Not necessarily. If there is a particular person you need to see, or if you have a larger project to discuss, please call ahead so we can be sure that you can speak to the best person to help you with your needs. Otherwise, feel free to stop by anytime Monday through Thursday, 9:00 to 4:30 or Friday, 9:00 to 3:00.
Can I email you a file to make into a sign?
Yes. But first, please call us to discuss the project, so we can find out what software you're using to determine the best format for you to save the file in to send us.
What are the standard sizes for signs and lettering?
Hardly any. Each project is customized to your needs, part of which involves discerning what size is best for maximum visibility and legibility, while taking into account material size as to reduce waste. There are rules of thumb for letter height and spacing for viewing distance, which is roughly 25 feet of distance per each inch of letter size. There are a few exceptions for standard signs, such as parking signs (12" x 18"), magnetic signs (12" x 24"), and change letters to fit track come in 4", 6", or 8" in height. DOT directional signs (ODBS) are required to be either 12" x 48" or 16" x 72" as permitted by MaineDOT.
How long will it take to make the sign?
After the design process is complete and you have authorized us to begin production, the timeframe will fall into one of a few broad categories:
1 to 3 days: over-the-counter pre-spaced lettering, small signs, small vinyl banners
About a week: truck lettering, decals, medium sized signs, large vinyl banners, magnetic signs
About 2 weeks: large exterior signs, partial wraps on vehicles
3 to 4 weeks: 3D letters & logos, ADA Braille plaques, directories, full wraps on vehicles
Of course, we will keep you apprised of anything that affects your timeframe.
How long will the sign last?
Outdoor durability and color-fastness is as good as current technology allows. We use top-of-the-line high performance vinyl and seal our printed graphics with a UV-blocking layer of high performance clear laminate. The manufacturer of our vinyl rates these materials at 7 years outdoor exposure, although we find in practice that they usually last longer, often a lot longer. Graphics that are face-up to the sun, such as on the hood or roof of a vehicle, are not rated at all by the manufacturer, but we find those to last 2 to 3 years. We make our sign panels from aluminum rather than wood, so there is no rotting, splitting or cupping; the panel will outlast the graphics we put on it.
How do I get DOT directional signs?
It's a 3-step process:
1. Obtain permits from the Maine DOT: maine.gov/mdot/traffic/obds Each sign needs its own permit.
2. We will make the signs for you (call for pricing).
3. Deliver the signs to the DOT and they will install them.
The phone number at the DOT for questions about these signs is 624-3611
Do you print flyers, business cards or t-shirts?
No, our equipment is specific to long-term exterior-grade graphics. We can refer you to businesses that print those materials, and if we made a sign for you, we will email your design to that printer.
