What do signs cost?
Since we produce custom-made signage there is no way to generalize about sign cost. However, we can quote all signs prior to production so you always have the confidence of cost certainty.
Do I need a permit?
Municipal sign permits are required for most exterior signs. In addition, signs visible from the QEW or 400 series Hwy’s may also need a permit from MTO (Ministry of Transport Ontario).
What does a permit cost?
Cost varies from municipality to municipality but in general a few hundred dollars is the typical fee.
Do I have to apply for the permit myself?
No, we can look after the permit process on your behalf.
How do I submit the artwork for my sign?
Artwork can be e-mailed, supplied to us on a CD or uploaded to our FTP site. (See our technical section for more details.) Or we can design your sign for you.
How can I pay?
We accept company cheques, Visa, Master Card and American Express and of course cash. Or ask us about opening an account for 30 day terms.
How long does it take to have a sign made?
Times will vary for based on time of year, workload and the size of your project. Some typical lead times are:
- New illuminated signs 2-3 weeks
- Dimension letter projects 2-3 weeks
- Coroplast signs, Banners 1 week
- Vehicle Graphics 1-2 weeks
Will you visit our office to discuss signs?
Yes, just give us a call and a representative will visit your premises to discuss your project. Taking time to think through what you wish to accomplish before our representative arrives will enhance the value of our visit.
What are your office hours?
Monday – Friday 8:30-4:30
Evenings and Saturdays by appointment
Do you do RUSH jobs?
Absolutely yes, it is our goal to do what ever it takes to get your project completed in a time frame that meets your needs. It must be remembered however that the end result will be enhanced when adequate time is left to design and fabricate your sign properly.
Do you keep record and files of the work you do for future use?
Yes, we keep detailed records and computer files of all completed jobs so that future jobs can be completed with matching colours, designs etc.
What are the best colours for a sign?
There are hundreds of colour combinations that work well however there is no “best” colour combination. We will happily assist you in selecting the colours that will work best for your application.
Do you do electrical work?
No, if we install an electrical sign you will have to have a licensed electrician bring the power to the site of the sign.
How long will my sign last?
Anywhere from a few months to ten years or more, depending on the types of materials used. We will advise you on the right products for your job to achieve the required product life.
How long does pressure sensitive vinyl last?
It depends on many variables (...did you park it in the Arizona sun, or in a dark climate-controlled garage?). We can say that less expensive calendared vinyl will typically last three to five years, and premium cast vinyl will typically last five to ten years under ‘normal’ usage. (See below for an explanation of cast and calendared vinyl.)
What’s the difference between Calendared vinyl and Cast vinyl?
There are two main types of vinyl name for their manufacturing process. ‘Calendared vinyl are less expensive while the premium ‘cast’ vinyl tend to cost a little more. We’ll try to explain the difference without going into too much detail:
Calendared Vinyl
Calendared vinyl is suitable for simple, flat signage, longer-term indoor and shorter-term outdoor usage. The Calendared production process is less expensive than cast vinyl (see below), but it also produces a vinyl that’s thicker, less flexible material and has a shorter life span than Cast vinyl - about three to five years, depending on what it’s used for. This method produces vinyl’s with two significant properties: 1) It wants to shrink back to its original state, and 2) it’s not flexible enough to be used on surfaces that aren’t flat. Used for longer-term signs this vinyl will shrink. How much it shrinks depends on how it’s used. Indoor applications will shrink less than outdoor applications, where weather and sun exposure will affect it more. This vinyl will also fade more quickly than cast vinyl.
Cast Vinyl
Cast vinyls are suitable for long-term outdoor signage, vehicle graphics or any surface where durability and resistance to colour fading is a consideration. The cast manufacturing process produces a thinner more stable film of vinyl, this vinyl will stretch more than calendared vinyl, so it has little tendency to shrink back to its original state. Resistance to colour fading is also superior to Calendared vinyl. This vinyl is ideal for longer-term applications, and is better suited for vehicle graphics where it will be applied to surfaces that are irregular.
Are Calendared and Cast the only two kinds of vinyl?
No, these are just the two main groups. There are reflective vinyls, fluorescent vinyls and a wide range of specialty vinyls for specific purposes, each with their own special characteristics and uses. For example, translucent vinyls are produced specially for backlit-illuminated signs. These are high quality (cast) vinyls that also allow a greater degree of light to pass through them so your sign will have more vibrant nighttime colour.