Sign Age Brisbane

Brisbane Signwriting and Painting, a historical perspective.

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:43:11 +0000

Our history with signwriting and painting in Brisbane has been extensive and this got me thinking as to how business was done at the turn of the previous century. The last two patriarchs of signage are no longer with us, but I decided to ask Neil as to what stories he can remember about how signwriting and painting did business nearly a century ago.

Traditional brushwork of an honour board

It makes our current lives seem positively boring in comparison. George Cox, the founder of George Cox and Sons was a great horseman, and in those days this was a necessity as his horses were his transport and ultimately linked to his livelihood. He would be up before the crack of dawn to care for his horses and saddle them up to his buggy. His horses were housed in the stables at his Gordon Park residence. He would then have to get the paint and other equipment required for the job, travel to the job would take significantly longer than it does today, (although with Brisbane traffic at the moment maybe it is on par). When he arrived at the job, he would then have to ensure that there was somewhere for the horses to be and that he had feed and water for them for the day. Tradesman, up until the last 50 years, would always go to work in a suit or their Sunday best. They would then have to get changed when the turned up to the job, and they would also get out of their work clothes at the end of the day and travel home in their formal attire.

People certainly would have to ensure that they were more organised than we are today. Not only did they need to ensure that they had all the equipment required, but they would have had to take lunch not only for themselves, but for their horses, as well as ensuring that they had their clothes and shoes for the day. Days would often be long, as the horses would have to be washed down and cared for again at the end of the day and all the equipment put back in the shed. There were no mobile phones to ring on, no navmans to find directions, and no invoices to be emailed. Invoice and quote books were handwritten with copies made using carbon paper. Modern day conveniences were unheard of; I suppose the question is where they missed. We certainly would not be able to maintain our fast paced lives without them, and the quicker we get products and information, the quicker we want them. The quality of products from the previous era were impeccable, shortcuts were rarely taken and all signwriting was handwritten, and there was no computer cut lettering or digital printing. Tradesman became very good at their brush skills and worked well with this medium as it was an everyday occurrence. Today’s Brisbane signwriters wouldn’t be able to compete with those of yesteryear with brushwork skills, but our signwriting ancestors would have struggled with our increasingly technology driven sign industry. Signwriting today is less about hand painting signs and more about various other media, for instance: digital printing, led signs, computer cut graphics, cnc routing services, and complex illuminated signs.

As a child growing up in the Brisbane Sign Industry, I remember when we go the first computer cut lettering machine, a hot tip cutting device. The system was rudimentary by today’s standards, but was state of the art at the time, I remember that people came from near and far just to have a look at our machine. I saw firsthand the change from traditional signwriting to computer cut lettering to digital printing. As a kid I remember that there would be several signwriters and apprentices at the signwriting wall, writing various types of signs. I also remember helping with screen printing thousands of signs – today these would be done with digital printing. Screen printing these types of signs, would require a large amount of people and large amounts of room for the signs to dry. Today’s methods are less labour intensive and able to be done is smaller premises with a great finish.

Example of today's signwriting using digital printing and computer cut lettering

Years ago Brisbane signwriters and sign companies would spend all their time onsite or in the workshop, as opposed to today where large amounts of time are spent as a slave to the electronic machines – computers and printers. Many trades and professions have changed over the centuries, but I feel that signwriting has probably had one of the greatest, yet least publicised changes of all of them. The ancient art of signwriting has been around for centuries, but the face of signwriting has changed, to a world where the products are increasingly developed by machines, and the handmade aspects of Brisbane signwriting are possibly a thing of the future, as the skills die out with each subsequent generation. I personally feel that this is a sad day, but I suppose we must move forward in a profitable manner. But one day the Brisbane signwriters of yesteryear will be no more, and their skills will also be lost.

A-Frame Sign and Sandwich board

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:59:36 +0000

Signage Queensland is aware of the pressures that face small business. For a small business to be successful it is imperative that they advertise effectively. An A-frame sign or sandwich board are a great cost effective way to do this, and unlike other forms of advertising the cost is a once off cost, with no continuing fees and charges. An A-frame sign is great for cafes, hairdressers, beauty salons, and most small businesses that have a roadside presence.

A frame custom signs cheap

We would like to offer a special to all small businesses looking at purchasing an a-frame sign from signage. We encourage you to shop around on price and quality, and if you find a cheaper price than ours (on our standard size) and can confirm with price with us we will beat it. We are so confident that you will love this product that we are prepared to offer you the best price on a-frame signs and sandwich boards in Australia. We included sign written faces in all our a-frames, our a-frames are ready to go, the only added cost is freight.

Multiple A-Frame sign and sandwich board specials

We also offer special prices for bulk orders. For cafes with multiple sites, or for franchise businesses why not get together and order you’re a frame signs in bulk and save.

Large a-frame sign and sandwich board range.

We have a large range of a-frames and sandwich boards available including our standard 900mm x 600mm, our slide in face a-frame (900mm x 600mm). We can also custom make our a-frames and sandwich boards to your particular needs – see our portfolio. Remember that we can customise our standard a-frame signs to you needs, for example blackboard a-frame sign, magnetic a-frame signs and document holders that can attach to your a-frame sign.

Order an A-Frame before the end of the financial year and you will be offered this great special.

A slide in A-Frame sign for a great deal of $180 – Australia’s cheapest!

We include:
x 2 printed panels (with your design/logo) – our panels are not flimsy corflute, but sturdy ACM (aluminium composite material)
slide in a-Frame
Carry bag
Box for easy storage.

This is a great offer, get in quick it is only while stocks last.

LED Signs

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:23:43 +0000

LED Signs for home and office

LED’s are a great new technology, and their use in signage is moving forward every day. Not only are they economical to run they are a perfect option for many small signage options where you require them to be lit up.

LED standoffs are a great product to use for these small signage applications, they consist of aluminium standoff with LED lights situated inside the stand-off. This LED light is then able to shine through the centre of the acrylic/Perspex, lighting up the required areas of the sign. These signs are easy to install, and are perfect for house name signs, bar signs, office and reception signs. With a starting cost from about $90.00 they are a cheap but striking alternative to traditional acrylic or metal signs. Included in this price is the finished sign, the LED’s and a power supply, all you have to do is to plug it in.

The LED standoffs light up the areas in the acrylic that have been engraved. Highlighting the desired text.

Honour Board Manufacture

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:16:01 +0000

The Brisbane signwriting team at Signage Queensland are one of the last sign companies left that are still practicing traditional signwriting techniques, including honour board manufacture and gilding.

Our team make all our own honour boards in-house, including those manufactured from timber, acrylic and aluminium. Our process though can be applied to most materials and we have the ability to cut shape and finish a very large variety of honour board substrates.

Honour boards are popular for schools, universities, sporting teams, clubs, RSL’s, the Armed Forces, large corporations, union organisations, Legacy, political parties, hospitals and any organisation that would like to keep a record of achievements and honour their employees or members.

Our experience in honour boards is one that is steeped in tradition with about a century of family experience. We can answer all your honour board questions either by email or over the phone. Feel free to discuss your honour board options with our team. If you are not in our local area, we can organise freight to you.

A-Frame Signs Brisbane – Magnetic

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:37:42 +0000

A-Frames Brisbane

Magnetic a-frame signs are a great way to advertise your business or service. A-Frames have lots of advantages over other methods of signage, including their portability, ability to be seen at road level and that they are extremely cost effective. Magnetic a frame signs have another added bonus; due to the fact that the face of the a-frame sign is sheet metal you can easily apply a magnetic sign or magnetic letters to your sign. This will ensure that you can change the message on the board as often as you would like. You also will only have to pay the initial cost of the a-frame and then the magnetic signs or magnetic letters. This will ensure that you have a sign that not only meets your changing needs but is a whole signage package for your business that is very kind to your advertising budget.

If you are thinking about signage for your business and have a budget of about $200, and you want to ensure that you can still attract customers through your doors, then an a-frame sign is probably your best option.

Magnetic A-Frame Signs Brisbane are great for business such as hairdressers, beauty salons, snack food bars and coffee shops, as you can change your specials daily or even throughout the day. Magnetic A-Frame signs also offer a significant advantage over blackboard signs in that they can withstand all weather and passers-by can’t rub off the message. This will ensure that the passing traffic will be able to see your daily specials clearly in all weather.

Illuminated Sign Brisbane – Maintenance & disposal of fluorescent tubes

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:21:42 +0000

Traditional illuminated signs included a welded light box, with fluorescent tubes used as the light source. Even though the life of fluorescent tubes can be up to about 24000 hours, they don’t last forever. An illuminated sign will ensure that you can attract patrons to your business or advertise your services either day or night, and is one of the most effective signs you can purchase. There are limits to their efficiency and one of these is based around maintenance. Signs, like all things require maintenance, and even though it isn’t a weekly chore, it should be attended to regularly. A poorly maintained illuminated sign will reflect a poorly maintained business, and may send unwanted messages to potential patrons.

One of the most important maintenance items in illuminated signs is checking that all the fluorescent tubes are in working order. This is simple to do, just ensure that when you sign is turned on at night; you look and see if there are any sections of your sign that are unlit. If you find that there are unlit sections, then you need to call the sign company that installed or manufactured your sign, or alternatively you could phone an electrician.

Just because there is a section of your sign unlit doesn’t always mean that there is a spent fluorescent tube, although this is often the case, it can mean a variety of things, which is why it is important that you contact a professional. If fluorescent tubes are all that is required, it should be a quick and relatively cheap job.

Disposal of fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent tubes and neon all contain mercury. Compact fluorescent tubes contain the least amount of mercury, followed by fluorescent tubes and then blue neon. The amount of mercury in a fluorescent tube is about 15 mg of mercury, for this reason it is important that everyone is careful about their handling and disposal. Each city council will have guidelines relating to disposal of mercury containing tubes.

Steps for disposal of broken fluorescent tubes:

Check with your local council as to their rules and regulations
If the tube has been broken indoors:
1. Open any nearby windows and doors and allow the room to ventilate for at least 15 minutes – ensure that all air conditioning is turned off until the tube has been cleaned up.
2. Clean up the broken contents using stiff paper and cardboard – avoid using a vacuum or a broom as this can spread the contents of the lamp and contaminate the person cleaning the tube. If using a brush to clean up the contents – ensure that it is disposed of after the clean-up.
3. Place any broken pieces of tube into a glass jar, and seal it with a lid.
4. Ensure that the cleaner is wearing disposable rubber gloves.
5. Use sticky tape and/or a damp cloth to wipe up any of the remaining glass fragments and or/powders.
6. NB: if vacuuming is required on carpet, the vacuum bag must be discarded or the vacuum canister is to be wiped thoroughly.
7. All items contaminated by the cleaning process should be disposed of in the outside rubbish bin – NOT the recycling bin.

Disposal of fluorescent tubes – at the end of their life.

Check with your local council for their guidelines
Ensure that you wrap your fluorescent tubes or CFL’s in newspaper – so as to prevent them from breaking

For your guidelines for your specific council please refer to their websites, I have provided links for the Brisbane City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gold Coast City Council, Sunshine Coast City Council, Ipswich City Council and Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. For further information see Safe disposal of mercury containing lamps. There are many recycling facilities, for Example Planet Ark.

LED vs. Fluorescent vs. Neon vs. Incandescent

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:06:03 +0000

What is the difference: LED Sign, Fluorescent Illuminated Sign and Neon Sign?

LED’s – The Way of the Future

LED’s are the way of the future, but for many of us the difference between them and more traditional light sources is a bit of a mystery. Mankind has always led a life that is surrounded by light, and where there is none, we find ways to develop a light source that suits our needs. We have come a long way since the discovery of fire, but new ways of lighting up our lives that are more energy efficient, cost efficient and that require less maintenance are continuing to evolve. LEDs are a great example of this evolution, and their use has infiltrated our daily lives from our remote controls to our televisions and of course our signage. There are 3 main types of lighting that we will discuss, these being: incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs and LEDs.

Incandescent bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are light bulbs gives off their light through a process known as incandescence, where a wire filament is heated by an electric current with then causes the wire to emit photons. These photons are what you see as light. Incandescent lighting was invented in 1801 by the English chemist Sir Humphrey Davy. There were various types of incandescent lighting, but all of them were not very efficient. It was not until 1908 that the General Electric Company invented the first tungsten-filament incandescent bulb, this bulb was far more efficient that its predecessors. The efficiency was gradually increased using different inert gasses inside the bulb. The double coiled filament that we see today was not introduced until about 1930. Incandescent lamp. (2012). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retreived from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/284597/incandescent-lamp

Incandescent bulbs are very energy inefficient, and for this reason incandescent bulbs are being phased out in most western countries. In Australia Tungsten Filament incandescent general lighting has been subject to a sales restriction since 1 November 2009. View climate change website for more information on lighting phase out.

Example of a Tungsten Incandescent Bulb

Fluorescent Lamps & Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)

The first fluorescent discharge lamps were produced by General Electric and the Westinghouse electric company in 1938. These fluorescent lamps used mercury vapour and phosphor-coated tubes, which enhanced the visible light output. This type of lighting is also knows as an electric discharge lamp, and is cooler and more efficient than its predecessor. The fluorescent tube is made of glass which is filled with a mixture of argon and mercury vapour. Metal electrodes are placed on each end. When electrical current flows from one end to the other through the gas, the result is ionized gas that emits ultraviolet radiation. The inside of the glass tube is coated in phosphorus and this absorbs the ultraviolet radiation and produces a fluorescence, which is seen as visible light. Fluorescent tubes don’t require continual heating of a filament as does incandescent bulbs, therefore they are more energy efficient, and cheaper to run. Fluorescent lamps though require a higher operating voltage when the lamp is turned on, as to ionise the gas. Therefore fluorescent lamps require a ballast, which supply the initial larger voltage and then maintain the lower operating voltage after the lamp has been switched on. Traditional fluorescent lamps have this ballast separately, whereas compact fluorescent lamps have this ballast nested into the cup at the base of the bulb assembly. Fluorescent lamp. (2012). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/2111364/fluorescent-lamp

As fluorescent tubes had at least double the efficiency of the tungsten lamps there were rapidly adopted for commercial use. In traditional illuminated signs, traditional fluorescent tubes are used and produce a good quality product. It should be noted that this form of lighting requires more energy, and has a larger carbon footprint than LED’s and some other forms of lighting. View the light globe conversion table to compare incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps.

Fluorescent lightingCompact Fluorescent light - these are not used in illuminated signs. Although they are used in many home applications.

LED Signs

L.E.D stands for light emitting diode. An LED is a “semiconductor device that emits infrared or visible light when charged with an electric current.” Light-emitting diode (LED). (2012). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/340594/light-emiting-diode There are 2 main types of LEDs – visible and infrared. LEDs are used in most of today’s electronic devices, for example billboards, alphanumeric displays, car brake and indicator lights, mobile phones, traffic signs, general lighting, autofocus cameras, remote controls and fibre optic telecommunication systems. Light-emitting diode (LED). (2012). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/340594/light-emiting-diode Where other forms of light operate through luminescent and fluorescence, LEDs operate by electroluminescence. Electroluminescence is when the emission of photons is caused by electronic excitation of the material. The material that is most commonly used in LEDs is gallium arsenide. By varying the amounts and composition of these materials it is possible for LEDs to produce different wavelengths of light, that is colour. The voltage that is required for LEDs is quite low; therefore they are very energy efficient and cost much less than incandescent or fluorescent lighting to run. Light-emitting diode (LED). (2012). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/340594/light-emiting-diode LEDs also don’t get hot like incandescent bulbs, therefore they can be used in many more applications. Their very small size also makes it possible for areas to be lit up that would not have previously been able to, using more traditional light sources. The life expectancy of an LED is up to 100, 000 hours, ensuring that it lasts many times longer than incandescent or fluorescent lamps. LEDs are certainly the way of the future and will continue to evolve and expand with the increases in technology. Although the initial outlay for LED’s can be more expensive, the cost is continuing to come down as technology and demand for the product increases.

Comparison chart – LED vs Incandescent vs CFL

More information on alternatives to incandescent lighting.

Examples of LED signs we have done.

LED signs for home and office.

Types of LED's

LED strips - most commonly used for LED signs

Neon Signs or Cold Cathode lighting

Neon light was first invented by the French engineer and chemist Georges Claude in 1910. While he was studying inert gases (gases that will not readily mix with oxygen or other gases to form an explosive atmosphere, these elements make up group 18 on the periodic table and include: helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), radon (Rn), and element 118. These gasses are also colourless, odourless and tasteless. ) Claude discovered that if you pass an electrical current through these gasses that they will produce light. Different gasses produce different colours when an electrical current is passed through them – Helium – yellow, Neon – red, Argon – red or blue and krypton – yellow-green, xenon – blue to green.

The neon tube consist of an evacuated glass tube witch has electrodes attached to each end, a small amount of the required inert gas is added. The electrodes are then connected to a high voltage power source, which in turn makes the tube glow. Other colours can also be obtained by using coloured glass or coating the glass in phosphor powder. Once the glass tube is made is then bent by specialist neon benders into the desired shapes. One of the biggest draw backs of neon technology and neon signs is that the glass tubes that contain the gasses are very fragile and easily broken. Once they are broken they need to be replaced, as they cannot be repaired, therefore in some applications their use can be inappropriate and prove expensive. More in-depth information on neon and the process of its manufacture.

Neon Lighting

Benefits of LED sign technology

One LED can display many colours
Widest range of colours and hues
Can be dimmed
Energy efficient
Low voltage
Long life
Small, compact and light
Sealed unit
Strong saturated colour
Doesn’t contain mercury
Very bright
Relatively cost effective
Very reliable
Low head
Very safe, as they only require 12V to run them
Much easier to install
Can be used for indoor and external applications
Easy to service
Easily transported

There are few disadvantages of LEDs over its competitors, these include: purchasing cost, not suitable for bare letter applications and that it doesn’t have a soft illumination like neon.

Gold Coast Sign Show 2012

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:24:50 +0000

Signwriting Industry Technology Driven

The world of signs and signwriting is not only becoming increasingly more competitive, it is also a field that is now largely driven by technology. For this reason it is important that your sign shop be up to date with the latest technology, and advances in materials, equipment and techniques. Signage is the premier sign company in Brisbane, Redcliffe, and on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. We can only maintain our high standing as Brisbane sign writers in the both the sign community and the community at large if we ensure we participate in the development of these technologies.

Visual Impact Promotions and Image Expo

Neil and Tony will be attending the VIIE trade show exhibition on the Gold Coast this week. This is an ideal time to network with sign suppliers and manufacturers and discuss different products and view many new products that are on display. They not only will use this time to form relationships with suppliers, but they will use this opportunity to discuss their client’s complaints or compliments on various products.

“The VIIE trade show is where Visual Impact Promotions and Image Expo have combined to showcase to the Visual Graphics Industries, which include Signage, Digital Printing, Routing, Awards, Vinyl Application, Design, Airbrush, Screen Printing, Display Solutions and Engraving.

These Trade Shows are widely regarded as the best opportunities in these Industries for seeing new products, meeting top suppliers, learning new technology and networking.

Our tradition of quality in the trade show arena began over 10 years ago and has continued to this day with the largest trade show in Australia for the Visual Graphic Industry. “

Visit VIIE site for more information on their shows and exhibitions.

A digitally printed sign by Sign Age under installation at commercial premises.

We pride ourselves in our professionalism and professional development at Signage Brisbane, and assure that we stay abreast of changes and developments in our industry. It is for this reason you can feel confident that when you deal with signage you are getting a state of the art sign, backed up by world class knowledge and professionalism. Signs and signwriting is literally in our blood, the industry is an important part of us and our family. Contact us today and make an enquiry into what type of signage solution would best suit you, your business and your hip pocket.

Signwriting Paint Types and Application

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:55:05 +0000

When choosing a sign, be it traditionally signwritten or a combination of materials, it is important that you understand the type of paint that needs to be used for your particular application.

There are two main types of paint that are used for signs including commercial signs and A-frames, acrylic and enamel.

The way you can tell the difference between these two main types of paint is by what the are thinned or are cleaned up with.

Acrylic paint

Thinned and cleaned up with water
Quick dry
Self sealing
Always remains tacky to the touch in hot weather – therefore if dirt gets onto the surface then it will embed itself in the paint over a period of time – it if is not cleaned

Enamel Paint

Thinned and cleaned up with mineral turpentine
Slow to dry
Not self sealing – this means that it needs an undercoat, otherwise it will just keep sinking into the surface you are painting
Does dry completely – this allows it to be easily cleaned
It will retain its gloss for longer than acrylic and is much harder wearing than acrylic.
Gloss enamel can also be made into a two pack, with an additive added to the enamel called dry add. This will make it a chemically dried paint, rather than by oxygen. This will ensure that the paint surface is even more robust and will last even longer. This also ensures that the paint surface is much more solvent resistant.

Knowing the differences between these two paints, will ensure that you and your signwriting company are selecting the correct type of paint for the application. Feel free to ask the sign company what type of pain they are using, and any possible issues that you may have with this paint now and in the future.

Brisbane Climate: Taking Care of Your Paint

It is also important to note, that with any sign there is some maintenance, and paint is no different. This is particularly relevant in a warm climate such as that of Brisbane.
These notes from Solver are relevant:

As paint films age, washing may become necessary.
The flatter the finish of the paint, the more difficult it is to remove any soil marks etc. Care must be exercised to avoid rubbing
and polishing of the paint finishes, which can contribute to patchiness.
It is also important to allow the paint film to be completely dry and cured before attempting to wash off marks.

For more download the following pdf from Solver – Care and maintenance of paint and paintwork.

Great video on how to make a paint cup out of a 4″ x 6″ index card
by a great old signwriter!

Vinyl Vehicle Wrap Application

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:21:10 +0000

Special techniques are required when applying vehicle graphics as we do at Sign Age. The excellent video from 3M covers the complete application technique including:

Preliminary cleaning of the vehicle
Characteristics of graphics films
Best ambient conditions
Vehicle inspection
Management of complex contours
Graphic application including use of the heat gun
Graphic film removal