Nothing is worse than entering a large building and not knowing where to go. When our client, McRory Pediatric Services, moved into a new building, they asked us to relocate some existing signs we made for them and asked for some new signs to be made. One of the new signs was a set of directory signs for each floor of the building of their new 3-story location. The directory sign lists the different rooms, departments, and programs that are on each floor so you can navigate through the building easily. There is a sign on each floor so you can understand what is on each floor, no matter where you are.
The client wanted a brushed metal background so we used 1/8″ brushed sibond for the backer panels. Sibond is a great material that we use for both exterior and interior signs. It’s a polycarbonate sandwiched between two sheets of aluminum so you can have a brushed metal look without using actual metal. The company’s logo and all of the lettering was made from black vinyl which was applied to a 1/8″ thick clear acrylic backer panel. The black vinyl lettering was applied to the front of the acrylic panel, and we applied etched vinyl to the back. Etched vinyl is a type of vinyl that creates a frosted glass effect. We use it frequently on acrylic backer panels, or on interior and exterior windows to create privacy. The acrylic panel was installed onto the sibond backer panels with standoffs for easy removal in case the panel needed to be changed out.
It’s important to make signs like these with removable panels so you don’t have to replace the entire sign every time information changes. These signs are installed very securely so removing the panel could damage the wall causing you to have to patch and paint the wall, and wait for the paint to cure before re-installing a new sign. We use the same method for suite, room, and office ID signs.