View Full Version : Sign Posts
Anyone entering the sign trade and wants to get a little edge on the competition I'd suggest looking at Sign Posts. We often see nice signs with good layout and colors attached to a couple of cheap 4"X4" posts which isn't complementary to the sign or artists.
I don't think there's much thought about posts. As important as they are the subject is left the end of the process and just anything will do. But let me warn you, in advance, attractive post can devour time. You need to price these separately. To help a little, here's a couple of hints that will shorten the process. First option would be to purchase 6"X6" treated posts. That will give the sign a much more substantial look. The second suggestion is to skin your treated post with woodgrain siding. It comes from the big box stores in 12"X10' and is relatively cheap. Then you can give a little top and bottom treatment with the same material.
One of the techniques is to flute the posts. It's gives an elegant look but it's time consuming. One of the photo's shows Extira being milled.
I've been making decorative posts for years and must say they make my plain signs stand out. It's been one of my secret keys to success.
Joe
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26599&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26600&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26601&stc=1
Here are few more examples.
Please note the Farmers Insurance Sign. It's a very plain and simple logo. That was my challenge. How could I get an edge and keep it from looking boaring? The obvious answer was to build a post system. To the best of my knowledge this is an unique concept. The net effect was four of these for other agents.
I'm for making posts as simple as possible. In my shop at this time is another post and panel dental sign. I'll post a few snaps as I go along.
If you don't have the larger 6"X6" treated posts, no problem. Use the common 4X4 and screw a two by four to the side. Since it's going to be skinned with wood grain siding the customer will never know.
Joe
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26603&stc=1
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26602&stc=1
stephenr
11-17-2015, 10:09 PM
Thank you for the information on posts. What finish are you using on the outside of the insurance sign? Textured paint?
Thanks again,
Stephen R.
Stephen,
Thanks for the request of information about texturing.
Here are a couple of photo's showing texturing materials that work well for exterior use. Another one of my favorites is Crack Filler made by Coastal Enterprises. The technique I use is to apply a heavy coats, when dry come back with a block sander for a smoother surface. Don't worry about getting too much texture. It will come down quickly with a little hand sanding.
Here's a note on the insurance sign. The posts were made from Extira, ending up being a little too soft. Once the sign was nudged by a moving tractor it needed considerable repair. When I arrived the sign was leaning over with the whole structure racked out of shape. It's a heart breaker.
If you use wood grain siding material from your lumberyard, you may get by without a texture.
Joehttp://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26624&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26625&stc=1
stephenr
11-19-2015, 10:25 PM
Excellent. Thank you for the info Joe. I appreciate it.
I'm wondering why there aren't more photo's being posted on projects. Are there fewer people creating and routing? At one time we were treated to all sorts of routing projects from cabinetry and signs to What-nots.
Perhaps the answer is that todays SB owners are now part time, hobby types who by nature are not as productive. Those of us business owners find it necessary to keep producing in to keep the doors open. It seems to me most of the posts are on small technical questions are on topics like feeds and speeds or vacuum hold downs and topics like that. Sure would be nice to see more commercial work being posted.
tri4sale
12-06-2015, 10:22 PM
I'm wondering why there aren't more photo's being posted on projects. Are there fewer people creating and routing? At one time we were treated to all sorts of routing projects from cabinetry and signs to What-nots.
Perhaps the answer is that todays SB owners are now part time, hobby types who by nature are not as productive. Those of us business owners find it necessary to keep producing in to keep the doors open. It seems to me most of the posts are on small technical questions are on topics like feeds and speeds or vacuum hold downs and topics like that. Sure would be nice to see more commercial work being posted.
In my local market, the shift in signs is more and more towards vinyl signs, fewer and fewer carved / intricate signs like you post, which is a shame. I really like seeing the work and how you do it, but I do fall into the hobby category, so I don't produce as frequently as a business owner like you. And cabinets builders are using are much simpler, mass market boxes and less custom designed cabinets nowadays (at least in my local market).
kevin
12-07-2015, 06:52 AM
Joe
To answer your question I wish there was more post on work.Most people are retired or on there way .I love this form for sharing and learning there are egos here [ if i here one more I have 26 years experience I'm still scared of the table saw ] I read your posts as a kid who opens Christmas presents .I trying to get more balance in my work .I will post some work tonight
For now here goes http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26801&stc=1
Kevin,
Now that's a fine piece of cabinetry. It looks like it came from that part of the world. Sturdy,strong and beautifully finished.
Thanks for posting.
Joe
Daniel,
It's true there aren't many dimensional sign artist as compared to the vinyl guys. I have no problem with the vinyl sticker folks. Glad they are out there doing the work I'd never want to do. Next to my phone is a list of sign shops where I'm glad to send customers. This is the only active forum I know that supports a large newby sign artists. It's good to see posts like yours.
Joe
here's a couple links to some of our latest projects...
https://www.instagram.com/vectorstudio22/
https://www.pinterest.com/vectorstudio22/
Gene,
What a treat.
I'm most impressed at your finishing techniques since I last visited your work. Looks like there's no stopping you now. I know everyone will get a kick out of this posting.
Joe
tri4sale
12-07-2015, 10:29 PM
Daniel,
It's true there aren't many dimensional sign artist as compared to the vinyl guys. I have no problem with the vinyl sticker folks. Glad they are out there doing the work I'd never want to do. Next to my phone is a list of sign shops where I'm glad to send customers. This is the only active forum I know that supports a large newby sign artists. It's good to see posts like yours.
Joe
Didn't mean that as a knock on vinyl folks, that takes talent to make a good looking sign too, I still can't apply vinyl without a bubble or off kilter letter here and there! I agree, this has been a great site for learning from a newby standpoint, have to go back and back as it's info overload sometimes!
Didn't mean that as a knock on vinyl folks, that takes talent to make a good looking sign too, I still can't apply vinyl without a bubble or off kilter letter here and there! I agree, this has been a great site for learning from a newby standpoint, have to go back and back as it's info overload sometimes!
Have you tried vinyl with "air egress"? Bubbles no more.
Daniel,
The real problem with vinyl.
There's no difference between vinyl and paint. It's another medium. Where the rub comes is when people with no understanding of layout and design bought the vinyl package, opening up a sign shop. What we have today are vinyl franchise owners in the learning process. The ultimate insult are vinyl wraps you can't even read. And they are expensive.
On a positive note, isn't this country great. Room for all.
tri4sale
12-08-2015, 10:34 AM
Have you tried vinyl with "air egress"? Bubbles no more.
I'm just fooling around with hobby vinyl machine now, not trying to do any signs / selling vinyl, so I've not tried that.
Daniel,
The real problem with vinyl.
There's no difference between vinyl and paint. It's another medium. Where the rub comes is when people with no understanding of layout and design bought the vinyl package, opening up a sign shop. What we have today are vinyl franchise owners in the learning process. The ultimate insult are vinyl wraps you can't even read. And they are expensive.
On a positive note, isn't this country great. Room for all.
Yea, I've seen a lot of wraps on cars and been like "what the h**l are they selling???" Same with the signs where they use 1/2 inch letters that you can't read as you drive past at 55 miles an hour. Signs I use for my business have minimal text and all text 2" or bigger so that it's very easy to read. I think layout and design is the truly hard part of sign making, the artistic skill to make a sign look good.
The truth is the vinyl plotter has just about killed the creative small signs shop. Here's one of my friends, Alica showing how it's been done for years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7umD6icrasU#t=16 There's a sense of accomplishment with this kind of work that can't be had by applying vinyl. But if you've never done it?
tri4sale
12-08-2015, 11:47 AM
The truth is the vinyl plotter has just about killed the creative small signs shop. Here's one of my friends, Alica showing how it's been done for years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7umD6icrasU#t=16 There's a sense of accomplishment with this kind of work that can't be had by applying vinyl. But if you've never done it?
that's an artistic skill you just don't see anymore. From a business standpoint, it's easier / cheaper to just hire a vinyl shop to slap those on the side of a truck, vs paying an artist to create that. The vinyl stickers fall into the "Good enough" category that prevails nowadays.
Well kind of. Just try to get this done by with vinyl. Try to stay till the end of this video. Alica is still kicking with a brush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK3wdE5BlxU
scottp55
12-08-2015, 12:34 PM
That was good Joe...Thanks!
Almost as good was just buffing third coat on 90 buttons and shipping them out the door 10 minutes ago:)
scott
We need more posts for fellows like Gene Crain. His stuff is so inspirational. Both on the technical end as well as his idea's. Way back when he was posting carving with aquatic theme's. I'll never forget them.
upcoming project, wall panels for a elevator...double sided machining with projected 2d toolpaths...
David Iannone
12-10-2015, 11:36 PM
Looks bad ass as usual Gene. Thanks for posting some photos
Good to see. I'm looking forward to seeing how this project is done. Right now I'm kind of in the dark with the amount of detail in these panels. With your history all this is probably a slam dunk.
Looking forward to see how it comes together.
Joe
muro 3 panel f...you can kinda get the idea of the design...back side has a convex cut
Gene,
On a panel like this, how many passes does it take to get to this point? Do you have to have a clean up?
Joe
backside 3d cut 38 mins, front side 3d cut 38 mins, "tile" outline cuts-pocket cuts-holes 45 mins. other shop takes it from there for final finishing
Man,
That's moving down the road. Good for you. Keep us posted, please.
bleeth
12-16-2015, 11:51 AM
Aren't you glad you don't have to do final sanding on those babies?
Looks great Gene.
Yes Dave, all we do is cut these for the other shop!
muro 3 panel E2
Beautiful work. This image makes me dizzy. You amaze me.
more of the process...a set of 4 pocket doors 2.75" x 44" x 120" from Sapele
Outstanding Project.
The assembled door looks to be heavy. I'm always amazed at your organization and the way you put projects together. I guess this is mahogany and are you using anything special for glue?
bleeth
02-12-2016, 10:11 AM
Sapele-you bet they are heavy!
Gene; Do you have a concern about having the faces wide and heavy planks around your internal staves instead of thinner slices?
Seems like moisture swings could have them wanting to move, twist, expand, contract in opposing directions even with West Epoxy bonding.
Joseph.fm
02-17-2016, 06:35 AM
:confused::confused::confused:
Did you see the sighn of insurance ?? Its Looks Not good i think and will not attract the target you need !
To do this In my knowledge you have to put the best content here..and by who it will help you to get the attention of the customers to you company
Joseph,
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. It's either sentence construction, typing or error in topic posting.
Joe
Joseph,
Woops, now I see what you are saying.
I'm always wanting to improve my layout and design techniques and look forward to assistance. I'm often humbled to other sign artists and look forward to your expert advice.
About the "State Farm Insurance" sign that's their corporate logo and due to the City of Norman code restrictions the size is all they're allowed. Anyway the topic heading was on "Posts". Have you ever made any decorative post to show off your signs? I'd like to see some you've made and take any advice or hints you want to share.
Joe
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)
chunkstyle
02-22-2016, 09:27 AM
Well here's one upcoming PIE sign that were doing to help a kid earn an eagle scout badge. He's taking on an old run down cemetery to rehabilitate. Funds have ben raised for the sign materials and were providing the fabrication. Trying to incorporate some of Joe's insights into the use of PVC and post wraps.
My strategy is to use a joist hanger on either post with a 2x4 running between them. Then I'll slide the sign down onto the 2x4 by notching the bottoms of the pvc 'studs'. Cleats along the posts will hold the sign vertical. Wrapping the posts with medex will be a fun way to dress up a sign. Now that it's ben brought to our attention we can't help but see how many nice signs would be improved by this technique around here. Of course costs come into play and I can see how this treatment will have to be a separate cost.
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27371&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27372&stc=1
chunkstyle
02-22-2016, 09:43 AM
Sheesh...
Sorry for the above image sizes. They're annoyingly large. I should have resized them instead of just looking at their file sizes before posting.
The idea of using a 2x4 support came to me on account of a previous job we had to do for an existing sign bracket. It was an odd steel square stock bracket sticking off a building that someone had made for a previous sign. It had two uprights and resembled a field goal. I traced the bracket off and accommodated the bracket in the sign construction by having the bottoms of the pvc 'studs' straddle the horizontal steel rail and the 2 steel verticals trapped between them. A cardboard template was used for the stud layout during glue up and the sign was simply slid down onto the bracket for an install. It occurred to me that this might be a simple technique for future PVC signs built this way. It has also occurred to me that having a familiar approach to sign mounting that is flexible and adaptable would be an advantage. This approach may not be perfect but at least it's a start.
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27373&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27374&stc=1
steve_g
02-22-2016, 10:43 AM
Tim…
I’m afraid that wrapping the posts in Medex is a mistake… Medex is water resistant, not water proof. Exteria would be the proper exterior material.
Love the design!
SG
bleeth
02-22-2016, 12:49 PM
Steve is correct.
Don't use Medex.
Extira is the way to go.
chunkstyle
02-22-2016, 01:15 PM
Whew!!!
Thanks for the heads up guys. That coulda cost me. Appreciate the feed back.
Tim
Chuck,
Excellent work.
One way to address painting letters is to cut DiBond and apply. I seldom, if ever, paint letters on the sign surface. Once I found out a background around the letterin could give a nice extra depth there was no going back.
Keep up the good work.
Joe
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27380&stc=1
chunkstyle
03-02-2016, 09:32 AM
My apologies for not responding sooner Joe,
Thanks for the tip! That sign looks really cool from what I can see. So much going on with surface texture, color, shapes and layers.
Is the substrate sign foam? Do you use an epoxy to bond the two dissimilar materials together? Had a customer that paid me to cut him some VERY different materials to be bonded together (exterior cedar ply and Plexi bonded to an aluminum channel frame!). They're still having to go back and re-stick pieces together that will occasionally pop off. It has stuck in my mind since then to be careful here with adhesives and mixing materials.
chunkstyle
03-14-2016, 11:33 AM
Well,
Here's borrowing a coupla pages out of Joe's book. I really like the use of extira for post wraps. Might have gone a little deep with the fluting on these. Make a note for the next one. Thanks again Joe!
GeneMpls
03-14-2016, 12:06 PM
Nice work. Gene
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.2 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.