Information

• How to Request a Quotation
• How to Supply Artwork
• Materials Explained

How to Request a Quotation

The simplest method is using our Quick Quote form.

Quick Quote

Additional Information

Create A sign / 1 Hour Signs manufactures most of its signs based on specific customer requirements. Therefore most of the products are custom-made.

We calculate prices based on time and material for each job. There is certain information that our customers may provide that will allow us to prepare an accurate and formal quotation.

To assist us in preparing a FREE quotation for you, please provide as much of the following information as possible:

1. Quantity
2. Sizes
3. Substrate type (sign backing material)
4. Sign copy (what is the sign going to say)
5. Logos and/or graphic artwork (see How to E-mail Artwork section)
6. Number of colours
7. 1-sided or 2-sided
8. Mounting accessories (grommets, velcro, 2-sided tape, etc.)
9. Indoor or outdoor application
10. Installation required

Don’t worry if the answers to these questions are unknown. Our sales staff is always available to answer any questions.

Requests for a quotation may be forwarded to Create A Sign by phone and email (signs@netflash.net) or use our online quick quote feature. Please be sure to include your company name, address, phone number, fax number, e-mail, contact name and other relevant information. Most requests are answered by phone or email within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.

Need a larger sign measured? We are available to visit our customers to discuss requirements face-to-face. We will even provide a site survey or inspection for large signs.

We also carry a large stock of ready-made signs. Call our sales staff for details.

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How to Supply Artwork

Files that are less than 10 megabytes (10,000 kb) in size may be e-mailed to our general mailbox (signs@netflash.net).

Files that are larger than 10 megabytes can be accepted on USB Drives, file sharing platforms, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW.

Always supply a paper output (colour, if possible) or JPEG so that we have a reference when files are imported into our system.

Vector-Based Vinyl Cut Graphics

The most successful format for compatibility is a vector-based Adobe Illustrator EPS (ver. 8.0 and up) with all fonts converted to outlines. Most graphic designers use Mac-based Adobe Illustrator to design logos and graphics. It is always best to provide artwork as close to the original source as possible.

These files formats are the most useful:

• .EPS – Adobe Illustrator ver. 8.0 & up
• .AI – Adobe Illustrator ver. 8.0 & up
• .CDR – CorelDraw ver. 10.0 & up
• .DOC – Word for Windows (text-based information only – no graphics)
• .PDF – When generated from vector-based programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw

ALWAYS convert fonts to outlines or curves before sending these file formats.

We can accept other file formats like the ones listed below in the Full Colour Digital Printing section, but they will require additional work to make them into files that Create A Sign /1 Hour Signs can use for vinyl-cut graphics. Additional artwork charges may be required.

Full Colour Digital Printing

Along with the formats above, these additional formats are useful for Wide Format Digital Printing with full colour pictures & photographs in medium to high resolutions.

• .PDF – Portable Document Format
• .TIF – Tiff bitmaps
• .BMP – Windows Bitmaps
• .JPG – JPEG Bitmaps
• .GIF – GIF Bitmaps
• .PSD – Adobe Photoshop

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Materials Explained

Vinyl Cut Graphics

Vinyl material comes in 2 different types. Cast vinyls and Calendered vinyls. The terms cast & calendered refer to the way the two types of vinyl are manufactured.

Cast vinyls are higher quality vinyls due to the method of manufacturing. The manufacturer guarantees cast vinyls against fading, shrinking, cracking and peeling for up to nine years. These vinyls are used where outdoor durability is important.

There is also a cast translucent vinyl. Translucent vinyls are used on signs that are backlit by fluorescent lights so that the colours remain vibrant at night.

Calendered vinyls are guaranteed by the manufacture for three to five years in outdoor applications. These vinyls may be used outdoors where long-term vinyl graphics are not required. The vinyl will last forever when used indoors.

For price comparison, cast vinyls are approximately three times the price per square foot higher than calendered vinyl.

Large Format Full Colour Digital Printing

There is a wide range of vinyl that is used to print full colour graphics which are specially manufactured to be used with an eco-solvent based inkjet printer. While the vinyl offers excellent bold, color reproduction and quality, the solvent ink formulation resists sunlight fading. Ultra-violet lamination is also available for added durability.

This vinyl is great for indoor and medium-term outdoor durable applications (three to five years). Typically, graphics are printed onto the vinyl then applied to any of the materials described in the “Sign Substrates” section below. They can also be printed onto something as simple as photographic grade poster paper.

Rolls come in 54″ widths. Digitally printed vinyl can be over laminated to protect from abrasion, if required.

Some typical uses include: • promotional signs • posters • displays • billboards • sandwich boards • decals & stickers • fascia signs

Sign Substrates

Popular substrates or backing materials we use include: • aluminum • alupanel • banner • coroplast • crezon • aluminum faced crezone • polycarbonate • acrylic • magnetic • PVC • styrene

Aluminum

Aluminum is extremely durable and will last for many years in outdoor conditions. Signs can be made with or without rounded corners or holes. It is also available in different thicknesses ranging from 18 ga. (.040″ th.) to 12 ga. (.080″ th.).

With this substrate, we primarily use 14 ga. Aluminum with nine year premium vinyl for text and graphics. Aluminum can also be screen-printed.

Some typical uses include: • regulation signs • street signs • store front • outdoor directional signs

Alupanel

Alupanel is very durable and will last for many years in outdoor conditions. It is an aluminum composite which has a hardened plastic core. It is available in different thicknesses ranging from 1/8″ to ½”.

With this substrate, we primarily use nine year premium vinyl for text and graphics. Alupanel can also be screen-printed.

Some typical uses include: • regulation signs • street signs • store front • outdoor directional signs

Banners

Most of the banners are custom-cut with hems, grommets and/or ropes. A 13 oz. vinyl-coated banner with polyester weave for strength is best used for outdoors, but can also be used indoors. Both three to five year and nine year vinyl can be applied to the banners. Banners can also be screen-printed and digitally printed. Standard banner heights are 22″, 34″, 46″,70″ & 96″ banners can be made any length. Banners can also be manufactured in 16oz, 18oz, 20oz and 22oz for heavier duty or street banner applications.

Some typical uses include: • tradeshow displays • temporary outdoor sign attached to building • street banner

Coroplast

Coroplast is a corrugated plastic material similar in appearance to corrugated cardboard. This is the least expensive substrate material and is ideal for indoor and temporary outdoor signs. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl can be applied.

Coroplast can also be screen-printed. Due to its light weight, it is ideal for hanging from the ceiling or in a window with suction cups. Coroplast is available in four different thicknesses: 3/16″, ¼” , 3/8″ and ½”. There is a wide range of colours for the 3/16″ thickness, but not as many colours available for the other sizes. The sheet sizes range from 4′ x 8′ to 5′ x 10′ (depending on thickness).

Some typical uses include: • real estate signs • election signs • tradeshow displays • a-frames • company advertiser signs

Crezon

Crezon is a multi-laminated marine plywood designed for outdoor applications. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl may be applied. Crezon may also be painted with enamel paint (such as 1 Shot). An edge trim may be applied to the edges around the perimeter for additional weather protection.

It is available Good 1 Side and Good 2 Sides in thicknesses of ½” and ¾” thick. Sheet sizes are 4′ x 8′ and 4′ x 10′.

Some typical uses include: • larger real estate signs • site signs • company identification signs

Aluminum Faced Crezon (AFC)

AFC is a multi-laminated marine plywood with an aluminum skin for additional outdoor life. It is designed for outdoor applications. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl may be applied. An edge trim may be applied to the edges around the perimeter for additional weather protection.

It is available Good 1 Side and Good 2 Sides in ½” thick. Sheet sizes are 4′ x 8′ and 4′ x 10′.

Some typical uses include: • larger real estate signs • site signs • company identification signs

Polycarbonate

Typically, this material is known by the trade name of Lexan. Polycarbonate is an extremely strong, shatter-resistant material. It is usually used where the opportunity of breakage is possible. Nine year premium vinyl may be applied (including translucent vinyls for backlit signs).

Polycarbonate comes in white or clear. Thicknesses range from 1/8″ to ¼” or thicker. It comes in sheet form in sizes 49″ x 97″, 61″ x 97″ and 75″ x 100″. Polycarbonate also comes in roll stock form in sizes 38″, 52″, 64″, 72″ and 100″ high.

Some typical uses include: • backlit ground signs • backlit fascia signs • pylon signs

Acrylic

Typically, this material is known by the trade name of Plexiglas. Acrylic comes is both sheet form and in roll stock. Due to the high thermal expansion and contraction rate of acrylic, it is best mounted using an extruded aluminum frame (usually custom made to size). Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl may be applied (including translucent vinyls for backlit signs).

Popular thicknesses in sheet stock range from 1/16″ to ¼”. There is a wide range of colours available in sheet sizes of 49″ x 97″, 61″ x 96″ and 75″ x 100″.

Roll stock is 3/16″ thick in either white or clear. The heights of acrylic roll stock are 30″, 39″, 51″, 63″, and 75″.

Some typical uses include: • backlit ground signs • backlit fascia signs • pylon signs

Magnetic

Ultra Magnetic material is a thin film of vinyl on top of a magnetic sheet for mounting to metal surfaces. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyls can be applied. Ultra magnetic material may also be screen-printed. This material comes on rolls 24″ wide in thicknesses of .030″.

Some typical uses include: • fridge magnets • vehicle signs

PVC

PVC is a smooth, hard plastic material. Thicknesses range from .040″ to 1″. It is available in various standard colours such as red, blue, yellow, green, white, and black but not in all thicknesses. The most popular thickness is 1/8″ (3 mm). Sheet sizes are 4′ x 8″, 4′ x 10′ and 5′ x 10′. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl can be applied. PVC can also be screen-printed.

Some typical uses include: • tradeshow displays • light duty industrial signs

Styrene

Styrene or HIPS (High Impact Styrene) is smooth, white, lightweight plastic material. It is available in .012″, .020″, .030″, .040″, 1/16″, .080 and 1/8″ thicknesses. Sheet sizes are 40″ x 72″ and 48″ x 96″. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl may be applied. Styrene may also be screen-printed.

Some typical uses include: • tradeshow displays • internal bus sign advertising • external bus sign advertising

Other Materials

Don’t see the material you wanted…. Just ask we carry most plastic, metal and wood sign products.