Tag: commercial signage

Illuminated signage: a brightly lit future?

The use of LEDs in signage illumination has transformed the signage industry since the initial arrival of bright and commercially viable LED technology. The passage of time hasn’t slowed the pace of transformation, either, with a range of innovative technologies coming to market over the past couple of years. Read on to find out what you need to know about these developments and avoid staying in the dark.

A brief history

Human beings have sought and created technologies to bring light to darkness since the beginning of time, starting with fire, when the ability to see what was lurking in the dark could have meant the difference between life and death. Fast-forward to today, and while our lives are very different in most ways, the question as to how to provide light to an object to make is visible is still just as pressing, albeit for different reasons.

We’re no longer concerned with sabre-toothed tigers, but we do need to make our companies, shop fronts and advertisements as visible as possible in order for our businesses to survive and prosper by outshining the competition. It was this need that has long driven innovation in lighting technology, and that led to the creation and relatively rapid adoption of LED technology for signage illumination.

Lighting an object can be achieved in two ways. The first technique is simply to shine a light at it. While this is straight-forward, and without a doubt a popular method, it does carry with it numerous drawbacks, such as the issue of reflectivity, as well as issues of expense given the inefficient use of energy. The second means is to shine light out of the object, in the context of signage a role historically played by neon lighting and fluorescent tubes. The advent of LEDs has led to an explosion of creativity and flexibility that has forced a complete re-writing of the rules for illuminated signage.

Achieving the impossible

Advances in the technology underpinning LEDs have provided a number of alternative ways to illuminate a signage product, and have allowed the construction of internally illuminated signs that simply weren’t possible before. Take, for example, the manufacture of a very large display on a shallow frame – perhaps a flex-faced sign. Using traditional methods, it is almost impossible to light the frame uniformly as the lamp, usually a fluorescent tube, must be placed very close to the image due to the shallowness of the frame. This leads to dark areas and bright bleaching around the lamp.

The advent of chain LED lighting technology has provided a far more reliable, easy-to-install and energy efficient option. The market leaders in this segment can produce brightness of over 235 lumens with a high efficiency of 120 lumens per watt. Advances in optics design mean that only four LED modules, using a total of 10 watts, are required to uniformly illuminate 1m2 of signage. The super-low power consumption allows the use of just one power supply unit to light a sign of 17m2.

The growth of the signage industry as a result of advances in LEDs has had a knock-on effect in that end-users are seeking new ways in which to stand apart from their competition, increasing their budget spend for displays and signage and developing an interest in concerns such as the appearance of the sign at night versus the day.

Knock-on effect

The pace of the rise and fall of trends in illuminated signage has also accelerated. A year or two ago, ‘retro’ was very much in fashion, and not just in signage. Think of the vintage clothing boom. For illuminated signs, this trend meant a return to neon-style letter signs and fairground light installations, both of which are drastically improved by LEDs.

The fairground light effect is very effectively achieved using warm white LED bulbs, which on average use just 10 percent of the energy of their older incandescent counterparts. Likewise, whereas traditional neon lighting consists of a solid glass tube, the LED equivalent is built inside a flexible acrylic tube which can be repositioned and restyled whenever the user wishes to breathe some fresh life into their display. Solid acrylic assemblies are also in production at higher-end signage manufacturers. These displays come in a wide variety of colours with very strong, bright light. Their comparatively low voltage also means that they don’t require a fireman’s safety switch, unlike neon lighting.

Lamp manufacturers have also noticed the growth and future potential of the illuminated signage market, and continue to develop products specifically to meet the demands of the signage industry. Majert, a German manufacturer is one such company, launching and periodically upgrading its Chiplite range of LEDs designed for signage.

Their latest upgrade sees the CL-XI LED module replaced by the CL-XOL, boasting improved optics with a light distribution angle of 160 degrees. The high angle of light distribution makes these modules particularly effective for illuminating sign lettering, especially complex serif typefaces with small flourishes and corners. The CL-XOL thus allows the effective and uniform illumination of sign lettering of a depth as shallow as 30mm.

Where next?

These developments and innovations are just the tip of the iceberg, and it seems reasonable to say that signage illumination, in terms of both the technology powering the sign and the aesthetic appearance of the finished product, will continue to remain a fast-moving sector. The flexibility and substantial energy efficiency improvements delivered by LED technologies are of particular interest to signage makers and to end-consumers.

You can rest assured that here at The Sussex Sign Company, we will be keeping abreast of all developments and can offer tailored advice as to the most appropriate illuminated signage solutions for each of our clients in order to ensure the best possible return on investment.

We carry out work on all LED installation, throughout London, East and West Sussex, Kent Hampshire and the Home Counties, call us today on 01273 417057

Image of – Internally illuminated aluminium sign tray with acrylic push through letters and internally illuminated Projection sign – Sussex Signs image of – Halo Illuminated letters on an internal bulk head with built up stainless steel letters – Sussex Signs Image of – Fairground style LED Signage – Sussex Signs

Top 5 questions to ask when ordering signage

So how do you choose the right sign company when investing in signs for your business?

Well this is a difficult question, however, there are five questions you should always ask when deciding which company to choose, and funnily enough, none of them are about price. The right signage for your business is far too important than trying to save a few pounds. The correct type and a well designed sign can ensure your business wins new customers time and time again. How much is a new customer worth to you?

Question 1.

How do I know you are a credible sign company that is going to ensure I get the very best in quality products and advice?

Answer to question 1 should be:

The Sussex Sign Company has been established for over twenty years now, all our team members have all the relevant qualifications required, In fact our sales team has six team members that collectively has over 60 years experience in the sign industry. Our installation team members all have either NVQ’s in sign making and installations, along with CSCS cards, IPAF qualifications, PASMA qualifications and our Production Manager has the SMSTS Certificate (Site Managers Safety Training Scheme) this coupled with the fact that the company has Health and Safety at its heart, so much so that it has achieved the coveted Health and Safety accreditation from Constructionline, CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Scheme) and Safe Contractor accreditation.

All the above give you the client total peace of mind when Choosing The Sussex Sign Company to carry out your signage project.

Question 2.

Can I speak with other companies that you have done work for?

Answer to question 2 should be:

The Sussex Sign Company are proud of the ongoing relationships it has with its’ clients, not only do we get many letters of praise and thanks from our clients but we have had over 30 google testimonials (we believe that is more than any other sign company in Sussex), praising the good work and customer service of our team. We are very happy for you to talk to our clients.

Question 3.

Are you able to design our signage and print as well as manufacture and fit our signage?

Answer to question 3 should be:

The Sussex Sign Company differs from many sign companies because it has its’ own dedicated Design Department. The experience and qualifications of the Design Team ensures that we can design your logo, corporate identity and look after your brand including all your print requirements. In fact, Tony our Design Manager is passionate about design in all its forms, and is well placed to ensure The Sussex Sign Company offers you the very best in cutting edge design. His qualifications include a BA in Graphic Design as well as a BA in Visual Arts, and his previous posts include being Head of School at The Marbella Academy of Arts, Spain, where he taught Design and Interior Architecture. Tony has also been a visiting lecturer at St Martins Central School of Arts, The University of Brighton, Surrey Institute of Design and locally at Northbrook College.

Question 4.

Do you guarantee all of your work?

Answer to question 4 should be:

The Sussex Sign Company are so confident that you will be happy with the work we do for you, we offer a full 12 month unconditional guarantee. Trading for over 20 years now we never forget you have a choice and are proud of the fact that over 70% of all our business each month comes as a result of repeat business from our existing customers.

Question 5.

I have a budget, are you happy to work within this?

Answer to question 5 should be:

The Sussex Sign Company are very happy to work within your budget and can recommend and advise the best quality signage and specification you can possible get for your money. We understand that different businesses have different budgets, from cost effective signage to state of the art cutting edge designs. We are always happy to help.

What to do next:

Even after asking all the above questions and getting satisfactory answers, The Sussex Sign Company are fully aware that when it comes to the crunch, people buy from people they like, and for that reason we really believe that we are nice people to do business with. Once you have spoken with one of our Sales Team you can leave all the hard work to us safe in the knowledge that we really do want to do a fantastic job for you.

Call us today on 01273 417057 or Email us from here

A list of the towns we work in throughout East and West Sussex is listed below.

We also make and fit signs for installation all across London.

East Grinstead , Crawley, Gatwick, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Steyning, Worthing, Arundel, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Selsey, Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, Portslade, Brighton, Hove, Newhaven, Seaford, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Hastings, Hailsham, Lewes, Uckfield, Heathfiled, Crowborough.

Supporting South East Dance exhibition

As part of our mission to help support the arts, we are delighted to have been involved with an exhibition held at the Onca Gallery, Brighton.

The Sussex Sign Company designed, in collaboration with South East Dance, the window graphics and the information displays for ‘Hawkers Pick Over Fruit Here’. Working alongside artists Becky Edmunds (Straybird), and Zoe Manders, we are delighted with the completed designs. The Exhibition includes photography and film and ran for one week. The Circus Street Market Hall is due to be demolished this year, and with it disappears ways of working that have sustained several generations of Brighton-based families. straybird artists – Becky Edmunds and Lucy Cash – and photographer Zoe Manders invited members of these families – grandfathers, fathers and sons – who worked at the Market, to attempt to describe what the site looked like, sounded like and felt like at the height of its working life. The resulting exhibition uncovers the patterns and rhythms of this way of life and celebrates the communities that once inhabited the space as we look towards its future use as a space for dance. Traders cam from all over the home counties, including London and Croydon. As part of Brighton’s Cine-City Festival 2015, ONCA will be hosting an installation of still and moving images: Hawkers Pick Over Fruit Here. Commissioned by South East Dance. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Based on an original concept by Lauren Proto and Zoe Manders. Commissioned by South East Dance and supported by National Lottery through Arts Council England . For more information contact us on 01273 417057 or contact us using the contact form. A list of the towns we work in throughout East and West Sussex is listed below. East Grinstead , Crawley, Gatwick, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Steyning, Worthing, Arundel, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Selsey, Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, Portslade, Brighton, Hove, Newhaven, Seaford, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Hastings, Hailsham, Lewes, Uckfield, Heathfiled, Crowborough.

New Restaurant Signage

Our Design Department Created This Amazing Corporate Identity For The Three Little Birds

A brand new restaurant based in Hove, East Sussex came to us for a fresh approach for their new business venture. The Sussex Sign Company runs its’ own Design Department and we are always on the look out for new start up companies that want to utilise the full extent of our services. This was a fun exciting project that we developed from an initial free consultation, (that we always offer to prospective clients), to work out what kind of direction to take the identity in. The Corporate Identity was led by the strong name and the clients’ intention to illustrate the title, Three Little Birds. We then developed the signage around the theme. The handmade wooden fascia and projection sign were produced in our workshop by one of our skillful team members. The backing of the fascia was constructed of marine ply with tongue and groove pine on the face and angled capping. We then applied two coats of clear Sadolin wood preserver, followed by three coats of yacht varnish. The letter forms were made from 316 grade stainless steel and applied to the surface on raised brass locators along with the powder coated stainless steel birds. The image shows the projection sign – the result looks fantastic! Call us today on 01273 417057 or email us.

A list of the towns we work in throughout East and West Sussex is listed below.

East Grinstead , Crawley, Gatwick, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Steyning, Worthing, Arundel, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Selsey, Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, Portslade, Brighton, Hove, Newhaven, Seaford, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Hastings, Hailsham, Lewes, Uckfield, Heathfiled, Crowborough.

Signage made easy with Snap and Fix

A new product launched by Eurobond Adhesives has been designed to make attaching signage to surfaces, either on a temporary or permanent basis, much easier.

Snap and Fix can be used with a range of different materials to attach two items together. The product uses a system of mushroom heads that interlock with one another. This creates a secure connection when the two sides are pushed together. One of the main benefits of the Snap and Fix system is that it can be used again and again without impacting on the strength of the connection. The heads can be unfastened and then reattached as and when required, both crossways and lengthways.

The product has an acrylic self-adhesive back that is pressure sensitive, making it quick and easy to attach or remove. It can be used to mount signage to walls and other hard surfaces. It works with a number of different types of signage, without having an impact on the quality of the design.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company we are constantly looking at new products on the market. This enables us to come up with the most appropriate signage solutions for our customers.

Create new effects with blackboard film

If you want to have the effect of a blackboard, without having to install one, then the new product from ASLAN is perfect for you. Their ASLAN CR 62 is a blackboard film that can be used with chalk in the same way as a traditional board. The writing or designs used on the blackboard film can easily be removed by using a damp cloth, making it perfect for applications where information needs to be changed on a regular basis. The surface is scratch-resistant and there will be no damage to the surface, even when used over a long period. This new film is an ideal solution for menu boards in cafes and restaurants or for use within offices and schools ASLAN is a specialist manufacturer, which already supplies a range of self-adhesive films that are designed for different applications. This new blackboard film has been designed to complement its existing memo board film range. It makes it simple to turn any type of flat surface into an instant blackboard. Here at The Sussex Sign Company we are constantly monitoring the signage market for new and interesting product launches that we can use to enhance the work we do for all our customers.

Launch of two roller banners

Display Ltd and Innotech Digital have introduced two new roller banner models onto the market. As with their other models, they are extremely reliable and provide a cost effective signage solution for a range of different companies.

These are the Origin Carbon and the Frontier Carbon, which can both accommodate graphics up to a maximum of 2m in height. The Origin model comes in a choice of 80cm and 85cm widths and the Frontier is available in an 85cm width. The roller banners feature a clip rail that snaps on, making it quick and easy to install and change the graphics.

This is an extremely flexible range, with the individual banners packaged separately. They are both finished in a carbon black, which complements the existing range.

Roller banners are a good investment for any type of company. They are easy to store and transport, making them an excellent choice for temporary or event signage. Their size means they can be used to display a graphical design or can contain vital information.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company we can produce roller banners to suit any customer requirements. They can be individually designed and the graphics changed when necessary.

New awards programme launched

The British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA), has announced its plans for a new awards scheme for the UK industry. The first event, of what will hopefully become an annual occurrence, will culminate in an awards ceremony later in the year.

The BSGA has designed the awards to highlight the immense creativity and high levels of skill that are present in the UK industry. They are intended to recognise those within the business who have performed especially well, whatever form of signage that might be on.

The awards are open to all signage companies across the country and the BSGA wants to showcase the entire industry. Entry won’t be restricted to BSGA members and the organisation will have no influence over the final winners. There will be an independent judging panel, who will decide on the best entries in ten categories. The winners will then be announced during an event held at the end of October. Further details of the awards can be found at britishsignawards.org.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company we are constantly striving to achieve the best for our customers, whatever type of signage they require, whether this is a simple banner or a full vehicle wrap.