I need to build a sign with changeable messages. help?

[Hugh Potter]

Most likely will be something like this, but needs to look good!

[Robert Lambie]

Digital is the best all-round option here but really depends on the size of the sign and if it will be cost-effective for them.
Don’t rule out LED boards, it’s down to how close you are viewing them, the size of the LED’s etc that determine if it looks like dots or a TV. if that’s how to explain it…

You could have some sort of lightbox with a trim on the face.
all you do is slide in an interchangeable clear bit of acetate or polycarbonate with a vinyl message on it.
you could make up a dozen for them to change as they please, and call you for more panels when required. they would end up with a nice bank of panels with messages over time.

individual letters would look very dated. a bit like the old cinema messages with limited character spaces available.

[Hugh Potter]

quote Robert Lambie:

Digital is the best all-round option here but really depends on the size of the sign and if it will be cost-effective for them.
Don’t rule out LED boards, it’s down to how close you are viewing them, the size of the LED’s etc that determine if it looks like dots or a TV. if that’s how to explain it…

You could have some sort of lightbox with a trim on the face.
all you do is slide in an interchangeable clear bit of acetate or polycarbonate with a vinyl message on it.
you could make up a dozen for them to change as they please, and call you for more panels when required. they would end up with a nice bank of panels with messages over time.

individual letters would look very dated. a bit like the old cinema messages with limited character spaces available.

I agree regarding the individual letters, I don’t much like that and, printing a transparency or backlit pvc each time would keep regular work coming… I think I may go that route..

Led.. possibly,but now (just got another email!) I suspect it’s going to be more sympathetic to their advertising budget.

[Robert Lambie]

The thing is, with these type of signs, the novelty of changing them long term wears off. so it’s better to try and get a bank of signs on a thin clear acetate. cut it with a Stanley knife and hand over a pile of them to change as and when.
this way you are getting a decent return for putting their idea into action. and if they do keep-up with changing signs, then you have won a watch on further repeat business.

[Hugh Potter]

quote Robert Lambie:

The thing is, with these type of signs, the novelty of changing them long term wears off. so it’s better to try and get a bank of signs on a thin clear acetate. cut it with a Stanley knife and hand over a pile of them to change as and when.
this way you are getting a decent return for putting their idea into action. and if they do keep-up with changing signs, then you have won a watch on further repeat business.

Thanks Rob,

I’ll look into that solution, I’ve never really printed the acetate / backlit pvc before so it’ll give me something to play with!

[Robert Lambie]

Hi Hugh

you don’t print it mate. just apply cut vinyl to it.

if you have a lightbox with white opal acrylic which illuminates. you’re just sliding the acetate panel into the runner in front of the lightbox. same as you would those individual letters but its in one piece pre-made.

yes, of course, you could also print onto a white "clear adhesive" digital and flood coat the acetate and slide that in and it will illuminate. but if it’s just simple messages, ide cut them in vinyl.

[Hugh Potter]

quote Robert Lambie:

Hi Hugh

you don’t print it mate. just apply cut vinyl to it.

if you have a lightbox with white opal acrylic which illuminates. you’re just sliding the acetate panel into the runner in front of the lightbox. same as you would those individual letters but its in one piece pre-made.

yes, of course, you could also print onto a white “clear adhesive” digital and flood coat the acetate and slide that in and it will illuminate. but if it’s just simple messages, ide cut them in vinyl.

ah, I see what you mean now!! isn’t the acetate a bit floppy? this will be in a pretty exposed environment, I would think it needs to be something more rigid to stop it being pulled out when windy?

[Robert Lambie]

acetate comes in different thicknesses.

also, you would be using something like a mini trim on the face of the lightbox or some other sort of 360 degrees trim to slide it into.

the size/depth of the sign will also determine what’s possible and not.

[Emyr Evans]

Would an illuminated noticeboard work, if it has a dry wipe magnetic background he could write the messages himself or alternatively stick magnetic sheets with different messages to it.

[Hugh Potter]

quote Robert Lambie:

acetate comes in different thicknesses.

also, you would be using something like a mini trim on the face of the lightbox or some other sort of 360 degrees trim to slide it into.

the size/depth of the sign will also determine what’s possible and not.

I’ve found a supplier pf such things now (thanks to WIlliam smith!) so will look into it – understand what you mean now!

quote Emyr Evans:

Would an illuminated noticeboard work, if it has a dry wipe magnetic background he could write the messages himself or alternatively stick magnetic sheets with different messages to it.

I don’t think that would work (magnetic) but yes, I’m thinking a large illuminated frame …

I’ll update when I have a plan!!