A little while back we discussed bold and beautiful neon signs. One of neon’s key benefits is its historical significance and how its iconic style can be used to influence a viewer’s perception of a business. Today, we’re turning our gaze to a very different, but equally memorable, sign type – wood signs.
Wood signs, unsurprisingly, have been around for a long time. However, the technology used to create these pieces of art have changed remarkably. While artisans continue to hand carve wood, laser engraving and CNC machines are also used by sign makers to help make your design a reality. Letters and graphics can be engraved, embossed, distressed, painted or left bare. You also have a variety of wood types and finishes to choose from, to find the perfect look.
Finished signs are sealed against the elements and last a long time with few maintenance requirements. No bulbs to replace. No metal to rust. If your wood sign is for outdoor use, it should last a couple years before it needs a paint touch-up.
Along with their natural charm, wood signs have a lot of design versatility. Sure, they can be rustic. They can also be elegant, modern, charming and bold. A number of business types – including beautiful mountain resorts, busy downtown restaurants and neighbourhood shops – use wood signs effectively to attract customers.
What are the benefits of wood signs?
Creates an established presence. When you think of trees, sturdiness and timelessness are words that often come to mind. Wood signs, due to the material they are made from, hold similar connotations. It’s an affordable way to demonstrate that your business has been around for a long time or plans to last.
For example, if you wanted your sign to include when your business was established, having a wood sign can give the date more weight. The sign, (or business!), could have been created yesterday, but visually it looks like its an original fixture of the building.
Shows down-home appeal. While neon or LED signs are also made by highly trained professionals, it’s much easier to see the craftsmanship of wood signs. Like custom chalk art on a sandwich board, it’s a personal and handmade touch that your customer will appreciate.
There’s a natural connection. The warmth inherent in wood helps create a welcoming and relaxing space for your customer. It’s no coincidence why signs at mountain resorts and yoga retreats are often wood signs. Wood signs complement nature. They remain visually interesting without removing the viewer from the setting’s atmosphere.
Not just for corporate. Indoors or outdoors. Big or small. Wood signs aren’t just ideal for companies; they can be used for many purposes. For instance, they work just as well as custom directional signage, guiding walkers on a garden path, or as décor for the home, serving as a dining room conversation piece.
Want to learn more about the potential of a wood sign for your business? Give us here at Topmade a call. We have the equipment and expertise to bring your design to life.
Added on 28 January 2016
By TopMade
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Vinyl signs and graphics prove that you don’t always need bright lights for your sign to stand out and get your customers’ attention. It is its versatility and affordability that makes vinyl a powerful advertising tool for your business.
What are the benefits of vinyl signs and graphics?
Maximize your advertising space. Other sign types can have limitations regarding where they can be hung due to framework or power needs. In comparison, vinyl can be adhered to many different surfaces, including doors and windows. Vinyl signs and graphics can also be designed to fit spaces that are large, small, curved or angular as long as the surface is relatively smooth.
You have probably noticed many kinds of vinyl advertisements on your daily commute. For instance, on stair risers at the train station or emblazoned on the side of passing cars. Vinyl signs allow you to take your company’s message to areas that cannot be reached by a fixed LED or neon sign.
Showcase engaging graphics that elevate your brand’s personality. Custom designs and photos can be printed directly onto high quality vinyl at a number of sizes. If your business has a physical storefront, vinyl graphics can be used to build ambiance or complement your brand’s message.
For example, if you run an outdoor sporting goods company, you could:
- Install a vinyl wall mural of a majestic nature scene. This helps your customers imagine your products in proper context.
- Display a meaningful quote. This can inspire your customer’s sense of adventure as they shop.
- Augment your display. Help draw the eye of pedestrians to your window or store display with the subtle addition of graphics or directional cues.
Create temporary and affordable advertising. Have a seasonal sale coming up? The creation of box signs or banners can be a substantial investment and take time. Vinyl signs and graphics can be installed and removed quickly and easily, won’t damage the surface of your wall or window, and will be easier on your budget. This makes it an excellent choice for long-term use and for short-term business events.
Choose from a variety of options. There are many types and colors of vinyl available that can be used inside and outside. For instance, vinyl for outdoor use is resistant to bad weather and vinyl for floor use is slip-resistant. And, in general, vinyl is simple to clean and maintain.
For more information on vinyl types and design ideas, give us here at Topmade a call. We offer expert signage consulting to help you decide what option is best for you.
Added on 18 January 2016
By TopMade
1 Comments
As a business owner, you have to think long term in order to achieve your targets and stay on budget. When it comes to choosing your sign, the same rules apply. That’s why signs using LED (light-emitting diode) lighting are becoming increasingly popular. Because business owners realize that LED-lit signs look sharp and boast energy efficient technology.
LED-lit signs are characterized by a clear, even and bright light. They can be used outdoors, as they offer great visibility for changing weather conditions, and indoors, as they give off less heat than other light sources. Overall, they are easy to install, maintain and clean.
LEDs have been around since the 1960’s. However, it wasn’t until the invention of the blue LED in the 1990s, that the white LEDs that we use today became a possibility. For a quick explanation on why this discovery was so significant, check out this video on “How Blue LED Lights Changed the World!” by Discovery News.
What are the benefits of LED signs?
Energy efficiency. Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a filament. Compact fluorescent bulbs create light through heating a gas. During these processes, a lot of energy is wasted through the heat that the bulb gives off. In comparison, light in an LED is generated more directly by electrons moving through a semiconductor material. This means that LEDs can produce light with significantly less energy.
Longevity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs can last 25x longer than traditional light bulbs. Why are they so long lasting? With traditional bulbs, a filament can burn out or gas might evaporate over time. With neon lights, a tube might break and need to be replaced. In comparison, LED bulbs are sturdy and encased in plastic.
Environmentally friendly. Because they use less power and they don’t need to be replaced as often, LEDs can reduce your business’s energy use. But the gains don’t stop there. LEDs don’t contain mercury so, when a light is replaced, disposing of the materials has less of an impact on the environment. From a sign-making standpoint, the small size of an LED translates to design flexibility for the customer. For instance, designs can be thinner and require fewer materials.
Aren’t LEDs more expensive upfront compared to traditional light bulbs? As LED technology, and its production process, continues improving, the initial cost keeps decreasing. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy noted a price decrease of around 40% in the 60-watt equivalent LED bulb between 2011 and 2012. In addition, this difference in cost is recuperated and surpassed over time through energy and maintenance cost savings.
Do you have a question about LED-lit signs? Are you curious if an LED retro-fit of your sign is right for your business? Give us here at Topmade a call, we offer expert signage consulting to help you decide what kind of sign is right for you.
