Lori ShridhareWhen Paul Bluestone, founder of Chicago-based Bluestone + Associates and Bluestone Design Build, thinks about designing exhibits and signage for museums, it boils down to an essential concept: the story. “It’s our philosophy that there is no subject that’s inherently boring,” says Bluestone. “The success of the storytelling lies in the passion of the storyteller.”Each project unfolds as...
Jeff WootenWhen it comes to channel letter projects, LED is a prominent item on the lighting component menu list. Whether used for retrofits or new installations, sign makers are finding red-hot opportunities with this technology.In fact, for one recent application, the end-result was absolutely en fuego!The Stonefire Grill is a unique, fast-casual establishment that currently boasts five locations across...
FASTSIGNS International, Inc., has partnered with Kenda/5-hour Energy Pro Cycling presented by GEARGRINDER and Inferno Racing as a sponsor for their 2011 season. In an effort to help the team build awareness while on the road, FASTSIGNS produced custom vehicle wrap for the cycling team’s van, trailer, and three team cars. Covering the entirety of the van and the...
MACtac® Graphic Products announces the addition of one of the industry’s widest laminates, PermaGard® PG7285XL, to its premier line of PERMACOLOR® pressure-sensitive overlaminates. PERMACOLOR PermaGard PG7285XL is an ultra-wide matte overlaminate at 79 inches by 164 feet that can be used for interior and exterior signage, murals, point-of-purchase (POP) displays, and wide format graphics requiring protection from ultraviolet (UV)...
Mark RobertsWe rarely encounter any dull days around our shop. Just the other day, we received a request from a longtime satisfied customer at a local Chevrolet dealership. He needed to advertise four sizes of tires with “Good,” “Better,” and “Best” designations. He wanted to place these tires on display in the service drive area of his dealership (Photo...
Randy WrightThe 2011 National Electrical Code® (NEC) is now in print and, in some jurisdictions, in effect. This month, I’ll continue my outline of the specific changes in its Article 600, which relates to the sign industry. (Note: Last issue, I discussed definitions, markings, and branch circuits.) To compare these changes and modifications—and to better understand my commentary about...
Jim Hingst In the sign industry, the acrylic sheet product family is divided into three major categories—cell cast, extruded, and continuous cast. And each manufacturing process is unique. The cell casting process produces acrylic sheet with the best optical clarity among the three. The cell cast method is a very traditional way to make acrylic, but it’s also a...
Agilight introduces its next generation line of LED sign lighting products, the SIGNRAYZ series. The new series adds glow to channel letters and cabinet signs, and it transforms retail environments with cove and accent lighting. The energy-efficient products are available in a wide range of color temperatures and a variety of LED colors. "Enhancing environments with light is often...
Agfa announced the North American introduction of Synaps UV, an environmentally-friendly, premium waterproof substrate designed for indoor and outdoor sign and display applications using UV-curable inks in offset, screen, flexo, gravure, and inkjet printing. Synaps UV offers a high-gloss finish, bright color reproduction, and high tear and chemical resistance. This synthetic media is suitable for high-resolution printing, provides stability,...
