Sign Glossary

A moveable sign that is supported by its own frame and usually forming the cross-sectional shape of an A.

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Commonly used in the sign industry to make flat cut out letters, lightbox sign faces and illuminated fabricated letters. Thickness typically varies from 3mm to 25mm. Acrylic can also be vacuum formed into dimensional signs which can be internally illuminated. Acrylic’s attractiveness, durability and resistance to warping makes it an ideal interior and exterior sign material.

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Aluminium is a metal utilised throughout the sign industry, from cut out letters, dimensional letters, sign boxes, illuminated signs, signboards, plaques etc. It’s lightweight, resistance to corrosion, low maintenance and relatively low cost make it an ideal base material for a host of commercial applications.

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Dibond®, Alupanel® etc. A sheet material with an aluminium skin and polyethylene core, excellent for signboards and cabinet signs, can be routed, rolled and folded into shapes. Available in different thicknesses, finishes and sizes.

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A brand of aluminium composite panel.

A sign depicting action, motion or colour changes by electrical, electronic or mechanical means.

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A printer that uses water-based ink that can be either dye or pigment based. Better suited for indoor signs rather than outdoor as opposed to solvent printers that can be used for both indoor and outdoor signage and can print on a wider range of media.

A sign that is mounted on or can be painted on the fascia (face) of an awning.

See example

An illuminated reverse lit letter. Light from the letter is directed against the surface behind the letter producing a halo lighting effect.

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An electrical device required to operate fluorescent lamps.

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A sign composed of lightweight material, typically vinyl with solvent printed or self adhesive vinyl graphics.

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Typically banner material with printed advertising that is used to cover billboards.

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A portable banner display system whereby the banner display graphic is stored in the base and retracts back into it, much the way a window blind operates.

See example

Large sign typically seen around cities on walls with changing advertising. In country areas and along highways they are typically free-standing structures

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A flat, thick piece of metal (usually steel), welded to the bottom of a sign pole or pylon. The base plate adapts the support to the concrete foundation, to which it is secured with anchor bolts

To allow for deviations in cutting the sign to finished size, the artwork is typically extended about 10-20mm beyond the trim lines. The amount of bleed allowance may vary depending on the method of printing used.

Signage that is made for the visually impaired. Braille signs are manufactured with a series of raised dots that the blind can ‘read’ by touch. Tactile signs are manufactured with raised letters where visually impaired people can ‘feel’ the letters. Braille and Tactile Signs have to conform to the Unified Braille Code, the Building Code of Australia (D3.6) and Australian Standards (1428.1-2001).

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A yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, sometimes including small amounts of other metals, but usually 67% copper and 33% zinc. In the sign trade it is usually used in plate form for engraved nameplates, cut out letters, doctors plates etc.

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A sign that is applied or attached to a building.

Signs, usually in shopping centres that extends above and across the width of the shopfront.

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A sign structure consisting of the frame and face also known as a bulkhead sign when in shopping centres.

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A building mounted sign with the faces of the sign perpendicular to the building. Sometimes referring to an under awning lightbox sign.

A variable message sign composed of individual letters usually on a track system or can be a changeable message a-frame sign.

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Fabricated 3dimensional letter that usually incorporates a light source.

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Short for Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black, and pronounced as separate letters. CMYK is a colour model in which all colours are described as a mixture of these four process colours.

In contrast, display devices generally use a different colour model called RGB, which stands for Red-Green-Blue. One of the most difficult aspects of desktop publishing in colour is colour matching — properly converting the RGB colours into CMYK colours so that what gets printed looks the same as what appears on the monitor.

Computer Numerical Control. In the sign trade this typically refers to the vinyl cutters, CNC routers, laser cutters, engraving machines, etc.

In Neon, clear glass tubing, coated on the interior surface with phosphorus powder. Coated tubing produces a variety of different light colours, dependent upon the specific mixture of phosphorus powders utilised.

Electric discharge lighting, which uses an electrode with a large metal mass to emit electrons. Neon tubing is a cold cathode type.

A pre-finished steel sheeting utilised in sign making, mainly for signboards.

Transparent glass tubing manufactured with colour pigments, typically colour examples include ruby red, canary yellow, green, and midnight blue.

DIBOND®, Alupanel® etc. A sheet material with an aluminium skin and polyethylene core, excellent for signboards, available in different thicknesses, finishes and sizes.

See example

The difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures, such as light and dark areas, colours, or typefaces.

Perforated or non-perforated one-way see-through graphics.

See example

The words or message displayed on a sign.

Similar in construction to a plastic cardboard, although there are smooth and heavier types now available. Corflute is an economical choice for temporary, indoor point-of-sale signage, temporary real estate signage, etc.

See Aluminium Composite Panel

In sign making this is typically a vinyl film that is applied to the back of light box faces to diffuse the light from the fluorescent tubes.

Signs and advertising that is usually displayed on LCD screens via computer software, much like TV screens.

In the sign trade this refers to large format printing.

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A specification description of a letter, logo or symbol, either cut out, cast, moulded or fabricated in material such as metal or plastic to create a raised condition.

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Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

A sign that identifies the names and locations of tenants in a building.

A sign with two parallel opposing (back-to-back) faces.

Typically means printing with two layers of ink so the image is double density for illuminated and lightbox signage so when illuminated the image doesn’t appear ‘washed out’.

Any sign containing or using electrical wiring.

Typically an air dried oil based paint.

Marking into the surface of a material, usually, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, acrylic, Metalex® etc. Laser, rotary, chemical and sandblasting are common methods.

See example

See Frosting.

A sign that is illuminated by a light source that is directed towards, and shines on the face of a sign, usually spotlights or floodlights.

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The process of moulding plastics, acrylics and aluminium into sheets, rods, or other shapes by forcing the it through a die, forming it into the desired shape.

The surface area on a sign where the advertising copy is displayed.

A sign that is usually on the face of the shop awning structure.

See example

A sign with an intermittent or flashing light source. Generally, the sign’s message is constantly repeated, and the sign is most often used as a primary attention-getting device, frowned upon by councils and traffic authorities near traffic lights.

A letter cut from sheet or plate, usually , acrylic, stainless steel, aluminium, brass etc.

Typically translucent banner material that is printed or has computer cut vinyl graphics applied then stretched over the face of large illuminated lightbox signage instead of using acrylic panels.

Electric-discharge lighting utilising glass tubing manufactured to standard lengths.

Foamcore board is a sheet of foam with heavy paper glued to both sides and clay coated which makes it very smooth. It is mostly used for indoor trade show graphics, point-of-sale signage and instore graphics etc. For a more rigid and robust version see Gatorboard.

Typestyle, letter style, typeface.

A moveable sign supported by its own frame and most often forming the cross-sectional shape of an A.

See example

A sign that is supported by its own structure.

An illuminated channel letter with a translucent face of acrylic.

The application of frosted or etched vinyl films to window or door glass to give it a sandblasted, etched or frosted appearance for decoration, security and privacy.

A more robust and rigid form of Foamcore board.

In Australia typically 23 carat gold beaten into thin sheets used by signwriters for sign work such as honour boards, glass signage etc.

This can be words, logos and images used to convey meaning, ideas, mood or message.

The practice or profession of designing print or electronic forms of visual information, as for an advertisement, publication, website or in our case, signage!

Engravable plastic ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

A free-standing sign with no visible support structure.

A sign that is the area typically above the door and windows of a shopfront, but below the awning.

Signs that are located inside a building or other facility.

A sign that is illuminated by a light source that is contained inside the sign.

See example

Usually clear self-adhesive film, or can be a liquid which is usually applied over printed graphics to protect them and extend their life.

Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high power laser, by computer, at the material to be cut. In the sign making industry the most widely laser cut materials are acrylic and stainless steel.

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In the sign industry this usually means printing that is wider than 900mm by any length, aqueous or solvent onto various vinyls, banner, backlit films and some fabrics.

The actual design on paper or in design software of a sign before it is approved or manufactured (a ‘layout’). Can also mean the process of a signwriter ‘marking out’ a sign to hand letter or apply vinyl lettering or graphics.

See example

Light emitting diodes are diodes(electronic components that let electricity pass in only one direction) that emit visible light when electricity is applied, much like a light bulb. When many LEDs are side-by-side, they can create pictures, such as the scrolling red LED signs found everywhere.

The characteristics of letters, numbers, graphics, or symbols that make it possible to differentiate one from the other.

A graphic, usually a large format printed photograph depicting a person or people using a product or service in daily life or in a pose or situation that sets the mood for an advertisement.

A sign that is illuminated by a light source that is contained inside the sign.

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To linish is an engineering term that refers to the process of using grinding or belt sanding techniques to improve the flatness of a surface.

It produces an attractive ‘scuffed’ appearance.

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Real metal application process to letters and signs in iron, brass, copper, bronze and aluminium coatings. LiqMet® Metal Coating is 95% metal with the properties of metal so it can be polished, worked and oxidised like metal if desired. There is a large range of finishes and textures available.

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A design that represents goods, identity or service.

Real metal that has the same properties as metal that is applied as a coating to signage.
Available in different metal types, finishes and patinas.

A flexible sheet material that is mostly used on vehicles. It can be removed and repositioned at will, can have computer cut vinyl or digitally printed graphics applied.

A wide variety of typical on-premise sign types usually located within the interior of a shopping centre.

Medium Density Fibreboard is used throughout the sign industry for cut out letters, sign boxes, and bulkhead signage. It should be used indoors only.

A message sign that allows a retailer to list products and prices, such as in a cafe etc.

The tendency of materials, sign making vinyls etc to ‘shrink’ or return to (‘remembering’) their former shape.

The area within the sign panel describing the limits of the message.

Metallex is an economical engraving material that resembles silver, gold, aluminium and bronze. It is ideal for indoor use.

Typically means computer cut vinyls that are cut in reverse and applied to the inside of windows so they read the right way when viewed from outside the shop or business.

Typically means printed graphics that are printed in reverse on a clear vinyl, then laminated with white and applied to the inside of windows so they read the right way when viewed from outside the shop or business.

A portable sign mounted on a trailer, etc.

A ground sign with low overall height.

Usually brass, aluminium or stainless steel engraved plate with paint fill.

See example

A sign manufactured utilising neon glass tubing.

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Electric discharge, cold cathode tubing manufactured into shapes that form letters and filled with an inert gas such as neon (red) or argon (blue).

Perforated or non-perforated one-way see-through graphics.

See example

Not letting light or another colour to show through. In sign making this usually refers to vinyls, acrylics, banner materials etc, for example ‘opaque vinyl’, ‘dense white’ or ‘black acrylic’ and ‘blockout banner’ so that if a banner is double-sided the image from one side will not show through the other side (especially in sunlight) and spoil the image.

See example

Acrylic usually in sheet form that has a milky translucency, usually used in illuminated sign faces and letters.

See example

A dimensional letter that has no face and, if illuminated with the light source visible. A clear face for physical protection of internal components may be used.

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Process of filling an engraving, usually a sign or plaque with paint, typically enamel, to colour match a logo and add contrast to the lettering.

Pantone Matching System®, a proprietary colour space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing, though sometimes in the manufacture of coloured paint, fabric and plastics.

A dimensional letter that is constructed with side walls, back and a face making the letter a solid integral unit with the side walls and back having a pan-shaped cross section.

A sign mounted on top of the parapet of a building.

A board with pre-drilled holes that hold individual letters and can be changed when required.

See Pegboards

Perspex® is a popular brand known for creating a variety of Acrylic materials.

See Acrylic

A hard thermoplastic highly resistant to softening and impact. Polycarbonate is used to make anything from bulletproof glass to directory inserts. In sign making it is typically used for vacuum forming, lightbox faces and protective covers

Signage that advertises a product at it’s point of sale.

An unlighted sign fabricated by using one or more visible posts to support the sign body.

Powder coating is the process of coating a surface in which a powder material is applied using an electrostatic or compressed air method. The applied powder is then heated (cured) to its melting point, after which it flows to form a smooth film which dries to a firm, durable finish very resistant to scratches, cracking, peeling, UV rays and rust.

A building mounted sign with the faces of the sign perpendicular to the building fascia.

See example

A portable banner display system where the banner display graphic is stored in the base and retracts back into it, much the way a window blind operates.

See example

A letter or logo cut out of a material that is as thick or thicker than the sign face material, and mounted on the inside of the sign face so that the backing material’s thickness extends flush with or through and beyond the front plane of the sign face.

In flat sheet form, polyvinyl chloride is formed in a variety of thicknesses and colours. As flat sheets, PVC is often expanded to create voids in the interior of the material, providing additional thickness without additional weight and cost. Sheets are cut using saw and rotary cutting equipment. Plasticized PVC is also used to produce thin, coloured, or clear, adhesive-backed films referred to simply as vinyl. These films are typically cut on a computer-controlled plotter or printed in a wide-format printer. These sheets and films are used to produce a wide variety of commercial signage products and markings on vehicles.

A free-standing sign with visible support structure or with the support structure enclosed with a pole cover.

See example

An electrical enclosure that may also serve as a mounting structure for the sign.

Raster graphics are resolution dependent. They cannot scale without loss of quality.

Raster graphics (.jpeg, .tiff, .bmp are some file types) deal more practically than vector graphics with photographs and photo-realistic images, while vector graphics often serve better typesetting or for graphic design.

See example

A raster image processor (RIP) is a component used in a printing system which produces a raster image also known as a bitmap. The bitmap is then sent to a printing device for output.

The input may be a page description in a high-level page description language such as PostScript, Portable Document Format, XPS or another bitmap of higher or lower resolution than the output device. In the latter case, the RIP applies either smoothing or interpolation algorithms to the input bitmap to generate the output bitmap.

The quality that enables the observer to correctly perceive the message.

A sign having the primary purpose of conveying information concerning rules, ordinances or laws.

A portable banner display system where the banner display graphic is stored in the base and retracts back into it, much the way a window blind operates.

See example

The sides of a channel letter or awning fascia that ‘returns’ back toward the building.

A fabricated dimensional letter with opaque face and side walls.

Short for red, green, blue monitor, a monitor that requires separate signals for each of the three colours. All colour computer monitors are RGB monitors.

RGB is the most common colour mode used when creating graphics, even though graphics to be commercially printed are eventually converted to CMYK mode, the colours used in printing inks.

A building mounted sign erected on the roof of a building.

In sign making, this usually refers to a computer controlled router that profile cuts plastics, non ferrous metals, aluminium composites, Dibond and wood etc via the use of design software and a controller programme into letters and shapes.

See example

A system to more permanently fasten banners to walls etc. The banners sewn edge piping is inserted into a length of aluminium extrusion and fixed flat and taut to a wall, billboard etc.

Commonly referred to as ‘running writing’.

A moveable sign supported by its own frame and most often forming the cross-sectional shape of an A.

See example

The area of a sign on which the advertising copy is displayed.

A system of signs.

A pre-finished plywood used for signage.

A tradesman skilled in the art of hand painted lettering

Silver beaten into thin sheets, typically used by signwriters for sign work on inside window glass as exposing to the elements causes it to tarnish.

A sign with only one face.

A thinner than conventional sign that is illuminated by a light source that is contained inside the sign, typically T5 fluorescent tubes that are a much smaller diameter than standard fluorescent tubes.

A printer that uses ink that is solvent based and as such is long wearing and waterproof.

See example

Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance, relatively low cost, and familiar lustre make it an ideal base material for a host of commercial applications.
Stainless steel is available in polished and linished finishes.

See example

A sign that is mounted on pins so that it stands off the wall and gives a more dimensional look to the sign. Stand-offs are ready made machined stainless steel, brass and aluminium fixings, plated in various finishes that sign makers use for this purpose.

Advertising displays, many which provide a public amenity, positioned at close proximity to pedestrians for eye-level viewing or at a kerbside to reach vehicular traffic. An example is a bench sign.

Signage that is made for the visually impaired. Tactile signs are manufactured with raised letters where visually impaired people can ‘feel’ the letters. Braille signs are manufactured with a series of raised dots that the blind can ‘read’ by touch. Braille and Tactile Signs have to conform to the Unified Braille Code, the Building Code of Australia (D3.6) and Australian Standards (1428.1-2001).

See example

Any sign not intended for permanent installation, such as banners, window ‘splashes’ and signs at construction sites.

Electrical equipment that converts input voltage and current to a different output voltage and current, mainly used in neon and LED signage.

Transmitting light but causing sufficient diffusion to prevent perception of distinct images. In signmaking this refers mainly to vinyls that are used on lightbox and illuminated signs.

A sign designed to be mounted underneath an awning, typically an under awning lightbox sign

In the sign industry this is typically a method using the heat and vacuum in a vacuum forming machine to form sheet plastics including acrylics over a mould into shapes, letters, logos, lightbox panels etc.

A vector graphics file is resolution independent and can be scaled with no loss of quality. It is a series of geometric shapes, consisting of outlines. These outlines are stored as mathematical equations (.EPS, .AI, .CDR are some formats). Vector graphics often serve better for typesetting or for graphic design than raster graphics that deal more practically with photographs and photo-realistic images.

See example

Any sign affixed to a wall.

See example

See Aqueous Printer

Enabling a person to find their way to a given destination thru the use of effective signage.

A weatherproof sheet material composed of hardwood fibre, similar to thick masonite.
Most signshops in Australia used this in the past, but it has now given way to composite materials such as Dibond®, Alupanel® etc.

A sign that is displayed in or on a window.

See example