Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark offers proof positive that effective sign design can inform, entertain, commemorate and stand out in a crowd. Signs speak volumes. But signs in hustling bustling environments often speak too much, too loud, or perhaps even too subtlety to communicate the message. Let’s face it. Poorly designed signs breed a sense […] Read more »
Blasting Your Way to Profits with Glass Etching
Blasting glass can help boost your bottom line. Find out how sandblasting glass is the same and different from other substrates. Can you sandblast with the best of them? If you’ve got the equipment and the skill to blast stone, ceramic or wood, then there’s no reason not to consider expanding your business […] Read more »
Applying Vinyl Graphics to Aircraft
Are you ready to let your business fly high? Applying vinyl graphics to aircraft may be your next big opportunity. There are opportunities to apply vinyl to aircraft, but it takes special materials and a steady hand to get into the business. Read more »
The Challenges of Creating Architectural Signage
Understanding the common pitfalls of creating indoor and outdoor architectural signage before you begin can save headaches for you and your customers. Your clients depend on architectural signage to do more than communicate a message. Architectural signage must also help build the brand name of the company it serves. Read more »
When to Use Wet

While most professionals and manufacturers prefer to install vinyl dry, there are occasions when wet is the way to go. While it’s true that the dry installation method of vinyl application saves time and money, let’s face it, not every graphic installer has the necessary skills or experience. Read more »
Soaring Profits from Glistening Gateways
Airports are bustling with opportunities as architects bring sign builders into the design process to capitalize on 21st century trends. From wayfinding and security symbols to retail and promotional signage, modern airports are adopting new strategies and it’s paying dividends for sign builders. Success begins with understanding the latest trends in airport signage and identifying […] Read more »
Heat Transfer Films: Hot, Warm or Cold Peel

After you heat press an applique to a garment, how long should you wait before peeling the carrier or the hot mask from the applique? A number of variables come into play. The answer depends in part on the physical properties of the hot melt adhesive and the type of carrier used on the heat transfer […] Read more »
Maintaining Color Quality & Uniformity
A Horse Of A Different Color A customer had encountered a problem whenever she printed grey. When the prints were viewed inside, the color was dead on. But viewed outside, in the sun the grey immediately turned green. The other day she printed a beautiful grey horse and laminated it. As soon as the print […] Read more »
How to Apply Vinyl Graphics Over Rivets
Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. Here are some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free. Read more »
Laminating Tips: Silvering

Have you ever seen silvery specs in a laminated print? This defect is called silvering. It’s caused when tiny air bubbles are captured between the adhesive on an overlaminating film and the surface of a print. Silvering is generally most noticeable in the dark shadow areas of a print. Read more »