Glossary of Terms Used on Website
(Materials used are explained on seperate page)
Acid Etch
In sign making terms, this refers to the etch vinyl film that is applied to windows to obscure the glass for privacy. This can be applied as a solid rectangle over all or part of the window and can also have text and patterns (logos) cut out of it for branding, information or decorative effect. There are a number of different vinyl etches available which offer different colours, obscurity and finishes.
AI
This file type is a Vector graphic - which means it contains the outlines of the graphic, which are required to Digitally Print & Cut, Plot Vinyl Graphics and Laser Cut or Engrave. We can recreate images for you using this file type, if you use a designer they will be able to supply you with this. AI files can be created in many software packages i.e Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw.
Alignment
When selecting text for your sign, there is a pull down option for Text Alignment. You can have the text starting from the left hand side, centred or text all to the right hand side of the sign.
Anti Graffiti
A clear vinyl film which protects your sign from graffiti - grafitti it can be wiped off the sign with the correct chemicals. The cover also gives added UV protection and prevents vinyl letters from being picked off.
Artwork Proof
Once you have placed an order, we will be more than happy to supply you with a layout of the sign before manufacture. We have allowed for one amendment in the pricing, further changes would be subject to an artwork charge.
BS5499
The current standard for British Safety Signs - this is being replaced by ISO 7010. We would recommend that you have the ISO 7010 standard on your signs where the symbol has been finalised as this comes into law very soon and will make your BS5499 signs non-compliant.
Caps & Screws
There is an option to purchase caps and screws to go with your signs. The caps cover the screw heads, giving the sign a more complete finish. We stock screw caps in White & Black plastic, Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Brass.
Channel
An option on the aluminium signs for the addition of a welded bar to the back of your sign, which allows the sign to be fixed to posts with clips.
Decal
Self adhesive vinyl graphic or lettering. Decal is generally the term used when applying the graphic onto a vehicle and can be either solid vinyl or a digital print. It is possible to lacquer over the image to seal it - a method used on motorbikes.
EN 7010
This is the new European Standard for Safety Signs and will become law in the near future - it is currently known as IS 7010. Many sign changes have already been finalised and will replace the current British Standards. The principle behind this is to have symbol standards that are recognisable throughout Europe and language will not be a barrier to understanding the message.
EPS
This file type is a Vector graphic - which means it contains the outlines of the graphic, which are required to Digitally Print & Cut, Plot Vinyl Graphics and Laser Cut or Engrave. This is the file type we will generally ask you for if you would like us to recreate images for you, if you use a designer they will be able to supply you with this file type. (Saving a jpg file as an eps will not work as it will not have any outlines with it). Eps files can be created in many software packages i.e Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw.
Font
This is the text typeface that you would like us to use. We have listed a few fonts for you to choose from but have hundreds available. If you cannot see the font you would like, try using something like Microsoft Word to locate a font that you like and as long as we also have this font we will use it to produce your Vinyl Letters or on your sign - please just ask and we will be happy to help.
Image Size
The size given on the Vinyl Graphic images are either the width or height, whichever is the greater and the size is given in millimeters (mm).
ISO 7010
This is the new European Standard for Safety Signs and will become law in the near future - this will then change the name to EN 7010. Many sign changes have already been finalised and replace the current British Standards. The principle behind this is to have symbol standards that are recognisable throughout Europe and language will not cause a problem understanding the message.
JPG - JPEG
File type used generally for digital photographs and graphics. We can digitally print these images, but would recommend they are of a High Quality otherwise when they are increased in size they pixelate (these image are made up of small squares and this will show up as it is enlarged).
Laminate Cover
There is an option to have a clear vinyl cover adhered over your signs. These covers help protect your signs from UV discolouration and make them easy to clean. This is an advisable option is sterile environments such as Hospitals and Catering establishments as prints are not chemical resistant.
Laser Engraving
The Laser Engraving process removes the top layer off a 2 ply laminate material, leaving behind the intended mark. The laser will also cut the material to the desired shape. Text and graphics can be engraved from Vector files and a wide range of fonts are available and can be engraved at all sizes from very small to large. We stock a wide range of colour combinations i.e. White/Black through to Metalics
The laser also permanently marks Stainless Steel by using a special spray and burning the image / text onto the metal, leaving Black text / image. This is the process used to mark components used on Oil Rigs - it is permanent.
We can engrave and cut Acrylic with the laser, which is useful for creating Flat Cut Letters and shapes.
Letter Height
When choosing Vinyl Letters, you will be asked to choose the Letter height as this is the same across all letters, unlike width which greatly varies i.e. I and W. Please be aware that if you have chosen Upper and Lowercase text, the height will be taken from the Capital letter, unless otherwise stated. Alternatively if you let us know the space you have available, we are more than happy to work out the letter height for you.
Magnetic Signs
These are generally vinyl graphics or digital prints applied to Magnetic sheeting. This is an ideal way to have graphics on your company vehicle which can be removed as and when required. We can also apply magnetic strips to the rear of all signs so that they are in effect magnetic.
Manifestation
This is the term given to vinyl shapes, generally in an etch vinyl which are applied to clear glass so that people realise it is glass and do not walk into it. There are a few options on the website for you to choose from, but we are more than happy to create alternative shapes, logos, text for your requirements. This can be a stylish way to add your branding within your office / workplace.
Measurements
We give our measurements as width x height i.e 400mm x 300mm would be 400mm wide and 300mm high. All measurements are in millimetres (mm) and the depth of the product is decreed by the material choice.
Minimum Order
We have a minimum order charge of £10.00, which is exclusive of VAT and carriage. It can be made up of several items i.e. 2 safety signs and some vinyl lettering. The combination does not matter as long as the overall total is £10.00 or greater.
Photoluminescent
A material in the Photoluminescent signs allow the signs to be read in the dark. The size of the sign will affect how far away you will be able to read the sign i.e. 340mmx 120mm will give a 17m readability whereas 400mm x 150mm will give a 22m readability. We have the most common options on the website, but can supply you with a wider range and different sizes. Should you need something not on the website, please do not hesitate to contact us or ask us for advice on which signs you should have.
Plinth
Wooden backing board, used to frame your sign - usually a plaque. Oak plinths look best with Stainless Steel plaques and Mahogany with Brass plaques.
Pricing
All of our prices are excluding VAT at 20%. On many of the products there is a Price From, this will be the smallest simplest version of the product, as size increases and options are added the price will generally increase. If you are ordering large quantities of a particular product it may be worth contacting us first as we can sometimes offer a quantity discount.
Print & Cut
The machinery that we use allows us to digitally print your graphics and then cut them to any shape for you. If the shape is non-standard we would ask that we are supplied with Vector graphics (ai or eps file) so that the outline is in place for us to use.
Reverse Engraving
With this process the back of the sign is engraved in reverse and a paint infill is then applied. This gives the front of the sign a smooth finish and added protection from UV and interference.
Reverse Print
With this process a clear acrylic or polycarbonate sign blank is used. On the back of the material Vinyl graphics or a digital print is applied in reverse, so that the graphic is protected and appears correct from the front. A solid colour can be applied behind the graphic, so that the sign has a coloured background. These signs look very stylish when used with Stand Off Fixings.
Rotary Engraving
Traditional engraving is where different width cutters are put into the machine to remove the metal / plastic from the surface of the material where the indentation is required. With metals such as Aluminium and Brass a paint fill is applied to make the engraving stand out. We can also engrave 2 or 3 ply plastic known as Traffolyte which removes the top layer of the material leaving the indentation in the layer below, thus engraving your message. This method of engraving requires dedicated engraving fonts, so the choices are less than that of Laser engraving and cannot be generally smaller than 5mm on simple fonts such as Helvetica and 10mm on more fancy fonts such as Goudy.
Stand Off Fixings
These fixings are available in several finishes - Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Brass, Coloured Plastics. As the name suggests the fixings make your sign stand off from the wall / surface and look very stylish.
Text Case
When designing your sign, there are pull down options, one being Text Case that you would like to use. There is UPPERCASE, lowercase and Upper and Lower case.
Vehicle Graphics
Graphics can be applied to your vehicle in either solid coloured vinyls or laminated digital prints. All cut to the sizes and shapes that you require. When enquiring about vehicle graphics, we will need to know the vehicle model and year, so that we can get the correct vehicle outline to work with and a rough idea of what message you want on the vehicle i.e. company name, contact details, logos and any other details you wish to display. This is a very good way to advertise your business whilst out and about in your region.
Window Etch
This refers to the etch vinyl film that is applied to windows to obscure the glass for privacy. This can be applied as a solid rectangle over all or part of the window and can also have text and patterns (logos) cut out of it for branding, information or decorative effect. There are a number of different vinyl etches available which offer different colours, obscurity and finishes.
Window Graphics
Can be applied as above etch option or in solid coloured vinyl or even a digital print on clear vinyl (with or without a solid coloured panel behind) or a material called Static cling which is useful for temporary window graphics a sit can be taken on and off.
SK Signs & Labels Ltd
