In glass gilding, a water size is the glue that adheres gold leaf to the glass. Made of water-clear gelatin and distilled water, it is essential for creating a brilliant gold mirror finish. Of course, you can also apply gold to glass with oil size, if you want areas of a design to have a […] Read more »
Fire Extinguishers
When does one size or type of product ever fit every application? In the case of fire extinguishers, the answer is never. Different types of extinguishers are required for different types of fires. Companies are required to provide an adequate number of the right type of fire extinguishers and to ensure that this equipment is […] Read more »
Wrapping Vegas
The basic elements are the same with wraps of all sizes, but large mass transit wraps offer some additional challenges that offer valuable lessons from graphics installers of all shapes and sizes. Read more »
How Calendered Vinyl Films are Made
I usually compare the calendering process to rolling out pie dough. In reality, the manufacturing process is a little more complex than that. In the calendering process, PVC material is squeezed between gigantic, heated, polished-steel rollers that form the vinyl into a very thin sheet of film. Read more »
Wrapping Oil Rigs
A Texas sign shop is wrapping the big rigs and we don’t mean trucks. Discover the ins and outs of wrapping in an oil field. Read more »
Cleaning Polycarbonate Sheet Before Vinyl Application
Polycarbonate is one tough plastic. Not even Dirty Harry with his .44 magnum could blast through a one-inch sheet. To use Harry’s words: “a man has to know his limitations”. Read more »
Illuminated Signs Help McGruff Take a Bite Out of Crime
The National Crime Prevention Council sanctions illuminated signs as a crime prevention tool. Find out how on-premise signs can help your business and your community. Need a new angle to sell on-premise illuminated signs? Several studies that show lighted signs help reduce crime are good weapons in your sales arsenal. Read more »
Reading, Writing and Profits With The School System Near You
You can position your company for profitability by serving the growing market for in-school advertising. When George Mason High School needed funds to install lights in its new football stadium, it looked for advertisers to foot the bill. Read more »
Vinyl Application to Polycarbonate Sheet
Even if polycarbonate sheet was covered with a surface protection film, you should always consider the surface contaminated. That means that you must clean the sign face before applying the graphics. Before you prep the substrate with a solvent or detergent, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. For most plastic-sheet applications, the most reliable cleaning method […] Read more »
Mottling and what to do about it
Have you ever occasionally noticed a dull, hazy or blotchy appearance on the surface of some vinyl films or overlaminates? This is a condition called mottling. There’s no reason to get too excited. While this hazy appearance certainly detracts from the aesthetic appeal of your graphics, mottling can easily be remedied, which I will explain […] Read more »
