7 Tips for Maintenance and Upkeep on Your Company's Signage

Your business signage plays a major role in attracting and guiding clients to your location. So it's important to maintain your signage by following the advice below. Do you dread the idea of having to maintain your company's sign? You might be surprised how easy it can be with these tricks for taking care of signs that work! 

There are several ways to care for your signage, but it's important to know the basics before you get started. 

If you know what materials make up your sign, you can take proper steps to clean and protect it. Most signs are made with either plastic or metal components and have a vinyl face with a protective coating applied. This coating is often referred to as a "laminate" because the protective material is laminated between the vinyl and metal. 

Follow these 7 tips from our Midwest sign company in Kansas city for caring for, storing, and cleaning your sign, so you can save some time and avoid a costly mistake down the line.

1. Use the Right Cleaners

There are several cleaners for signs that you can find at your local hardware store. These cleaners come in all different shapes, sizes, and formulas to fit your individual needs. Some come in spray bottles, while others are packaged in a foam or soft pad. If you are concerned about the strength of the cleaner on your sign, be sure to test a small area before applying it over the whole sign. 

A test patch is a great way to check the strength of the cleaner and gauge how well it will maintain the integrity of your sign. Many cleaners come with a polishing pad that you can use to get in between all of your letters and artwork, making it easier to get every inch of your sign clean. 

Some materials, such as vinyl and metal, do not respond well to harsh chemicals like ammonia-based cleaners. If you are trying to clean these materials, be sure to have an ammonia-free cleaner on hand. Some cleaners may not be as effective as they claim to be, so test them with a small area first.

2. Know Your Signs

The type of sign you have can make a big difference in how it will respond to different cleaners. Because the materials are typically different, the cleaner you use might react differently to each type of sign. 

You should always read the label carefully before buying and using any brand of cleaner for your sign. Different materials tend to respond better to different types of cleaners. If you are concerned about your sign, be sure to check the label of any cleaner before using it.

3. Watch the Weather

If you have a long-lasting sign, you'll want to use extra caution in cleaning and storing it during various weather conditions. Signs can weather when left outside in the sun and rain over many years or even months. Even if you manage to clean your sign well, keeping it off of your building can help prevent weathering. 

In case it starts to show signs of weathering, you can use a soft cloth or towel to gently wipe the surface. If you see any scratches or scuffs on your sign, try to clean them with a fine-grit sandpaper or emery cloth before restoring the shine.

4. Know Your Materials

Before you start cleaning your sign, make sure you know what type of material it is made from. If it's vinyl, use a vinyl cleaner designed for vinyl signs. If it is metal, use a metal cleaner designed for metal signs.

 Be sure to test any cleaner on a small area of your sign before using it on the entire sign. It can also be helpful to look at the material that your sign is made from as well as where it's located. Some signs attach directly to buildings or fencing, and others are placed out in the open, exposed to the elements.

5. Be Patient

If you're a little hesitant about cleaning your sign, remember that yours is the one that's most visible to your clients. You'd want others to have a well-cared-for sign that lasts as long as possible, so make sure to be patient if you find it difficult to clean or store. If you're having trouble with your sign, look for a professional to help.

6. Clean the Signs Regularly

You can find a multitude of cleaning products for signs and other outdoor materials. These products come in spray bottles, pads, wipes, or other types of solutions that help you to clean your signage. You should follow the directions on the label before using these cleaners on your sign or other metal surfaces. 

Letting your sign sit in one place for too long can cause it to fade over time. Thankfully, you can clean these areas with a soft cloth to bring them back to life. You can also use some vinegar and water to remove dust or fingerprints from your sign. 

If you have a graffiti problem, consider using a product designed for graffiti removal from surfaces such as glass or metal signs. The product should be able to remove the graffiti easily without damaging the surface of your sign. The product might not be long-lasting as the original vinyl on your sign, so it may look dull after using it to remove graffiti.

7. Clean the Areas Around Your Sign

A sign needs to be properly cared for, but so do the areas around it. It's important to clean up any dust and leaves before they accumulate on your sign. If you allow dirt or leaves to collect on your sign, it could result in damaging streaks. While you're busy cleaning your sign and getting rid of any particles, look at the areas around it as well.

Choose Midtown Signs

Midtown Signs is a Midwest sign company in Kansas City, and we are your best option for any sign service you need. We will make sure your signs still look great and last as long as possible by providing our maintenance and upkeep services. From changing light bulbs to buffing out scratches, let us help how we can. 

Contact us today for all of your signage needs! At our Midwest sign company in Kansas City, we also offer complete signage projects, including design, printing, and installation.

Need Help Attracting Customers to Your Business? Consider These Sign Design Ideas

No matter where your business is located – nestled on a quiet street or on a busy pedestrian sidewalk, having the right type of commercial signage is crucial. A sign made by a commercial signage company will allow you to draw in customers and assist them with finding their way around your store.

Perhaps you want to quickly get people's attention with a quirky and unique message. Or maybe you'd like to advertise a new offer or discount. And finally, perhaps you just need to put some more signs around your establishment to help people find a specific product.

According to a FedEx survey, 91% of small business owner respondents agreed that readable graphics are important drivers of success for their business.

Let's examine different kinds of signs you may want to use. These signs can be used either outside or inside to create a better experience for the customers visiting your store.

Make First Impressions Count

Signs, banners, and posters that you place in your business are usually the first points of contact with customers. And this is common advice but bears repeating: first impressions are lasting impressions. It's your one shot to show off the image of your business that you want people to see and remember. And usually, people will judge or assume the quality of your store based on how it looks on the outside. Judging a book by its cover and all that. Therefore, the messaging and style of your signage are crucial for getting people to take a look inside your store and not just walking past it.

Know the Purpose of Each Sign

Before you order a sign from a commercial signage company, it's a good idea to create a plan for each individual sign you want. For example, if you want an outdoor banner, it’s probably because you want to advertise a new sale. A window decal, on the other hand, could be used to inform passersby when you'll be open for business. Crafting effective messaging for every sign that you have will be a lot simpler when you know the purpose that each sign will serve.

Choosing the Right Sign For the Occasion

People walking by your store are not just pedestrians. No, they're potential customers. Your storefront plays a vital role in attracting these folk to come inside and check it out. A-frame signs work exceedingly well for this purpose since they have two sides and can be read from either direction. 

Meanwhile, a chalkboard sign is better if you'll be updating the information regularly, and it also allows you to inject your own personality into it. For example, bars frequently add witty handwritten messages on these signs to encourage people to come inside.

Ensure That Your sign Is Readable

When creating a storefront design, an important aspect to consider is how visible it will be from a distance. Think about people who are across the street or in a vehicle that's in motion. Therefore, you should make sure that the words written on your signs are still readable from these different positions.

Improve Readability by Using Contrast

Readability is affected by more than the size of the letters. 

Font, color, and contrast also have a major impact on readability.

For instance, a high-quality outdoor banner made by a professional commercial signage company can have a positive impact on your business. However, it must be placed in the proper location, as sun glare could potentially make it harder to read the sign. So if you're planning on hanging a banner sign in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, ensure that there will be sufficient contrast between the text and the background color. 

Also, keep in mind that pairing colors that are too similar can make the sign blend together too much, lowering its readability.

If readability is especially important to you, then you should strongly consider using one of these color combinations. These are reported by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America to be the most legible color combinations:

• Green on White

• Yellow on black

• Black on Yellow

• White on Blue

• Black on White

Consistent Branding and Marketing

Customers may end up passing your store up to 30 times per month if it's on their way home or to their workplace. Business signage works for at all hours and is visible even during non-business hours. This gives you an excellent opportunity to build your brand 24/7.

As we touched on earlier, window decals can help in displaying useful information, such as your store's business hours, what payment methods are accepted, and new sale announcements. Think about the subtle details of your signage and graphics and create a consistent and cohesive look all throughout your business, both online and offline.

Less Is More

When it comes to designing a store sign, keep in mind that less is more. With products that can be read more closely, like brochures or flyers, you can take more liberty in using various design options. A patterned background might look lovely on a flier but would be less effective as store signage. With signs, you have to keep in mind the reading distance that's required to reach as many potential customers as possible. In short, it pays well to keep your message simpler and easier to read on a nice clean background.

Recap

We hope that these design tips will assist you in designing the perfect sign for your business. These tips will allow you to better define your sign's purpose and how it will be used to promote your business. The most important tips are to keep your tone and style consistent throughout your business and product offerings. And make sure that it is easy to read for everyone who is within viewing distance of your sign.

Midtown Signs is a commercial signage company in Kansas City. To create the best sign, it's usually a better idea to work with a local company. Get in touch with us for more information. You can also follow our blog for even more useful updates.

7 Ways That a Custom LED Sign Can Help Brand Your Business

Custom outdoor business signs have the primary purpose of marketing your brand to your target customers. They can be placed on your storefront or inside of your business. These signs come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. But, your business sign should be appropriate for the image or brand you are aiming to promote. So, choosing a custom outdoor business sign is no small matter and should involve careful planning. That way, you will get the most brand recognition possible.

There are lots of different kinds of signs being made these days. One popular type is illuminated or LED business signs. These signs focus on adding lights to enhance or highlight important details on the sign. It can also function as lighting for unlit areas in the establishment. LED is the most common source of lighting for most signs.

Listed below are some of the top benefits of custom outdoor business signs and why you should add one to your business.

 1.) Grab Attention Right Away

Think of how appealing city lights are. Or casino lights. What do they have in common? Well, they blink, they come in multiple colors, and they are accompanied by excitement and energy. You can bring all of this to your business in the form of one small and convenient package – your custom outdoor business sign! It’s guaranteed that you’ll turn some heads due to the inherent visual appeal that these signs possess. LED signs are the perfect choice for businesses, especially if the business is located on a busy street or area.

2.) Advantageous at Night

Additionally, if your store operates at night, a bright sign serves as both a navigational beacon (like a lighthouse) and a warm welcome to potential customers. Of course, the biggest advantage is that it allows you to market your brand whenever you’d like – day or night, fog or shine.

And speaking of shine, a brightly lit sign at night gives reassurance that your business is indeed open and ready to receive customers. A dimly lit sign (or worse, malfunctioning) at night, on the other hand, would potentially scare away customers. So, it’s important that you have good quality signage, as not all custom outdoor business signs are made equal.

3.) Inspire Creativity and Innovation

Making an effective LED-lit sign will require you to think creatively and innovatively, especially when it comes to applying LED lighting. For example, how do you want to emphasize your sign? Should it be lit in the back or on the sides? Inside the signs? If you know where you want to put the lights, you can then decide which colors to use and the types of lights to add (strips or bulbs)

4.) Durable and Made to Last

To have an LED sign of the best quality, it’s important to spend a lot of money on good materials and a rigorous manufacturing process. Therefore, to make sure that you get what you’re paying for, you must do your due diligence to research reputable signage companies and check out their backgrounds. See their previous work and read through reviews and feedback from past clients. Was their experience good throughout the production process? Did they deal with customers professionally? Is the price fair? These are just a few key points to consider when choosing which company to hire to create your LED signage.

5.) Bring Versatility to Your Business

As LED signs come in variations, you’ll have lots of different options to consider. For example, you may want to have just a single color for your sign or include several different colors depending on what kind of sign you’d like to have for your company. Also, many people assume that LED signs are only useful outdoors, but that isn’t the case. They can be used to great effect in interiors. For instance, there are lobby signs that can be used for formal or professional establishments.

6.) Easy to Install and Adjust

Installing LED signage, despite what many think, is easy and hassle-free, regardless of where you’d like to install it. Indoors or outdoors, neither option is difficult to implement. Due to this ease of use and the many great features that they provide, they have been used in both industrial and commercial applications. In fact, you can even change the contrast, color options, and brightness to make the sign more reliable as a long-term marketing strategy so that you can make adjustments as needed.

LED signs come equipped with accessories and can be used flexibly, particularly when it comes to LED strip lights. These strips can be cut the way that you’d prefer. The majority of LED lights take advantage of adhesive during installation and are already waterproofed. That way, they will be more resistant to the weather and heavy rainfall. The adhesive, on the other hand, allows the lights to stick to almost any surface, which makes LED signs an even more flexible option for businesses.

7.) The Best Source of Lighting

When we think of the 80s and 90s, neon signs were famous back then, and that’s for a good reason. They are appealing and alluring, which is why businesses still incorporate them into their signages today. There is no other type of sign that can display colors better than an LED type can. Adjusting the brightness is a big deal, not only for the attractiveness of the sign but also for energy conservation.

Additionally, this kind of sign is frequently made interactive. That way, lighting effects can be changed to achieve the visual goal that’s intended by the sign.

If you’re considering custom outdoor business signs with LED lighting, it’s best to first plan where you want the sign to be located so that you can be aware of where the electrical source fueling it will be. There is no need to worry about replacing lights all the time as they will only need little maintenance and will not consume very much electricity. 

The Top Reasons Why You Should Brand Your Business With Frosted Etched Window Film

If your business has a lot of windows or mirrored glass, your first assumption might be that you can’t do a lot with the space. However, this is thankfully incorrect! It just calls for a little creativity and time spent with the pros, such as our Midwest sign company in Kansas City. The best way to utilize this space is through frosted window films! They can be used for decorative or privacy purposes, and it doesn’t require you to remove or change any existing glass. These frosted etchings go on right over the top.

It’s no secret that glass is expensive, especially in the current economic climate. The most cost-effective and earth-friendly way to use glass for advertising is to keep what you have and opt for frosted etchings. Not only will this beautify your store front, but it will also help you with branding. Keep reading to learn more!

Uplift Your Business

So what are some of the best ways to use these frosted etchings? We have a few ideas you might like to consider:

Create Privacy with Frosted Partitions

If you have a restaurant that has glass partitions separating various sides of the booths, you might want to consider getting them frosted. This can help create an added layer of privacy for your customers as they eat food or carry on conversations. It will create the illusion that they are in a more secluded and private spot than they actually are. 

This is also a great choice for offices with glass cubicle spaces. While not every employee can have their own private office, putting film over the glass can help create a private and less distracting workspace. After all, if you can see the tiny movements of everyone around you, even out of the corner of your eye, it can serve to be counterproductive. 

Sophisticated Branding

In truth, frosted glass just looks nice, combining the right amount of professionalism and artistry. They can feature all sorts of various designs, styles, fonts, and more! You can work with our Midwest sign company in Kansas City to come up with the perfect display to showcase your business. We want to brainstorm together and find what would really appeal to you as well as your customer base. 

Don’t worry, frosted glass isn’t just a good look around the holidays or winter time. It can be a timeless addition to your business! And getting it custom made and designed ensures that it looks especially stunning and fits your needs. In this case, frosted glass is both functional and practical, as well as beautifying! 

Shade and Light Filtering

Window films are an especially great choice if you have a large glass storefront but don’t want to cover it up with blinds or curtains. However, if you left it open, it could be a bit too bright and not very energy efficient. And covering it with vinyl isn’t a bad choice, per say, but it could cause you to miss out on some of the natural lighting. 

Frosted window films are an excellent way to meet in the middle. You can still utilize the space for branding or advertising, but without missing out on the natural daylight. Plus, it allows the light that comes in to be muted and softer, which can be really great for the overall environment of your shop. For example, if you own a cafe or a bookstore, this sort of ambient setting can be a huge selling point for customers.

Final Touches

Another great point about frosted glass films is that it just makes everything look complete. Just like putting a bow on a beautifully wrapped present or finding the complementary frame for a masterful painting, frosted glass creates an air of refinement for your business. It shows that you put in the effort and wanted to use your space to the fullest. Customers will surely notice how elegant and upscale it makes the whole of your business appear.

Count on Midtown Signs

Here at Midtown Signs, we are the pros in commercial signage and graphics. Our Midwest sign company in Kansas City has been making signs for generations and our team has over 158+ years of experience combined. We know what it takes to make your business stand out and want to create something unique just for you. 

Every Step of the Way

We want to keep our creation process as transparent and accessible as possible for our customers. So what does that exactly entail?  

First, we want to meet and talk over what your goals are for your glass etching or any other type of sign or graphic you want for your business. Do you want to beautify your storefront? Or are you looking for something more functional with a touch of elegance, such as help to create a private space? Outlining these in advance will help with the designing portion. 

From there, we will discuss what your vision is for a design or final outcome. We want to take a look at what you currently have and make evaluations. Even if your idea is sketched out on the back of an envelope or scribbled onto a napkin, we can collaborate and bring your ideas to life in a way that is truly stunning. 

Lastly, we work to create your vision! We promise to keep in the loop all along the creation process, as we want to ensure that you are getting exactly what you asked for. Once everything is installed and good to go, don’t worry, we aren’t going anywhere! Should you have any questions or need help with maintenance, we are only a call away!

Contact Us Today!

If you are ready to try frosted etched window films for your business, give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website. We know that together, we can really give your business the competitive and creative edge that it deserves! 

Why You Should Revamp Your Business This New Year With a Custom Sign

Create the Best First Impression

Usually, your sign will be the first thing a new potential customer will see. Take advantage of this and make the best sign possible. The better their first impression will be, the more likely they will remember your business in the future, and therefore the more likely they will come back again.

1.) Help Customers Find You Easier

Obviously, customers need to be able to discover your business, to begin with. A big sign will attract more people and help them remember where your business is. This will also lead to more repeat business. Your sign should be large and easy enough to read from any viewable angle.

According to a study from BrandSpark/Better Homes and Gardens, 54% of shoppers in the study admitted that they drove by businesses they didn’t know about because the business signs were too small or difficult to read.

Don’t lose out on these potential customers! Get the affordable help of a custom sign company to make you a big, professional, and memorable sign!

Here’s the kind of signage you can expect from a custom sign company like Midtown:

• Large letters that are spaced out properly and in a color that contrasts well with the background. Larger letters that are spaced well are much easier to read compared to smaller letters that are too close together.

• Is positioned in an ideal place. The ideal spot is prominent and easy to view.

• Will be well-lit at night.

• The font will be suitable. It will be easy to read and not over-the-top for your business/industry.

• It will be different from the signs around you to help you stand out from the competition.

• There won’t be any distracting visuals in your sign.

2.) It Can Be the First Indicator of Quality

The aforementioned BrandSpark study also found that 33% of the shoppers mentioned that a high-quality business sign was the main thing that drew them into a store they had never been to before.

Also, 38.5% of shoppers have made assumptions about whether a store was good or not just based on the sign alone! Unclear or unattractive signs repel many new customers every day.

So, ensure that you give potential new customers the best possible first impression of your store. Your product or service might be the best in the world, but if your sign looks ugly and like it was made by amateurs, then customers will likely assume that this applies to your business, too.

 3.) It Pays for Itself

Your business sign is a long-term investment. It pays for itself, and cheaper, low-quality signage will be a net loss in the long run. In some cases, having no signage at all can be preferable to having very low-quality signs.

Even if the cheaper sign is brand new and looks good, after being exposed to the elements for a few years, it’ll show its age. It will look old, dilapidated, and deteriorated. High-quality signage, on the other hand, will still look incredible for much longer than a few years.

4.) Increase Your Brand Exposure

The sign you choose says much about your brand. That’s why a good sign is one of the best ways to show your brand to the public. It’s crucial to make it stand out from the other signs your competitors use and get the attention of potential customers. The goal of your sign should be to communicate a friendly, welcoming, and enticing message from your company.

For your sign, be sure to include your brand colors and get in touch with expert installers so that they can mount it securely, evenly, and with the appropriate amount of spacing. With that, your business sign will make your business stand out and bring more new and repeat customers to your doorstep.

As we said, whenever people look at your sign, they will make some assumptions about your business. You want those assumptions to be positive ones. It’s all about evoking positive emotions such as professionalism, friendliness, reliability, dependability, and confidence.

5.) It’s Cost-Effective Advertising

It’s one of the best ways to cost-effectively advertise your business. While you may think the initial investment is a lot, it’s still better to invest in a quality sign for the reasons mentioned above.

After the sign is created and installed, there aren’t that many upkeep costs required. If the sign was made well and is high quality, then it shouldn’t need that much maintenance, and it will last for several years.

 6.) You’ll Have Constant Passive Marketing 24/7

Everyone loves passive income; well, how about some passive marketing? That’s what quality business signs do. They work for you all day, every day, don’t need to be paid, you get the idea. Your business is being advertised non-stop to anyone who passes by.

Since you’ll want to take advantage of this excellent form of marketing as much as possible, keep it well-lit during nighttime and on darker days.

7.) A Custom Sign Company Can Make Any Customization for You

This may seem like an obvious point, but there are a great many implications and possibilities for custom business signage. We’re talking about almost any layout, color, design, or style you’d like to have – it can be made for you.

You can let your creativity shine through as much as possible or be more conservative in your signage design. Regardless of which approach you prefer, the key is to be different. Most customers who were surveyed preferred to see a greater variety in signage and did not want to see every sign looking the same.

A custom sign company with a team of professional designers can be a great help here. If you plan to keep your business open for many years to come, paying extra for someone who can design an eye-catching and effective sign will be worth far more.

The Difference Between Customizable and Custom-Made

Usually, a business sign is non-customizable after it’s already been made. But, if you instead opt for a customizable custom sign (digital signs, for example), then you’ll be able to quickly and easily change the sign whenever you’d like!