Tag: directory signs

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18 Essential Railway Sign Frames

Vista System produces a wide variety of both interior and exterior sign frames specifically designed for train stations or railway systems.  This includes everything from wayfinding signs for lobbies, to platform signage and parking signs all the way down to directory and restroom signs.

Here are 18 essential railway sign frames that every station or rail system should have.  We’ve omitted the pictures and detail of the following signs from this post but we’d be happy to send you the link if you contact us for this information.

  1. Station Name
  2. Platform Number
  3. Train Schedule
  4. Advertisements
  5. Digital Information Sign
  6. Exit Signage
  7. Railway Map
  8. Central Station Wayfinding Sign
  9. Restroom Signs
  10. Wayfinding Suspended Sign
  11. Price List Directory Sign
  12. Tickets Cashier
  13. Train Route Illuminated Map
  14. Wayfinding Flag Sign
  15. Long Term Parking
  16. Disabled Parking
  17. Route Map
  18. No Smoking

With the Vista System Modular Curved Frame Technology (MCFT) and full suite of sign frame products available almost any type and size of sign can be fabricated.  Given that all frames are built to order, Vista System effectively provides custom signs with “off the shelf” frame prices.  The extrusions accommodate a wide variety of insert materials and thicknesses which make matching interior or exterior color schemes or existing sign programs simple.

As noted above, we have tons of pictures and details surrounding this railway signage so please reach out to us.  If you would like to see a sample to experience the quality of the product first hand let us know and we’ll send you a free sign frame just for the asking.  Just click on the “get a free frame” bubble and we’ll get it in the mail.

Please comment or share this post and please let us know if you have any topics you would like to hear about.

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Directory Signs with a Zero-Dollar Budget

If you’re looking to get directory signs with a zero-dollar budget it’s time to consider Vista System.  Here’s a quick video using our vertical curved directory signage to illustrate the point.

All to often people purchase office signs, directory signs included, without thinking about what happens when changes are needed later on.  Tenants leave, tenants come, names change and so on, all which warrant changes to your office signs.  Replacing individual name plates for your directory signs can not only get expensive but can also take some time.  That responsive sign company that initially installed all the office signs in your suite is not so responsive when you need just one or two additional name plates added. The good news, as illustrated in the video, is that you can design and print paper name plates for your directory signs in minutes AND you don’t have to budget for it.  If you have MS-Word or similar desktop software, a printer and some paper you can truly have designer-quality paper name plates without any delay and with no additional cost (excluding the paper and ink of course).

If you wanted to spend a little money to upgrade your office signs consider buying some specialty paper at your local card shop or office supplies store.  Parchment, marbled or even gloss or semi-gloss paper will make a huge difference in your paper name plates when displayed in the sign frame.  The cost is nothing compared to what you’d have to pay for acrylic, PVC or even vinyl material for those same frames.

What is illustrated in this video regarding paper inserts for these vertical curved directory signs holds true for the entire line of Vista System products.  Our How-To section is a great resource with step-by-step instructions on how to print paper inserts for your Vista frames.  Please comment on this blog or visit our channel for more information on the various office signs available.

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Sign Frame Installation – Tape and Velcro

Sign frame installation using tape or Velcro is fast and easy with these step-by-step instructions.

This short video shows how easy it is to prep and mount your sign frame with double-sided, very high bond (VHB) tape however, you’d follow the same process in mounting your sign frames with either double-sided foam tape (mild adhesive) or Velcro (hook and loop).  In addition, this process would be used across the entire line of Vista System products including directory signs, door signs, office signs and poster frames.

Here’ are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Apply the tape or Velcro to the back of the sign frame
2. Remove the vinyl backing from the tape or Velcro strip
3. Level and mount your sign

Please make sure to test your surface prior to installation.  The tape is ideal for installing your sign frames on smooth surfaces and is intended to be permanent.  The VHB tape has more aggressive adhesive than its foam counterpart yet both are sufficient to install both office and directory signs.  Also, please consult your local building codes for mounting height specifications prior to installation.

Small office signs, cubicle signs or sign frames that might move frequently are better suited for Velcro.  All sign frames can be ordered with the tape or Velcro already cut and applied to the frame to expedite the installation process. However, if you’d prefer to do it yourself, especially if you’re installing a large number of office signs at once, you can purchase the tape or Velcro at your local hardware store, office superstore or online to save some money.

We hope you enjoyed the video.  If you would like additional product information or alternatives to tape or Velcro sign frame installation please visit our video channel.  We welcome your comments so please share or subscribe to our blog.

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Directory Signs – Go Big or Go Home!

Multi-panel directory signs are the preferred choice for large office buildings or buildings with room for expansion.  Typically used as building directory signs, these versatile sign holders can also be used as menu boards, directional signs or wayfinding signs.  They’re available with flat and curved profiles and be used for both interior and exterior signage applications.

The flat profile directory signs, such as the DF34U, consist of three portrait-oriented directories with one landscape-oriented header.  However, the curved profile directory signs, like the D36U, have two horizontal curved directories with one vertical curved header.  The entire line of Vista office signs are built to order so if you need custom sizes, including the number of panels per sign frame or the size of the frame itself, we can accommodate your requirements.  This is especially advantageous with menu boards or similar sign holders where unanticipated space is needed.

On the topic of menu boards and sign holders, these multi-panel sign frames accommodate a wide variety of insert materials.  Paper is the most popular since you can print the inserts yourself in minutes.  It’s fast, economical and you don’t have to wait for the local sign company to get them done.  If you have existing office signs in place which utilize engraved, acrylic, vinyl, PVC or comparable materials, the Vista multi-panel directory signs can accommodate them all effectively blending into the existing sign program.

The frames come in three elegant anodized aluminum finishes; brushed silver, black and gold.  There are metal end caps to match or choose from grey or black plastic to complement your existing color scheme.

We hope you found the video and this article useful and informative.  For more information on Vista office signs and installation options please visit our channel for helpful how-to videos.  We also ask you to comment or subscribe to our blog.

 

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Directory Signs – Flat Landscape for Directional & Wayfinding

Directory signs with the flat, landscape orientation are typically used as interior office signs including directional signs, directory boards and in various wayfinding applications.  The flat landscape directory signs accommodate interior and exterior sign applications and provide navigation and traffic control within your building or office complex.

Wayfinding, by definition, encompasses all of the ways people orient themselves in a physical space and navigate from place to place.  More recently, wayfinding has been used in the context of architecture in reference to the experience of orientation and choosing a path within a built environment.  Directory signs, when used in a lobby for example, provide the information necessary to get the customer or client to their appropriate destination.  This is the most common use for these type of frames.

There’s also the other aspect of wayfinding which entails traffic control.  When used in hallways or corridors or upon exiting an elevator these directory signs become directional signs, typically with directional arrows, providing a clear path within or among buildings.

Vista’s modular line of office signage provides extreme flexibility from a design and implementation standpoint.  First, all flat landscape directory signs are built to order so custom sizes are expected without having the exponential cost factor applied to non-cataloged frames.  Second, because the landscape-oriented office signage is installed as individual panels, architects and designers have become extremely creative in their designs for directional signs by staggering the frames as well as creating complete murals across the grouping.  Combined with the various types of materials the frames can accommodate, they become interior design features versus simple office signage.

Check out our video channel or comment on this blog post.  We welcome your comments and suggestions.

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Sign Frame Installation – Wall Anchors & Screws

Sign frame installation for Vista System products is fast and easy and just one of the reasons why sign professionals around the world choose them.  This video clip illustrates how to install one of our 8.5 x 11 letter-size office signs using wall anchors and screws but the same method holds for directory signs, door signs and poster frames.  Take a look.

As you can see, installing your sign frames can be done in a matter of minutes and only requires a level and an electric drill.  Here’s a quick recap of the process:

Step 1: Level Your Sign Frame
Step 2: Mark Your Holes
Step 3: Set the Wall Anchors and Screws
Step 4: Add the Paper Insert and Acrylic Lens

Keep in mind that installing your sign frames with wall anchors and screws is meant to be permanent.  So, if you intend to move your office signs or directory signs frequently, or at all, other mounting options should be considered.  Also, consult your local building codes and regulations for mounting height requirements before installing your sign frames.

Because of the various surfaces in which you can mount your sign frame, the frames are not shipped with the mounting hardware.  Common wall anchors and screws can be purchased at your local hardware store based on your specific mounting needs.

One other point to note.  The WFP84U office sign used in this video illustrates the use of a paper insert with a clear acrylic lens.  By far, paper inserts are the preferred choice from a maintenance perspective from a cost and turnaround standpoint since you can do it yourself.  However, Vista System office signs support a variety of materials in addition to paper including acrylic, ADA, vinyl, photopolymer and many others.

Please comment on our video or visit our channel for more information on Vista System products.

 

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Directory Signs – The Ugly Truth

The ugly truth about directory signs is …. they are going to change!  That’s true, names directory signschange, tenants turn over, new companies come in and so on.  That directory sign sure looked great when it was installed but now you’ve got to update it.

Some of the more common problems when outsourcing your directory sign inserts include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  The font is wrong
•  The font size is wrong
•  The color is wrong
•  It doesn’t fit
•  My sign guy quit

I got my new sign insert but the font doesn’t match.  It’s close but it doesn’t look like the other ones.  Compound that over the year and the directory sign begins to look like hieroglyphics.

The next one has the right font but the size is too small – or too large.  The latest sign has the correct font and size but the color is wrong.  I now have all of that ironed out but this one doesn’t fit the sign frame.  I just learned today that my sign guy quit but the new person says it’ll be no problem to match – and the cycle starts all over again.

No worries, there’s a solution!  If you want to effectively maintain your directory signs then do it yourself.  Modular sign frame solutions like Vista System are designed specifically for that purpose.  The directory signs come with clear acrylic lenses that are easily removed with a suction cup.  The standard sign frame colors include brushed silver, black and gold with custom colors available upon request.

Need a custom directory sign?  No problem, all Vista directory signs are built to order.  Changing the size or the panel configuration is just a phone call away.

It’s inevitable that directory signs will change yet it doesn’t have to be an onerous process to get them updated.  We always welcome you thoughts and comments.

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Vista Directory Signs – Why we love them (and you should too)!

directory signsVista directory signs are highly functional sign frames used to control traffic paths within a building or facility. When used as directional signs you spend less time giving instructions and become more productive by letting the signs do the navigation for you. Directory signage is the optimum way to allow clients, customers or patients to successfully find their destination. The real beauty of Vista directory signs however, lies in the following:

•  They appeal to everyone
•  Their design is classy yet understated
•  They are simple to maintain
•  They are durable
•  They are universal

Whether it’s the curved directory signs, as shown in the illustration, or the flat directory signage, Vista sign frames complement any interior design given their aesthetic appeal.  Vista directory signs can be used indoors or outdoors due to their anodized aluminum finish and come in three elegant colors; brushed silver, black and gold.

The panels are easy to remove making directory signage maintenance fast and simple.  Use paper, acrylic, vinyl, PVC or any number of materials to compare or contrast your existing color schemes.  If you have custom specifications for your directory or directional signs, the Vista System is the perfect solution as all frames are built to order!  Get custom directory signs for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

Vista sign frames are universal so whether you have one building, a campus environment or distributed locations you can maintain a uniform sign program for your directory signs with ease.

We strongly believe in the Vista System and so do our clients.  We’re happy to send you a free sign frame sample just for the asking.  Vista sign frames are the preferred choice of sign professional world wide.  Take the Vista challenge!

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Office Signs – 4 Things to Consider Before You Buy

Purchasing officeOffice Signs | Vista System signs for a small business or large complex can be intimidating given the various options available today on the market.  In compiling our customer feedback, here’s what they’ve considered important when purchasing office signage for their businesses.

Common Look & Feel – Office signs are an investment like anything else.  Then you decide you need directory signs or perhaps desk signs.  Making sure you select a company that has a comprehensive line of sign frames provides the opportunity to maintain that consistency.

Durability – Office signs should be a one-time purchase unless you are growing and need to add more.  Ensure the sign frames you choose are durable enough to hold up over time.

Recognized Manufacturer – Choose office sign products from manufacturers that will be around year after year.  Office signage solutions from respected companies means they stand behind their products and will be there to support your business growth.  This is especially critical for larger companies who have invested in office signs, directory signs and desk signs as part of a corporate uniform sign program.

Maintainability – This is by far the most important consideration when purchasing office sign products.  Unique or eclectic sign frames might look great on an architect’s rendering but become extremely problematic when it comes to updating or finding additional ones – not to mention the prohibitive cost.  Think thoroughly through the maintenance side of the equation before purchasing your office signage.

For more information about the WFFP31U sign frame included in this post and others like it check out our flat office signs or download our online catalog.  For questions please give us a call!

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Directory Signs and How to Master Them!

Directory signs that have no errors, are cost effective and can be updated in minutes?  Yes!  Create designer-quality inserts for your directory signs in the comfort of your own office saving time and money.  Drive consistency in your sign program with wayfinding signage that you control especially when the information on your directory signs changes frequently.

The Vista System line of wayfinding signage is made from anodized aluminum and comes in three sleek finishes. For a closer look, check out the following video.

Directory signs can also be used in various capacities including directional signs or wayfinding signs.  They’re highly effective in allowing customers or clients to navigate through your building or campus environment.  Directional signs help control traffic paths which allows you to be more efficient by having to spend less time providing instructions on how to get them to their specific location.

More importantly, directory signs typically change quite frequently.  Having the ability to create inserts on-site has many advantages.  First, it’s fast.  You don’t have to wait days or weeks for the local sign company to respond.  In addition, you don’t have to worry about fonts, font sizes or colors to go wrong when you control the templates.  Even if you’re not a computer whiz but can do the basics in Word, printing on specialty paper from the local office superstore will make your directory sign inserts look like they came from a graphics designer.

Need to see for yourself?  Fill out the form and we’ll send you a sample sign frame for free.  Directory signs have never been easier with the Vista System!