FAQ

What is the value of a sign?

Make a difference where it counts.

Signs are your 24 hour employee. Looking your best shows who you are. Simply – looking your best and keeping your image fresh produces increased sales. If your store or business has a sign that is dated or simply does not say enough about your business, you may be losing potential income by not spending money on a different sign.

Not having good signage is costing you money!

For example:

If a new or better sign costs $10,000.00 with an expected life of 10 years, the cost per day of the sign for the 10 years is $2.74. At $2.74 per day can you afford to be losing the sales a new sign can bring you? Simply by adding a new sign, your business may be able to increase it’s volume by 15%.

With the cost of a better sign only dollars per week, why not talk to us today.

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How do I get an online estimate?

Please send us your contact information or job specifications and a sales representative will contact you.

Get an Estimate

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How do I apply a decal?

Dry Application

Wet Application

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What file formats will you accept?

We are and friendly!

Sending us a file?

4 Colour Work
Artwork and photos should have a resolution of 100 dpi AT FINAL SIZE to print.
Artwork and photos should be in RGB or LAB colour space.
Vector artwork is most preferred for logos and text.
Acceptable formats include:
Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)
Adobe Illustrator (AI)
Corel Draw (CDR)
TIFF Bitmap (TIF)
JPEG Bitmap (JPG)
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
QuarkXPress

Vinyl & Edge Work

Artwork must be vector artwork (lines and arcs)
All artwork should have text converted to paths (curves) to ensure proper typestyles.
We accept artwork on 3.5" disk, CD, ZIP disk, and by email.
Bitmap images such as TIF, JPG, BMP, GIF, PCX can not be used for this type of work.
Acceptable formats include:
Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)
Adobe Illustrator (AI)
Corel Draw (CDR)
QuarkXPress

3D Routering
It is recommended before sending us artwork for 3D routering that you contact one of our 3D modeling specialists.
Acceptable formats include:
Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)
Adobe Illustrator (AI)
3D Design Studio Max (3DS)

What is 3-Dimensional CNC routering?

For many years CNC routering was used to cut and engrave a variety of substrates. Anything from wood, plastic, aluminum and brass. With some creative thinking and machining we were able to make many unique products.

Things have changed … Our new software allows us to generate a 3-Dimensional computer model. We can easily create intricate 3D designs with an artistic flair. This allows us to create the complex effects of celtic weave patterns, V-bit carving, prismatic lettering, mould making and true 3-Dimensional signage. Actually shaving and carving from wood or plastic the face of the sign. The limitation is only your imagination.

3D Routering

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What are Vector and Bitmap / Raster file formats?

Vector Graphics
Vector graphics, also called object-oriented graphics, are made up of mathematically defined curves and line segments called vectors. You can edit the graphics by moving and resizing the entire graphic or the lines and segments that compose the graphics.

Vector graphics are resolution-independent; they can be displayed or printed at any resolution or size that a monitor or printer is capable of.

Bitmap / Raster Images
Bitmap images are formed by a rectangular grid of small squares known as pixels. Each pixel contains data that describes whether it is black, white or a level of colour. The amount of colour information in a bitmap image determines its file size. A 24-bit colour image is much larger than the same image saved as a 8-bit colour image.Unlike vector graphics which are edited by altering lines and shapes, bitmap images are edited by manipulating groups of pixels.

Bitmap images are resolution-dependant; they can appear jagged and lose detail if they are created at a low resolution and then enlarged or printed at a higher resolution.

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Can I use web site graphics for large format digital prints?

Typically the answer is no.

Large format prints require on average 100 dpi at full size. All internet graphics are generated at 72 dpi. Internet graphics are also usually very small. With both of these factors against the use of internet graphics, it can be very difficult to achieve acceptable print quality.

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How long will my digital print last?

The development of print technology has brought us full colour outdoor-durable printing. Full colour digital prints are available on a variety of substrates, even direct to banner materials. Not all machines and ink systems have the same durability, therefore each sign or decal is matched to the best process and material for the application. With the use of 3M inks and select 3M media we can offer output covered by the 3M MCS warranty, UV-durable up to three/five years.

As digital print technology develops, the ink systems are producing longer and longer life products. A print that spends its life indoors with limited ultra-violet light in the area will last longer than a print that is directly exposed to the ultra-violet light from the sun.

To increase the life of the print we suggest lamination. Laminates increase the life of the print by inhibiting ultra-violet light and by stopping any abrasion to the print surface. Meaning the laminate in many cases is the key to the longevity of the print.

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Can I use my digital camera for large format digital prints?

Digital cameras are making improvements. However, the larger the print, the more demanding the image requirements become. Many of the larger mega pixel cameras can capture enough information to be used for large format prints. Nevertheless, capturing more information does not guarantee a good picture.

Generally speaking, a photographic image is better for enlargements. Photographic pictures contain continuous tones of colour, allowing for easier enlargements. A digital picture is composed of blocks of colour. If the digital picture is low resolution, when it is enlarged the picture may seem blurry or to have jagged edges.

So, yes it is possible to use digital cameras for large format digital prints, but there are some limitations.

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What kind of resolution and reproduction quality can I expect?

The general rule for large format printing is that viewing distance determines how much resolution you need in your scanned images. The number of pixels per inch (PPI) in your digital file is as important to your final graphic as the DPI of the output device.

Images and files need to be created at full size to determine the final resolution. For example: if the final size of a print is 40” x 60” and starting from a 4” x 6” scanned photo. To get a final size resolution of 100 PPI, the scan of the photo needs to be at 1000 PPI. When enlarged to 40” x 60” the final resolution becomes 100 PPI.

As very general guidelines “final size” resolutions should be: 50 PPI if they will be viewed from 30 feet away or greater, 100 PPI if they will be viewed from between 5-15 feet, and 150 PPI for close viewing - 5' or less.

Why not scan everything at the resolution of the printer? Because your file size will be cumbersome at best - or impossible to scan or manipulate at worst. A poster sized scan of a photograph (3 x 4 feet in cmyk mode) will be approximately 4 MB at 25 PPI, 16 MB at 50 PPI, 66 MB at 100 PPI, 264 MB at 200 PPI, and over a gigabyte at 400 PPI. As your file size increases, the amount of time it takes to scan, manipulate, rip and archive the file increases - sometimes drastically.

The difference between graphics scanned at 100, 200, and 400 PPI is not noticeable until you study the graphic up close. At a distance of 15 feet, it is difficult to tell the difference between a 50 PPI image and one at any higher resolution. On images that do not have much detail, you will not see much difference at all.

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How should I prepare my files for production?

CDs are usually a pretty safe bet, but please call ahead and get some guidelines.

Be sure to use standard desktop publishing applications such as Adobe Photoshop® , QuarkXPress® and Adobe Illustrator® to create your graphics. Include all of the pieces that make up your final digital document such as fonts, illustrations and photos.

If you are sending photographic prints and other non-digital artwork, include specific cropping, placement and sizing instructions.

Creating your graphics in vector format rather than bitmap will keep the size of your file down while allowing the files to be printed at whatever size is required and whatever resolution is appropriate. If you are using bitmapped graphics (photos that have been scanned) make sure the file size is large enough to produce a graphic designed for the intended viewing distance.

Provide exact measurements for the final graphics, and then make sure your digital files have been composed correctly in terms of proportions to the final graphic size. Compose the digital files as close to actual size as possible. Make each graphic an individual file - do not 'gang' multiple graphics in a single file.

Provide some type of colour proof we understand your colour expectations. If you’re trying to match a spot colour, send swatches or a PANTONE® Colour reference.

Pylon Signs

Outdoor Signs 101: High visibility + appealing graphics = new customers.
Our striking pylon signs get the attention of potential buyers before they've driven past.


Architectural

Beauty and distinction, built to last.
Our architectural sign options greatly enhance the appearance of your property or business.


Canopies & Awnings

The best signs generate the best sales.
Our Steel Stitch, aluminum frame awnings provide many benefits over needle and thread – no seams to rot and a neater appearance that looks good for years.


Fascia Signs

First impressions are everything.
Your sign is the only indicator to passing traffic - and potential customers - that you are there. We'll make sure you get noticed.


LED & Neon

Catch their eye in a dramatic way.
Available in numerous colors and tube sizes, neon is a great way to attract attention and win new customers.


Channel Letters

Easy to read, day or night.
Now available with maintenance-free L.E.D.'s, they use up to 90% less electricity and are rated up to 100,000 hours or about 11 years.


Wayfinding Signs

Direct and control.
Guide your customers and the general public safely and efficiently.


Cedar Signs

The natural beauty of wood.
Our kiln-dried cedar products are crafted using computer-generated 3D models, allowing unique 3D shapes and textures.


Banners

Inform a very large audience.
Digitally printed directly onto banner material, with exceptional full-color vibrancy and UV stability for long life.



Wayfinding Signs

Point the way - with style.
Well designed, easy to read signs help people find their way around your facility.


Point-of-Sale

Sell more.
Our attractive point-of-sale displays are sure to catch the eye of any shopper.


Dimensional Letters

Elevate your sign to a new level.
Because they are three dimensional, these letters are much more noticeable than painted or vinyl.


Window Graphics

Put your windows to work.
Part of brand-building, identity and P.O.S. campaigns, this cost-effective medium displays your message 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Feature Walls

Corporate identity defined.
Display of your logo is an essential component in the process of branding your company. We make you look as good as you are.


Digital Wallpaper

When a picture is worth a thousand words.
Custom designed and professionally installed, our digitally printed wallpaper makes a huge statement.


Banners

Keep your message fresh while building awareness.
Our full-color digitally printed banners work to enhance visual impact.



Full Color Wraps

Marketing on wheels.
We use 3M products for top quality and the ultimate in durability.


Commercial Graphics

Why is everyone doing it these days? Because it works.
For best visibility, put your message on all sides.



Digital Printing

Reflective, magnetic, removable or ultra-permanent. You name it, we'll do it.
Printed directly onto paper, banner or other materials, our quality products are UV stable and scratch resistant.


3D Routering

A hand-crafted look, with computer precision.
We combine computer-generated 3D models and computer-controlled routering for endless possibilities.


Custom Fabrication

Challenge us, you'll be surprised at what we can do.
Our CNC routering and cutting capabilities allow us to produce one part or thousands; each one identical, every time.


Promotional Products

Give customers something to help keep you in mind.
From fridge magnets to license plates, we can provide the products that will keep your message front and center.


Gifts & Awards

The immeasurable impact of saying, "Thanks."
A beautiful custom award will act as both a reward for past performance and motivation for the future.



Design

Your one-stop tradeshow display source.
Our professional design team will create custom graphics that are sure to get you noticed.


Pop-up Systems

Many choices to fit your needs.
Featuring quick and precise assembly, our display systems are front-runners in cost and convenience.


Banner Stands

Leave a lasting impression.
These stands are the ideal solution for quick and easy setup.


Rentals

Try before you buy.
No need to purchase, we rent displays at affordable rates.



Installation

Quality installation you can trust.
From vinyl to illuminated signs, we install all types of electrical signage and graphics.


CSA-approved Repairs

Choose carefully to prevent future problems.
Not everyone carries CSA certification. Ask questions and be informed when deciding who to trust with your electrical sign repairs.
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