Which is Better for Backlit Signs: Cast or Calendered? Vinyl manufacturers, such as 3M™ and Arlon, produce a broad color selection of translucent cast vinyl films for backlit signage applications. In addition to backlit building signage, other applications include taxi-top signage, mall and airport-terminal advertising, menuboards and canopy fascias. Read more »
Introduction to Acrylics
Acrylic sheet has been on the market for more than 75 years, ever since Rohm & Haas introduced it as Plexiglas® in 1936. Yet, as commonplace as acrylic is, its chemistry has evolved. Sheet manufacturers typically modify the Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) with additives to change the performance properties of the plastic. Today, a wide […] Read more »
Outgassing and Health Concerns
I have received several letters from those who have read my story about outgassing. I certainly did not intend to cause alarm. Plastics outgas (also referred to as off gassing or degassing). The rate at which this outgassing occurs depends on the resin type, time, temperature and atmospherics. The good news is that outgassing of a […] Read more »
Accentuating Contrast in Your Chip Carving
Woodcarvers use several different techniques in staining their chip carving. Many will take a small brush, such as a #8 quill, to stain the entire panel with a very light colored stain, wiping the excess stain from the wood with paper toweling. After the lighter stain dries, the next step is to apply a darker stain. […] Read more »
More on What You Need to Know About Rivets
Discover the ins and outs, dos and don’ts of installing vinyl graphics over rivets. What you find out may surprise you. Dealing with rivets is the price you pay for greater profits. But applying over rivets need not be a nightmare if you have the right knowledge and skills. Read more »
Avoiding Airbrushed Vinyl Mistakes
Perfecting the art of airbrushing on vinyl takes time but you can avoid beginner’s mistakes with a few insiders’ tips. Before you make big bucks airbrushing on vinyl, you’ll probably make plenty of mistakes. Find out the common pitfalls so you can steer clear of trigger-happiness, poor lettering and the like. Read more »
Sign Software in Action
Discover how signmakers are using industry specific software to raise revenues, increase production – and get creative. All softwares are far from equal. See how sign industry specific software can make your company more money faster than ever before. Read more »
Should You Buy Ink in Bulk?
Discover the pros and cons of buying ink in large quantities. Want to save money on your ink budget? Barring using third-party inks, you have two options: buy in bulk or install a bulk ink system. Read more »
Supply55, Inc. Launches New Website
Supply55, Inc. a leading provider of digital workflow products to the sign, screen and graphic arts market is pleased to announce the release of a completely new redesigned website and blog targeted at assisting the end-user community through the product selection and purchasing process. Built on the Volusion e-commerce platform www.volusion.com the new Supply55 website […] Read more »
Safety and Latex Paints
In my articles on wall graphics I make a few recommendations on painting with latex paint. What I did not do was make any recommendations regarding safety. Who would think that there are any health concerns when painting walls with latex paint? I never did. After all, latex paint is water-based and that’s safe, isn’t […] Read more »
