Signage is here there and everywhere. In fact, you see it each day and usually do not even realise.
It shows you which shop to go into, which floor to go up to or which road to travel down to get to your destination. Even something as simple as a house number is a sign.
Whatever your signage requirement there are a great many options to choose from. From neon signs and lightbulb signs to UV bonding and vinyl graphics – each serves a very unique purpose.
One of the most popular trends these days is having a sign that looks older than it is.
Ageing signage can occur naturally because of prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions, or it can be intentionally aged as part of design for aesthetics or to give a sense of nostalgia.
The ageing of metal and wood is something that we have been asked to do on many occasions, and we can achieve some great finishes.
We can turn a new sheet of wood into something that looks like it washed up on a beach.
We can take metal panels and letters and in a matter of days make them appear as though they have been out in the elements for years by either rusting or tarnishing the material.
The bonus of having a new sign made to look old is that it retains its integrity. By adding a layer of rust to a steel panel, you are keeping the rigidity of the new material and having the look of the old, when ageing wood, you don’t have to worry about it being in poor condition.
Check out more of our articles here. And please drop us a line if you’d like to chat about any of the details we’ve covered or to find out more about shop sign maintenance.
Check out more of our articles here. And please drop us a line if you’d like to chat about any of the details we’ve covered or to find out more about shop sign maintenance.
A company sign says a great deal about your business and ethos. So you really want to get it right, right?
Generally speaking company signs can most easily be split into two categories: way finding and advertising.
You either need to show potential customers where to find you, or you want to make your building the focus of attention.
Signage design options can vary from a sleek modern feel to a more vintage or retro style, or just a simple interpretation of existing branding guidelines.
Size options too can be very different. From large totem signs outside big retail outlets or office blocks, to high level signage that can be seen from great distances.
Whatever options you choose it’s most important that the sign is clear and readable – using fonts that are legible and of appropriate size. Also, the sign should align with your company’s branding.
Illumination
If your place of business is going to be open or visible during the darker hours, adding illumination into your sign’s design can help boost your visibility greatly.
Colour
With Ral codes for painted and powder-coated finishes and Pantones for printing, you have a wealth of different colours available to really customise your sign
Finishes
In addition to colours, special finishes like brushed and polished metal can really help make your sign stand out.
Styles
With a flat cut, built-up or pushed through letters, along with Neon and LED neon possibilities, there are so many different styles to help make your sign unique.
Each company sign project has its different technical challenges; we can offer advice and expertise from the outset, in order to ensure that your commercial sign project runs smoothly.
Providing you with not only advice on construction and illumination options, but also positioning. Whether it is internal or external commercial signage, A1deSIGNS can help you achieve an end product that you can be proud of.
Check out more of our articles here. And please drop us a line if you’d like to chat about any of the details we’ve covered or to find out more about shop sign maintenance.
Getting the right shop or retail signage is critical in enhancing a business’s visual and marketing strategy.
It’s the ultimate first impression and the one that attracts the most important customers of all, the ones walking past your door – especially in a bustling city like London or on a busy high street.
And a well-crafted sign goes beyond mere identification; it communicates the essence of your brand and can significantly influence customer perceptions, setting the stage for their experience with your business.
So, you want to get it right. And we can help you.
There are a variety of shop signage options available that you can consider for different budgets.
We can help by providing options for your fascia sign, double sided projection sign, windows graphics, internal signage and branding along with a variety of point-of-sale options.
Medium, low-cost shop sign and retail sign options can include simple forms of signage such as acrylic letters fixed directly to the wall, flat panels with applied vinyl text or graphics.
Mid-range shop signage options can include metal letters mounted to a panel or wall, built up metal or acrylic letters without internal illumination and the use of an overhead trough light.
High-end shop signs and retail sign options can include built up letters in metals such as brass with internal illumination via neon or LED’s, it all depends on the type of sign making supplies you use. Another option includes push through acrylic letters that can give a unique look.
Whatever option suits your business best, please feel free to drop us a line to discuss in detail and see how we can help.
Check out more of our articles here. And please drop us a line if you’d like to chat about any of the details we’ve covered or to find out more about shop signage, London and beyond.
A cutting-edge technique – UV bonding is used to join pieces of glass or glass to metal using a special metal that cures and hardens upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
What’s created is incredibly strong and virtually invisible. No need for mechanical fixings.
We feel that the real magic of UV bonding lies in its precision and versatility – allowing for the creation of complex, innovative designs that were previously unattainable with traditional bonding methods.
Commercial or domestic – whether it’s for crafting elegant retail display cabinets, unique home décor items, or functional office fixtures, UV bonding glass techniques elevate the potential for creative and practical applications.
* It’s also worth mentioning that UV adhesives often contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a more eco-friendly option.
The UV Bonding between the two surfaces is stronger than the surfaces themselves.
The bonds dry crystal clear, leaving absolutely no visible glue marks.
Using frosted glass, we can add an even lighting into your creation without the chance of any visible dotting.
With sand blasting, you can even have your logo or a design on the glass panels.
The UV bonding process generates minimal heat, making it suitable for heat-sensitive substrates.
Check out more of our articles here. And please drop us a line if you’d like to chat about any of the details we’ve covered or to find out more about UV bonding.
Light bulb signs also called fairground lights are becoming extremely popular.
They’re extremely versatile and are a great way to add a showbiz, glitzy feel to your sign – whether it’s to a large fascia sign for a west end theatre or individual letters that can be used in your home.
What are the specific benefits of light bulb signs?
Providing the right bulbs are used, light bulb signs can be extremely energy efficient.
With many of the bulbs we use having a low wattage and running on 12v or 24v, they will not cost a fortune to run.
A light bulb sign is not just great for decoration. The light bulbs will help brighten a space, which is great for advertising in the darker hours, or creating a new atmosphere in a room at home.
If you want different colours, our cabochons can have several different colour covers and the lights inside can also be either cold or warm white.
With the variety of bulbs, you can have them indoors or outdoors. You can create a vintage effect or have something reminiscent of a fairground or west end show.
Your sign does not have to be static either, many of our bulbs can be dimmed or flashed, allowing for levels of animation like chasing.
Check out more of our articles here. And please drop us a line if you’d like to chat about any of the details we’ve covered or to find out more about light bulb signs.
Shop and retail signs should effectively communicate the identity of a business while also attracting potential customers.
They are indispensable for any business aiming to make its mark on a bustling high street or in a busy shopping centre.
At A1DeSigns, we’ve been designing and making shop signs for more than 35 years – working with a variety of companies, from big chains to small independents.
Drawing on our wealth of experience we’ve pulled together a few of the most popular questions (and answers) relating to shop and retail signs we’ve encountered.
Hope this helps and please feel free to contact us for further information about any of the things mentioned below.
As a rule, most signs that are maintained regularly have an expected lifespan of between four and seven years and can last longer. However, certain materials used in the construction of a sign may have a shorter lifespan, so it is best to speak to us when enquiring.
If the sign is to be illuminated or is larger than 0.3m2 and going on the outside of your building, then you will need planning permission from your local council. You may also need permission on internal signage depending on the distance it is from the window. If you are renting the property, then it is also advised to secure permission from your landlord.
We can. While not one of our standard services, we can file the application and handle any of the feedback. this can be quite a lengthy process, with some applications taking 6 months to be granted. If you are wanting us to handle your planning permission, please get in touch.
If you are looking for guidance, or ideas the best thing to do is get in touch with us. You can call, email or come and visit us in person where we can show you materials, colours and different styles.
The complexity of installing a shop sign depends on factors such as the size and type of sign, as well as the location and mounting surface. For larger or more complex signs often require professional installation to ensure proper placement and stability.