Tag: Sign-Frame

Posted on by

5 Considerations in Using Flag Signs versus Corner Signs

Flag signs and corner signs both serve the wayfinding space extremely well.  It should be noted that both types of office signs can support wayfinding on both corner and hallway applications however, flag signs tend to be the sign frame of choice on hallways and corridors while corner signs are preferred on intersecting walls. So what are some of the considerations that come into play using one versus the other?  Our top 5 would be as follows:

  1. Aesthetics
  2. Height Limitations
  3. Cost
  4. Vandal Resistance
  5. Installation

Aesthetics – Some people simply prefer the cleaner, lower-profile look that the corner signs exhibit versus the higher profile, projecting look of the flag signs.  It’s clearly a personal preference but because they are modular it’s very common to use them in conjunction with one another.

Height Limitations – Buildings with drop ceilings or older buildings in general may provide vertical challenges when it comes to choosing the right sign frame.  On intersecting walls, the corner frames are the safer bet over the projecting frames as they lie flush against the wall.  On hallways, choose a smaller frame such as the FSF1U or landscape-oriented projecting sign frame to minimize vertical interference.

Cost – The cost of both types of office signs vary based on size.  Choose the proper size frame based on the line of sight.  For example, for most interior office space you’re safe with any size sign because you’ll be able to see it clearly within 50 feet or so.  For exterior applications where the sign needs to be visible at a distance, please consult a letter visibility chart to determine the size of sign you’ll need.  The minimum letter height required for a sign viewed at 100 feet is 4″ for example, so your content should drive the size of sign frame needed at that distance.  Both types of frames accommodate paper inserts so it’s inexpensive if you go the paper route to sign your building.

Vandal Resistance – Interior office signs are rarely vandalized compared to those installed outside.  Since wayfinding signs in general are installed high enough for people to see the height of the sign frame itself is definitely a deterrent.  Mounting surface and mounting method are other areas which can help mitigate vandalism.  Due to the projecting nature of flag signs it’s more likely for them to be physically loosened from their mounting surface but either sign is equally likely to be damaged with the malicious intent.

Ease of Installation – Since corner signs can be installed with double-sided tape or velcro in addition to wall anchors and screws the nod for ease of installation would go to them.  That said, both flag and corner frames can be installed in minutes using wall anchors and screws.

We hope this was helpful.  Please comment on our blog or share it with friends or colleagues who may be in need of this type of information.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.

 

Posted on by

Restroom Signs Made Simple – See for Yourself

Restroom signs from Vista System can be customized quickly and easily.  The most common is the WFP34U.  This particular sign frame comes in either brushed silver or black with the same two metal finishes or in high-impact grey or black plastic.  The sign frame measures 8″h x 6″w with a 2″ ADA header/footer.  The WFP34U along with the rest of the Vista office signs support a wide variety of insert materials including paper, acrylic, PVC, vinyl, photopolymer, metal, ADA and more.

For the door signs, office signs and conference rooms one of the more popular choices is the WFL12U sign frame.    Also in brushed silver with grey plastic end caps, most clients typically opt for paper inserts for the office signs and door signs yet the WFL12U also accommodates all the materials listed above.  The WFL12U sign frame, for reference, has a vertical curvature and is 3″h x 10″w.

Vista System products are premium, anodized aluminum sign frames and come in two elegant finishes; brushed silver and black.  End caps are available in grey and black plastic as well as the two anodized aluminum metal finishes.  Most sign frames are available with both plastic and metal options while some have one or the other.

Vista System is the preferred choice of sign professionals world-wide.  The curved line is LEED certified for projects requiring sustainable sign solutions.  Vista also provides custom sizes without the incremental cost factor typically applied to non-standard products as all frames are built to order.

Comment on our blog or check out our channel for more information surrounding our product and service offerings.

Posted on by

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.

 

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

Office Signs – 4 Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

office signsWant to make your office signs come alive?  You buy a sign frame, print paper inserts and you’re done.  It’s quick and easy – and they look great.  With a few more minutes you can supercharge your office signs and make them look spectacular!

  1. Add Color – Adding color to your paper inserts will make your sign frames pop.  Add color to your text, background or both.  Office signs with color are exponentially viewed more than those without.
  2. Add a Logo – Extend the company brand and add a logo to your office sign.  It’s a nice touch to complement the rest of the content and easy to include.
  3. Add a Photo – Some companies allow co-workers the ability to customize their individual office signs and many elect to add their personal photos.  Most consider this office sign enhancement the offline version of their avatar.
  4. Add a Background – Take your sign frame to the next level by adding a background to your office sign insert.  The background may consist of a texture, picture, photo or full-color to accent the sign frame content.  Some companies use themes by departments, floors or buildings including flowers, animals, trees and even individual creative designs to make it fun and build morale.

The sign frames are easy to maintain so if you decide you want a change go do it.  Let the team become part of the process.  You’ll be glad you did!

Please share or comment on our blog.

Posted on by

Flat Landscape Table Sign Frames

The flat landscape table sign frames come in brushed silver, black and gold.  Landscape table signs have the frame edges going horizontally with two end caps on each side.

The end caps for the landscape table signs come in grey or black plastic.  The clear acrylic lenses for the landscape table signs are easily removed using the Vista key or suction cup.

To get an up close look at the landscape table sign frame check out the following video.

Posted on by

Flat Table Sign Frames

Vista System flat table sign frames, or desk signs, support a variety of insert materials.  Flat table sign inserts are typically done in paper where the sign copy changes frequently or in engraved material when the copy on the flat table signs is less prone to change.

A suction cup is used to remove the lenses from the flat table signs so the paper inserts can be accessed.  For more information on flat table signs, lenses and suction cups check out the following video.