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 »

Comparing Heat Transfer Films with Screen Printed Graphics

A high quality polyurethane heat transfer film will outlast a screen printed garment hands down. In fact, if you properly process and care for a polyurethane heat transfer, the applique should last the life of the garment.  We all know what happens to a screen printed shirt after a dozen washes.  Plastisol inks crack. By […] Read more »

Stripping Vinyl Graphics Made Easy

Stripping vinyl graphics may never become a sign makers’ dream, but it does not have to be a nightmare, either.  Ask most sign makers about stripping vinyl graphics and they’ll cringe. Let’s face it. Stripping vinyl is not the most glamorous of tasks. “Stripping vinyl is the ugly side of our work,” said Frank Barbaria, […] Read more »

What Causes Ink Adhesion Problems?

The $64 question is: what causes ink adhesion problems when screen printing polycarbonate film?  While some have suggested moisture absorption as the culprit, the most likely candidate is exposure  to UV light and oxygen.  As the polycarbonate absorbs UV light, it excites the photons of the atoms, which in turn creates free radicals. Free radicals […] Read more »

Screen Printing on Polycarbonate

Painting is not the only solution for decorating plastic signfaces. For high-volume  jobs, screen printing is an economical solution. In selecting an ink system, ask your screen print supply distributor for a recommendation. The technical bulletin  will give you printing recommendations. The type of mesh, squeegee, stencil and thinners are a few of the variables […] Read more »

Hygroscopic Plastics

Outgassing: Problems Arising Out Of Thin Air Some plastics can absorb moisture from the air.  These materials fall into the category called “hygroscopic plastics”.  The best known product in this group is polycarbonate. It’s not, however, the only hygroscopic plastic. Nylon and polyester can also absorb water vapor. 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 »

The Importance of Fire Inspections

A Proactive Approach to Reducing the Risk of Fire The old saying, “forewarned is forearmed”, should remind us that conducting regular fire inspections is the best way to keep the incidence of fires low.  By identifying fire hazards in your shop, you can correct them before they cause a fire. Read more »

Moving and Wrapping Around the World

Are wrapping techniques any different in London than they are in Los Angeles? Find out from one of the United Kingdom’s top vehicle wrapping companies. From the U.S. to the U.K. sign makers are making more than signs wrapping vehicles. They are making profits. Find out how to turn a vehicles into a rolling advertisements. […] Read more »