Salon 56 - A Shop Front Case Study
- Revisit to No 56 Clontarf Rd Where it All Began for Sign A Rama
Fiona Fitzgerald has recently took over No 56 from Ian Norman's formally ‘Glamorous’ early this year and set about re-branding with a fresh new image. We were delighted to work with Fiona on her signage as we have a long standing relationship with these premises. We actually started out ourselves here in 2003 before Ian our neighbouring hairdresser decided to expand and took over while we moved to an industrial unit for more space. In 2008 we produced internally illuminated lettering for ‘Glamorous’ mounting the white metal letters to a black aluminium box panel with a patterned vinyl background which was really fashionable, modern and effective for its time.
Once again 5 years later the premises has changed hands and we are delighted to be the supplier of choice. Fiona has decided to stay with the dark colouring but use subtle stripping to stand out on the busy seafront, contrasting the background dark colouring with bright orange/yellow lettering to read ‘Salon 56’.The lettering is produced from 19mm Foamex PVC. We painted the edges a vibrant gloss colour but applied a 3M 50 series vinyl to the face. The vinyl is applied to the face so that the additional smaller lettering information on the signage that cant be produced from PVC given its size will all have consistent colouring.
The lighting above will illuminate the signage in the evening time. Fiona, like Ian the previous tenant and ourselves choose a box panel background rather than a flat metal background.Fiona Fitzgerald has recently took over No 56 from Ian Norman's formally ‘Glamorous’ early this year and set about re-branding with a fresh new image. We were delighted to work with Fiona on her signage as we have a long standing relationship with these premises. We actually started out ourselves here in 2003 before Ian our neighbouring hairdresser decided to expand and took over while we moved to an industrial unit for more space. In 2008 we produced internally illuminated lettering.
In 2008 we produced internally illuminated lettering for ‘Glamorous’ mounting the white metal letters to a black aluminium box panel with a patterned vinyl background which was really fashionable, modern and effective for its time. Once again 5 years later the premises has changed hands and we are delighted to be the supplier of choice. Fiona has decided to stay with the dark colouring but use subtle stripping to stand out on the busy seafront, contrasting the background dark colouring with bright orange/yellow lettering to read ‘Salon 56’.
The lettering is produced from 19mm Foamex PVC. We painted the edges a vibrant gloss colour but applied a 3M 50 series vinyl to the face. The vinyl is applied to the face so that the additional smaller lettering information on the signage that cant be produced from PVC given its size will all have consistent colouring. The lighting above will illuminate the signage in the evening time. Fiona, like Ian the previous tenant and ourselves choose a box panel background rather than a flat metal background.
Metal box sign - What is it?
A box sign is where metal angle or metal box section is used to form a framework. Fabricated from aluminium or steel depending on the mounting surface, size of frame andgeneral weather conditions impacting on the sign. Aluminium is lighter in weight so easier to install but a stronger heavier steel framework may be necessary. A site survey by our qualified fitters would allow us to recommend the correct material to be used for the frame. The sign panel material of choice aluminium, composite aluminium or steel is folded along the edges to form a lid effect which then rests over the framework, usually a 1" fold is standard. The panel part of the sign is fixed to the frame along the sides and top and thereby not in the face of the actual signage, the image below clearly illustrates this. This overall result is a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
Why choose a box sign over a flat metal sign?
1) As this option has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance it's often chosen by customer for its higher end finish. Commonly used for corporate signage and also as a main business sign as you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
2) Uneven Surface: We highly recommend using the box metal sign option where the mounting surface is uneven. If for example the surface is pebble dashed and the sign is to be drilled directly to the wall it can often result in a puckered effect at the fixing points. Again when the sign is made from two sections if it is greater in overall length than 10ft (3m) the panels would have the `puckered affect' at fixing points but also would not join seamlessly as you wish. By using a framework it creates the necessary flat surface for the panels to be mounted on, to ensure the two panels meet and butt together perfectly at the joint. The fixings are on the undersides of the folded edge so there are no fixings in the face. The image above clearly illustrates this.Why Choose PVC for Individual Lettering Rather Than Metal? One simple answer is money, its machine cut which means its less labour intensive and as we all know anything less labour intensive is more cost effective and faster to produce. To create that 3D lettering effect the popular material of choice is definitely a form of plastic called Foam PVC. I’m excited to announce its now available in a 50mm thickness, a real contender to replace metal lettering altogether! It’s robust, durable to the elements, accepts paint well and is economical. It has the versatility to recreate individual elements of a design with ease as the material can be custom routed to a design agreed with a straight, rounded, bevelled or prismatic edge finish, painted any Pantone or RAL colour required
We worked closely with Fiona on the design, she knew what she wanted and after a few drafts she finalised and approved a design that she felt represented her new brand. The lead time from approval on this type of shop front or individual lettering signage is 5-8 working days with a price of €1000+vat @ 23%. For more information on shop front signage or individual lettering for buildings contact our sales team at 01 862 3852 or email your enquiry to sales@signarama.ie
