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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Paint Filling
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® / PMS
Pantone Matching System®, a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing, though sometimes in the manufacture of coloured paint, fabric and plastics.
Pan Letter
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.
Parapet Sign
A sign mounted on top of the parapet of a building.
Pegboard
A board with pre-drilled holes that hold individual letters and can be changed when required.
Perspex®
Perspex® is a popular brand known for creating a variety of Acrylic materials.
Polycarbonate
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
POS (Point of Sale)
Signage that advertises a product at it’s point of sale.
Post and Panel Sign
An unlighted sign fabricated by using one or more visible posts to support the sign body.
Powder Coat
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.
Projecting Sign
A building mounted sign with the faces of the sign perpendicular to the building fascia.
Pull up banner stand / Retractable banner stand / Banner Bug
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.
Push-Through Letters
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.
PVC
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.
Pylon Sign
A free-standing sign with visible support structure or with the support structure enclosed with a pole cover.
