cedar sign problems

[brian]

I just finished this sign for a local hotel.
They picked the colours and wanted a sandblasted background.
I get most of this work from a local sign shop who doesn't do any woodworking.
He has been a good customer so I want to satisfy this client of his.
The client doesn't like the colour variations of the cedar.
They said that it doesn't allow the letters to stand out.
They approved the sign from a computer print out which I explained does not give a good idea of what cedar really looks like.
This is going to be one of those live and learn lessons.

I do feel that they picked colours that are not bold enough.
I suggested that we can paint the background to even out the colour if they choose,but am still waiting for their reply
Has anyone had similar issues.

Sorry for the dirty lens

Brian

[scottp55]

Boy, the green certainly contrasts enough, and if it were used on the font?:) the color suggests "Garden" anyways. Love the wood- 2 cents

[brian]

Most people love this type of variation in colour.
I think thats part of the attraction.

Unfortunately I didn't have anything to do with the colour.
As we all know the customer usually gets what he wants.
Now he's having second thoughts

Brian

[Brian Harnett]

I think the lighting in your picture exaggerates the problem even more, a green border on the edges of the letters would perk them up nice I think.

It would be a shame to paint the background.

[joe]

Brian,

This has to do with Lemons and Lemon Aid.

You can easily solve this problem, make the client happy and even put a few extra bucks in your pocket.

When you have a few minutes give me a call and we'll talk about the potential solutions.

405 366-1038

[Chuck Keysor]

Brian, I will agree with the customer on this, even though he may have signed off on the rendering, the contrast issues on this are significant. The wood tones are too close in color with the lettering.

It is too bad that the project got so far but the fact remains that the sign as it is does not emphasize the vital content that the sign should deliver. So the customer's alarm is justified.

I will look forward to seeing what Joe can come up with to make the letters "pop". Everyone will learn a lesson out of this. Thanks, Chuck

[gene]

what if you went to a darker red color

[bobmoore]

I would try to get the approval to outline those red letters and the upper logo with a ballnose bit and paint them with the green color. The logo should be OK but the letters will have to be cut a little smaller. We call that a flair in our shop. That will make those features jump right out.
Bob

[joe]

Bob,

Keep in mind Red and Green are on opposite sides of the color scale. The name of the game here is contrast. These colors put side beside don't have much.

What do you think of the sign I made for you twenty years ago. See attached.

[bobmoore]

Good stuff Joe. My sister lives in Oklahoma City and buys her cars from a Bob Moore dealership too. The reason I picked the green for the flair was my assumption that those were corporate colors. Sometimes we don't get all the information we need to make suggestions on the forum. I am dying to hear your response to this post. Bob

[joe]

When a client isn't happy, you're behind the ball. We don't know the attitude of the client or how willing or open they are to changes. So, solving problems like this or even making suggested corrections is questionable. So here we go.

As a business owner what I'd want to do is spend the least time and effort possible to make the client happy. That would be to fix the problem on site. One trick is roll out a coat of red latex, NOVA COLOR, on a sheet of white PVC. Rout out the letters with a 45 degree bit leaving a 1/8" shoulder. This will give an automatic white outline. A little outline would need to be figured in to allow for the V Bit. Then the letters can be quickly applied over the existing. Another option is to create a drop shade effect but that would require some brush skill. There's also the option of creating a semi fat outline and drop shade around the letters using DiBond as an overlay. Red lettering would go on that. I can think of several options but who knows without more input.

It's really not a fair question without more details. At least he did include a photo.

The example photo below show a similar problem. Imagine the maroon letters on a gray background. They wouldn't have enough contrast and would lay there un-distinctive. It's the contrast were after.

[bobmoore]

I really like your option one. All of the rework is done to the letters not the main sign body. Rerun letters at the shop, take them to the sign, replace. Sometimes our reponses have to assume we can charm the other guy's customer. So far I am batting 1000. ;)
Bob

[brian]

Sorry for the delay in response,been busy.
Thanks for the suggestions Joe.I did suggest a contrasting second layer but they said no.
I also suggested to paint or stain the background to even out the colours and they said no.
As stated earlier they picked the colours.
Unfortunately the sign shop that hired me to do this backpedaled and offered a discount without consulting me.He has been very good to me over the last 1.5 years so I let it go and asked that he consult with me before ever doing that again.
I think this is what the customer was looking for in the first place.
As I was installing it today I talked to other contractors on site and it seems they have done this to more than one person.In fact the carpenters had walked off the job that day.
Anyways I got paid (somewhat less than quoted)and am happy to have that job done.
I have only been doing signs for 1.5 years but have been in business(Excavation & carpentry)for 25 yrs,so I know that customers like this come along every now and then.
I live in a small isolated (ferry) community so diversity is key to survival in the trades.
I did get alot of positive comment while installing the sign today and handed out half a dozen business card so I'm looking on the positive side.


PS The sign pictured is still missing the trim on the left side to hide the bolts


Thanks Brian

[gpinard]

Looks pretty spectacular to me. The shop picture was harder to judge, but on it's base, looks great. I'm not any kind of sign guy, but were I driving by this would grab my attention. Very nice.

[joe]

Well,

I certainly learned a lesson.
And
It's
Not
The
First
Time!

[brian]

My father at 94 told me he is still learning something new every day sometimes good and sometimes not

Brian

[joe]

Brian,

Thanks for the encouragement!

[danhamm]

Its a beautifull hunk of wood, anyway..I would stop just to admire the wood.
I just realized that your within hollering distance Brian, Hey Joe, If I sneak out some nite with a can of oneshot and a detail brush..what color should I take, just kidding..

[GlenP]

Nice looking sign and workmanship. I do find the letters don't pop out at me. Too bad they wouldn't go for adding some white or anther good contrast around the lettering and accents. Glad you got paid as it could have turned into a bad situation and the loss of a client.

Cheers