r/signshop

Preface - I handle estimating and art files for the wide format department at a printing company, so we are not a full sign company per se. We have a flatbed cutter for acrylic/ACM/etc, but can't do fabrication or channel letters and that sort of thing. Our installs are mostly limited to standoffs or stud mounted, nothing involving wiring or electrical.

Recently quoted a flat cut metal logo install for a new cafe, which is no problem, but now they are asking about including some kind of backlighting. I see that I can get various LED modules from MBS, but zero experience working with these and what it might entail. I imagine they do not want obvious wires going between words or running to an outlet.

Hi all,

I’m a Signage estimator/ PM in NewZealand with about 10 years under my belt and experience with estimating/ tendering for projects $100-$150k+. From fleet branding to multi level/ high level commercial fit outs.

I’m looking at moving overseas for a year and wondered if any signage companies around the world currently use remote estimators and if there is even a market for this? Would it be per job priced, retainer, or hourly earning?

Would love to see if this is a viable pathway and if anyone has had experience with it.

Thanks!

Our shop is in the market for a flatbed cutter with light routing capabilities. We currently have 2 flatbed printers, 2 roll-to-roll printers, 2 plotters, and a CNC router with print/cut functionality. We're up against the limits of what that CNC system is capable of in terms of print/cut work so we're seeking a user-friendly flatbed cutting system mostly for board work (foamcore, coro, acrylic, ACM) with occasional vinyl work. This will help reduce the workload for the CNC, which will be better utilized for fabrication work (aluminum, thick acrylic, etc).

I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience that they'd like to share with the following manufacturers:

Kongsberg (Specifically the Entro 24) Colex (Sharpcut SXC 1732) CutWorx (Apex M 3516)

I had considered Summa as well, as we have a Summa plotter that is fantastic. Ultimately, though, Summa's router capabilities and belt driven head architecture are probably too limiting for us.

Not sure if this is the right spot to post this but hoping it is or someone can give me some insight.

I make smaller size signs that I travel a bit around with to sell at trade shows etc. I originally bought some 1/8” and after leaving it outside for about 20 mins (it’s not even real hot out yet in my area) it started to warp. Now it was in the direct sunlight as I was just curing some UV ink, so maybe that had something to do with it.

Anyway I feel like I need to go back to the drawing board. For signs (roughly 15”) that will sit in my car in the summer (packed away in boxes but stacked on top of each other in the boxes) would it be better to use 1/4 or can I get away with 3/16?

I am going to assume the 1/8 will bend in the summer heat just being inside a car without direct sunlight?

Any help or guidance. Thank you!

From a client logo to actual production files (STL / DXF / acrylic).
Are you still rebuilding everything manually in CAD or do you have a faster workflow?
In our shop this step is still one of the biggest time sinks, especially when the artwork isn’t clean.
Curious how others are dealing with it.

I own a small retail game store in the Chicago north suburbs. I need exterior signage. Ideally my round logo, maybe 5x5 on the side of the building. Probably 25' off the ground. How do I go about finding a company to handle? Do I have to buy something myself and find an installer? Should one company handle everything? I know my city has some permit requirements as well.

Any advice on finding a reliable vendor without getting taken to the cleaners would be great!

I bought a small commercial building and I’m planning to rent out about 6 private offices inside. Before I finalize the bathroom remodel, exterior signage, window graphics, landscaping, and tenant signs, I want to create a full visual concept first.

I’m looking for advice on what type of professional I should hire. Would this be an architect, interior designer, commercial designer, 3D rendering artist, signage designer, environmental graphic designer, or a combination?

Ideally, I want someone who can help me create:

• A 3D model/rendering of the building 
• Interior design ideas for the offices and bathroom 
• Exterior facade ideas 
• Landscaping ideas 
• Window advertising/business hours layout 
• Tenant signage concept for the front/exterior 
• A visual plan I can show to sign companies and contractors before I spend money

 

I’ve tried looking on Fiverr and Upwork, but it has been very hit or miss. Some listings feel too generic, and I’m not sure if I’m finding the right type of designer for a real commercial building project. I don’t just want random AI mockups. I want someone who can understand the building, layout, signage, remodel choices, and overall concept so everything looks cohesive before I start hiring sign companies or contractors.

Where would you recommend finding someone for this type of project? Are there better places than Fiverr/Upwork to find commercial interior designers, 3D rendering artists, signage designers, or design-build firms? Should I look locally, , LinkedIn, Instagram, architect referrals, sign company referrals, or something else?

Has anyone done something like this for a small commercial office building? What type of designer should I look for, what should I ask for, and what should I expect to pay for a concept/rendering package. Any advice, examples, referrals, or things to avoid would be appreciated

https://preview.redd.it/5wirek0tu7zg1.jpg?width=2100&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3253908bcb77d61e1a6a3d8e18173875aba62a8d

https://preview.redd.it/3ef0ep0tu7zg1.jpg?width=2100&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2711c4f3fd6abd5aaa715dea0078c605da941125

I’m curious if anyone knows a vendor that provides 1.5”x 1” aluminum wrapped with a faux wood finish..

It is being spec’d by one of my clients for trim work on their signs and I’m not finding a good source for it. Would prefer not to hand wrap.