For retailers, compelling signage makes all the difference in attracting customers all year round. Depending upon the location and the type of store, you can offer a new promotion every month – and signage designed with changing sales seasons in mind can make sure that there’s always a relevant offer on hand.
Let shoppers know you’re stocked for the “Big Six”
A case in point is our customer Towers Flowers, in West Islip, NY. After we designed the windows and interior signage for their new location, they came to us for a solution for changeable signage to display the many seasons of flowers. The florist business is a particularly seasonal one, and we came up with designs for the “big six” annual flower events – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mothers’ Day, and Graduation. After developing designs for these, we developed promotional signage for year-round and “off season” events, like weddings, funerals, summer parties, and birthdays, to fill in the gaps.
Visual Merchandising that’s easy to change.
To assure ease of changing as one season ends and another begins, we printed these signs on translucent vinyl and installed them on flexible acrylic sheets that could be easily popped in and out of their existing window frames. The windows were supplemented with changeable banners installed on a strategic wall, facing oncoming traffic, to assure maximum visibility. The window signs and banners are saved and reused year after year.
Signwave can help change your retail signage from stale to seasonal. Give us a call at 631.761.9292 to make sure that potential customers know what you’ve got in store.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fall-signage.jpg7852155Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2023-10-10 15:41:442023-10-10 15:41:44Is Your Signage in Season?
You’ve chosen a sign company, worked with them to design your sign, and paid your deposit. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for them to make and install your beautiful new sign, right? Not so fast.
Long Island is only made up of two counties, but within each county every town and village has set in place widely different regulations regarding signage. Almost all new or updated exterior signage requires some kind of permit, and navigating the process can be daunting. Here are five important things you need to know about permits before you even start designing.
Permits are required for good reason. Of course we wish we could make you the biggest, most colorful sign on the street to get attention for your business. But if everyone tried to do that the streets would be a big cluttery mess, and likely a safety hazard as well. Every single town and village on Long Island has their own disparate set of sign codes, and they’re all in place for different reasons. They may want a main street to have uniformity of design. They certainly want to ensure that flashing, moving, or brightly lit signs aren’t hazardous to passing drivers. They need to protect pedestrians by guaranteeing that the signage is constructed well, illuminated safely, and installed securely to avoid accidents. They can’t allow one business to have an enormous sign that dwarfs all the others in the area.
Neglecting a permit can be costly. Let’s be honest, no one wants to have the town dictate to them how they should and should not market their business, much less pay for that restriction via permit fees. And there are plenty of fly-by-night sign companies that will happily bypass the process for you. But what is the cost for neglecting a permit? If the town or village code enforcement officer notices your new sign and discovers it has no permit, you will certainly be receiving a fine. If you pay the fine and attempt to file for the permit after the fact, you may learn that something about your sign is out of code and you’ll have to remove it and start all over again. If you ignore the fine, your town or village could inflict even harsher penalties. The risk isn’t worth the initial savings.
Permit applications are time consuming. Not only that, they require a lot of technical structural and electrical information that you may not have. It takes time to gather all the information from all the different sources, procure the required signatures — including notarization — and deliver the permit package to the town. It may even be necessary to attend an in-person meeting of the town’s Architectural Advisory Committee, which are generally held in the evenings. If the permit is deemed to require a variance, that will involve even more time and paperwork that you may not be able to dedicate.
DENIED! Speaking of variances, permits can be denied for a huge variety of reasons both big and small. Believe us when we say sometimes the reasons can seem painfully small. But the town has the final decision power. So if a spec needs to be updated in more detail, or a mockup drawing needs a different angle, or you suddenly need very specific paint chips to show color, there’s no getting around it. It can sometimes take multiple rounds of permit applications before permission is granted for a sign. Patience and tenacity are key.
So why bother? The fifth and most important thing you need to know about permitting is that a permitting professional can take all this aggravation off your hands and get the permit approved efficiently. We know where to find the applicable town codes so the sign has the best chance of being approved the first time around. We have the technical know-how to create a polished permit package that has clear details the town needs. We take the time to compile all the supplemental documents, procure the signatures, and submit everything on your behalf. If it’s required for someone to attend the review board meeting in person, we’ll handle that as well. And in the case where a variance is necessary to get special permission for a sign that might otherwise be denied, we’ll walk through the process with you to completion.
It’s everyone’s goal to make sure your business gets the attention it needs to thrive. Signwave can help you through the signage process from beginning to end, including permitting, so you can get back to building your business — only now with a beautiful new sign.
And if you’re an out-of-state sign company looking to have an installation done locally, we’re here for you as well. We can procure all the permits for your local customer’s signage and do the installation too.
Don’t let the permit process intimidate you. Call Signwave and we’ll take the hassle off your hands.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/building-permit_0.jpeg5541000Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2023-10-03 20:36:462023-10-03 20:43:145 Things To Know About Permits
Named one of the top 10 most innovative telecom solutions companies in 2022 by Inc. Magazine, AmpliTech is headquartered right here in our own Long Island Innovations Park in Hauppauge. They design, develop, and manufacture custom leading-edge RF components for the commercial, SATCOM, space, and military markets. Signwave was proud to partner with them in 2022 to design, fabricate, and install all the signage for their new building on Plant Ave.
Exterior Wayfinding Signs
It was important to the founder that we begin with the exterior monument signage, to firmly establish the AmpliTech name in the industrial park community. We determined the best solution to be a durable, double-sided, sculpted foam monument with faux stone base, aluminum faces with printed vinyl graphics, and dimensional letters on the capstone for the address. The sign is externally illuminated with ground lighting. One of the many benefits of using removable faces on the base material is that they can be easily replaced if there is any accidental damage, or if the logo needs an update. Placed prominently at the corner of Plant Ave and Oser Ave–one of the main industrial park thoroughfares–the sign stands out as a beautiful and practical tool for brand recognition.
This monument sign captures attention and markets a brand on a main industrial park road.
Additional wayfinding signs can also be found at the two entrance driveways. They prevent any confusion between the delivery area and parking for staff and visitors. We also created custom aluminum signs to clarify the uses for the different doors in the rear, and to mark parking spaces for visitors (using U channels) and executives (placed directly along the back wall). Printed vinyl graphics on the glass front door are standard for many of our customers, and we included that in our signage package for AmpliTech as well.
Wayfinding is easy when you clearly mark your visitor and delivery entrances.
Interior Signage and Design
Once inside, you’re immediately greeted by the clean and modern lobby design. This includes a clear acrylic wall sign with printed custom vinyl graphics applied to the back surface facing out, a technique known as second surface installation. The sign is mounted to the wall using standoffs. The combination of standoffs–which, as the name indicates, raises the sign out so it “stands off” the wall, plus the second surface graphics give multiple layers of dimension to a simple but effective sign.
Second surface vinyl with standoffs gives multiple layers of dimension to this lobby sign.
One of the focal spots in the office is a beautiful full wall mural using a photograph of a key moment in the company’s history: when they were added to the NASDAQ stock exchange. It serves as both a commemoration and an inspiration on a daily basis. Unfortunately, one of the key staff members was not visible in this photo. It was very important to everyone that he be included, so Signwave’s designers stepped up to add him in using the magic of photo editing. Light, shadow, and positioning all had to be accounted for, and the work is so seamless we’d challenge anyone to pick out the “new addition.” Signwave is extremely proud of the talents of our staff designers.
A mural celebrating a company milestone brightens the office.
Speaking of inspiration, we were also tasked with creating a motivational word wall for the break room. After going through several “word cloud” type designs. the customer landed on a motivational quote. This quote from another technology company figurehead you may have heard of, rendered in company logo colors, reminds everyone that they are important to the team’s success.
Motivational wall art is a colorful touch in the break room.
And not least, we created some custom gallery wrap canvas prints for the CEO’s office. Again we used our staff’s photo editing talents to create beautiful artwork that harkens back to the company’s momentous entry into the stock exchange. Installing canvas wraps in such a way that they all line up evenly is challenging, but Signwave installers are up to the task. And using removable mounting hardware means that the canvasses can be rotated out or relocated without damaging the walls.
Custom canvas gallery wraps capture some of the biggest moments in company history so far.
Learn More
To learn more about AmpliTech and all they offer, visit their website HERE.
And to learn how Signwave can help you promote, outfit, and maximize your new working space from floor to ceiling and outside too, give us a call at 631-761-9292 or fill out the website “Contact Us” form.
The new year is almost upon us, and advertisements will be everywhere telling you it’s time for a “new you.” Believe it or not, it’s also an important time to make some changes to your signage. You may not need to “slim down” your signage or do a “budget overhaul” to make it work, just make time for some “self care” with small adjustments, like the suggestions below. A resolution to update your signage to the season will have a big impact in 2023.
Three Reasons Your Signs Need Winterizing
Increased Visibility for Outdoor Signs
In cold weather, the foot traffic around your business decreases dramatically. An A-frame on the sidewalk suddenly impacts fewer and fewer potential customers–the pile of snow along the road from the plow blocks it from view, and most people are staying indoors anyway. The majority of people passing by are in vehicles, so you don’t have much time to attract their attention. You need big, bold, colorful, and quick messaging. Consider an illuminated channel letter sign on your building, or a colorful window graphic. Window vinyl can be applied “second surface” or on the inside surface facing outward, to protect it from the elements!
New Product Offerings Need Custom Design
Do you have a special on down-filled weatherproof jackets this week? Have you created a brand new Instagram-worthy secret-menu latte drink? Do you carry a new brand of winter tires that you’d like everyone to know about? You’d better check your signage and make sure you aren’t still marketing bathing suits, or frozen fruit drinks, or air conditioning system tuneups. When your product offerings change with the seasons, it’s crucial that your signage does too. Update your window signs, in store displays, even your vehicle graphics to feature your most up to date product lines.
Changing Business Hours for Entrances and Door Signs
No matter what business you’re in, your hours can be affected by the seasons. Outdoor recreational facilities may need to change their closing hours because it gets dark earlier. Even if you posted your holiday closures on your website, make sure they’re easily found by customers who show up to your physical location as well. And we know too well in 2022 that staff shortages due to illness can lead to early closing or late opening, and it’s important that you keep your clients aware to avoid frustrations and lost business. Flexible signage options include LED message signs that can be mounted inside your window to be viewed from outside, or a changeable letter sign.
Signwave is ready to do a signage evaluation for your facility to make sure you’re winterized! Call us at 631-761-9292 or fill out the contact us form, and we’ll get started.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AdobeStock_182730822.jpg5411385Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2022-12-12 16:59:052022-12-12 17:01:393 Reasons You Should Winterize Your Signs
Business owners walk a fine line trying to present a professional face to their clientele while still keeping costs down. Oftentimes we look for ways we can do things ourselves rather than paying someone else to do them, to save some money. But there are times when paying a professional is money well spent, like with electrical work or tree removal. The risks there are unacceptably high for a DIY-er. So what risks do you incur when you don’t spend enough on your design budget? Now we’re not saying that doing your own graphic design can be hazardous to your health. But it can be costly in terms of how your business is perceived, if your marketing is aesthetically below standard.
That’s where a sign company with full time, experienced graphic designers can help.
Logo Design: The First Building Block
Take, for example, our friends at Hauppauge Integrated Wellness Group. They contacted us in need of a new lobby sign using their new logo, and we were excited to take the job. But like many business owners they didn’t have (or even really know they needed) a high resolution vector file that we could use for production. Here is the image they provided, a jpg which is “rasterized” which is why the lines are all jagged and pixelated. This file was not useable for a final product.
Luckily, our designers are experienced in taking a raster file and converting it into the type of file we need–a “vector” file which has smooth edges and can be infinitely enlarged without losing resolution. The software we use, Adobe Illustrator, can even do this for us with a click of a button. But this is where the difference in a professional versus an enthusiastic amateur is clear. The software can only do so much, and as you can see below the automated process rendered text that is oddly lumpy, and has letters attached to one another. Could we use this as a production file to make a sign? Certainly. But would a customer be happy with the finished result? Unlikely.
Close up of the initial render
The Value of Experience
Our designer wasted no time trying to pass this vector off to production. Instead, he dove into his resources to find a font that was as close as possible to the one used in the logo. Many times we can find the exact font and recreate the text easily. But in this case he had to utilize a font that had similar letters and custom adjust them as needed to match the logo font. This is a painstaking, time-consuming process that was absolutely crucial for a professional finished sign. The letters are now crisp, individual, and ready for production.
The completed vector file
See the end result and judge for yourself:
For a good sign, start with a good design.
What Are the Real Costs?
The next time you need signage, you can put yourself and your business in the hands of a sign company like Signwave that refuses to compromise on the importance of good design and visual impact. Or you can take your chances and potentially have to live with a sign you don’t love, or that you have to pay to have redone.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/hauppauge-integrated-wellness-closeup.png11501804Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2022-11-08 13:57:572022-11-08 13:57:57The Power of a Professional Designer
It’s a new year, and advertisements everywhere are telling you it’s time for a “new you.” Believe it or not, it’s also an important time to make some changes to your signage. You may not need to “slim down” your signage or do a “budget overhaul” to make it work, just make time for some “self care” with small adjustments, like the suggestions below. A resolution to update your signage to the season will have a big impact in 2022.
Three Reasons Your Signs Need Winterizing
Increased Visibility for Outdoor Signs
In cold weather, the foot traffic around your business decreases dramatically. An A-frame on the sidewalk suddenly impacts fewer and fewer potential customers–the pile of snow along the road from the plow blocks it from view, and most people are staying indoors anyway. The majority of people passing by are in vehicles, so you don’t have much time to attract their attention. You need big, bold, colorful, and quick messaging. Consider an illuminated channel letter sign on your building, or a colorful window graphic. Window vinyl can be applied “second surface” or on the inside surface facing outward, to protect it from the elements!
New Product Offerings Need Custom Design
Do you have a special on down-filled weatherproof jackets this week? Have you created a brand new Instagram-worthy secret-menu latte drink? Do you carry a new brand of winter tires that you’d like everyone to know about? You’d better check your signage and make sure you aren’t still marketing bathing suits, or frozen fruit drinks, or air conditioning system tuneups. When your product offerings change with the seasons, it’s crucial that your signage does too. Update your window signs, in store displays, even your vehicle graphics to feature your most up to date product lines.
Changing Business Hours for Entrances and Door Signs
No matter what business you’re in, your hours can be affected by the seasons. Outdoor recreational facilities may need to change their closing hours because it gets dark earlier. Even if you posted your holiday closures on your website, make sure they’re easily found by customers who show up to your physical location as well. And we know too well in 2022 that staff shortages due to illness can lead to early closing or late opening, and it’s important that you keep your clients aware to avoid frustrations and lost business. Flexible signage options include LED message signs that can be mounted inside your window to be viewed from outside, or a changeable letter sign.
Signwave is ready to do a signage evaluation for your facility to make sure you’re winterized! Call us at 631-761-9292 or fill out the contact us form, and we’ll get started.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AdobeStock_182730822.jpg5411385Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2022-01-21 13:50:242022-01-21 13:50:243 Reasons You Should Winterize Your Signs
Fluorescents can be a fire hazard. This sign is a perfect opportunity for a retrofit.
“Wow, it took me a while to find you guys!” Ever hear that from a customer, due to a dim, unlit, or damaged sign? At that point you call up your local sign shop and ask them to come out to replace a bulb, or check the wiring. At the time of the diagnosis they tell you that yes, they could replace the burned out fluorescent bulb or repair the wiring, but your best option would be to replace the entire works with an LED retrofit. Then they quote you a price that is quite a bit higher than a replacement bulb. What?!! You decide they’re trying to upsell you into a solution you simply don’t need. But what are the unseen costs you’re incurring by sticking with the old technology, and what is the ROI for making the switch?
Cost vs. Value
An LED bar that fits into your fluorescent fittings
Lower Maintenance Costs: LEDs cost less to maintain because you replace them less often. Fluorescent bulbs are cheap but fragile, and you have to pay for a bucket truck to come out and change them up to 2 or 3 times a year in some cases. LED lights running 10 hours a day can last up to a decade, meaning one trip to install and no more labor charge for years to come. Your LED retrofit could pay for itself in as little as 2 years.
Lower Operating Costs: LEDs use about 1/3 of the energy of a fluorescent bulb, meaning your energy bills will be lower without sacrificing brightness. Also, fluorescents can lose up to half their output in cold weather, while LEDs continue to operate at full efficiency in both very high and very low temperatures.
Increased Visibility: LEDs are brighter than fluorescents. A regular fluorescent sign bulb shines in 360 degrees, wasting light that shines toward the back of the sign. The light from LEDs is directed straight onto the sign face for increased brightness and readability. If one LED module burns out, the overall effect to the sign is much less than if an entire fluorescent bulb burns out.
Each LED element is quickly and easily installed into your existing sign cabinet.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and phosphor, and must be disposed of in an environmentally conscious way. If your company has green initiatives and goals, LEDs are a necessity.
You Can Keep Your Existing Cabinet: With an LED retrofit, you don’t need an entirely new sign. You can keep your existing cabinet and sign face, and our technicians will replace only the lighting elements. It’s a cost-efficient glow up for your sign that will immediately draw attention.
Double Your Value with a New Sign Face Too
Once your new lighting is in place, you may notice that your sign face suddenly looks a bit drab or old. Signwave’s experienced design team can create a bright, fresh graphic that will play off the new lighting perfectly. Done along with the retrofit install, you save even more money by avoiding two install trips. It’s a double whammy that will turn heads and draw in customers.
An LED retrofit plus an update to the vinyl face makes the K&M Truck Repair lightbox stand out in Ronkonkoma
A Smart Choice with High ROI
Choosing to update your illuminated sign with an LED retrofit is a smart decision that we recommend because it’s our job to boost your business: to help you get more attention and save money. If your lightbox or pylon sign isn’t looking its best anymore, give Signwave a call. We can find the best solution for you.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/KM-After.png8562517Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2021-03-08 15:41:392021-03-08 15:41:39Why Do I Need an LED Retrofit?
The Las Vegas strip. The Pike Place Market sign. Times Square. These words probably all draw up images in your mind that have one thing in common: NEON. For over 100 years, the technology used to create neon lights has remained very much the same, and purists the world over still rely on it for colorful, eye-catching signage. From large, show-stopping outdoor signs to small interior window signs, here’s a little background info you might not know about your favorite gas!
The Discovery of Neon and History of the Neon Light
The chemical element neon was first discovered in 1898 by British chemists Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers, who at that same time discovered two other inert gases: argon and xenon. When isolated inside a sealed tube, the neon emitted a very bright reddish-orange glow. However because so little of the gas was extracted during their small-scale air liquefaction process, it was too costly to use in quantity. It wasn’t until 1910 that Air Liquide business owner George Claude was able to produce enough neon in his larger-scale process to make it practical for use in lighting applications. His first attempt at neon lighting, to be used in home settings, was unsuccessful. But once he was able to channel the neon light’s extreme brightness and unusual tint into signage applications, the demand began to grow. He sold the first neon signs in the United States to a Packard dealership in Los Angeles in 1923.
Just three years later, Jacques Risler of France discovered how to create additional colors in neon. By coating the sealed tube containing the gas with different fluorescent coatings or “phosphors,” the ultraviolet light emitted by the gases inside caused the tube to glow with various colors. Colors outside the red/orange spectrum usually have additional compounds added to enhance the color, such as argon and mercury. By the 1960s there were about two dozen color options available, and today there are almost 100.
Iconic Neon
Here are just a few examples of how neon can be used to create signs that are recognizable the world around.
Classic Texas barbecue neon sign
The grandfather of all neon cities, Las Vegas
The Pike Place Public Market in Seattle boasts one of the most recognizable neon signs in the US.
Neon can be fabricated in a wide variety of colors
Your (Business) Name in Lights
One of the main benefits offered by neon signage is its longevity. A well cared for neon sign can last for years, even decades. But just as in the early 1900s, neon can be very costly to fabricate and repair, making it outside the budget of many small businesses. So what alternatives have come along? Enter LED technology.
Just a few of the color options in LED neon style rope lighting
LED (light-emitting diode) technology is used in just about every illuminated sign we create at Signwave, from lightboxes to channel letters. It’s super bright, cool to touch, energy efficient, versatile, long-lasting, and affordable. There are even LED rope products that can mimic the look of classic neon tubing with more flexibility and color variety. With all the options that LED technology opened up, a classic-looking neon sign with modern benefits is in anyone’s reach.
Are You Ready To Be Iconic?
Whether you’ve been in business for 40 years or 40 days, you can be a neighborhood icon with the right signage. Are you ready? Call Signwave today and we’ll come to you for a consultation and site visit. We can help you stand out in the crowd.
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Outside all signs point to more cold weather to come, but inside it’s a perfect time to reevaluate your business’s interior signage. Attractive signs are much more than just bits of information to stick on a wall or door. After all, it’s not just your customers that use them as a visual marker. You and your employees and co-workers see them, walk past them, and work under them day after day. A drab, purely practical sign does nothing to inspire pride or productivity.
Do a site evaluation and make notes
Take a walk around your facility and see where you have a generic, off-the-rack sign, a piece of printer paper, or nothing at all to designate the different areas and offices. What message would it send to your employees and customers if you had a custom-made, coherent signage plan in place to increase visibility, decrease confusion, and create a harmonious work environment?
Where can we make improvement?
Consider these options:
Signage in your company colors to designate workrooms, conference rooms, and storage areas
ADA compliant bathroom signs that also sport your company’s logo
Panoramic wall vinyl with photos depicting scenic areas in your town, or your products in action
Cozy, welcoming signage in your staff dining areas
Clear directional signage for your customers and visitors
Custom nameplates for offices
Long-lasting, custom made floor markings for social distancing and safety
There’s no better time than today
Right now is the best time to make those interior changes, before the warm weather calls us all outside again. Signwave can implement your vision, or start from scratch and come up with a full site signage plan to meet your aesthetic and your budget. Give us a call for a site visit!
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Installation-Wizdom-One.jpg7852155Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2021-02-22 14:11:322021-02-22 14:11:32A Perfect Season for Interior Signage
The first impression that visitors and prospective tenants have of your condominium, gated community or other luxury estate development is the most impactful, and your property signage will help deliver the impression of refinement that your residents crave. An upgrade to illuminated entrance signage for your property may be just the kind of burnishing that your development needs to enhance your property’s ambiance and brand to the next level.
Custom Metallic Letter Finish
Letter finish is so important to the overall impression of your site signage and will have a lasting impact, day or night. For our recent project at The Preserve in Woodbury, NY, we selected a titanium-coated, brushed gold finish for the stainless steel lettersets that flank their property entrance. The glint of the finish of their property signage signals luxury to all residents and visitors. The electroplating and coatings provide resistance to weather and corrosion for many years to come. With a wide variety of custom finish options available, you can be sure to find the exact right look that suits your environment.
Halo Lit Letter Construction
But the real WOW effect begins when the sun goes down. Contained within the cavity of each letter “can” is a series of LED modules. The insides of the letters have a reflective white coating to assure an even reverse-lit effect without hotspots or shadows. The letter backs are constructed from clear shatter-resistant plastics.the letters are spaced off the wall with specialty posts to create the halo glow behind when the letter is powered on. LEDs are available in various colors and temperatures.
Complete Sign Service
Your professional sign company will align all the moving parts of the project to make it simple for you. From expediting the required permit applications, proposing designs and finishes, providing sample letters for your review, fabrication, working with your site management, installation, electrical service if required, a full service sign company like Signwave will assure that you are satisfied with the entire process, and especially with the final product.
When you are ready to consider illuminated lettersets for your luxury community please give Signwave a call at 631.761.9292. We offer free design consultation for new customers.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Preserve-LongEdit-scaled.jpg7432560Danhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngDan2020-06-16 13:40:372020-06-16 13:40:37Illuminated Letter Sets: Adding A Shine To Your Residential Luxury Property Signage
Now more than ever, employers have to be aware of our responsibilities regarding the safety of our employees. We have to go beyond the old fashioned “X days since our last accident” signage and create simple but effective everyday reminders of how to avoid injury and maintain overall health. Now is a perfect time to do a signage inventory to see where you might fall short in protecting your workforce. Because the day is coming, sooner rather than later we hope, when our facilities will be fully staffed and running full force again, and we can’t wait until then to make the changes we need.
Determine the Right Location For Your Safety Signage
Each area of your facility, whether factory, warehouse, restaurant, retail shop, or office, needs safety signage in place exactly in the location where it should be utilized: blade safety in cutting areas, back strain warnings in areas where heavy lifting is done, and hand washing reminders by sinks and in bathrooms. Choose signage that fits the location in size and material…it won’t do you any good to have a knife safety reminder sign on the opposite side of the kitchen just because it won’t fit over the food prep table. And a paper sign from your office printer in a high-humidity area seems cost-effective, but how many times will you need to replace it?
Avoid Cluttered Information Signs
Don’t allow an overabundance of signs to cover up or distract from your most important messaging. Go through all the pieces of printer paper and sticky notes, and come up with one or two clear, visible signs that can convey all the information needed. Custom signage is easy when your sign company can design, fabricate, and install the entire job exactly to your needs.
Are Your Signs At The Correct Height?
The height placement of signage is so important that the government regulates it very strictly for signage that must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s important for non-ADA signage as well, so take stock of where your signs are hanging and make sure they are at or near eye level. If not, ask your sign company what the law requires or, if no law applies, what will work best for your specific need.
Replace Out of Date Safety Signs
As we look ahead to a post-COVID-19 world, it will be very important to reevaluate the accuracy and efficacy of the safety information on your signage. Think about the new ways you’ll want your employees to wash their hands, cover their coughs, wear their protective gear, and handle an absence due to illness. Make sure the signage you install keeps up with all the most current scientific information and human resources initiatives. There are many inexpensive material choices for less permanent signage that can help ease the transition until experts have a better grasp on what measures should be mandatory, and which are merely recommended.
Assess Missing and Damaged Signs
Hm, I wonder why that area on the wall is a different color than the wall around it? Is it possible that an important piece of signage fell, or broke, or was supposed to be temporarily moved and somehow never got replaced? Make a note of any signage that is either missing or no longer effective due to fading or other damage, and replace it. Looking at your signage plan as a whole gives you an opportunity to create a fresh and consistent design aesthetic that will be as attractive as it is informative.
Are Temporary Signs Appropriate?
Again, remove and discard signs with outdated information, and any that are damaged or unreadable. They’re just making physical and mental clutter for everyone. Then evaluate whether they should be replaced with a more robust permanent sign that fits with your overall design plan, or if it makes more sense to continue using less expensive temporary options for signage that changes frequently. Your sign company can recommend a myriad of options to fit your budget and need.
Once your inventory is complete, call your sign company. Here in New York, we are allowed to continue operating as usual when servicing an “essential” business. However we know your business is always essential to you, so there are many things we can do right now to move your project forward while still following all state and federal mandates.
Call Signwave at 631-761-9292, and we can start today to help you get ready for that wonderful day when we are all operating full steam once again, with health and safety as our number one priority.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/AdobeStock_190967321-scaled.jpeg17072560Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2020-04-17 15:52:172020-05-12 14:57:07Returning to Work Safely: Evaluating your Safety Signage
This newly-renovated office has beautiful brushed aluminum signage as a key decorative element throughout the building, starting with this custom changeable directory.
We recently were called upon to perform a building-wide upgrade of the commercial building signs at 15 Merrick Ave. in Merrick, NY. The customer was upgrading the entire look of the carpets, walls and fixtures of the building and wanted signage with a style and finish to reflect the standard of tenant that they attracted. At the same time they were looking to improve the signage in other ways:
create a consistent look and feel for facility signage throughout the building
improve accessibility with adherence to 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
ensure a safer environment through clearly marked and legible fire exit, stairway and elevator signage.
The signs were made of brushed aluminum with contrasting raised letters and Braille beads. Clearly positioned by all exits, stairwells and elevators were clearly marked traffic flows in case of emergency. We fabricated the directory and tenant signs, those likely to change down the road, with custom frames with magnetic-backed panels. This will allow us to replace individual tenant panels at a low relative cost.
Each tenant in this renovated Merrick office building has its own ADA-compliant office sign in beautiful brushed aluminum.
If you are looking for ideas on how to upgrade your commercial building signage, please give the Signwave team a call at 631.761.9292 or ask us a question with the form on our homepage.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/UCC-ThirdDirectory-1-scaled-e1588083343970.jpg563750Danhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngDan2020-03-20 14:13:152020-04-28 14:16:26Commercial Building Signage For 15 Merrick Avenue
No matter how experienced you are in your particular field, it’s folly to believe that you’ve reached the pinnacle of knowledge and have all the answers. Every project or customer that comes through your doors is another opportunity to learn or try something new. Here at Signwave, each project we take on is a custom piece with all new challenges and opportunities for brilliance. As much as we like to think we effortlessly hit the mark on the first try, occasionally we find ourselves looking for a solution we’ve never needed to find before. And we don’t quit until the solution is found, implemented, and delivered to a happy client. Here are some of the best lessons we’ve learned and challenges we’ve overcome in 2019.
BRIAN – Design & Printing
One of Brian’s “aha” moments this year came via a vehicle wrap project. The vehicle was an enormous bus, and the customer wanted it completely wrapped, including roof and windows. An outside designer provided the art file, which included a person’s face overlapping the window. Regular readers of our blog know that printed designs on windows utilize a vinyl called window perf, which allows for visibility from the interior of the vehicle but looks like a solid print from the outside. The rest of the design was printed on our regular premium vehicle wrap material. However, no two media accept printer ink exactly the same, and as such we have a different printer “profile” for each different vinyl we use in our HP printer. Brian’s a whiz at profiling, but our first shot at printing the perf was not a perfect match to the printed car wrap vinyl. In fact, it was remarkably different…and splitting those two different colors across a face looked just plain awful. “It took several test prints before we got it perfect. Seeing the different results from tweaking the profiles helped me gain a better understanding of my materials.” Brian set up a new process for projects that involve mixing wrap and perf material, saving us cost, time, and frustration by getting small samples perfect before printing large pieces. We also learned that it’s a good idea to use our experience to guide outside designers, who don’t necessarily understand the details involved in a good vehicle wrap, to set up their files to avoid these issues in the first place.
LEXI – Fabrication & Installation
Lexi tells me that pretty much everything she did this year was a learning experience! Lexi joined us in May as a fledgling sign maker and has gained amazing skills and experience in her short time with us. One of her most interesting projects so far was doing layered vinyl graphics on a boat. As you can probably imagine, graphics applied to a boat’s hull will have to withstand a LOT of hardship, between the salt water, temperature changes, and impact from the waves. Boat vinyl has to be well-sealed, and using multiple layers in the design only compounds the complexity. As Lexi began the tedious process of using the sealant pen to seal each individual layer, she wondered if there might be a better way. We did some research together, gathered a few new tools, and suddenly it was quick work to seal multiple layers in one pass. And the graphics weathered the boating season beautifully.
DAN – Sales
In addition to the responsibilities of business ownership, Dan’s primary company role is to find customers, determine their needs, and bring their requirements back to the Signwave team. And while all this falls under the larger heading of “sales,” I like to think that Dan takes on the role of “interpreter” in our office. Customers understandably don’t always know the sign world lingo, and he takes their design ideas, materials requests, and creative input and uses our in-house survey tools to turn it into a design/purchasing/fabrication recipe that our team can use. As part of that, precise site surveys are key. It’s critical to have detailed photos and accurate measurements to prepare estimates, proofs, and permit applications. In addition to expanding our use of technology such as laser measurement tools and cloud-based collaboration, we’ve implemented new forms and processes to make sure we get the details right the first time, every time.
CINDY – Project Management
As for me, I entered my 3rd year at Signwave during 2019, and every day is a learning experience still. One of the best things I did this year was to study more deeply the ins and outs of our quoting software. Our cloud-based, sign-centric program allows me to add common items into the system, but as I’ve said almost everything we do is custom. Standard products are rarely the right fit for our customers. So I dug deep into the software tutorials and learned techniques that allow me to more quickly and accurately put together the pricing for your custom product. Once Dan has done the groundwork of gathering all your requests and requirements for your signage, I pride myself on how quickly I can get your estimate out to you so that we can take your sign from concept to reality as quickly as possible. I’ve also implemented several new tracking tools to prevent small details from falling through the cracks.
So thank you, 2019, for all the lessons great and small (and humbling). We look forward with great optimism to the new year, and we’re eager to serve customers old and new, and the greater Long Island community with more beautiful signs in 2020.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/AdobeStock_62079879-scaled-e1578419144561.jpeg405750Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2020-01-07 17:54:242020-01-07 17:56:40Lessons from 2019
When your product and service offerings are changing to meet the fast pace of today’s business, one thing that might prevent you from purchasing signage is the fear of having to do it all over again within a few years, or even a few months. How do you stay current without breaking your budget?
Illuminated silicone-edge graphics attract attention and are easily changeable.
Just take a walk through your local mall and notice how many retail stores are using silicone edge graphics, or SEGs. These are large, usually internally illuminated fabric display cabinets that grab your attention using bright colors, bold graphics, and lighting. And they change regularly, sometimes multiple times within a season. These displays are made up of three elements: a plastic or aluminum frame, strategically placed LED lights, and a dye-sublimated fabric print.
The silicone edge easily slips into the frame for one-person installation.
Dye sublimation is a process in which heat bonds ink into the fabric so that the color is bold and long-lasting. Your graphic is printed onto and INTO the fabric, and then a strip of silicone is sewn into the edge of the fabric. This silicone strip slides securely into a channel that runs around the outside edge of the frame, holding it firmly in place so the graphic is taut. The LEDs are permanently affixed to the inside of the frame, so connect the wiring to your electric feed and voila! Your sign is ready for display. There’s only a small sliver of frame visible around the edge, so your graphic takes center stage.
Why are these signs so popular? Changeability and price. Once you have your frame, updating your fabric graphic is as easy as sending a new art file over to Signwave (or having our experienced design staff create one for you). We’ll have a new graphic printed and ready to install in no time. Even better, it doesn’t take a sign professional to do the installation. You or a member of your staff can remove the old graphic and install the new one in a matter of minutes, saving you money.
Silicone edge graphics can be illuminated (from interior or exterior sources) or displayed with no lighting.
As perfect as this technology is for retail, it works just as well for trade show graphics and office/showroom decor. An entire tradeshow display can be built from SEG signage, and it can be illuminated from behind the frame or using attached lighting at the top. After the show, the fabric can be removed and folded away, and the frames can be disassembled for compact, lightweight travel and storage. The graphics will last for years and are washable. Another option is to recess the frames into the walls of an office or showroom for an elegant and impressive way to showcase your products and services. Changing the graphics as your business evolves is simple.
Call Signwave and let’s discuss how you can integrate silicone-edge graphics into your marketing plan!
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SEGblog_SignwaveAds_sm.jpg384576Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2019-12-10 13:52:562019-12-10 13:52:56Getting an edge on your competition
As the holidays approach, it’s time to think about showing your appreciation to your staff, vendors, and customers with year-end gifts. What better way to keep your brand at the top of their mind than by wrapping those gifts in premium custom gift wrap festooned with your company’s logo, tagline, and website?
Signwave is offering this unique marketing tool for the first time ever this year. All we need is your high resolution logo or an art file you’ve had designed for this purpose, and we can turn it into a crisp, colorful wrap that’s both fun and memorable.
This luxurious satin finish paper delivers excellent image quality and is smudge- and smear-resistant. It’s also FSC Certified, the “gold standard” designation for wood harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable. And when all the unwrapping is done, it’s recyclable.
If graphic design isn’t your forte, you’re in luck. Signwave offers the highest level in professional, experienced design and can create graphics that are playful, elegant, festive, or anything else you can dream up.
Make the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful with custom wrapping paper for your corporate gifts!
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CustomGiftWrapHeader.jpg5081542Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2019-12-05 21:25:392019-12-10 19:47:36Wrap up your year with custom gift wrap
Make yourself more accessible with Braille signage.
When it comes to doing business in an increasingly wide and varied world, one of the many important issues a company faces is accommodating people of differing abilities. The penalties for ignoring laws regarding accessible facilities, information, and websites can be stiff, both monetarily and in terms of customer good will. The Americans with Disabilities Act–the rules and regulations governing what accommodations are fair and lawful for all–is not always clear or concise. If you don’t have an ADA expert on call, how do you know you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do?
ADA signage applies to more than just restrooms.
Fortunately for you, Signwave has the expertise you need to ensure all your signage is ADA compliant. We understand what materials, fonts, and color options are allowed, and why. We know the regulations regarding installation of ADA signage, and what the allowable exceptions are in cases where ideal install locations aren’t feasible. We know where you can let your creativity shine, and where you need to stick with the standard. Let us take that stress off your plate so you can rest easy that your facility provides accessibility for all your visitors and employees, and you’re not at risk of penalty for violating state and federal laws.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/AdobeStock_134468960-scaled.jpg12212560Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2019-12-02 20:11:522019-12-02 20:13:51Is My Signage ADA Compliant?
Dealing with transactions between different currencies has always been a challenge. But with the constantly-changing and complex laws regarding VAT, along with instability in the European markets due to Brexit and various other political factors, the international shopping landscape can be almost impossible to navigate. Enter Planet Payment, a Garden City-based international payment services provider, simplifying the process for both vendors and shoppers around the globe. It was no surprise, then, that when they decided to rebrand they went with a simpler name: Planet.
When Planet called us about the signage they would need to rebrand their office spaces, we jumped into action. We worked seamlessly with Planet’s team of graphic and interior designers to ensure the materials we used would meld perfectly with their vision of clean lines and luxe finishes. And it all started with a logo.
We rendered the new Planet logo in crisp, matte black dimensional letters mounted flat to the wall.
Next on Planet’s to-do list was privacy vinyl for glass-walled offices and conference rooms that lined a busy hallway. It’s important for morale that offices feel open and bright, but no one wants to feel like they’re working in a fishbowl where anyone walking past can look right in. The solution? Beautiful Etchmark vinyl with a slight sheen, with abstract shapes that resemble currency symbols reverse cut from the material. Visually the design ushers you through the space in a very welcoming way.
In the lobby seating area pictured below, we echoed the abstract currency shapes only this time cut from matte black vinyl. Again, using matte finishes and veneers gives a softer, more luxurious feel to the space compared to shiny gloss. When financial institutions incorporate clean, modern design choices like this, what was often considered old and stodgy can suddenly feel more youthful and relevant.
Cut vinyl paired with raised lettering makes a dynamic office space while keeping branding consistent.
The biggest part of this project by far was the vinyl for the walls. Planet has a very urban vibe, so the designers envisioned wall murals that depicted city life from all over the world. Signwave chose a beautiful self-adhesive wall vinyl that has the look and feel of real textured wallpaper for a fraction of the price (and much easier to install). Even the mostly-white text wall has a complete coverage of vinyl, which is pretty neat if the wall you want to use has scuffs or imperfections you want to cover. It’s like a paint job, only easier!
New York City street images on the walls and company values in an office building in Garden City, NY
Custom wallpaper for an office entryway with vinyl graphic on the front desk.
Changing your business name and image to reflect new focuses and capabilities is a long, arduous process. But once you’ve got your vision pinned down, changing your signage is easy. Signwave has the knowledge, skill, and confidence to help you. Call us today to get started.
No matter what industry you work in these days, you have to be aware of who your competitors are and what they’re up to. What services and products are they offering? What are their price points? What have they got that you don’t? Increasingly, we have to be aware of the growing competition from companies whose entire business is operated online.
This isn’t news to anyone, including your customers. As the economy shifts and changes, customers are constantly searching for vendors who can work quicker, cheaper, and better. Or they’re figuring out ways to do the work themselves using how-to videos and suppliers. How does a brick and mortar business survive in that world?
As a company that services businesses, we try and help our customers navigate the paths of brand visibility while dealing with that exact scenario in our own industry.
Brushed aluminum veneer on acrylic
What’s the point of a custom sign when I can get it online?
It’s inevitable. We get a call from a potential customer who wants a particular sign, and they want us to match the price they saw online. What do we say to that? We say, “By all means, if the internet store has the exact size and color and wording that you want, buy that sign.” We don’t want to waste your time or ours proposing something that we both already know you can get elsewhere for less.
BUT…
What if the sign you saw online doesn’t include the required ADA components? What if you want your sign in a very specific Pantone color to match your logo? What if the size of the sign you saw online is just a tiny bit too large to fit the space you want it to go?
What if you simply don’t know what you want yet and need an expert to guide you through the process?
Now, you need a custom sign company.
Signwave has the knowledgeable sales staff to walk through your physical space with you, and listen carefully to your needs. We can advise you on sizes, materials, and construction. We have talented designers who have worked with innumerable sign-making materials, with the creativity to develop a project that is unique to you. We walk you through all the steps of making that design a reality, working within your budget. We work with your town to ensure all signage is legal and permitted, taking that burden off your plate.
We have the industry contacts to coordinate all aspects of your branding project, from an illuminated sign on top of a 10-story building, to the etched lettering on your office doors, even to the branded napkins you set out for your corporate events. And we have skilled installers to put everything together for a finished project that potential customers can’t ignore, no matter how distracted they are by their mobile devices.
WE are a custom business, to help YOU stand out in the crowd as a custom business. Attract the customers you want so you can keep them with your stellar service, unmatched by any faceless internet company. It’s working for us, and we can make it work for you too.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AdobeStock_130891406-e1556284921102.jpeg16804740Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2019-04-26 13:36:462019-05-08 19:14:16Why do I need a custom sign shop?
In an increasingly digitized world, digital signage is the next and most logical transition for businesses that want to attract tech-savvy consumers, young people, and customers who simply enjoy technology that is new, interactive, and cool. Examples of digital signage include the entertainment/payment kiosks at your restaurant table, menu boards, up-to-the-minute flight schedule information in airports, and giant billboards in Times Square. All these types of signs provide information, are visually arresting, and can be changed at the tap of a keyboard.
Today let’s focus on the ubiquitous directory sign. Most buildings need them, and it’s very important that they are easy to read and up to date. A digital directory has a lot of advantages over traditional modular-style directory signs, foremost being the immediacy of updates. Not only can management instantly update tenancy information, but they can regularly refresh the design as well as create new and interesting advertising graphics for the tenants on site. Someone may be here to visit the office next door to yours to have their annual eye exam, but as they stop by the directory to find the office’s suite number they are greeted with a colorful ad for your shoe repair business, reminding them to stop by later with those boots that need to be resoled.
Arranging for a new digital sign at your office couldn’t be simpler. You don’t have to be a tech genius! Signwave will walk you through the process, which will include:
Onsite assessment where we visit you, take measurements, and talk about your needs.
Consultation services: together we work through Signwave’s initial proposal and pricing.
Hardware and software: determining which components fit your needs and budget.
Installation and commissioning: determining what contract work or permitting needs to occur, then overseeing the professional install crew on the day of installation.
Content creation and management: Our design team will create the design and content to your exact specifications.
Training and support: Once everything is installed and the content is ready, you’ll have all the training you need for the hardware and software, plus 24/7 phone support.
Ongoing service and program evaluation: As you use your service, we can make recommendations for changes or upgrades as you need them.
Our digital display package includes:
A high quality brand name digital display
Premier tilt mount, On-Wall Cabinet Enclosure, or In-Wall Cabinet Enclosure
Lifetime Software License
Content Design
First Year Content Management
Onsite Installation
24/7 customer support
There are 3 different mounting options, to fit any space or budget:
The tilt-mounted directory is most cost-effective and easy to install.
The on-wall cabinet directory has added security because the wiring is inaccessible to the general public.
The in-wall cabinet directory has a seamless, professional appearance but has a more involved installation process.
Are you ready to bring your office into the digital age? Call Signwave at 631-761-9292 and let us show you how easy it can be.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AdobeStock_161422110.jpeg44806720Cindyhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngCindy2019-04-12 13:32:252019-04-12 13:32:25Digital Signs: The Next Step in Sign Evolution
So you want to turn your vehicle into a 24-hour-a-day billboard for your business but you’re not sure what that involves? Maybe you want to change the color of your personal car, or add some design elements to your motorcycle or boat? Below are a few of the most common questions we get when someone wants to know where to begin with vehicle graphics.
What are vehicle graphics?
We generally get two kinds of vehicle graphic requests: wraps and lettering. A wrap is created by printing with brilliant latex inks onto a specialized vinyl, then laminating it for longevity before applying it with pressure and heat to large sections of the vehicle. Wraps cover all the underlying paint so they can change the entire look of the vehicle. They’re a lot of fun and highly customizable. You can even cover windows with wrap vinyl; it’s a special perforated vinyl that gives the impression of a solid design from the outside, but you can see out from inside. Some wrap vinyl is created with specialty colors and finishes like color shifts, pearlized, matte finish, metallics, or even textures.
Lettering is done by cutting the designs out of a long-lasting, solid colored vinyl that is then transferred precisely onto the surface of your car, usually on the doors, rear, or windows. It’s a cost-effective way to use vinyl to customize your vehicle without everything that goes into a full wrap.
We can do full wraps, partial wraps, and combinations of wraps and lettering. As a custom sign shop, it’s our job to help you create exactly what you want.
How long do they last?
Most vinyls are guaranteed for two years with reasonable care. In our experience it can last much longer than that, especially if you care for your wrap properly. More on that later.
Can it be removed, and will it damage my paint?
Wraps can be removed and will not damage your paint, as long as the paint is in good condition at the time of wrapping. Most people find that the wrap protects the underlying paint.
Can you create a design for me?
You better believe it. Our experienced creative team will work with you to create the design that speaks your message best. Whether you just want to change the color of your car, or shout to the world that your business is out there and ready to serve, if you can dream it we can create it.
How much does it cost?
It depends! (You knew that was the answer, right?) Square footage, the amount of design, complexity of the install, all these contribute to the cost. All you need to do is call us or, better yet, bring your vehicle on over to our shop and we’ll get all the information we need to provide you a quote. And please don’t hesitate to tell us when you’re working in a budget, because we are happy to offer you what works best for your wallet.
How long does it take to install?
A large van will take about 2 days, where a small van or sedan would take a day. If you have graphics on your vehicle already that need to be removed, we’ll account for that in our time estimate.
How do I care for a wrapped vehicle?
Don’t wash a freshly applied graphic for at least the first week. Hand washing is best, but you can run it through a car wash if you wish. We do NOT recommend ever power washing any kind of adhesive graphics as they may lift and begin to pull away from the surface. Parking inside will help increase the longevity of your graphics, if possible.
Call Signwave at 631-761-9292 or stop by and see us. We’d love to answer your questions in person and get you started with a beautiful and profitable vehicle wrap today!
We have created signage for so many of Hauppauge High School’s performing arts programs, events, departments and clubs, that it was with great pleasure we took on the project to decorate their halls with banners. The new principal, Christopher Cook, called us in to create the designs for a series of inspirational quotes hand picked by the staff. And using banners was the right choice for this new branding project.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_20180927_195742.jpg30244032John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-11-02 08:47:322018-11-01 21:21:57New Branding and Banners for Hauppauge High School
Does your office need to keep its information confidential but doesn’t want to sacrifice the natural lighting that large windows provide? Perhaps you want to insulate your storefront from harsh sunlight or the glare of headlights shining through the window? Privacy vinyl can do that job for you. Also known as “etch vinyl,” it can serve multiple purposes in signage. Here are some ways privacy vinyl can help your business or establishment: Read more
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/6-add-color.jpg603852John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-10-03 14:27:062019-01-24 20:08:08Make Establishments Exclusive with Privacy Vinyl
Signs give communities their flavor. Whether it be Golden Arches, Wall Drug or The Happiest Place On Earth, a great sign can make your location iconic. When a sign has reached that level, it’s transcended solely promoting a business’ brand. It’s now part of the area’s scenery, promoting the community as a whole. It represents the locals there, who have in turn accepted the sign and the brand in their daily lives, perhaps even made it a part of their identity. In short, the signage has won people’s hearts and minds.
So, how does a sign attain this coveted state? Here are some factors that add up to create an iconic sign: Read more
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/teaches-2915439_1280.jpg6311101John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-08-25 22:43:252018-08-30 14:28:34Signs Are Landmarks, Promoting Brands and Communities
“Close Enough” isn’t good enough when it comes to your brand. Good signage has to match a business’ brand — everything from the establishment’s overall aesthetics, to the packaging, even their ad campaigns. If signage and branding don’t match, then recognizability will suffer as a result. A sign might be highly visible, but it won’t “click,”if it doesn’t connect with the product or business. But when it’s done right, when the sign colors and style match the brand, your signage will stand out and bring the customers in. Read more
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_20180706_105940.jpg720999John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-08-09 15:54:132018-09-27 00:07:35Getting the Sign Colors Right
Signs are how a business or establishment conveys its branding to the world and attracts potential customers. Done right, a good sign will project a brand to new heights of visibility and contribute to a bustling business. Done wrong, a bad sign will undermine a brand, diminish people’s confidence in a business or just do nothing to promote it, resulting in tepid or even lessened sales.
How can signs have such an effect?
Because signs send messages, that’s why. Here’s some advice on making a sign that’ll do just that: Read more
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/blog-Letter-Size-1.jpg7852155John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-07-30 15:43:312018-08-03 21:46:22Legibility and Color Combinations Help Make Your Messages Seen
Beauty services need beautiful signage, like this privacy window treatment we provided for The Valon Salon. The Hauppauge establishment had their salon windows enhanced with a coating of highly reflective, double gold metallicized vinyl. What results is signage that stands out with its strategic placement – a real plus in the competitive Long Island salon ecosystem.
Look Good & Stand Out with a Window Treatment
It is a great way to spruce up your establishment’s window with some slick signage. The glass surface is transformed to reinforce the business’ branding and aesthetic. It also physically reinforces windows and protects them from scratches by providing a protective layer over the glass. That layer can also block out glaring light, whether it’s from the sun or from vehicle headlights.
Window treatments eye catching and help make customers comfortable indoors, which is invaluable for establishments that require relaxing atmospheres – such as spas or cafes. They’re also easy to install, so that’s a win-win! Want to get your establishment’s windows treated? Contact us for a consultation to determine how to best meet your signage needs.
About the Client
The Valon is where customers can give themselves the gift of relaxation, “where wanderlust & beauty are close to home.”
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/21752875_1469421673106447_6177820568090962127_o.jpg756895John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-07-30 15:27:092018-08-31 19:21:12Privacy Window Treatment for The Valon Salon in Hauppauge, N.Y.
It all starts with the initial call. If a customer knows exactly the sign they need for their business or organization, great. We will take the requirements, create a proposal, and we’re on our way. But sometimes our customers rely on our expertise to help them create the right signage.
So we hope for your patience while we ask questions about your business, your challenges, and your goals. We need get to know our clients in order to make signage that will best suit them. After all, a sign isn’t just there to look pretty. It’s there to project a business’ identity, which is an intangible value that has a massive impact on any enterprise’s performance. That’s the significance of branding and a well-made sign is a key part of that. Read more
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Window.jpg18403264John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-07-12 15:50:322018-07-12 15:50:32"Custom" Means Exactly The Sign You Need
The Village of Islandia Baseball Field was built to honor the first responders of the 9/11 attacks. Signwave was honored to be asked to participate in the Grand Opening.
Several local businesses helped with the initiative by pitching in for its construction. The Village showed its appreciation for their contributions with large colorful banners in the outfield. As a bonus, Bolla Market, Jake’s 58 and Breslin Realty’s branding also brighten up the area. Read more
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_20180601_165000.jpg6921070John Lihttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngJohn Li2018-07-12 15:44:072018-07-17 20:48:56Banners for Village of Islandia Baseball Field
If you’ve been thinking of a full wrap for your Mobile Salon RV, branding your car, tricking out your motorcycle, or outfitting your fleet of box trucks – we’ve got some helpful tips for you. We’ve heard too many sad stories from our customers about ways they’ve been burned by other companies. So how do you know if you’ve found a reliable vehicle wrap installer to trust with your car, truck or van wrap?
#1 – A Good Sign Company will Respond, and be Forthcoming With Information. Two thirds of sign companies don’t respond at all to new customer queries for vehicle wraps. You have every reason to expect immediate answers, and any respectable sign company will take a consultative approach to help solve problems. If they try to sell you stuff you don’t want, move on.
#2 – An Honest Sign Company will Explain Their Quote. Vehicle graphics projects don’t readily lend themselves to “one size fits all” pricing, so the quote should include a detailed scope of work. A vehicle graphics project often includes the marketing and design phase, the specification of materials, measuring and pricing, removal of existing graphics, printing and laminating, and installation – each with their own custom issues. Your sign professional should discuss all of these with you to get an accurate price.
#3 – A Reputable Sign Company will Handle The Whole Job, And Welcome You Onto Their Premises. There is a high demand for vehicle wraps and a shortage of qualified wrap experts. Many sign shops outsource their wrap projects to installers that work for several different shops, so make sure the party you’re dealing with is well equipped and takes full accountability for the job.
#4 – A Reliable Sign Company will Explain The Warranty Clearly And Stand By Their Promises. 3M, Avery and Hexis manufacture the best quality materials available. But weather, storage conditions, and driving conditions affect how well even the highest quality wrap will perform over time. Many sign companies make blanket 10 year performance claims, which they may not be prepared to back up if they don’t take actual conditions into consideration. Make sure you have the right expectations about how the sides of your vehicle will look after years of sun and weather vs. the direct rays of the sun on horizontal surfaces. Ask your sign resource about what you can do to make sure your graphics continue to look stunning, and exactly how they intend to fulfill claims made in their warranty.
#5 – A Knowledgeable Sign Company will Use Approved Overlaminate that is Compatible with the Wrap Film. Many companies will save money by not overlaminating their wraps, or using a budget overlaminate. You may not be able to see the difference when you come to pick up your truck or fleet and provide final payment, as any fresh install will always look dashing. But a few months of road wear and exposure to sun and rain will do damage even on the excellent latex Inks that the best print operators use for digital wraps. Reputable companies will use a cast optically clear overlaminate that is compatible with the cast vinyl they are printing on. There are exceptions –certain non-printed “color change” wraps using specialty materials do not require laminate. Ask your company to show you the Vinyl Manufacturer’s Specification Sheet.
It’s always exciting to see your new fleet or vehicle dressed up to show off your brand. With proper attention given to intended usage, specifications and processes prior to the install, you can be assured that the integrity of your colors and finish stand up to weathering and daily use, for years to come.
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about these 5 points, or anything we may not have covered in this article. Join this conversation, or call Signwave at 631-761-9292, and we’ll make sure your install does not become one of those sad stories.
https://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Box-Truck-Graphics-Side-View.jpg36724752Danhttps://www.signwaveli.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signwave-e1496789668801_cac404c9f7ce07dbc78268eaeead7ca5.pngDan2018-04-12 20:51:582018-05-08 16:43:245 Clues You’ve Picked The Right Sign Company For Your Vehicle Graphics Project
Advertising your business on your car, truck or van generates an average of 600 impressions per mile driven.
In heavy traffic and on busy roads, that number is easily quadrupled! Not to mention the additional awareness it generates while parked at your facility or customers’ locations. With advancements in materials science, and availability of latex printing technologies, vehicle graphics are quickly becoming among the most popular methods of branding for businesses. Let’s look at six reasons why:
1-Reach – 50,000 to 100,000 of your local prospects will see your brand each day, month after month.
2-Tireless member of your sales force – No need to pay for advertising month after month – with a vehicle wrap pay once and you’re good for up to ten years.
3-Effortless Selling – No more cursing your fate when you are stuck in traffic – you will be delighted at the opportunity for extending your brand message to the captive audience around you!
4-Big Company Image – Two or three vehicles will give the appearance of a fleet of 50 when your customers see them multiple times a month on their regular routes.
5-Mobile Site Signage – A box truck or van is a fantastic billboard when it is parked roadside at your parking lot.
6-The Wow Factor – A great vehicle design will amaze and delight. Check out some examples in our gallery or call us at 631-761-9292 and we’ll show you how.
For retailers, compelling signage makes all the difference in attracting customers all year round. Depending upon the location and the type of store, you can offer a new promotion every month – and signage designed with changing sales seasons in mind can make sure that there’s always a relevant offer on hand.
