Big Reflective Signs are Affordable and Effective
Posted by John Bogensberger on Mon, Dec 20, 2010 @ 11:51 AM
Most sign companies do signs every year that incorporate reflective vinyl. The advantages become more obvious the farther North you travel. Here in Washington, from November to March, most businesses are still open after dark and many open before sun-up. When possible and budgets allow, illuminated sign cabinets and channel letters are the most common ways to make signs visible at night. Sometimes running power or building cabinets can be cost prohibitive. The solution may be reflective vinyl film. We all see these signs on our highways and streets, but they can be a great commercial option as well.
Recently, Signs for Success was asked to help come up with a solution for Eloika Pines Mobile Home Park, north of Riverside, Washington, on Highway 2. The existing sign was tired and ineffective at night. 
The three existing 4'x8' panels had been redecorated many years back, indicating the sign was 10+ years old.
Loren Acuna from Eloika Pines, managed by Summer Creek Properties, wanted to not only update the sign but have it visible at night. The top of the sign is 16' above ground level but the adjacent highway is also 8' above ground level. This scenario created a perfect opportunity to utilize two great products from Signs for Success. First, large format digital prints and second, the ability to print on reflective vinyl. With vehicles passing at the same height as this large sign, vehicle headlights are adequate to create the look of an illuminated sign utilizing reflective film.
After performing a site survey, Signs for Success recommended replacement of the existing three 4'x8' MDO plywood panels with a single 8'x12' FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood) panel. Additionally, because of the elevations at the site, reflective vinyl offered an opportunity for low cost additional impressions through the winter months.
Installing large panels of digitally printed, laminated, reflective vinyl film requires a team effort.
This project was printed on our HP Colorspan 72UVR printer. While UV curable ink has excellent outdoor durability, this durability can be greatly enhanced with a UV laminate. To attach the sign to the existing post we used 1.5" angle iron around the perimeter of both sides of the sign. The angle iron was painted, attached and sealed at our shop.
We got a little delayed on the install because of record snowfall in November. After no snow and a couple weeks of warmer temperatures we were finally able to get to the site for installation. Removing the existing sign went off with out a hitch. Installation of the new sign went very smooth as well especially when considering the size and weight of the single panel.
If you're ever traveling North of Spokane on Highway 2 let us know what you think. You won't miss this sign day or night.
Watch a video of the whole project: Eloika Pines Video.
When you need a great solution to virutually any sign project give Signs for Success a call. Our experienced design staff can assist with everything from layout and material selection through production, installation and maintenace.
Daytime Completed project.
Completed Project at Night
Signs for Success - Custom Wraps and Graphics is located in Spokane, WA and services Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Cheney and Deer Park, pointing coast to coast wherever successful signs are needed.