Improve Your Operation There are many well-run sign shops around the world, but most of the small ones (ten to fifteen employees) I’ve had the pleasure of visiting have a lot of work to do behind the scenes before they are operationally efficient enough to deliver dependable results to customers and reliable profits to their owners. The problems that cause project delays, rework, cost overruns, work loss injuries, and poor employee morale have to do with simple, common sense stuff like shop cleanliness, organization, and communication. Some of the often overlooked but extremely important
ways to improve performance involve how your shop is set up and how workers perform their duties every day as a routine. I’ve identified these ten factors as: • Efficient layout with clear pathways • Clean benches, floors, and shelf spaces • Well-lit work areas • Work-in-Progress (WIP) ID tags • Dedicated WIP staging queues • Centralized communication hub • ERP Production Management Software • Well-maintained supply chain system • Workstations for task-specific work • Pre-shift team huddles
These ten items can be implemented in any shop within a matter of days and weeks, and usually without any additional capital investment. I challenge you to take the next two weeks to pick up a broom and move things around. You will be amazed at the turnaround in your quality of life and your status with your banker— I guarantee it! —John Hackley John Hackley is chief efficiency officer for Oculus Business Coaching (oculuscoaching.net).
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November 2018
Sign Builder Illustrated
15
How To
ARCHITECTURAL By JEFF WOOTEN
Shades of Signage
D
on’t think of The Battery in Atlanta, Georgia as just a shopping center. Instead it is billed as a “lifestyle destination.” The state-of-the-art complex opened this past spring and is a modern mix of specialty shopping stores, casual and fine dining experiences, and functional office spaces. It also happens to be attached to SunTrust Park, the new home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. One of the retail businesses that’s located at The Battery is Select Shades, which is a brick-and-mortar collection of locally owned, family-operated sunglass stores that can be found throughout the Atlanta area. Select Shades prides itself on not only offering some of the most recognized sunglasses brands in the world but also as a specialty boutique for other startup, regional, and entrepreneurial brands that offer “unique stories and styles.” Speaking of “unique stories and styles,” that’s one of the things you’ll notice when you arrive at the storefront to the Select Shades located at The Bat16
Sign Builder Illustrated
tery—an exciting, custom-built 3D sign that was designed to catch the attention of passers-by.
the applique details on the 3d sunglasses were modeled after ray-bans and were routed, hand-carved, and hand-shaped out of hdu. White LED-illuminated “Select Shades” channel letters are mounted to the top of an aluminum canopy that’s installed above
November 2018
the doorway while faux-wood aluminum ribs host dimensional sunglasses. It all runs from the left-to-the-right and the top-to-the-bottom of the store’s façade, making everything appear morphed together. This cool-looking sign was designed by Harrison Design, a highly regarded architectural firm also based in Atlanta. It was concepted to show off their client’s number-one product—sunglasses! It also reflects on the “Shades” aspect of the store’s name with custom-painted aluminum strips that resemble wood slat blinds. The company responsible for building and installing this custom sign creation is Option Signs & Environmental Graphics of Alpharetta, Georgia, a full-service national design and fabrication facility that specializes in architectural and identity signage. Harrison Design reached out to Option Signs after hearing high-praise referrals about their work. And no wonder! There is no project too big or too small for this sign company, as they stress that every one of their clients (and potential clients) is important to them. signshop.com
All Photos: Option Signs & Environmental Graphics.
A 3D storefront design idea so bright that it has to wear shades.
How To
ARCHITECTURAL By JEFF WOOTEN
“Our goal is to assist [clients] from start to finish in all their signage and visual communications needs,” says Patti Huxford, CEO of Option Signs & Environmental Graphics. “Our experienced staff has more than two hundred years of combined experience, and we are there for them at every step of the process— from inception to installation.” Option Signs performed an on-site technical survey to figure out how to build the signage and attach it to Select Shades’ steel storefront. Based on their findings, they devised it would be best to build the components out of aluminum tubing and Vycom Designboard® HDPE. The applique details on the 3D sunglasses were modeled after Ray-Ban® sunglasses. The company routed, handcarved, and shaped layers of Designboard for the sunglasses and slats. “We CNC-routed this material flat and then turned them on edge for additional depth,” says Huxford. “We then attached the 3D sunglasses to the aluminum slats with Lord Adhesives prior to painting them with Akzo Nobel® 313E Dark Bronze.” The storefront detail is 2-by-4-by0.125-inch wall aluminum rib tubing that measures 224 inches long at the uppermost top and descending downwards in variable lengths to its minimum 7513/16-inch at the very bottom. There was some initial difficulty making all the parts of the sign and the host building façade mold together as if they appear as one. One challenge in particular was custom-fabricating the aluminum tubing on the curve and the levels. “The vertical supports had to be fabricated like a channel letter with all the welds concealed on the inside,” says Huxford. “Each one had to be notched for every horizontal piece to fit into the verticals. It was a tight working space, but we have a great fabricator that completed it.” Another big challenge was making the fabricated elements appear to merge with the surrounding modern-wood façade. Option Signs faux-finished the aluminum signshop.com
and HDPE to emulate a custom wood texture. They used AzkoNobel Match PMS 7568 for the base color and Match PMS 7574 for the top color to successfully create the custom wood texture on the aluminum. They attached these painted HDPE pieces to the aluminum tubing to create depth and character. The “Select Shades” store name is made up of white face-lit channel letters. The letters were painted with Akzo Nobel White. Options Signs placed white SloanLED Prism modules on a backer with standard spacing inside each 3-1/2-inch-deep letter to create an inviting, even glow. The sign shop crafted a custom 12-inch-tall-by-224-inch-wide-by-36inch-deep aluminum canopy to host the aluminum posts and the channel letters. This structure is attached to the building via six fabricated 2-1/4-inch-thick aluminum posts that were notched to receive 2-by-4-inch posts. Three of these posts were mounted to the top of the canopy with angle clips and through bolts. Meanwhile the other three posts were attached the underside of the canopy and to mullions with angle clips and stainless steel counter-sunk screws. Two-by-two-inch aluminum ribs beneath the aluminum canopy were paint-
ed with Azko Nobel Match 7574 paint with faux-finish wood grain. The ribs above the canopy feature the Azko Nobel wood grain faux-finish on the face, returns, and back, while the ribs below the canopy feature the faux finish on their face, back, ends, and underside. The installers used a scissor lift and a full-sized reach forklift (lull) to install all the signage across the storefront’s façade. They installed the canopy first because they had to tie it back to the building with 1/2-by-10-inch carriage bolts. “This was the structural piece of the assembly,” says Huxford. The lower half was installed next, attaching to the underside of the canopy and to clips placed on the window mullions. Then the final top piece attached to the top of the canopy thanks to preassembled brackets. While this creative custom project proved challenging in certain places, Option Signs was especially proud of the end results that managed to make HDPE sunglasses, faux-wood aluminum slats, and bright-white channel letters come together with stunning cool. “Seeing this project up and working makes you value your highly skilled team members in the sign industry!” says Huxford.
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LED DISPLAY By JEFF WOOTEN
W
esley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, treats more than 24,000 patients annually and delivers more than 6,000 babies—which is more than any other hospital in a thirteen-state region. Located at the busy intersection of Hillside Street and Central Avenue, the hospital takes up nearly two city blocks. Its campus includes an emergency room/trauma center and a well-renowned Children’s Hospital. While it is the hospital of choice for thousands of people in Kansas and northern Oklahoma, their rudimentary directional signs (with their bland appearance and short cabinets) at this high-traffic intersection didn’t do a good job of representing the state-of-the-art care and services provided to patients and visitors; nor did they get the hospital’s announcements and messages out to the public-at-large. Hospital officials knew the time was right for a bold statement with a new place-making sign that would make an impact in the area. The intersection generates 20.6 million exposures per year, so they needed something to grab all this attention. They knew that a digital display was going to be the remedy here. However they didn’t just settle for a single- or double-sided sign. Instead the end-result is a tri-sided, multi-cabinet
wesley medical center employed emcs at its intersection since the location generates 20.6 million exposures per year. 18
Sign Builder Illustrated
sign install that prominently features three 10-by-11-1/2-foot 12mm Watchfire LED EMCs—one on each side. Wesley turned to the Wichita branch office of Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems to make this electronic sign a functional reality. Headquartered in Hutchinson, Kansas, Luminous is a full-service sign company (sales, design, fabrication, installation, etc.) and has seven locations serving Kansas and neighboring states. The company boasts a ninety-year history, and they have been a platinum Watchfire dealer for the past sixteen years. They have sold more than 500 of these digital display units to savvy customers in the states where they operate. Wesley Medical has worked with Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems for quite a while and already had them outfit some of their other emergency room locations with two-sided Watchfire EMCs about five years ago. “We see a lot of value in digital signage,” says Susan Burchill, manager of Marketing & Public Relations at Wesley Medical. The three-sided monument sign solution was implemented more from necessity and logic for what would work at the busy intersection. Dan Welu, account manager at Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems, says, “[They] wanted to have a sign that was easy to read from any direction, so we spent a lot of time up front doing visibility studies at the intersection to get the right angle and height for the sign.” According to Matt Gamber, manager of Fabrication and Product Development at Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems, this tri-sign solution had actually been in the works for a couple of years. “They had to go large because of the amount of traffic at the intersection,” he says. “That’s why there are three separate faces here, as well as an even larger Watchfire EMC than found at their other locations.” After completion of the visibility studies, Luminous discovered some of their plans needed to be altered. “At the original specified height, traffic signals and
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street lights all mingled together, blocking the view of certain things on the display,” says Gamber. “Counter-intuitively, lowering the height of the signs eliminated those interruptions. If we went higher, readability would’ve been a problem.” Because these side-by-side triangulated signs were going to be located at a very busy intersection that allowed access to an always-very-full parking lot, logistics meant that the sign had to be as modular as possible for its later installation. Each of the three monument structures is essentially a series of single-face cabinets bolted to an inner steel structure outfitted with steel stringers. “During the fabrication process, we made sure to map out all the holes in the back of all the cabinets when they signshop.com
TRIPLE TRIPLE
Play
All Photos: Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems.
A medical center makes three statements with its new EMC pylon sign.
we could weld them up on the insides and precision-match them up with the holes plotted on the stringers.” Technically one could bring up semantics and say the sign is actually three-anda-half-sided, as Luminous also crafted a small access area with a full door for easy entry. This is where the power supplies are located and where Luminous workers can do maintenance checks when needed. Thanks to the way the three-sided sign structure was constructed, Luminous ended up working from the bottom up. They started with the steel base, then the “Emergency” cabinets, then the message centers, and finally the top identity cabinets with the LED-illuminated channel letters and logo. White vinyl was applied to the acrylic-face of the channel letters, signshop.com
and they were populated with Qwik Mod 3 LEDs from Principal LED. “We wanted a lot of texture and depth with this sign, which is why we incorporated dimensional logos into the design,” says Gamber. Luminous used their Altec LS63 telescopic bucket truck units to set the pieces into place, while everything was bolted onto the stringers. The installation process covered three days over a one-week period and was broken down into two phases. “The first day involved removing the existing directional signs, leveling the ground, and setting up the steel support poles and attaching the stringers to them,” says Gamber. “A few days later, we brought in three crane trucks operating at once to install the sign panels
over two days. Two cranes were used for hanging the signs and the other was for guiding everything around the sides and the bolting process.” Joe Ontjes, president of Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems, says the digital signs are a great idea since the hospital has a lot going on around campus. “They make very good use of their content opportunity,” he says. “They communicate everything from flu shot availability to physician announcements to their partnership with nearby Wichita State University.” Wesley Medical told Luminous they wanted to include text and other graphics for their content. “Given the field test and viewing distances for the traffic from Continued on page 22
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Continued from page 19 the nearby intersection, we determined the best value proposition for these three faces and the best combination of pricing and resolution would be 12mm,” says Ontjes. Burchill is thrilled with the clarity featured on the sign displays. “We can see the sign from a large distance, which
is important because of the amount of traffic we have there and the businesses around the facility,” she says. Ontjes says that, in addition to the 12mm resolution, Watchfire’s OPx2 software was another big selling point, as it allows the hospital to professionally program and import graphics from their marketing department. “We provide
some consultation to them, whenever necessary,” he says, “but they have a staff that prepares the content and creates a schedule to automate the rotation on the three displays.” The hospital is using the message centers to broadcast health reminders, such as the importance of getting annual flu shots, as well as classes and programs available at the hospital. Using an RSS feed, wait times for the ER also appear on the message center. “The technology is far greater than the technology we’ve used in the past for updating digital boards,” says Burchill. “It’s very user friendly. We can change content daily, and we can do it on multiple boards at the same time. We actually have three digital boards that are built with that same-story capability that rotate across all three displays. “Having the flexibility to run informative messages at certain times of the day really helps us to get important news out to the community.” Shortly after turning on their new sign, Wesley Medical learned how important this flexibility would be. The city of Wichita had to close the entrance to the ER to perform infrastructure work, so cars needed to be re-routed. The medical center’s staff was able to quickly remove all displayed messages from the message center and replace them with a directional message to the ER’s alternate entrance. The three-sided message center monument sign has been in place for about a year now. It has become such a popular landmark already that the hospital even features it in marketing campaigns. Everything in the end (and out in the field) came together seamlessly. “A job of this size, when assembled in a modular fashion, usually requires some field work,” says Ontjes. “So the install crews would be doing things to make it fit right. But there was very little of that required here, which speaks to the quality of the design and the precision and fabrication that took place at the shop. “It turned out beautifully, and I’m proud of our team.” Note: Portions of this article appeared in a previously written case study.
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SIGN BUILDER
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lighting By LORI SHRIDHARE
Navigating T
he signs that lit up the restaurants and motels of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s may not retain their neon anymore, but for one sign company, the allure and captivating quality of these iconic signs has managed to propel them into the future of LED technology. Based in Watertown, South Dakota, Stein Sign Display (steinsigndisplay.com) has quite a history. The company was founded in 1952 during the heyday of geometric, pylon neon motel signage. 24
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“The original name of the company was Hi-Way Sign Company, largely because it was then located on Highway 212 which became a prime location for billboards during that period. In fact, the company worked on many billboards at locations across the state then,” says Stuart Stein, the current general manager who is also part of the third generation of this family-owned company. (Note: Clint Stein began the business after he served in the Air Force during World War II. In 1972, the company name was
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changed to Stein Sign Display.) Many of the company’s ornamental neon signs were designed by John Wilson, an artist who worked for Stein Sign Display during the 1950s through the 1980s and later went on to win the 1982 Federal Duck Stamp Award. (Note: This program was created in 1934 by the federal government to sell wildfowl hunting passes that would also bring in much-needed revenue to conserve wildlife habitats.) “The designs of the signs would sell themselves,” says Stuart. “Through prosignshop.com
Photo (Top): Cipher Imaging.
Through the Channels
Photos (Right): Stein Sign Display.
Signs that “sell themselves.”
viding a quality product and dependable service, Stein Sign Display has been blessed with numerous repeat and loyal customers throughout the years.” Today Stein Sign Display still offers neon signage and service, but their focus has shifted to LED, which lights 95 percent of their signs. And what artists did fifty years ago by hand can now be achieved partially with digital technology. The company currently uses Adobe Illustrator and SAi Flexi sign-making software to develop their creations and share these designs with their customers before proceeding with the build process. “Technology has made it easier and quicker to communicate with customsignshop.com
ers,” says Stuart. “For example, a customer can text a picture of their building to us, and within a day, we can have our designers highlight what their sign would look like on their building.” About 60 percent of the company’s work is dedicated to manufacturing signage products and providing installation services, while roughly 40 percent of their business is dedicated to service and advertising. Among the many products and services they provide and install are custom frames and cabinets, sign face decoration, front- and reverse-lit channel letters, neon, individual cut-out letters, vehicle and window graphics, and static and digital billboard advertising. Their primary target market is roughly within 200 miles of Watertown, which covers eastern South Dakota, southern North Dakota, and western Minnesota. Their clientele include municipalities, gas stations, hospitals, and partnerships with national/brand-specific sign companies. In addition to Stein Sign Display, three other divisions of the company include ESCO, Elite Signs & Graphix, and Buy Direct Signs. Approximately 120 employees work at their two facilities in Watertown and Webster. LED retrofits are proving to be very popular these days. When it comes to replacing neon with LED modules, Stuart has noticed improvements with channel letter designs—citing these types of signs appeal across the board as well as being one of their fastest growing offerings. “By utilizing LEDs instead of neon, the stroke of the letter can be narrower, which allows for added flexibility when it comes to creating custom shapes and
sizes,” he says. Although Stuart has not noticed a specific client or market in particular that has shown a marked increase in neon-to-LED retrofit requests, he has identified those who are the most interested in this conversion are usually the ones that have experienced a lot of service calls at their location because they have a large sign with many lamps and ballasts. “Long-term the minimal maintenance and savings on service calls has been the largest motivator for LED retrofits of signs and channel letters,” he says. When a client comes to Stein Sign Display asking about an LED retrofit, they will sit down with them to get a general idea of the size of the cabinet or channel letters. The company does this in order to properly quote the number of LEDs and power supplies that will be required. “Another factor we consider is how far away from the face the LEDs will be situated,” says Stuart. “We take the depth of the return into consideration to make sure that the type of LEDs we are using will disperse the correct amount and angle of light. The stroke width also plays a part because the larger the stroke then the more likely multiple rows of LEDs will be needed to achieve proper light output. “We also ask about the color and type of material on the sign or channel letter face to determine the best output of light.” Ninety percent of the time, the company will utilize white LEDs for the retrofit to retain the desired look of the sign at night. “Using colored LEDs can
Stein Sign Display has found that improvements in channel letter designs (particularly when it comes to stroke widths) are leading clients more toward LED in their illumination. November 2018
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USSCF Board Funds New Study on Freestanding Sign Height The USSC Foundation Board of Directors has funded a new research study intended to investigate freestanding sign height from the perspective of sign legibility and traffic safety. This new USSCF sign study will be entitled The Effect of Mounting Height on On-Premise Sign Visibility and Traffic Safety. The Foundation has retained the services of Philip Garvey of Penn State University to complete the research, expected Fall 2018. Previously the USSC Foundation examined minimum freestanding sign height via a Penn State study in 2003. That research demonstrated that low-mounted signs (six feet-zero inches tall and under) are harder for motorists to see because the view of
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low-mounted signs is blocked a high percentage of the time, particularly on busy roadways and four-lane roadways. The study found that lowmounted signs may be inappropriate, from a traffic safety standpoint on these roadways. The new 2018 USSCF study will support the establishment of USSC Foundation On-Premise Guideline Standards for Sign Mounting Height Standards and answer the question: If six feet-and-zero inches is too low, what is the appropriate height for freestanding signs in terms of sign visibility and legibility? The objective will be to create standards and/or metrics for the establishment of recommended freestanding sign height.
Sign height, or more specifically on-premise freestanding sign mounting height, is a design characteristic generally viewed to fall within the power of local governments to control via contentneutral time, place, and manner regulations. Concerns have been raised when municipalities appear to treat sign mounting height as an aesthetic issue and, in turn, fail to pay attention to the visibility and traffic safety implications of lower-mounted signs. Prohibiting taller signs on roadways where they may be needed from a sign visibility and legibility perspective can have consequences for a motorist’s ability to see and read a sign. For the past twenty-plus years or more, some regulators have decided that low-mounted signs are preferable (“we like this appearance aesthetically”); fit within the landscape and don’t shout-out (translation: “they are less visible, good!”), and bring the signs down to a human scale (assuming people are riding on horses). When the idea of lowmounted signs is questioned, the response is usually something to this effect, “Well towns like Hilton Head and Scottsdale are doing just fine with low-mounted signs.” The new USSC Foundation research will provide information to both sign companies, sign owners, and sign regulators.
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Stein Sign Display has come a long way with illuminated sign design ever since they opened their doors back in 1952. Here is an example of one of their early signs.
be very effective though,” says Stuart, citing red LEDs for red acrylic faces as a good example. At the beginning of the retrofit process, after the neon has been removed, Stein Sign Display will thoroughly clean the inside of the channel letter so that the adhesive on the back of the LEDs
Many of their ornamental neon signs were designed by John Wilson.
will stick properly. “Missing the step may cause the LEDs to not line up properly, and this causes hot spots or an uneven distribution of light,” says Stuart. Meanwhile the company attends most major tradeshows and stays actively engaged with the latest technologies. “As the saying goes, ‘If you’re not
moving forward, you’re going backwards,’” says Stuart. They also incorporate lean enterprise practices and employ them as a team on a monthly basis. “Identifying costs that aren’t providing value to our customer is a key component to our success,” says Stuart.
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Photos: Stein Sign Display.
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wayfinding By JEFF WOOTEN
A Worthy Cause
T
he SPCA for Monterey County in California rescues, rehabilitates, comforts, and heals animals. They also perform wildlife releases with owls, bobcats, and eagles. This non-profit organization not only provides adoption, animal sheltering, and many vital services in their area, but they are also very pro-active across the country. They were instrumental in helping rescue dogs from former NFL player Michael Vick, and they helped rescue pets after Hurricane Katrina thirteen years ago and Hurricane Irma in Florida last year. During their cross-country travels, Board members studied the other 28
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SPCAs and realized that their facilities needed modernizing, which also meant updating wayfinding signage. The SPCA for Monterey County had been using simple wood signs-on-wood posts for years, similar to the plain, nononsense style on a military base. They needed new signage that would complement the more up-to-date, animalfriendly architecture of the new buildings they were planning to construct, as well as the surrounding scenery. For those who know her, it should be no surprise that Merry Trucksis would be awarded the opportunity to design effective wayfinding signage for this property’s new construction.
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Merry is a long-time sign-maker who firmly believes that all creatures great and small should be treated with kindness and respect. Ever since she moved to the area twenty-nine years ago, Merry has volunteered at this SPCA on weekends. Merry grew up in the textiles industry. Her father worked his way up from mopping floors at a textile company in Chicago to eventually becoming their vice president of sales. He taught Merry everything about fabrics, flags, and vinyl banners. After her father passed away two years after starting Trucksis Enterprises, Inc., Merry was at a crossroads in her early twenties. Seeing the large turnout at her father’s funeral, Merry couldn’t let her signshop.com
All Phtoos: Trucksis Enterprises, Inc.
Finding one’s way at the SPCA for Monterey County.
father’s name be forgotten, so she took over the business. “Everybody was really patient and kind, as I figured things out,” she laughs. (Note: Patience will be a recurring theme throughout this story.) She eventually moved to Monterey County, specializing in flag production, but eventually evolving into a one-stop sign shop due to area customers’ needs. For this SPCA project, Merry envisioned designs that would not only incorporate the heart of the client but also the harmony within the surrounding mountain environment. While volunteering, Merry would also scope out the construction site, which at the time resembled Fred Flintstone’s quarry. She became a reverse-Dr. Dolittle—instead of talking to the animals, Merry needed to talk to the designers and architects behind the new construction, Animal Art (the number-one company that designs shelters across the U.S.). “Some of the things that came up when properties were being excavated and buildings erected was that there were many times when you’re just looking at plans on paper,” says Merry. “So I had to call them to find out how this was going to play out in three dimensions. That was integral.” When it comes to wayfinding signage, Merry identifies three elements before crafting visions in her head: (1) the physical environment and its weather conditions; (2) the surrounding architecture and landscaping; and (3) the facility type. “Any facility that a person is going to in high emotion needs dumbed-down signage. This could be the SPCA, a hospital, or a doctors park,” she says. “Design and copy has to be clear and calm because people are running on emotion in these environments.” Since the new on-property signage was going to feature dimensional letters and logos, leading her to consider extreme weather and other human-involved conditions, Merry selected onemold lightweight foam coated with PolyArmor from Peachtree City Foamcraft. She was impressed with their designand-build knowledge and charity work. “I thanked them for paying it forward to people,” she says. signshop.com
She also realized that they were going to be in a construction zone for a long time. “The Foamcraft material won’t break if a car hits it as thirty-five miles per hour,” says Merry, “which was perfect here, since I didn’t want to see a construction truck back into something and break it.”
merry’s designs incorporated the heart of the client with the harmony of the surrounding environment. After reviewing the architect’s interior and exterior designs for the building, Merry arrived at three color schemes for the eight different signs—dark green, coral orange, and charcoal gray. The dark green has been featured in the SPCA’s logo since their founding back in 1905. It’s also the color of the exposed pipes that run along the interior walls to the special, energy-efficient roofline that softens the sounds of
heavy rains (so as to not scare any animals inside). The coral orange matches the roofline of the new SPCA building, while Merry used charcoal gray for the sign bases to brand the architecture with the surrounding nature. Merry ended up devising four different wayfinding design ideas—over the course of four years! (Note: We told you that patience was going to be a virtue here.) The first idea Merry developed was a cross between Western and Europeanstyle signage, which would feature a circle floating above a square. It would also be rustic looking, to complement the nearby mountains. Merry thought she would have the first design ready to go and ready to order with Peachtree, though in reality, it took a few years for the entire Board of Directors to finally agree on a modern-style design with rustic elements, amongst the many requests for alterations. Merry credits Peachtree City Foamcraft for their patience. “They never treated me like, ‘Will she ever place an order?’” she says. “And at the end of the day, I still had that floating circle…and I loved that floating circle!” Peachtree City Foamcraft built and painted the sign panels, bases, letters, and logos out of Foamcraft straight from Merry’s drawings, specs, and colors. (And, yes, the floating circle was achieved
Wayfinding should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
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The color schemes used complement the surrounding environment.
through a bolting system.) All the signs were then shipped in one piece straight to the installer, San Jose Construction. Installation was easy. A week in advance, Merry and her crew arrived with an auger, dug the hole, put the sleeves in, and cemented it in. “We inserted a pipe
NEW
in the inside of the sleeve, which joined the pipe,” she says. “There’s a hole inside the Poly-Armor with a reinforced wall that mat slides it over two toothpick pipes. It’s similar to rebar, which means that if a truck backs into it, it would just bend the rebar and not break the sign.”
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Merry is excited to see the signage on the property. “I say to my clients, ‘If you don’t look good, then I didn’t do my job,’” she says. “There’s always that drive behind every client, but this one was close to my heart since it was the SPCA for Monterey County.”
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November 2018
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PAINTS
By JIM HINGST
Meet Up About
Paints & Gilding All Photos: Jim Hingst.
Letterhead Geezers gather again in northwest Minnesota.
F
rom August 3-5, Butch “Superfrog” Anton and his wife Sandy hosted their third annual Letterhead Geezer Gathering at their home in Lake Park, Minnesota. Along with educational seminars, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy the pleasant weather in the scenic Detroit Lakes vacationland of northwest Minnesota. signshop.com
The 2018 Geezer Gathering featured seminars on carving, glass gilding, and lettering and pinstriping. Barbara Schilling from Anoka, Minnesota conducted the glass gilding class. Her demonstration included producing a two-tone gilded glass panel. In her class, Schilling described her gilder’s checklist and cheat sheet that
she uses. “Most sign makers don’t do glass gilding regularly,” she said. “There are very specific steps that you must follow to perform a job correctly. “So that I don’t forget any of these critical steps, I have developed a cheat sheet for myself outlining the procedure.” Schilling also explained, “Before setting out on a new job, make sure that
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Host Butch Anton primes an HDU carving of a macaw parrot.
you have all the tools and materials that you need. If you forgot something back at the shop after arriving at the site, you are usually out of luck.” Schilling pointed out that much of the equipment and supplies needed for gold leaf work is very specialized. For example, you can’t run down to local 7-Eleven or Ace Hardware® and pick up a gilder’s tip or gold leaf size. During her gold leaf seminar, in addition to displaying several finished panels for the attendees, Schilling described several different techniques that you can use to create a two-tone gild. “One way to create a two-tone effect is to use two colors of gold leaf, such as combining 18-karat Lemon Gold with 23 karat gold leaf,” Shilling said. “And that’s not the only way to create a faux effect in glass gilding. You can also gild part of the job with water size to produce a mirror finish and gild other parts using an oil size to create a matte finish.” Some of the other interesting effects that Schilling explained included gilding on chipped glass. She described how you can also create an interesting texture mixing equal parts of Dammar Varnish, Quick Rubbing Varnish, and Res-n-gel. “After applying the mixture on glass, you can swirl it using the end of a lettering brush handle,” said Schilling. “After the scrolled texture hardens, you can gild over it, which creates an interesting effect.” 32
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Host Butch Anton and Mark Ripley, owner of Ripley’s Ol Skool Pinstriping in Olathe, Kansas, devoted much of their time instructing the future sign painters in attendance on how to hand letter and pinstripe. In addition to explaining painting techniques, the two “geezers” tutored
working with urethanes is a lot different than working with lettering enamels because the chemistries of the two paints are different. others on job layout, tools of the trade, brush care, and color selection. Anton emphasized the importance of practicing the fundamental skills and being able to learn from your mistakes. “Everyone makes mistakes,” he explained. “The key is to understand what
November 2018
caused a failure. That is what we call a ‘learning experience.’ “You should never let a mistake discourage you from trying new products or new techniques. You should always be willing to discover what you can and cannot do with products.” After conducting a training session on the basics of pinstriping, Mark Ripley began pinstriping a 1935 two-door Ford® sedan (pictured, page 31). “Pinstriping on panels is good practice,” Ripley said. “The real test is when you actually pinstripe a car. That’s when the rubber hits the road.” In pinstriping the Ford, Ripley used Du Pont Hot Hues urethane paint. As part of his demonstration, he explained how to properly prep a vehicle surface and layout the job. He also showed the procedure he uses to mix and match a color. In this particular case, Mark had to match the green, which was painted on the wheel hubs— not an easy task. “Working with urethanes is a lot different than working with lettering enamels because the chemistries of the two paints are completely different,” says Ripley. “With urethanes, you always need a hardener. The advantage is that finished product is much more durable than lettering enamel.” Maris Shilling and Anton also provided attendees with instruction on carving both incised and raised lettering signshop.com
in high-density urethane (HDU) panels. In teaching carving, they explained the tools needed, job layout, and priming and painting carved HDU. Coastal Enterprises, manufacturer of Precision Board™ HDU signboards, provided materials for the attendees of the gathering to use. “What I like about the Precision Board materials is that they have a complete system of products matched for compatibility,” said Anton. The Precision Board product line includes an assortment of different densities of HDU along with adhesives, texturing materials, primers, and paints that are compatible with the signboard. “The people at Coastal Enterprises are also very responsive,” said Anton. “When you have questions, they get back to you right away with answers you can depend on.” In addition to Precision Board, other vendors who helped sponsor the Geezer Gathering included Ronan Paint, Rapid Tac, and DuPont. These generous com-
Mark Ripley teaching pinstriping.
panies provided samples of their products for the attendees to use during this year’s event. As the gathering was wrapping up, Anton captained his pontoon boat and treat-
ed attendees to a tour of Big Cormorant Lake, which adjoins his three-acre estate. The maritime excursion capped off what proved to be an enjoyable, informative three-day get together.
SHOP SIGNAGE ALL THINGS
Need materials, equipment, or to outsource a process? Head to our Marketplace Section in the back of the book fb.com/SBIMag
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SIGN BUILDER
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November 2018
Sign Builder Illustrated
33
Feature CNC ROUTERS Name By ASHLEY AuthorBRAY
Purchasing
T
he end of the year is almost here, and your shop may be thinking of new equipment purchases either as a way to capitalize on some last-minute tax benefits or as a forward-looking plan for 2019’s budget. One of the big equipment purchases shops consider is a CNC router. This computer-controlled cutting machine that can handle all types of materials including wood, metals, and plastics. Purpose & Price “The purpose of adding a CNC router to [a sign shop’s] equipment arsenal is to expand business capabilities,” says Roy Valentine, president of Techno CNC Systems. “Many sign shops farm out the CNC router work to other companies until they see the financial benefit of adding a machine. Not only does this bring the work in-house, giving owners more control over their production and deliveries, but it saves
34
Sign Builder Illustrated
them the money on the outsourced work.” A CNC router is a major expense to consider and naturally the price tag will be one of the primary concerns, but shops should be careful not to “cheap out.” “[Buying cheap] is strictly a short-term financial decision that may be more costly in the long run,” says Greg Jenkins, vice president of Sales for AXYZ International. “The downside to this decision may be lower performance, less reliability, and the limited availability of parts.” Valentine agrees, “Buying the cheapest machine often ends in frustration as the machines are usually ill-equipped for the intended applications. Sign shops need accurate, high-quality edge finish.” Fortunately many router manufacturers offer leasing and/or financing options as a way to help sign shops afford machines. “[Low] monthly payments are a practical way for small shops to attain big pieces of equipment,” says Valentine. “Also a
November 2018
CNC router typically costs a fraction of a full-time employee and doesn’t take time off or require insurance and benefits.” Sign shops can also look into tax benefits, such as the Section 179 Deduction, which essentially allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. Shops should always consult with an accountant for full details and limitations on any deductions. Nuts & Bolts When choosing a CNC router, sign companies should look for a versatile machine with a variety of cutting tools and the flexibility to cut multiple materials. Shops should carefully consider the bed size of the router as well, to be sure the processing area fits their shop’s needs; remember too much capacity can be just as detrimental as too little. signshop.com
Photos: (top): Dave Forrest; (opposite) Marnie Blair.
POWER
Considerations when it comes to buying a CNC router.
“Buying too large of a machine with more capacity than needed is not costeffective nor is the purchase of a router that turns out to have less-than-needed capacity. Buyers should seek expert advice,” says Jenkins. Aside from the machine itself, sign shops shouldn’t shy away from the cost of adding on the right accessories. “A router can play a huge part in a company’s growth,” says Jenkins. “Insist on factoryemployed expertise to determine the right accessories and options for the business and its applications.” Valentine says that shops shouldn’t purchase a machine just for today—but with the future growth of their company in mind. “Adding a few miscellaneous accessories does not increase the price dramatically,” he says, “but, if added at a later date, can add significant cost because of installation fees.” Planning for the future is important, but no one holds a crystal ball. If new technology is developed or your shop requires a new tooling accessory, your machine must keep pace with your changing needs. “A router should be capable of evolving with advances in technology,” says Jenkins. “Insist on a supplier that can retrofit and upgrade operating systems and software on a regular basis. They usually manufacture their own routers and software without any third-party involvement.”
dations on placement. “CNC router suppliers will provide floor plans of their machines based on the process size and recommend floor space requirements based on production workload,” says Valentine. According to AXYZ, these site requirements will usually also include footprint, electrical, and air requirements. Air requirements sometimes include ventilation. “Ventilation is required for keeping control systems cool, but there also needs to be enough room for ancillary equipment such as extraction systems and vacuum pumps or blowers,” says Marshall. “Sometimes these can be sited in an adjacent room to reduce sound pollution.” Extraction systems are important because CNC routers can generate a lot of dust and debris. “This will be minimized by the use of a correctly specified and setup extraction system,” says Marshall. “A router is an industrial machine, and so even with good extraction, it is advisable to keep it well away from printers and any other delicate equipment.” It’s ideal to install a CNC router in its own room away from sensitive equipment like digital printers, “CNC routers produce dust that can settle on the printer heads causing operational difficulties and quality issues,” says Valentine.
Return on Investment & Upkeep “A router that is a productive workhorse used to its maximum capacity will pay for itself over time,” says Jenkins. Techno CNC Systems says most customers get an ROI on their machines in six to twelve months. To keep the router busy, Valentine recommends networking with other production shops (woodworking, point of purchase, general fabricators, etc.). Sign shops that may have once outsourced CNC work are now in the position to take on work as additional revenue. “Depending on the complexity of the router work, the machine can be billed out at $150- $350/hour,” says Valentine. A profitable machine is also one kept in good running order. Always check the user manual or with the manufacturer for any recommended maintenance and cleaning. Still it’s a matter of when, not if, a machine goes down. “Downtime is expensive and unacceptable for either the company or its customers,” says Jenkins. “Much of it can be attributed to time-consuming delays in securing needed parts. “Router purchasers need to look for a supplier that operates its own online shop capable of providing spare parts preferably by the next day.”
Planning & Placement After choosing a CNC router, its placement in the shop is very important. “Space required will depend on the machine size,” says Robert Marshall, vice president of Market Development for AXYZ International. “All machines will need space around them or at least space on two sides to allow for loading and unloading. A machine that is five- or six-foot wide will need at least the same amount of space on one side for safe access. “It’s OK to place the machine against a wall on one or two sides but make sure that there is enough space for service and maintenance access. The amount of free space around the machine will also be determined by any safety systems such as light beams, mats, or fencing.” Manufacturers will typically provide customers with plans and recommensignshop.com
November 2018
Sign Builder Illustrated
35
A Sign of Things to Come
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Augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing are probably not new terms to you. If they deliver on their promise, then such technologies are set to unleash opportunities across a host of applications in a wide array of industry sectors. This includes those operating at the sharp-end of the large format/sign and display sector. With 3D printing, hardware introductions designed specifically for visual communication applications already make this technology accessible. For AR and AI, each market is predicted to grow by $30 billion and nearly $60 billion, respectively, by 2025. Clearly, these are not to be ignored. Granted, AR and AI may still have some way to go before sign and display users can quantify the opportunity in the same way as 3D printing, but we’re not light years away. From SAi’s perspective, we like to think we’re ahead of the curve in exploring ways in which such emerging technologies can benefit customers. In the case of AR, sign providers could superimpose computergenerated images onto a user’s view of the real world. For example, projecting a customer’s banner onto the side of a building could improve customer interaction and even secure go-ahead for projects faster. This could get jobs out the door quicker and lead to increased production throughput and profits. AI, “intelligence demonstrated by machines,” could enable sign companies to rapidly process enormous amounts of data to determine, for example, the best color, dimension, and font style for a more efficient design process. —Michelle Johnson, Marketing Manager at SAi
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November 2018
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Sign Builder Illustrated
November 2018
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InfoDirect
Your Direct Source for Sign Information Receive vital product and service information from manufacturers and distributors by visiting www.signshop.com/infodirect
COMPANY
URL
1
4over
www.4over.com
C3
2
Brooklyn Hardware
www.panelclips.com
37
3
Coastal Enterprises/Precision Board
www.PrecisionBoard.com
37
4
Duxbury Systems Inc.
www.duxburysystems.com
37
5
Echod Graphics
www.EchodGraphics.com
38
6
J. Freeman Inc.
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22
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JDS Industries
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Keystone Technologies
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5
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Lidco
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37
10
Nova Polymers
www.novapolymers.com/equipment
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Orbus
www.orbus.com
37
12
Orbus
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Ornamental Post Panel & Traffic
www.ornamentalpost.com
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14
SDS Automation
www.channelbender.com
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ShopBot Tools
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Sign America Inc.
www.signamericainc.com
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Signs365.com
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C4
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Sinalite
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Small Balls Inc.
www.brailleballs.com
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Southern Stud Weld
www.studweld.com
26
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Stamm Manufacturing
www.stamm-mfg.com
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Stamm Manufacturing
www.stamm-mfg.com
21
23
Techno CNC
www.technocnc.com
30
24
TRC Electronics
www.trcelectronics.com/HVGC-650
7
25
USSCF
www.usscfoundation.org
11
InfoDirect #
PAGE
3
1
COMPANIES IN SIGN SHOW 26
3A Composites USA
www.3AcompositesUSA.com
13
27
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
www.usa.canon.com
12
28
Keystone Technologies
www.KeystoneTech.com
12
29
Mactac
www.mactac.com
13
30
Matthews Paint
www.MatthewsPaint.com
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31
Plaskolite LLC
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12
3 EASY
STEPS
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1. Go to our website at, signshop.com
2. Click on our InfoDirect box on the website November 2018
3. Request info about advertisers & products
Sign Builder Illustrated
39
Shop Talk By DAVID HICKEY
No More Crying Wolf!
OSHA’s Crane Operation Certification is coming.
F
or years, ISA has tried to help prepare the sign, graphics, and visual communications industry to meet the deadlines for OSHAmandated crane operator certification. This rule is expected to have wide-ranging effect on the sign, graphics, and visual communications industry, whether you operate a crane or not. OSHA has continued to delay the effective date of this rule. OSHA first published this rule in 2010 (three presidential terms ago). It was due to take effect in 2014 but was delayed until 2017. Last year, it was delayed again, with implementation due to take effect this November 10. The deadline is approaching. Your natural inclination might be to tune out, believing that yet another delay will happen. If I could, I would reach through the page, grab you by the collar, and say, “This time looks to be different.”
Here’s why: With every previous delay, there were indications that a delay might occur. In both previous delays, a federal advisory committee that deals with construction safety had raised specific and obvious issues about the proposed rule. All of this was done publicly, allowing regulatory watchers to get an indication that this might occur. That committee has not met in more than a year. Federal notices of potential changes were published last summer, again giving some indication that a delay might occur in 2017. Nothing has been published in the current regulatory agenda. Obviously Congress could act swiftly to delay the rule. But with midterm elections this month, we believe their time will be spent back in their districts campaigning—not in Washington trying to quickly pass a new law to delay or remove mobile crane operator certification mandates. The best course of action is to prepare
Sign Builder Illustrated (Print ISSN 895-0555, Digital ISSN 2161-4709) (USPS#0015805) (Canada Post Cust. #7204564; Agreement #40612608; IMEX Po Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada) is published monthly by Simmons-Boardman Publ. Corp, 55 Broad St. 26th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and Additional mailing offices.
Prices are subject to change.
Pricing, Qualified individual working in the sign industry may request a free subscription. Non-qualified subscriptions Print version, Digital version, Both Print & Digital versions: 1 year US/Canada/Mexico $50.00; foreign $99.00. Single Copies are $15.00 ea. Subscriptions must be paid for in U.S. funds only.
For Subscriptions, & address changes, Please call (US Only) 1-800-553-8878 (CANADA/INTL) 1-319-364-6167, Fax 1-319-364-4278, e-mail signbuilder@ stamats.com, or write to: Sign Builder Illustrated, Simmons-Boardman Publ. Corp, PO Box 1407, Cedar Rapids, IA. 52406-1407.
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Sign Builder Illustrated
COPYRIGHT © Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation 2018. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without permission. For reprint information, contact: Arthur Sutley, Publisher (212) 620-7247 or asutley@sbpub.com
November 2018
for this rule to take effect November 10. That might mean scrambling. But if your crane operators are not certified, you could face hefty fines should an inspector appear. You might lose business as general contractors ask to see certification. And if there is an accident, you could be considered negligent. One of the key issues that was cleaned up in the 2017 delay was language related to who is responsible for the certification. That falls to the employer—even if you lease cranes. If your employees are on a jobsite with a crane, you may have responsibilities—even if none of your work involves operating the crane. Already, sixteen states and seven cities require crane operators to be licensed. If you work in one of these locales, you might still need to ensure that some of the other requirements—such as training for workers near the equipment—are met. OSHA rules say that in places where licensing is not required, crane operators must be certified. The underpinnings of the OSHAmandated crane operator certification— ensuring a safe job site—is something we all can agree on. And yes, it is somewhat frustrating that this rule has had so many starts and stops. But the time is now, and the clock is ticking. November 10 is on its way. The big question is: Are you ready?
Without certification, your company will be limited in operating cranes after Nov. 10.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sign Builder Illustrated, PO Box 1407, Cedar Rapids, IA. 52406-1407. Instructional information provided in this magazine should only be performed by skilled crafts people with the proper equipment. The publisher and authors of information provided herein advise all readers to exercise care when engaging in any of the how-to-activities published in the magazine. Further, the publisher and authors assume no liability for damages or injuries resulting from projects contained herein.
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Photo: Altec.
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