1. What artwork do you require? learn more...

2. How do I apply for credit with A-1 Signs? learn more...

3. Describe some of the frequently used Materials and signage terms.
(listed in alphabetical order)

click one of the following:

Acrylic
Aluminum
Banners
Bitmap artwork
Corrugated Plastic
Decals
Expanded PVC, also known as Foam PVC
Magnetic
Raster artwork
Screen-printing
Styrene
Vector artwork
Wood and composite materials

4. What products do you use & what are their applications?

click one of the following:

Acrylic
Aluminum
Banners
Corrugated Plastic
Decals
Expanded PVC, also known as Foam PVC
Magnetic
Styrene
Wood and composite materials



What artwork do you require? (top)

For screen printing or vinyl work - VECTOR FORMAT

In vector images, objects are created as collections of lines. Examples of vector programs are Corel Draw (.cdr), and Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps).

The advantage of using a vector file is that it can be enlarged or manipulated without losing its shape or its crispness.

If we are screen printing your work and you can provide us with a vector file, your price can be considerably less than if you provide a raster format. A raster format can take consider time to convert to a usable format for screen printing.

When providing the artwork, please convert your vector file to curves (.cdr) or outlines (.ai). If not converted, please advise font name and/or send us the font.

When sending us a file, please mail or fax an original, to ensure color and/or image transfer was exact. Or you can send a pdf file as confirmation.

For digital reproduction - BITMAP FORMAT

Bitmap images, also called raster images, are made up of individual squares called pixels. If you were to zoom into a bitmap image, you can see the individual squares that make up the total image. Increasing the size of a bitmap increases the size of the individual pixels, making lines and shapes appear jagged. The color and shape of a bitmap image will still appear continuous from a distance. However, up close, it will appear blurred and jagged. Reducing the size of a bitmap also distorts the original image, because pixels are removed to reduce the size.

Because a bitmap is created as a collection of arranged pixels, its parts cannot be changed or manipulated individually.

When you work with bitmaps, the quality of your output is dependent on the decisions you make about resolution early in the process. Resolution is a term that refers to the amount of detail and information a bitmap image contains and the level of detail. Resolution affects both the quality of your final product and its size.

Working with bitmaps requires planning, because the resolution you choose for your image generally moves with your file. The file will print at the resolution you set when you created the image, unless the printing resolution is lower than the image resolution.

For bitmap images, you can provide us with a .jpeg format (which is first choice), a .gif format, which does not give as many color variations as jpeg, but it is good for greyscale pictures. A .tiff format is good for high quality photos. However, these are generally very large in size, so you may require using a cd or zip file.

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How do I apply for credit with A-1 Signs?
Click here to download our credit application.
(Microsoft Word Document)


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Acrylic is a durable plastic that comes in a variety of colors. Acrylic is primarily used for long-term interior and exterior signs. A few common uses are illuminated signs, architectural signs, wall directories, permanent retail & restaurant signs, trade show signs and face panels for electronic components.

Acrylic is also used if you desire a high quality gloss finish.

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Aluminum is used for short and long term outdoor applications. It is available in a variety of colors, does not rust as and has either a baked enamel finish or vinyl sheeting applied over the aluminum.

Aluminum comes in several thickness' but the most commonly used are the .040 for light duty signs and a heavier gauge (.080) for stop signs and city street signs. The particular gauge is chosen to meet the specific needs of each job.

Reflective sheeting can be applied to aluminum or steel signs and will reflect llight at night. Signs are lettered with permanent outdoor grade adhesive vinyl or screen-printed with permanent inks. These signs generally have radius corners and come with mounting holes for easy installation. High quality control standards insure that these signs are long-lasting and trouble free. Quantity discounts start as low as 5 signs.

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Banners come in many different weights, sizes and colors, and are well suited for interior and exterior usage because of their flexibility and weather resistant values. They roll up for easy storage and shipping and can be cut to almost any length or dimension.

The weight of the banner material is chosen to meet the specific needs of each job.

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Bitmap artwork - see "What artwork do you require?"

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Corrugated Plastic comes in a variety of colors and is a lightweight versatile product that can be used for both short-term indoor and outdoor signage. It is a cost effective choice for special events, point-of-sale and trade shows.

It is readily used by landscaping, service and real estate companies. Election candidates also use this material. Corrugated Plastic can be cut into many shapes and used to create collapsible signs.

There are 2 thicknesses of corrugated plastic. The thickness is chosen to meet the specific needs of each job.

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Decals can be printed in a multitude of colors with a range of adhesive levels. For example, high initial tack makes for easy application, yet can be removed within 6 months of application. Transparent decals are normally supplied with permanent, pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. When durability, long lasting color and exposure to the weather are a concern, there is no substitute for screen-printing. Unlike other types of printing, screen-printing is waterproof and weather proof.

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Expanded PVC, also known as Foam PVC, may be used indoor and outdoors for limited periods of time. Its matte finish reduces glare and makes for easy readability. Expanded PVC can be shaped and is lightweight, yet sturdy. It is an excellent product for trade shows signage, menu boards and point of purchase displays. PVC is available in a variety of colors.

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Magnetic signs are flexible and easily removable. They are perfect for multi-use vehicles. Car magnets are used when clients do not want graphics permanently affixed to their vehicles. Magnetic signage is weather resistant and, with proper care, suitable for long-term exterior use. It allows your vehicle to be used as an advertising tool for your business and/or service.

Small promotional magnets are a great way to give your advertising message repeat exposure to your customers. Customers display them on a refrigerator, file cabinet or desk, where the message will be read repeatedly. They are available in 2 thicknesses. Select the .019" thickness for promotions and give-aways or when needing larger magnets, select the .034" for more magnetic holding power.

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Raster artwork - see "What artwork do you require?"

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Screen-printing is a process that is second to none when requiring durability, long lasting color and exposure to the weather. Unlike other types of printing, screen-printing is both water and weather proof.

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Styrene is a resilient, lightweight weight material that can be used for short-term exterior or interior signage. It is ideal for low cost point of purchase, directional and informational signage, menu boards, trade show signage and temporary real estate signage.

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Vector artwork - see "What artwork do you require?"

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Wood and composite materials will give you years of outdoor service. They are weather resistant and can come with a rigid flat surface and can also be carved, sandblasted or cut into most shapes. Wood products are readily used for outdoor permanent signage for Company identification, or for general use by construction companies, realtors, landscapers and more.

Wood can be painted to match custom colors and comes in many thicknesses to meet specific needs.

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