SML Signs Blog http://smlsigns.com/blog Taking the guesswork out of signs! Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:02:29 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Gun Wraps http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=58 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=58#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:57:27 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=58 You may have thought about checking with your local sign shop for vehicle wraps, but what about gun wraps? 3M vinyls are perfect for applying to the tight curves of rifles, shotguns, and bows. Various camouflage patterns are available and can be removed within a couple of years without leaving behind adhesive residue or damaging the finish of your gun.

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=58 0 Taking Care of Your Local Businesses http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=56 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=56#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:26:01 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=56 Today, we live in a world full of convenience and choice. Here are a couple of words of advice from a small business owner: 1) Support your local businesses! You may be reminded about how nice it is to buy from people you know and who want to help you!! 2) Don’t take advantage of your local business. Pay them in a timely manner! We tend to think of businesses as ‘things’, but small business owners are your neighbors, friends, or family. A handful of non-payers can sink a local business and hurt relationships.

So, take care of the ‘little guys’ and they will take care of you!

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=56 114 Cheapening Vehicle Graphics http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=54 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=54#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:31:46 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=54 Everyone is enamored by the look of a full vehicle wrap and they are certainly cost-effective, but what about the small businesses that just can’t afford it. Well, a good alternative is a partial wrap or using your existing vehicle color as a background and making a wrap effect with individual graphics. Printed graphics can be contour cut and applied and then accented by cut vinyl for phone numbers and simple graphics. Prices are generally calculated per graphic & size, so ask your local sign shop questions and be creative!

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=54 136 Vehicle Magnets http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=49 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=49#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:12:48 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=49 Vehicle magnets are a fairly inexpensive alternative to vehicle advertising. But, keep in mind that they are intended for temporary use. High winds can pull them off, so be sure to have the corners rounded. Also, be sure to clean behind the magnet often so that dirt and debris does not damage your vehicle’s paint as the magnet shifts. If you are searching for a more permanent alternative, applied graphics are generally comparable in price but will have an installation charge.

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=49 97 Flexible Face Signs http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=46 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=46#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:41:11 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=46 Flexible Face (Flex-face) material is flexible banner-like material tightened over the face of an illuminated cabinet signs. Flex-face materials can accept screen printing, digital printing, paints, or vinyls and carry lifespans of 2-10 years. Every material will eventually yellow, so budget for replacements early. Also, matching ink, paint, or vinyl lifespans closely with that of the flex-face material can help limit overall cost and keep your sign looking ‘clean’.

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=46 129 Overlaminates http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=34 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=34#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:45:48 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=34 Overlaminates are clear vinyls that can be applied over digital prints in order to prolong their life. Many are rated for 4-6 years and offer characteristics such as UV, anti-skid and anti-graffiti protection. Optically-clear overlaminates help keep rain from blocking visibility through vehicle perforated window films. Liquid overlaminates are also helpful for certain applications, especially banners. Check with your local sign shop for the best choice for you.

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=34 41 Translucent Vinyl http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=32 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=32#comments Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:03:42 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=32 Translucent vinyl is the right choice for illuminated signage. This vinyl can be used for monument signs, flexible face signs, and various cabinet sign displays. It is a good idea to ask your sign shop whether they will be using calendered or cast vinyl. As with other applications, cast vinyl is generally better for long-term exterior signage and calendered is generally better for short to mid-term exterior signs or long-term indoor. Translucent calendered vinyl will shrink slightly over time.

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=32 173 Cast Vinyl http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=30 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=30#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:58:21 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=30 Cast vinyl is the best choice for long-term graphics and lettering, as well as signage that will be exposed to consistent direct sunlight and harsh elements. It generally is rated for 8-10 years. As with any vinyl, environment plays a large role in its lifespan. For printed long-term graphics overlaminating is a must.

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=30 48 Calendared Vinyl http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=28 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=28#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:52:49 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=28 Calendared vinyl is a good choice for projects such as banners, yard signs, and other basic short to mid-term graphics. Many intermediate calendared vinyls carry a rating of 5-7 years. But, you should keep in mind that these figures can vary dramatically based on environment. We generally do not use calendered vinyl on exterior signs that are expected to last over 3 years. And, over time, calendered vinyls begin to shrink slightly. For long-term graphics that can spell disaster!

]]> http://smlsigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=28 159 Vinyl Types: Selecting the rig… http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=24 http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=24#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:26:46 +0000 Brett http://smlsigns.com/blog/?p=24 Vinyl Types: Selecting the rig…: Vinyl Types: Selecting the rig…: Vinyl Types: Selecting the rig&#82.. http://tinyurl.com/ovcbpl

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