The final Restoration Box truck wrap in the Los Angeles market was completed yesterday.  This was the end to a remote installation project in Los Angeles that SignWorks managed from our location in San Leandro.  The project took several months to complete and involved eight trucks.  The installers did an amazing job that involved coordinating drop off and pick up dates with individual drivers, as well as staff at Home Delivery Link (the delivery arm for Restoration Hardware merchandise).

We are thrilled to have been selected to help Restoration Hardware develop a truck wrapping strategy that solved some of their past issues with color banding.  In the past the corporate colors (both grey) had been printed onto vinyl and then applied or wrapped onto the vehicle surface.  Unfortunately, the process for printing grey, even on very high end printers can lead to banding.  (This is also true of a few other dark colors as well).  We proposed using a stock high performance vinyl in a grey that closely matched the corporate color scheme.  This approach provided uniformity of color though it required highly skilled installers because high performance vinyl is not a specialty “conformable” vinyl like those typically used on vehicle wraps.

We are excited about the follow-on project to wrap the Bay Area truck fleet and will keep you abreast of the schedule once it is confirmed.  If you are about thinking about a fleet graphics or wrap project here locally, or one that involves managing a remote installation component, give SignWorks a call at 510-357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

Share with:

Canteen Vending is the only national (and the largest) vending operating company in the country with several locations, one of which is located right here in San Leandro.  This family operated business provides onsite dining, food and beverage vending, not to mention exciting décor and finishes.  When the company decided it was time to update the logo decals on several of their trucks, they selected SignWorks to do the project.

The colorful logo was printed using an opaque vinyl because the client will be covering an existing door decal.  This type of vinyl will prevent the previous graphic from showing through.   Like many of our fleet vehicle customers, the client wanted an affordable option that would fit their budget while still reinforcing the brand identity of the company which has been in operation since 1929.

If you are trying to keep an upcoming fleet graphics project on time and on budget, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or send us an email at info@signworks.us.com.  We would be delighted to explore options that will keep the project affordable.

Share with:

There are mis-perceptions out there that a wrap by definition is going to be loud and full of bold colors.  While this may be true for some customers it may not necessarily be true for others.  The most important thing is that the wrap reflects the style and brand of the client.  So, while “loud” may work for one customer and may reflect their branding, a more low key approach may work better for another.  A design emphasizing flames or a snake skin pattern may not work if you’re selling flowers!

The misconception that a vehicle wrap has to be loud in order to be effective could not be further from the truth.  A skilled designer working with the client will first need to determine the type of customer/ business, and their preferences, before presenting design alternatives that are a fit.  Some clients will want, “loud and proud,” while others will want a more subdued approach.  At SignWorks, we have done both as shown in the above contrasting examples.   Certainly, the louder vehicle wraps will garner lots of attention and recall, but there is a lot to be said for a subtle approach especially for established upscale brands.  It’s a vanilla versus chocolate approach, and one flavor will not fit all scenarios.

If you are thinking about a vehicle or fleet graphics project, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or send an email to info@signworks.us.com.  We know you will be pleased with our design staff and certified wrap installer!

Share with:

We have already talked about many of the specialty vinyl’s including carbon fiber, mattes, animal prints and a variety of metallic effects including chrome.   Although we have yet to take on a “glow in the dark” vinyl wrap project we have access to the material and can actively participate in this new trend.  Watching this U-Tube video will give you some insights as to just what is possible!  Check it out here:

Glow In The Dark Video

It may seem a little extreme and fad like, but in actuality for certain types of businesses, it may be just the ticket!  Nightclubs and other 24-hour operations such as restaurant’s, do the majority of their business after hours and may be ideally suited for this type of mobile or even stationary overhead “Glow In The Dark” advertising.

Catchy design graphics that can be seen well at night work for nighttime advertising visibility as well as well as for a drivable bill board advertising your hip new after-hours dance club!  You’re sure to get noticed at night, and if that’s when you do the majority of your business, it’s a great way to drive customers right to your door.

Glow in the dark fluorescent materials already exist and other clever tricks like printing on reflective vinyl can yield a similar effect.  It may be a little early to know for sure if the trend will catch on and we would recommend that you check to make sure there are no local ordinances precluding this type of vehicle wrap.  For more information about vehicle graphics and wraps or to request an estimate on an upcoming project, contact SignWorks at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

Share with:

Cars are curvy which makes it extremely important that the design account for the curves and corrugation associated with the particular vehicle.  Even if a template exists it will not tell you the diameter or dimensions of a curve so getting accurate measurements and the placement of these curves is critical.

REMEMBER: Measure twice and cut once!

Also cars have lines and seams that are not necessarily parallel.  This makes it important that text and design elements are positioned so as not to fall on a seam, like the door jam.  In addition, graphics and text should follow the body lines of the vehicle, which may not actually be a straight line. Vinyl may not adhere to certain plastic and rubber surfaces, so check around the window and grille area to be sure.

REMEMBER: Place design and text where it is readable not around door jams and windows.

Make sure to use high resolution graphics because although there are tons of images on the web, they are very low resolution and quality.  Once you make the images larger than your computer screen you will see lots of distortion and pixilation.

REMEMBER: Use stock image websites or digital camera photographs taken with a 12 megapixel camera.

Avoid being too wordy.  We often want to make sure we say it all and don’t leave anything out. The unfortunate truth is that too much information will mean that none of it gets read!  Limit the amount of copy and be concise.

REMEMBER: Less is more!

Loopy fonts, lack of contrast and poor background color choices, as well a copy size that is too small are also cardinal mistakes.  Try outlining the letters to make them more visible if needed.

REMEMBER: Make the copy size and color contrast stand out.

If all else fails or you need more design assistance give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

Share with:

Months ago we talked about the popularity of “Matte Black” wraps and how they had become the “Gold standard” as far as luxury and exotic car wraps.  While matte white and carbon fiber were very popular alternatives, it seems that there are now even more color options and effects from which to choose.

Vinyl manufacturers are becoming even more innovative in meeting demand for more color choices which include animal prints and effects, metallic’s (like chrome), various matte colors and colorized carbon fiber options.  Dare I say, “Sequins anyone?”  Well, believe it or not, sequin effect is also a vinyl wrap option!

Both 3M and Oracal have made great strides in expanding their specialty vinyl offering, SignWorks also has relationships with specialty vinyl distributors like HEXIS USA.  So if you’re in the market for a specialty vinyl/wrap for your luxury car, give us a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

Share with:

A very smart approach, when you want to get your company name out there, is to use your fleet of work vehicles.  Even though full wraps are becoming more and more popular, truck or van graphics and decals are still excellent tools to get you noticed and recognized in your service area.  Sometimes, it’s hard to draw the line on what to include in your design, so here are a few tips:

The “KISS” principle is one to remember; Keep it simple, stupid!  We are all tempted to tell potential customers everything about our business in great detail, however, a more strategic and aesthetically appealing sign will get read, while a more detailed and busy one may not.

Don‘t be tempted to be too wordy or verbose.  Keep in mind that no-one has time to read lengthy text as they pass your vehicle on the highway!  Make the text large, easily readable and stick only to the most pertinent information.  Include your company name, logo, a memorable tag line, phone number and your web address.   Folks are very web savvy nowadays, so they will likely look you up on the web.  Include your QR Code (Quick Response Code or two-dimensional barcode), if you have one.

Add to this a short bulleted list of the key products and services you offer and a dazzling design and your branding will be both strategic and effective!  For more ideas and tips on branding or fleet graphics, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.

Share with:

A common statement that people make when they see a vehicle wrap is “I thought it was paint!” The combination of the digital print and over laminate create the effect of being painted on.  Installation of a vehicle graphic requires skill and knowledge that can be gained only through experience and practice.  Heat is essential in conforming vinyl around contours and edges. Using a torch or a heat gun, a skilled “Wrap” installer can manipulate the vinyl to conform and adhere to any surface of a vehicle, even the most detailed grille.  Vehicle wrapping can be considered an art form, because it takes time and practice to get the vehicle to have the right look.  As we mentioned in our previous blogs, car wraps are an effective tool for advertising and is more cost effective than, billboards or TV ads.

Here at SignWorks we have skilled designers and installers that can tackle any vehicle wrap, so if you would like a quote you can contact us at: (510) 357-2000 or e-mail us at info@signworks.us.com.

Share with:

Several months ago we began working with the owners of Global Security on graphics for the company vehicle.  Initially, the owner was considering a partial wrap but as time and budgetary considerations evolved it became clear that a combination of cut vinyl lettering coupled with using the right images and window perforation, would serve to expedite the project and keep it affordable.  The design process involved the owner working closely with the SignWorks designer on an acceptable layout.  After a few rounds of identifying images that would work well, our designer set out on the task of streamlining the text so that the messaging was not too redundant.

The company’s product offering includes high end security features that include remote access and monitoring, smart security and surveillance.  Consequently, the company selected images that reflected the confidence and safety their products and services delivered to end clients which include business and commercial customers, as well as home owners.

The client was very pleased with the end result and we think the pictures only tell part of the story. The effort involved an extensive collaboration to ensure a favorable outcome with the right images, text and messaging.  If you have a vehicle graphics project in mind we hope you will give SignWorks the opportunity to work with you on getting just the right result.  We can be reached at (510) 357-2000 or by email at info@signworks.us.com.

Share with: