Need to know the definition of a sign type, material and/or process? Have a read through our extensive Signs Glossary.
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Cabinet Sign
A sign structure consisting of the frame and face also known as a bulkhead sign when in shopping centres.
Cantilever Sign
A building mounted sign with the faces of the sign perpendicular to the building. Sometimes referring to an under awning lightbox sign.
Changeable Sign
A variable message sign composed of individual letters usually on a track system or can be a changeable message a-frame sign.
Channel Letter
Fabricated 3dimensional letter that usually incorporates a light source.
CMYK
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.
CNC Machinery
Computer Numerical Control. In the sign trade this typically refers to the vinyl cutters, CNC routers, laser cutters, engraving machines, etc.
Coated Tubing
In Neon, clear glass tubing, coated on the interior surface with phosphorus powder. Coated tubing produces a variety of different light colors, dependent upon the specific mixture of phosphorus powders utilised.
Cold Cathode
Electric discharge lighting, which uses an electrode with a large metal mass to emit electrons. Neon tubing is a cold cathode type.
Colorbond®
A pre-finished steel sheeting utilised in sign making, mainly for signboards.
Coloured Tubing
Transparent glass tubing manufactured with color pigments, typically color examples include ruby red, canary yellow, green, and midnight blue.
Composite Panel
DIBOND®, Alupanel® etc. A sheet material with an aluminium skin and polyethylene core, excellent for signboards, available in different thicknesses, finishes and sizes.
Contrast
The difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures, such as light and dark areas, colors, or typefaces.
Contra Vision®, One-Way Vision Film
Perforated or non-perforated one-way see-through graphics.
Copy
The words or message displayed on a sign.
Corflute
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.