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Before You Put out Your Advertising Banner……Check with the City

So….you’ve gotten your new business ready to open to the public.  The final touch to attract customers is a full color banner posted near the street, right?  In most cases, yes….but before you invest in a nice banner and t-posts to hold it up by the street, check with your local City Departments to find out what the restrictions on placing banners and signs.  Most cities require permits to place banners near highways or major city streets.  These permits may have time limits and may cost you a bit to obtain.  Some cities have restrictions on banner size and distance from the road as well.  It is alway best to know the restrictions BEFORE ordering your banner.  If you place a banner illegally, you may arrive at your place of business to find your banner has disappeared!  Cities have crews dedicated to finding unpermitted banners and signs and removing them.  When you call them or visit the city department responsible for the removal, you may find you owe a hefty fine for placing your banner or sign without the proper permit.  So…now you have lost your banner and owe money! 

Most cities realize that roadside banners and signs are an excellent way to attract new business and allow them if they are permitted and are within certain restriction.  Be smart!  Check with the proper City Department before placing your banner or sign along the roadway in front of your business.

Banners and Signs ON SALE NOW!

Attention East Texas! Barrett Graphics, Inc. (BGI Designs & Signs) is open for business and we are celebrating with several specials on Banners and Signs that will save you money.

FULL COLOR PREMIUM BANNERS:  $8.00 PER SQ. FT.  This price includes DESIGN and PRINTING!  You pick the size.

FULL COLOR REFLECTIVE BANNERS:  $10.00 PER SQ. FT.  This price includes DESIGN and PRINTING!  You pick the size.  To see how Reflective Banners are different, read our post of Reflective Banners.  They are HOT!!!

FULL COLOR RIDIG PVC PLASTIC SIGNS( 3MM):  $8.00 PER SQ. FT. This price includes DESIGN and PRINTING!  You pick the size. 

FULL COLOR RIDIG PVC PLASTIC SIGNS:  $8.00 PER SQ. FT. This price includes DESIGN and PRINTING!  You pick the size. 

FULL COLOR CORRUGATED PLASTIC (COROPLAST) SIGNS:  $8.00 PER SQ. FT. This price includes DESIGN and PRINTING (one side)!  You pick the size. 

To learn about each of these substrates, read our post on choosing substrate.  Each of these are good for indoor AND outdoor applications.  We ALWAYS print digitally and aviod vinyl cut letters!  We offer you the full spectrum of color at the price of ONE color of cut vinyl!  For a limited time, we will even DESIGN your Banner or Sign FREE! 

Call us at: 903-534-0588 or visit our Design Studio at 713 WSW Loop 323, Tyler, TX to see what we can do for your business.

Get More Attention with Reflective Banners

So, it’s 9:00 pm and your banner quitely hangs in front of your business screaming your message without a voice……because it is dark outside.  Why shouldn’t that banner relay your message 24 hours a day?  You paid for it, carefully placed it where it could be seen by passersby, and depend on it to get your message out.  PROBLEM SOLVED!  How about a banner printed on REFLECTIVE vinyl! 


Reflective Banner material combines micro prismatic lens and flexible vinyl fabric (Quality Standard GB/T8948-1994) or PVC with a special fusion technique. It consists of a physical protective layer, a UV protective layer, and a reflective layer.  The reflective layer is made of diffractive, high transparency material fused into a highly retro-reflective, durable, and flexible substrate.  It may be used in outdoor advertising applications where light is minimal.  Say, at night!  This material is inkjet printable. So you may choose a full color reflective design.  Some major applications are pole banners, highway pillar structure banners, banners, barricades, billboards and other similar outdoor advertisements.  Even small amounts of ambiant light will make your banner or sign “pop” with light, revealing your message.  This material is especially reflective when spotted with car headlights. 

Features

· High reflectivity index: (>300CPL). Unique hexagonal structure.
· Color fastness uv8: Color fastness grade and less than 10% yearly fading rated.
· Good ink adsorption surface property: High color richness, color fastness, and fading resistance.
· UV protection: The outer protective layer is UV-proof.
· Water-proof and weather-proof: As a whole is graded A class of water-proof, lasts for 3-years under outdoor conditions.
· Good flexibility: It supports various forms of joining methods that support large format applications.
· Good dust repellant: It is resistant to dust and grime and prevent growth of fungus and bacteria.

Barrett Graphics, Inc. offers this reflective banner and sign material in a variety of sizes.  Custom designs are our business, so you are sure to get exactly what you want out of your banner or sign.  The best part?  The cost is very comparable to ordinary banner vinyl so you get a lot more “bang” for your advertising “buck”!  Call us today at 903-534-0588 for a custom quote on flexible reflective sign substrate.

Perforated Window Graphics: Great Advertising Opportunity for a Business

Example of a Window Graphic

Example of a Window Graphic

New print technology can change any window into a sign without obstructing the view from inside. Small business owners, take note: you can turn every store-front window into a valuable marketing opportunity.

The Benefits of Barrett Graphics, Inc. Window Graphics

With Barrett Graphics, Inc. Window Graphics, any window becomes an opportunity to attract more attention. These window graphics are maded so that when viewed from the outside, walk-by and drive-by traffic can’t help but notice. However, but when viewed from the inside, the print disappears and you see straight through it, much like window tint.  It’s inexpensive enough to use for short-term marketing campaigns and durable enough to last for years outdoors.

  • Use existing window area to attract customers and promote business 
  • Graphic does not obstruct the view out the window
  • Allows for natural light to pass through
  • Improves security by making it harder to see into the windows
  • Reduces electricity costs by reducing direct sunlight through the windows

The Features of Barrett Graphics, Inc. Window Graphics

  • Easy to install
  • Inexpensive, especially when compared to other forms of advertising and marketing
  • Bold, vivid, custom designed graphics
  • Weather resistant
  • Extended outdoor life
  • Easy to remove & replace

How do I get it?

Simply call Barrett Graphics, Inc.  at 903-534-0588 or email us at info@barrett-graphics.com

Vehicle Wraps

Example of a Vehicle wrap

Example of a Vehicle wrap

 

Barrett Graphics, Inc. provides high impact visual solutions through vinyl graphics for vehicles. High quality vehicle graphics and wraps are a relatively new form of mass promotion that has exploded into the world of marketing.

For short-term campaigns or long-term saturation, your car vinyl graphics can be removed after six months or six years - without damage to the original paint of your car. When on the road, heads turn to read a wrapped vehicle!  Place your advertising dollars where they will generate fantastic results. With vehicle wraps you reach thousands of viewers at a lower cost per impression than any other form of advertising. Barrett Graphics, Inc. turns your car or fleet of vehicles into mobile billboards that demand attention.

Barrett Graphics, Inc. has 25 years of graphic design experience, and top of the line substrates, our team can bring your promotional idea into reality using proven techniques.

FAQ’s

How long does the process take?
The part of the process that we like spending the majority of the time is the development of the concept that will go on the vehicle. The length of this depends directly on how much direction you already have for the graphics. After the graphic stage is finalized and we enter production it takes between 10 to 14 days to have the wrap fully installed.

Can the wrap be removed later?
Absolutely. The wrap is actually stacked to the vehicle using heat and pressure-sensitive adhesives that can be reactivated by our installers. The removal process is very short.

How long will the wrap stay on my vehicle?
Normally, a wrap can stay between 4 to 6 years on the vehicle depending on the treatment that is given to it.

Can I pressure wash my vehicle after the vinyl is installed?
We highly recommend NOT to pressure wash the vehicle after installation of the vinyl. Some pressure washers can potentially lift up the vinyl because of improper use of the water pressure. The wrap is an investment to your marketing and advertising strategy and thus it should be protected.

Do I have to wash my vehicle before installation?
Yes. All vehicles have to be free of dust, mud, pollen, and other agents that may slow down the installation process.

How long do you need my vehicle for installation?
Installation normally takes between one and three days depending on how much coverage has to be applied.

Can you come up with the graphics?
Absolutely! That is in fact our strength. Our customers communicate to us what they want in the wrap. Then they supply us with their logos, photos, and other supporting images, and we then create the graphics in a format that best fits the vehicle.

Will it damage my paint?
No. The material used actually protects your paint-job from minor scratches

How much does it cost?
Every project has its own set of variables.  Pricing is directly linked with coverage and types of vinyl used.

What is the Best Sign Substrate for Your Needs?

When it comes to signage, there are MANY substrates to choose from.  Your choice depends on the application.  Will it be an indoor sign or an outdoor sign.  Does it require lighting?  Does it need to be weather resistant?  Below, we describe several signage substrates, their characteristics, and various applications.  We hope you find this information helpful.

PVC RIGID BOARDS
Lightweight yet rigid board of moderately expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extruded in a homogenous sheet with a low gloss matte finish.

Characteristics

Lightweight yet rigid and durable
Easily formed into just about any shape imaginable using wood and foam board fabrication techniques
Heat formable and chemical resistant
Superior dent and scratch resistance

Applications

POP Displays - Medium-term application life
Exhibits & Kiosks - Medium-term application life
Signage - Interior - Medium-term application life
Signage - Exterior - Medium-term application life

ACRYLIC SHEETS
Acrylic Sheet is a lightweight substitute for glass that has better optical quality and is more economical.
It is available with Glossy, Matte and textured finish.

Characteristics

High impact strength,
Transmits up to 99% of visible light.
UV resistant and cold formable
Low distortion.
4 times more impact resistance than glass.
Applications

Signs - Medium-term application life
Museum displays - Medium-term application life
Menu boards - Medium-term application life
Skylights - Medium-term application life
Windows - Medium-term application life

POLYCARBONATE GLASS
An uncoated sheet which is excellent for general purpose use where impact strength is needed. In addition to its inherent strength

Characteristics

Durability, 250 times stronger than glass
30 times stronger than acrylic
Lightweight
Thermoformable
Cold-formable
Virtually unbreakable.
Requires less structural support than glass

Applications

Signs - Long-term application life
Skylights - Long-term application life
Windows - Long-term application life

ALUMINUM SHEET
Aluminum composite material made of two pre-painted sheets of .012-inch aluminum with a solid polyethylene core.

Characteristics

Flattest panel on the market
Superior surface protects expensive digital and screenprinted graphics
Provides excellent durability in outdoor applications
Won’t bow or oil can
Approximately one half the weight of aluminum

ApplicationsPOP Displays - Long-term application life
Exhibits & Kiosks - Long-term application life
Signage – Interior & Exterior - Long-term application life

 

FRONTLIT
Flexible sign face material for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Applications

Trade show banners
In-store displays
Billboards
Banners
Building murals, both indoor and outdoor
POP/POS display graphics
Exhibition booth decoration

Characteristics

White background for more accurate colors
Black back seamless material to prevent transparency
Material consistency for image quality
Stretch-free for long-term mechanical stability
Semi-gloss finish for luminescent graphics
Resists scratches, punctures, wrinkles and folds
Weather resistant (UV, rain and frost)
Seamable
Repels pollution and washes clean in water
The special surface coating optimizes ink adhesion and color reproduction

BACKLIT
Is a unique translucent flexible sign face material, ideal for Backlit displays. It is an extremely flat material, offering excellent results.

Applications

Airport light boxes
Backlit bus & train shelters
Backlit financial institution infoboards
In-store displays
Large-format light boxes

Characteristics

Bright translucent background for accurate colors
Material consistency for image quality
Stretch-free for long-term mechanical stability
Semi-gloss finish for luminescent graphics
Resists scratches, punctures, wrinkles and folds
Weather resistant (UV, rain and frost)
Seamable
Repels pollution and washes clean in water
Flame retardant version available
Tolerates repeated rolling and unrolling

MESH
Is a unique open-weave flexible sign face material. The special mesh size is optimized for superb graphics and allows wind to pass through the face.

Applications

Banners
Building murals, both indoor and outdoor
Building wraps
Scaffolding covers
Trade show banners

Characteristics

Bright white background for accurate colors
Material consistency for image quality
Strong lightweight flexible material
Stretch-free for long-term mechanical stability
Semi-gloss finish for luminescent graphics
Resists scratches, punctures, wrinkles and folds
Seamable
Repels pollution and washes clean in water
Flame retardant
Tolerates repeated rolling and unrolling
Weather resistant (UV, rain and frost)

CANVAS
This is an environmentally friendly polyester fabric. The special acrylic coating optimizes ink adhesion and color reproduction for vibrant images with the look and feel of original art.

Applications

Banners
Building murals, both indoor and outdoor
Custom indoor wall decoration
Exhibition booth decoration
Free-hanging banners
In-store displays
Photographer’s backdrops
POP/POS display graphics
Stage set production
Theatre backdrops
Trade show banners

Characteristics

Bright white background for more accurate colors
Material consistency for image quality
Unique texture for optimized print results
Stretchable fabric for framing
Optimized tensile strength for long-term mechanical stability
Matte finish for indoor application
Sewable
Repels pollution and washes clean in water
Tolerates repeated rolling and unrolling

PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE (PSA) FILM
This pressure-sensitive adhesive film is easy to apply to rigid substrates - simply peel and stick. PSA films may be hand-cut, die-cut or kiss-cut. The special surface optimizes ink adhesion and color reproduction.

Applications

Bus, truck sides and train exteriors
Shop door signage
POP/POS advertising
Promotions on vehicles and billboards
In-store displays
Retail window displays
Window shades

Characteristics

White background for more accurate colors
Material consistency for image quality
Easy cutting
Applicable on a wide variety of flexible substrates
Resists repeated rolling and unrolling

CLEAR PSA
This is an ultra-smooth, translucent adhesive. This is the product of choice when face-mounting images to clear plastics such as acrylic boards.

Applications

Shop door signage
POP/POS advertising
Tradeshow illuminated displays
In-store displays
Retail window displays

Characteristics

Translucent background
Material consistency for image quality
Easy cutting
Applicable on a wide variety of flexible substrates
Tolerates repeated rolling and unrolling

WINDOW FILM
This material is especially designed for windows. The special surface optimizes ink adhesion and color reproduction.

Applications

Vehicle windows
Shop window door markings
Tradeshow illuminated displays
Retail window displays

Characteristics

Traslucent white background for more accurate colors
Material consistency for image quality
Easy cutting
Tolerates repeated rolling and unrolling
Unique texture for optimized print results

INKJET POLYFAB
This highly refined Polypropylene substrate, provides near-photographic quality reproduction for images as well as providing a beautiful “draping” effect.

Applications

Banners
Building murals, both indoor and outdoor
Custom indoor wall decoration
Exhibition booth decoration
Free-hanging banners
In-store displays
Photographer’s backdrops
POP/POS display graphics
Stage set production
Theatre backdrops
Trade show banners

Characteristics

Bright white background for more accurate colors
Material consistency for image quality
Unique texture for optimized print results
Stretchable fabric for framing
Optimized tensile strength for long-term mechanical stability
Sewable
Repels pollution and washes clean in water
Tolerates repeated rolling and unrolling

FOAM-CORE BOARDS
Multipurpose Foam board it’s foam center is specifically designed to retain it thickness during processes such as mounting, laminating, screen-printing, and die-cutting and incorporates a smooth paper with heavier surface coatings that promote superior ink holdout

Characteristics

Super flat surface
Well suited for direct printing applications, either screen print or digital
Perfect for die cutting and provides a compressed edge that stays closed
Broad selection of specialty products
Great for more demanding mounting jobs for display, signage and framing
Exceptional warp resistance
Superior compressive strength
Highly water resistant

Applications

POP Displays - Short-term application life
Exhibits & Kiosks - Short-term application life
Framing - Long-term application life
Signage - Interior - Short-term application life.

PVC FOAM
Versatile closed-cell PVC sheet ideal for digital flat bed printing.

Characteristics

Excellent adhesion at production speeds
High clarity at production speeds
No burnt edges
Matte surface finish, both sides
Vibration- and sound-absorbent
Low weight
Chemical-resistant, non-corroding
Weather-resistant
Low water absorption, no rotting
Easy workability
Low flammability
Easy to bond and weld

Applications

POP Displays – Long term application life
Store fixturing – Long term application life
Exhibits & Kiosks - Long-term application life
Framing - Long-term application life
Signage - Interior - Long-term application life

PLASTIC FOAM
High impact polystyrene facers combined with a high-density, fine celled foam center makes these durable all-plastic foamboard moisture proof and extremely warp resistant. The smooth washable surfaces offer high definition of color and superior image quality

Characteristics

Smooth, high-impact facers resist warping
Lightweight and water resistant
Excellent adhesion at production speeds
Homogeneous coloring
Weather-resistant
Low water absorption, no rotting
Easy workability
Easy to bond and weld

ApplicationsPOP Displays - Medium-term application life
Exhibits & Kiosks - Medium-term application life
Framing - Long-term application life
Signage - Interior - Medium-term application life
Signage - Exterior - Medium-term application life

 

CORRUGATED PLASTIC (FLUTED POLYPROPYLENE)
Fluted Polypropylene Board is a sturdy fluted plastic board extruded from polypropylene. This product is more durable than corrugated fiberboard,

Characteristics

Lighter weight than wood
Chemical and water resistant
Retain the ability to be flexed an unlimited number of times without breaking

ApplicationsPOP Displays - Medium-term application life
Packaging – Medium-term application life
Exhibits & Kiosks - Medium-term application life
Signage - Interior & Exterior - Medium-term application life

Just the Right Logo

 

Graphic Design can mean different things to many people.  A strong identity design – logo and supporting materials – can be the edge to help your business realize its full potential. When you team a strong identity with an advertising campaign you are sure to boost awareness of your company and create additional recognition to drive customers to your business. Quality graphic design is the hidden reason for the success of many companies. Sub-quality design can be the downfall of companies that do not take advantage of the experience and expertise of a graphic designer.

The Logo design process should begin with a client consultation to define business the need and the business points to stress.  Then, through the design experience, the ideas generated should be taken to design reality. The type of design proposed depends on the type of business to be identified and promoted.

The Logo should summerize the business in an iconical fashion.  During the design process, the Graphic Designer, uses some very simple rules that keep a logo design effective and working for many years. 

1)  A logo should be unique and as simple in design as possible. A business becomes known by its logo.  It should be simple enough to be recognizable from a distance - and rememberable. Even a toddler can recognize the McDonald’s logo from a mile away!  Strong lines and letters work well.  Simple and simplistic should not be confused.  The best logos have something unexpected like the subliminal arrow in the FedEx logo. 

2. A logo must translate well to one color printing. Think of some the great logos….Nike, McDonald’s, Adidas, Honda….they all translate well to one color so printing and producing “vectored” versions for signs, promotional items, and embroidery is simplified.

4. A logo must be scalable.   It should be aesthetically pleasing in both small and large sizes, in a variety of mediums. This is one of the most important aspects to remember.  A good rule of thumb is the “business card/billboard rule”: Your logo should look good on both.

A Graphic Designer with experience will immediately work from the 4 rules above.  These are a minimum. 

Business Cards are NOT Meant as Scratch Paper

When thinking about a business card, think of more than just a means of presenting your name and number.  Consider using both sides to promote yourself AND your business.

Traditionally, business cards are a means of handing a potential client your name and phone number and are typically printed on only one side.  This practice leaves half of the usable “real estate” blank and begging to be filled with miscellaneous information such as….the dog groomer’s phone number….Yes, your business card, meant to promote your business, may be used as make shift scratch paper! Prevent business card abuse by filling the back side with useful information like:

1) a listing of your services

2) a map to your location

3) an appointment card

4) a calendar

5) a discount coupon for your services

Let your business card serve as a promotional tool as well as a source of contact information.  Including a special offer on your business card encourages the potential client to keep your card longer.  The special offer may also serve as a “metric” for you when it is brought into your business for redemption.  Everyone loves to save a bit of money, and you would like to know that the advertising dollars spent of the design and printing of your business cards was well spent.  Give extra copies of your special offer business card to your good clients for them to share with friends.  This way, you have a built in salesforce for the price of a business card. 

Using the back of your business card for an appointment reminder (if you are in a service related business) encourages your client to hang on to your card until the next appointment.  It also serves as a constant reminder of your business and the services you offer.  It may also serve as a referral tool for your client to show to others that may need your service. 

At Barrett Graphics, Inc., we specialize in Two-Sided Business Cards. We encourage all of our clients to use the entire card to promote themselves or their business. Our business cards are always full color, 14 pt. card stock with either matte or glossy fininsh. We also offer UV protective lamination on one or both sides of the card. This lamination produces an ultra high quality card that is both durable and eye-catching. We work with our clients to custom design your business card to reflect your personal style or your business goals.