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Do you need a new (sign) face?

Do you need a new (sign) face?

Here's some pretty handy information for those looking to order replacement sign plastic for storm damaged and old signs. How to correctly the first time. Some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) are: Do you keep this in stock?Can this ship today?What kind of sign plastic do I have?What kinds of sign plastics are there?Can you add my logo to the new sign?How much is everything with shipping included?My sign looks like this. Can I get an exact replacement?Let's start from the top. Do you keep this in stock?Everything is made to order. There are so many different kinds of letters and sign faces, even the kinds of plastics used, that it is much more practical to make each custom sign face as the order comes in.Made to order. Can I get this shipped today?We make all signs to order as our production schedule (all the people who ordered before we receive your order) may be able to take on your custom project right away. The kinds of signs that ship the soonest are our standard size v3 fiberglass signs in white with tracks for flexible (8 on 8-7/8") letters. These can usually ship within a couple of days from your order, depending on our work load. What kind of sign plastic do I have?The most practical way to determine this within 95% accuracy is to send detailed photos of your existing sign whether it's broken or not. Send your photos and we'll let you know what we can make to replace the sign. What kinds of sign plastics are there?The most common requests we receive are for both the 'permanent sign' plastic used for signs in marquees or pole-mounted signs and for the replacement plastic for portable readerboard (also known as 'flashing arrow') signs. Can you add my logo to the new sign?The best reply overall is probably! We need to have two things in order to determine if we can do this for your project. Send your artwork and logo file (upload here) and photos of your sign with dimensions (the exact height of the plastic in inches and the exact width of the plastic, too). If it's easier, send us an email when you have the dimensions, the artwork and the photos. How much is everything with shipping?Shipping costs are determined separately from the cost of the sign faces. The factors that determine the cost include the cost of boxing or crating the sign for safe shipment and the freight or UPS cost to deliver. A rule of thumb is that signs with flexible track less than 10 feet wide may be rolled to ship by UPS, all others must be crated to ship via freight. To determine the freight, we need your full street shipping address. Send us this form to have a representative help you with freight costs. My sign looks like this. Can I get an exact replacement?Some sign products and types of plastic faces are no longer made, like fluted polycarbonate panels with track or the StaTuf ridged panels. We will suggest a suitable substitute for equal or superior performance.

Congratulations, you've ordered a LetterBank Readerboard Sign!

Congratulations, you've ordered a LetterBank Readerboard Sign!

What should I expect now that I've placed my Readerboard sign order? Here's a brief overview of the process that begins when you place your order. See also: "Why is freight so costly?" below. Once your order is received, it is received by accounting and entered into the first checkpoint for review. The first checkpoint is where we review the order and determine that, if there are different options or accessories ordered, that they will all work well together so the correct sign ends up shipping with exactly what you expected. Once the order passes our preliminary order review, we check for the necessary signed forms. What forms, you may ask? The first form (if you haven't already sent it in to us) is to determine the cost to ship the sign by freight to your specific address. This is the freight quote request form. When you order, a 'placeholder' amount (usually $450) is applied as a hold on your card for part (or all) of the cost of crating and freight to your ship-to address. Any overpayment or balance due must be taken care of for the order to proceed.  The second form is also required before the sign can be scheduled for production. This form [Delivery Checklist] is to show your acceptance of responsibility, by agreeing that when you accept delivery, you will inspect the sign for any damage or sign of damage before signing the delivery driver's Bill of Lading (delivery receipt). If there is any damage or a torn/dented carton, make sure to inform the driver that you need to inspect the sign or you cannot sign off on it.Signing the Bill of Lading informs the insurance companies that you accept the delivery as is, where is without any damage. This is a legal document, so take as much time as you need to check for any damage. See below: "What happens if I sign the Bill of Lading and discover damage afterwards?" Once the two forms have been received and any balance of freight debit or credit is satisfactory, a project scheduling request is sent with the forms signed to our plant to be entered into the production schedule. Signs are scheduled for production based on the order date and time the order is accepted at the factory. A typical readerboard sign is usually ready for pickup within 12-14 work days, following assembly, electrical work, inspection and preparation for shipping or pickup. If you have ordered freight shipping to your address, we will notify you when the sign as been boxed/crated and has been picked up. We will send you something called the PRO Number and the name of the final freight company that will do the delivery. Getting ready for your new signIt's exciting to prepare for the delivery of your new sign. Take photos of the delivery and inspection. Send them to us for our website and a chance for free gifts! Be sure to have a clean location where you can safely unwrap the sign and recycle the packaging. You may need scissors or a utility knife, a couple of screwdrivers and an adjustable wrench to assemble the legs onto the base of the sign.  Where are the legs and the letter set?You will find that to lower shipping costs, items are consolidated. To access the legs and letters, you'll need to find the side of the sign with the outlet. [A8 model shown] The opposite side of the sign has a removable vertical panel. Take the panel off. Slide out one of the sign faces (plastic with ridges and track) to see inside the sign, where you'll find the leg assembly and a box of letters. Assemble the legs using the wrench- you may want some assistance in holding the sign while you put the legs on. The replace the sign face and the side panel. Now you're ready to plug the sign into your extension cord and create your first sign! What can I do with the letters to keep them sorted?Some like the simplicity of getting 40 or so  folders and a plastic crate to store and sort the letters. Others like to get our Pronto Case, a molded storage case available with wheels which holds up to 600 (two sets) of flex letters.Get one for 25% off retail when you order within five days of delivery!     Why is freight so costly?The main reason is that freight and labor charges have gone up dramatically several times during and since the pandemic of 2020. Another reason is that, since freight companies operate in certain regional areas, it usually takes multiple freight companies to get the new sign delivery to your door.  A third reason is that when a special delivery is requested, like a liftgate delivery van (when delivering to an address with no dock), indoor delivery or delivery to sprawling campuses, fields, stadiums, industrial areas and other requests all add time to the delivery schedule. LetterBank charges exactly what the freight company(ies) charge. We do not augment the bill.   What happens if I sign the Bill of Lading and discover damage afterwards?Sadly there is very little we can do once you sign off on the bill of lading (the delivery contract). 1. Inform the delivery company immediately that damage has been discovered and that you need to file a claim.2. Contact us with photos right away so we can notify the factory. Include a copy of the claim filed.   The overall total costs with freight may be greater than you originally planned, but our profit is a very small fraction of the total costs. We want our customers to be happy with their experiences with the LetterBank/MyDIYsigns team so that you may recommend us to a friend or think of us for replacement supplies and well-thought-out signs to complement your business!

Awning Lettering FAQs

Awning Lettering FAQs

Common questions about adding awning lettering or letter panels to cover up old awnings

Custom Personalizing Your Awning Just Got Easier!

Custom Personalizing Your Awning Just Got Easier!

Personalized Awnings.Now, easier than ever before. Place custom awning graphics, photos and wording over existing painted awnings, all in one easy step. LetterBank, the pioneering sign company which has been creating awning lettering for existing awnings for over a decade, is proud to announce the all-in-one printed panels for easier installation. Finally, you can apply all the lettering and graphics in one piece (or multiple pieces, based on the length of your awning). It's much easier than putting up individually cut letters by a factor of 1000%! Custom graphics are printed in long-lasting colors onto a roll of our DuraStik Hi-Tack Adhesive Fabrics, allowing you to install your own awning graphics simply! Can I use the panels to hide old painted lettering? Yes, you sure can. All you need to do is measure the lettering area (how tall and how wide in inches or centimeters) and send a photo of the awning, so we can find out the best options available!  Single panels of LetterBank's printed DuraStik wording and graphics are made and sent to you with instructions, up to 4.3 feet (52") by 15 feet or whatever the most economical sizes are for your project. Some projects require multiple panels- we'll let you know what works best for simple installation. DuraStik was originally created by LetterBank Signs + Print in 2009, to cover over old painted lettering and now, it has introduced a new and beautiful addition to the DuraStik line, to make your project much easier to do! Will this cover old painted letters on a sailboat sail or weatherproof cover?This is designed to stick to virtually any flexible or rigid surface that does not have a silicone-type of spray on it.  How can I test for silicone spray?Will it work on my awning/tent/canopy/sail or flag?Order a small sample of DuraStik to test first. Within a few days, you'll receive a small test piece which you can test on your project. Simply remove the backing paper from the super-thin fabric, exposing the strong adhesive, and stick it to your project. This sounds terrific. Where do I begin?You can use this simple form to send us your request. You will need to have: [1] Height and length of existing lettering on the awning, if any.[2] Send photo of awning (and/or) artwork file.That's it! We can price your project or make suggestions once we have all the details. Questions?We're here to help. Any one of our staff can assist you, as we're employee owned and operated- you're always communicating with a part-owner, never a receptionist or clerk.

Channel Letters, lighted

Channel Letters, lighted

Order channel letters for your store Channel Letters are dimensional sign letters that are lighted from inside. The letters display on the facade or front of a building or monument. LetterBank channel letters are lit internally with LED modules which have a high effective light output and require less electricity than fluorescent, incandescent or neon. Displaying channel letters is an intelligent way to showcase your brand in front of your customers. Letters are...  Made to order in your size, color and style Ready-to-install: Wiring diagrams and installation pattern are included Certified: UL Listed with Sign Section Labels for Outdoor Installation 5 Year WarrantyChoose the kind you need: Channel Letters Start From Scratch:Design your Channel Letters by sending your letter height, wording, style and color choices for a quote. Channel Letters Made from my art file: Upload artwork that was designed in a vector program (Affinity Designer, Adobe Illustrator, Canvas) and saved in a simplified vector PDF, EPS or AI) IMPORTANT: If proposed sign location is for a lease space which is rented. Check with property owner to confirm if there is a signage criteria before manufacture. All electric signage should have signage permit from city before installing. Custom projects are not returnable For the "Start From Scratch" option, design your own layout and send it for pricing with height, style and color of letters, we will do the rest. For a price quote, include the Letter Height, Style, Color of front (plastic), color of trim and color of returns (sides). Use this form. For the "upload art" option,you can upload a file that was created as a vector in Affinity Designer, Illustrator, Canvas or other vector programs and sent as a pdf. Once we receive your file, we'll go over your Channel Letter specifications and send an estimate. Please follow these guidelines before uploading your artwork. - Vector or Outline all objects - Scale artwork to the exact dimensions of the full-size sign (or 50% overall scale of your file when exceed 200” width) - The shape of the Channel Letter should be simplified before uploading. If a Channel Letter file is too complex with many anchor points or too narrow/wide we will do our part to communicate the best solution to achieve the look you're going for. Save as a PDF file and upload. Use this form. Read about typestyle selection, what size your letters should be and more in this brief, illuminating article.

My awning is Sunbrella or treated with silicone, what are my options?

My awning is Sunbrella or treated with silicone, what are my options?

Awning fabric may range from old-fashioned canvas to 21st century vinyls and resin compounds. If your awning sample does not stick well, it may be because of a reaction to the finish applied to the awning fabric. So what can I do to cover over or to replace or add new lettering on the awning (without having to pay for a whole new awning)? Some solutions listed below may work for your D.I.Y. awning makeover.The least costly solution is likely to be to order our PaintMask self-adhesive stencils in combination with sign paint like 1-Shot. List of distributors here. Find out more about LetterBank PaintMask here.This requires painting over the old lettering with a color close to the awning's original or faded color, then using a contrasting color and PaintMask to finish the project. Next up is our new Awnner™ [Awning/Banner] CoverUps, made for the persistent Do It Yourselfers who want a good-looking result (and a bit of a challenge!). We're still designing and working to make the universal hardware that will allow our Awnner™ CoverUps to work with many kinds of awnings and frames, and to be sufficiently easy to install by a person without the training that sign companies have.The vinyl or fabric banners used in this process are made to complement or contrast to the awning color for optimal visibility and impact and may be removed easily by a non-professional. Finally, our rigid signs option allows us to print your graphics onto one or more durable metal panels which can be installed with or without a snap-open frame into the metal frame of your existing awning, allowing for easy exchange of signs and promotions. For more information on any of our awning signage solutions, contact us with photos and the exact dimensions of your project and what you intend to do. We are here to help you look good.

Wording for Entrances & Gated Communities

Wording for Entrances & Gated Communities

For durable, made-to-order lettering that will withstand time:Where do we begin? When doing research on lettering for your wall, gated entrance or home and business identification, here are a few pointers and a checklist that will save you a lot of time and worry. All of our metal and acrylic letters come with a lifetime limited warranty not to fade, crack, chip or peel. Start at the beginning. You'll need a tape measure and a way to record the measurements, as well as the camera on your smartphone to send photos of the undecorated wall along with your request. Stylish or easy-to-read style?We have countless years of experience to share with you on this project. Whether you want it to look elegant and refined, trendy, upscale or modern, the choice of materials, color and sizes will impact how your project is viewed for decades to come. Here are related articles to review. How to create an entrance sign, A Basic Guide to Wall Lettering Design and our popular Wall Lettering Guide. Standing out from your surroundings!  Are there similar decorated walls in the vicinity? Send a photo if there's a wall you particularly would like to look like ( clear photos are very helpful ). Are there colors that are part of HOA or Community Guidelines that must be followed? Let us know with your request and we're glad to work with you.  Make it happen.Get started now with a price quote request or if you're not yet ready, ask for assistance. We can include a mock-up free with your order, or for a small set-up fee without an order. Just ask!   Best to you and your projects! LetterBank + MyDIYsigns Team

Cover over old lighted pylon signs with LetterBank Sign Bags and Covers

Cover over old lighted pylon signs with LetterBank Sign Bags and Covers

When your customer wants to change their lighted sign but the sign won't be ready for a while, or when an anchor tenant moves and you can't leave their sign up, these are the best choices.What's the difference between Sign Bag Covers and Banner Drape Covers? Both are available: Printed with your graphics (or blank for your graphics)! Ready to install Weatherproof and (almost) fool proof Made to last 1-2 years When you need to cover up a sign for any reason: New tenant New logo Contract project  Sign Maintenance Storm Damage This is the perfect, simple sign solution to fill that temporary need. Delivery time:1-2 weeks for Sign Bag or 2-3 days for Banner Drape Covers. What we need from you to price your project: Height of sign area Width of sign Depth of sign cabinet Your artwork or mockup as a pdf or very high resolution png file   Finally, if you have any questions about this or our many sign solutions, you can contact us easily online. Our professional staff is ready to help. We are ready to help you cover any sign shape and size, fast.LetterBank's MyDIYsignsSince 1989, your source for sign professionals.

B2B Business to Business Sign Printing

B2B Business to Business Sign Printing

For many of the industrial, military, corporate and commercial markets, LetterBank Signs + Print just makes good sense. See Services belowBased on customer surveys of our Fortune 1000 clients, who typically purchase tall outdoor Banners with Wind-Proof Stands, Printed Table Covers, Wall Lettering, Lighted Can Signs and Decals, 100% of our Corporate customers (who replied to share an opinion) stated that they will use LetterBank Resourcing and Fulfillment in their next branding and marketing outreach.   Checking in with our Military customers, the more popular orders are for  Decals, Floor Decal Graphics, Stencils,  Rec Signs and  Changeable "Curb" Signs  100% of Military respondents said that we are on their list of preferred suppliers.   Top-sellers with our Sign Shops in stand-alone and franchise locations are: Custom Sign Frames (snap-open and security), Awning Lettering in our DuraStik Lettering and Cover-Ups, Foam Letters for Concrete Casting and Replacement Sign Parts Sign Covers Sign shops may choose to participate with our B2B wholesale services and production with knowledgable full art and marketing services available.   ServicesSign Brokerage, Printing and Fulfillment Services, professional Art and Graphics and logistics evaluations are available.  Simply put, since 1989 we strive to find you the best signs and sign fabrication solutions for your sign projects. Clients include PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Toyota, Circle-K, PG&E, Verizon, US Government, USSteel, Exxon/Mobil and many Fortune 1000 corporations of note. Our 30+ years of experience in the intricacies of sign manufacturing, capability and procurement allows us to save you money but more importantly, save you time on your projects and get the products ready with time to spare.Now more than ever, businesses must catch the eye of their customers.We can help you to do just that.   To set up a time for a no-strings-attached call, just ask. Check out our new B2B and B2G article

New! Rigid stencil system for perfect letter mounting on walls is announced.

New! Rigid stencil system for perfect letter mounting on walls is announced.

INTRODUCING IMPROVED INSTALLATION TOOLS Based on suggestions and feedback from our customers, we've improved our installation tools for metal and acrylic flat cut letters. These upgraded, updated tools make installation easier, saving you time and money. Gemini and LetterBank introduce the Rigid Stencil (replacing the old paper patterns for letters 4" and smaller). The RIGID STENCIL GUIDE More durable than a paper stencil, the Rigid Stencil Guide is printed and cut on rugged, durable material, for precise placement without curling or tearing. A computer-generated, full-size cutout, the Rigid Stencil Guide is designed for smaller letters and logos. A high-quality finished installation has never been simpler.When you order self-adhesive tape on letters, you'll like Our New ONE-PIECE TAPE BACKING One-piece, full-coverage backing eliminates the nuisance of dealing with multiple pieces of double-face tape on every single letter. This improvement is now a standard feature for smaller, interior flat-mounted letters and logos. Easier tape handling eliminates frustration and speeds up installation. This new one-piece backing is for our flat cut metal and plastic letters.     And for larger letters, we are glad to introduce The PERFECT PATTERN Designed for larger, mounted metal letters, the computer-generated Perfect Pattern is calibrated to our production equipment. Printed on weather-resistant, tear-resistant material, it provides a guide to accurate drilling and mounting for the initial install, future replacement letters and duplicate signs in different sizes. It's your guide to a perfectly mounted sign, every time. LET'S TALK Our customers spoke up about their installation challenges, and we worked hard to come up with solutions. What else can we do to support your business and help you deliver high-quality finished signs?Let us know. You can Ask for a Quote on your Dimensional Letters projects here. We're glad to help. If you want help with an upcoming project for wall letters, indoors or outside, plain or lighted, we're here to guide you through the design, selection and ordering.Already know wha tyou want" We're your go-to source for professional service.   LetterBank is a distributor for Gemini Lifetime Warranty letter products.

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