SIGN & FAADE DESIGN MANUAL

East Boston

CONTENTS
STOREFRONTS ................................................................................................................................... 4 DOORS ................................................................................................................................................ 8 WINDOWS ........................................................................................................................................ 10 SIGNAGE .......................................................................................................................................... 12 AWNINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 14 LIGHTING ......................................................................................................................................... 16 EXAMPLES ......................................................................................................................................... 20 DIAGRAMS ....................................................................................................................................... 34 GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................................ 38

STOREFRONTS

The storefront generally refers to the portion of the facade at street level which represents the business within. The building facade and the storefront have signicant potential to enhance the overall downtown district character. In addition to projecting an image of the business within, storefronts can reect the image of the neighborhood. Attention to design, architectural details and maintenance are all ways to create an attractive storefront. Displays should add texture, color and visual activity to the pedestrian experience.

Storefronts should maintain consistency with historic character, and improvements should be made to show the original style and materials of the building when possible. Storefronts should t into the original storefront opening. Strive to achieve continuity among neighboring storefronts. Solid window frame color is recommended. Improvements to storefronts and signage must comply with zoning codes and signage codes and satisfy permitting requirements. The horizontal band located at the top of a storefront is an appropriate location for signage for the business.

Windows and doors should be consistent in height and design to create a cohesive appearance for the storefront. Storefront windows should be clear of excessive displays or signs and the interior of the store visible to customers and pedestrians from the outside. Storefront windows or doors should never be permanently blocked off. Original materials should be used, maintained, repaired and uncovered whenever possible Replacement materials should be matched as closely as possible Materials used should be of a high quality. Good high quality materials include: stone, brick, and terra cotta. Easily maintained materials should be used.

Above and right: Consistent color schemes that highlight the architectural details creates a unied look to the storefront that is appealing and cohesive. Source: CGI Top photo: This storefront utilizes materials that are consistent with the rest of the building. Large, open windows with solid color frames are free of extra signage and clutter making the storefront clean and attractive. Small decorative awnings t in to the overall design and adds extra visual interest. Source: CGI

Source (all): CGI

Source (all): CGI

Primary entrances should be designed to enhance the overall building facade and storefront but should also keep in mind their practical uses. Doors should provide a clear point of access to the business while also upholding the design of the building. Entrances that incorporate large panels of glass or other transparent materials are beneficial as they allow more daylight into the business space and also increase visibility , both inside and out, for a higher sense of security.

Doors with large glass panel are recommended. Doors should be compatible with the overall building character. Recessed doorways provide many benets to the storefront such as: providing shelter for customers in bad weather, helping to clarify the entrance to the business and giving space to outward swinging doors. New store entrances must comply with standards to be accessible to the physically disabled. Residential doors that are located on the front of the building should be visually separate from the storefront as to not create confusion of its purpose. Doorways should be clear of excessive merchandise displays.

Source (all): CGI

W I N D O W S

On a storefront level, windows provide a visual connection between the interior of a business and the pedestrian passing by. For this reason it is important that there is emphasis on the size and transparency of lower story windows. Upper oors windows should be of an appropriate size and relate to the architectural style of the building. Smaller, evenly spaced windows for upper oors are generally recommended.

Transparent glass rather than tinted, textured or dark glass. 70% of window area must be uncovered. Historic features i.e. decorative moldings, special glazing and frames should be preserved when possible. Deteriorated materials should be replaced with matching materials. Window heights should be aligned and window size should be unied to create a consistent look for the entire storefront.

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Upper left: The lighted sign boxes in the upper windows creates a unied look for this store which occupies the rst through third oor in the building. Source: DHC Design Upper right and bottom left: Applied vinyl graphics. Source: CGI

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S I G N A G E

Signage should provide information that is simple and legible, of a size and location that avoids competing with or obscuring the architecture of the building. In general, the number of signs on a facade should be kept to the minimum necessary to effectively communicate the messages being conveyed. Signage should be unique to this town rather than being generic, and should focus on advertising local businesses, not national product brand names or logos.

Signs should be sized and placed to reinforce the architectural elements of the faade. Signage should be creative and legible and be iconic, graphic oriented or three dimensional. Signs should be placed in a clear, well-dened area or wall space. Remove all old sign materials that are not in use. Durable, quality materials such as MDO plywood, metal, or molded letters should always be used. Projecting signs/blade signs hung perpendicular to the sidewalk and scaled for pedestrian use: must be at least 10 feet above ground level and project no more than 6 feet from the building. Window graphics should be used to provide information for the business such as hours of operation or services offered.

Historic signs should be restored if they are a contribution to the character of the storefront. Back-lit, reverse channel letters should be used when possible. Signs should not be ood-lighted. Small, shielded light sources are encouraged. Signs should contain simple information only, (too much information can be confusing and distracting). Primary signage should avoid advertising national brands or logos and instead focus on the particular business. A projecting sign must be attached to the building at a right angle, have no more than two faces, and can project no more than 6 feet from the building. The bottom of the sign must be at least 10 feet from the ground level and

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the top may not extend more than any of the following: 25 feet above grade, the top of the sills of the rst level of windows above the rst story, or the lowest point of the roof. Window signs should cover no more than 30% of the available window area. Signage should not obscure the buildings unique architectural features. Temporary signs, such as paper signs or banners are discouraged. Flat wall signs should be clearly incorporated into the design of the facade and form a well dened band. Signage and fonts should be coordinated with the architectural style of the building. Buildings that have multiple storefronts should have signs that relate well to each other.
Source: CGI

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PROJECTING SIGN
A sign that is attached to a building but extends beyond the building structure. Regulators often set a predetermined distance that a sign must extend beyond a building for it to be considered a projecting sign. A decorated awning is an example of a projecting sign. Also referred to as blade sign. *

(Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.) Source (all): CGI

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Source (all): CGI

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MOUNTED LETTERS
Refers to letters that are mounted to the face of the building, similar to a wall sign, but with out the sign back. Included in this category are pin-letters which are similar but are mounted and leave a 1 -2 space between the letter and the wall in order to visually create more depth. *

(Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.) Source (all): CGI

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FLAT SIGN
A at sign or fascia sign is a sign that is mounted on a wall and whose face runs parallel to the wall. A at sign might also project from the wall on which it is mounted. Also referred to as a wall sign. *

(Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.)

Source (all): CGI

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A W N I N G S

Awnings with a traditional design and appearance are encouraged as facade elements when they serve to protect pedestrians from the sun and rain, provide a secondary location for signage, add color and interest to building storefronts and facades, and add emphasis to display windows and doorways.

Awnings that are a traditional shape with either a solid valance or no valance and open ends are encouraged. Awnings can be a utilized to protect pedestrians, customers and displays from sun and rain. Awnings on a building with multiple storefronts should be consistent in location and size. Canvas awnings with metal frames are encouraged. Under-awning lights that illuminate the sidewalk and storefront are encouraged.

This storefront has at awnings with open ends and no valance. Source: CGI

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Above: Traditional shaped awning with vinyl graphics applied and lit with wall mounted lights. Source: CGI

Top: Awnings t to the windows are allow architectural details. Source: CGI Bottom: This mix of at and dome awnings provides shade from the sun. The bold stripes and color compliment the mounted lettering. Source: CGI

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L I G H T I N G

Lighting has two purposes: illuminating the business and discouraging crime. Lighting creates a feeling of security for the passerby and is an important factor in a commercial setting. A variety of light sources and locations should be considered in carrying out storefront renovations. Sign lights, display window lights , architectural lighting, and general area lighting is encouraged to advertise the business, highlight building features, and to illuminate dark corners of the property or street. In some cases, where general street lighting is sufcient, a storefront may require minimal illumination.

Indirect lighting is encouraged. General interior lighting of display areas helps prevent break-ins by allowing both police and passersby to see the activity inside a store. The scale and style of light xtures should be in keeping with the storefronts design. Decorative xtures such as sconces and general building lighting will accent a storefront and enhance a buildings architectural details. Lighting should attract attention to signs, store information, or building details, but not to itself. Supplementary security lighting such as oodlights should be hidden or shielded to avoid glare.
Note: Certain Types of sign lights such as neon lights and dynamic lights are regulated by the Boston Zoning Code. Refer to neighborhood district regulations for specic requirements of an area.

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Gooseneck lights provide indirect illumination for wall mounted signage and projecting signs. Source: CGI

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Wall mount gooseneck lights the storefront details. Source: CGI

Wall mount light xtures bring attention to the pin-mounted metal sign. Source: CGI

Wall mount light xtures accent the architectural details of the building. Source: CGI

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Top right: Flat sign with evenly spaced lighting xtures. Source: DHC Design Top left: Decorative detailing incorporated into the signage and lighting. Source: CGI Bottom left: Wall mounted gooseneck lighting highlight Above: Blade sign with integrated lighting. Source DHC Design Left: Linear orescent placed over sign. Blade sign has side incandescent illumination. Source: DHC Designs

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E X A M P L E S

The following site studies were chosen in the East Boston neighborhood for the purpose of illustrating some of the options available for storefront facade and signage improvements.

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Dimensional wall sign with raised lettering and raised graphic Cross section

SITE STUDY 1 This building on the north side of Bennington Street was formerly a single occupancy tenant : most likely a ve and dime or small department store. Presently it is occupied by several tenants whose various signs are put up without relation to one another. An improvement might be a master sign board area within which individual signs may be placed by tenants. As businesses change in the building signs can be put up and taken down without much cost to the tenant. Lighting would be integrated into this master sign board area to provide lighting for the at signs. The addition of awnings for this south facing building will unify the faade of the building at the street level. Shown in the rendering the awnings are in a unied color and are framed with 1 hollow tube metal framing. The sides are open and there is no valance. The additions of awnings to the buildings on the North side of Bennington Street, facing directly south, would be encouraged to both provide a unied faade and to provide shade to businesses which receive direct sunlight during the day. Wall sign and pin lettering

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Dimensional graphic

Backlit pin lettering

SITE STUDY 2 This building on the north side of Bennington Street was formerly a single occupancy tenant: most likely a small grocery store such as an A&P. Presently it is occupied by several tenants whose various signs are put up without relation to one another. The solution would be to center all signs over each business as required by the Boston sign code to dene and clarify the area occupied by the business. These would be either at signs with printed lettering and graphics, raised lettering applied to the sign, or raised pin type letter with backlighting. The nature of the business (daytime or nighttime) would determine the need for lighting at night. Also encouraged would be the addition of awnings to the all of the entrances to the businesses. The additions of awnings to the buildings on the North side of Bennington Street, facing directly south, would be encouraged to both provide a unied faade and to provide shade to businesses which receive direct sunlight during the day.

Possible blade sign

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SITE 3 This building on Meridian Street is representative of a recurring type in the East Boston Main Streets District. That is a commercial building with more than two stories with businesses occupying each oor. For the business owner there is the problem of advertising a business with a sign while complying with the Boston Sign Code. The solution on the ground oor would be to center all signs over architectural elements as suggested by the Boston sign code to dene and clarify the area occupied by the business. This would be accomplished by at signs centered over door and window areas as shown, or with appropriate awning signs. Supporting this would be appropriate window lettering or lit signs in the ground oor windows. These signs and lettering should cover no more than 30 percent of the window. For the second oor business awning signs would be appropriate if signs are less than 25 feet in

height from the ground. A at sign centered over their entry would be appropriate. Supporting this would be additional lettering on the windows and or lighted sign boxes mounted inside of the windows. See section three which has examples of lettering and lighted boxes on upper stories. Businesses on oors above the second oor of a building may have less of a retail function and more of a professional or institutional nature such as a church, lawyer, doctor, dentist or church. Window lettering may be sufcient to provide these businesses with enough identity from the street.

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Wall sign

SITE STUDY 3 This building on the north side of Bennington Street is a jewelry store which is part of a building that has residences above. Possible improvements to this store would be a new awning, at sign and vinyl applied graphics to the storefront windows. In preparation for the new signboard some decorative nish carpentry could accentuate the entry door to the apartments to the left of the storefront. This would be provided by the owner and may be included in the faade improvement. The new awnings would be 1 hollow tube metal framing. The sides are open and there is no valance. As in the last two examples the addition of awnings to the all of the entrances to the businesses would be encouraged would be. The additions of awnings to the buildings on the North side of Bennington Street, facing directly south, would be encouraged to both provide a unied faade and to provide shade to businesses which receive direct sunlight during the day.

Vinyl applied window graphic

Blade sign

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Locksmith
24 Hour Service

SITE STUDY 4 These two buildings are on the south side of Bennington Street, have businesses on the ground oor level and apartments above. Possible improvements to these stores would be a new sign for the locksmith shop, centering the at sign of the business on the right and vinyl applied graphics to the storefront windows. These building are on the south side of Bennington Street and face directly north. The additions of awnings to the buildings on the south side of Bennington Street would not be encouraged because these buildings do not receive any direct sunlight during the day. Additional signs in the form of blade signs perpendicular to the buildings would be encouraged in lieu of awnings to create visual interest and also to advertise the businesses on the south side of Bennington Street. Possible blade signs

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Wall mounted back lit acrylic blocks with a glossy nish and pin-letters

SITE STUDY 5 This faade has two businesses on its frontage. One Business has an awning sign and the other has a printed at sign. In order to create a cleaner look and unify the frontage for both businesses it is suggested the awning to the left be removed and both businesses could receive new at signs which are located on a new dened sign board area. The nail salons sign would consist of wall mounted back lit acrylic blocks with a glossy nish and back lit pin letters. The Variety store to the left is shown with a at sign with acrylic letters mounted to the sign. To support the new signs appropriate window lettering and graphics would be applied to the storefront windows. Removal of roll down grates is encouraged throughout the district and would be part of this scheme.

Possible blade sign

Flat sign with acrylic or mounted lettering

Possible blade signs illustrating different color variations

& & & &

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A P P E N D I X

The following diagram have been included to help illustrate key points pertaining to building feature terminology as it will to help with understanding the correct placement of signage. As the discussion of signage can be complicated, because of the various types of signs and the many terms that are used in zoning, signage fabrication and signage use. The included glossary of terms has been found to be very useful as a resource to assist in the explanation of signage standards, guidelines and programs. (Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.)

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FACADE DIAGRAM

Cornice Keystone Lintel Sill Horizontal Course Frieze or Horizontal Signage Band Exterior Light Fixture Transom Column or Pier Capital Column or Pier Storefront Display Window Sill course Base Panel Column or Pier Base

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GLOSSARY
Advance notice sign - A sign used to provide an advance notice prior to a roadway, street, or building entrance. Similar to a directional sign, but usually announces a single destination. Animated sign - A sign that shows motion or changes in copy or color, most often through the use of electric or electronic means. Architectural signage a term that was coined in the 1960s to identify visual communications and waynding information in the built environment. Hence, physical enhancements to a building or space with the purpose of identifying or communicating information. Awning a shelter usually constructed of nonrigid materials on a supporting framework that projects from and is supported by the exterior wall of a building. An awning may or may not be illuminated and/or decorated with graphics to serve as a sign. There are also glass and metal awnings.

Back-lighted sign a sign consisting of a cabinet containing a light source surrounded by one or more translucent faces, which may be illuminated for visibility. Back-to-back two or more sign faces mounted on a common structure but facing in opposite directions; many pole signs are back-to-back or double-sided. Banner a sign made of fabric, plastic, or other nonrigid material which has no enclosing framework. It may be painted, screen-printed, digitally printed, or decorated with vinyl. Billboard a large outdoor board used for posting advertising. The name comes from the traditional practice of posting bills, or prepainted messages. In the 19th century, it became common for businesses to lease separate board space for their bills, hence the name billboard. Blade sign a type of projecting sign mounted on

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a building facade or storefront pole or attached to a surface perpendicular to the signs surface and to the normal ow of trafc. carved letters usually v-carved, u-carved or squared-carved into wood or stone. Created by hand-carving with chisel and mallet, sandblasting technique, or by a computercontrolled routeror engraver. Two types of carving, bas-relief and incised, are generally done by hand. Carved signs letters or shapes incised or relieved into sign substrate surface. Can refer to routing process. Cast Metal or Acrylic - Letters are formed using a mold, giving a more sculptured appearance, generally with more rounded edges. Letters can be cast with metal, acrylic or foam. Changeable copy sign a sign on which the copy can be changed, either manually through the use of attachable letters (usually plastic), mechanically using rotating panel elements, or electronically

using computer-controlled incandescent bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystal displays (LCD), plasma screen, etc. Channel letter the outline of a letter, with metal returns, into which a neon tube is placed. The depth of the channel may vary, depending on the viewing angle. The channel letter may be open faced, plastic-faced, or a reverse channel letter with halo illumination. Copy most commonly, the words or message to be displayed on a sign. May be expanded to include all graphics on a sign face. Crossbar a horizontal arm that is attached to a sign. The crossbar typically runs perpendicular to the signs face and parallel to the buildings facade. It is used with guy wires to help stabilize building-mounted signs. Design intent drawings drawings that show only

the size, prole, and basic relationship of parts, but no specic details of material or construction. Usually, these drawings are provided as bid documents from which the selected fabricator develops shop drawings and/or prototypes to dene and conrm specic details. Directional sign a sign intended to provide directional information. While a directional sign may be considered any on-premise sign that provides such information, the Highway Beautication Act sets guidelines for the size, placement, and content of purely directional signs. Double-face a sign with two parallel but opposing faces; a back-to-back sign. Edge lighting a technique used to illuminate (by internal refraction) carved, incised, or sandblasted lettering and images, usually glass or acrylic, by lighting the edge of the transparent material.

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Electric sign a sign that contains electrical xtures or connections. Embellishments any addition to a sign face that provides a three-dimensional effect. Cut-outs, pushthrough shapes/letters, neon strips, and clocks are all examples of embellishments. Embossing the process of producing raised letters, particularly those produced by engraving dies or plates. Engraving a method of marking metal, plastic, or glass in shallow, negative relief utilizing a bit or graver. Engraving may be done freehand, using a pantograph, or by computer-driven equipment. The engraved area may be lled to create greater contrast. Entrance canopy a canopy or awning attached to the facade of a building to provide shelter and to dene the building entrance. Often used as a vehicle for identifying building.

Etched and paint-lled etched (chemically) or incised (mechanically or by the abrasive method) and then lled with color to create a desired contrast and appearance. Facade the front or principal entrance of a building. Fascia-mounted sign a at sign that is mounted on a wall and whose face runs parallel to the wall . A fascia-mounted sign might project from the wall on which it is mounted. Also referred to as wall sign. Flat cut out letters - Letters and graphics are cut out of a variety of materials such as aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, stainless steel or acrylic using either Waterjet Cut or CNC Machinery. This method allows for a more detailed cut with sharper corners and ner details. Flexible-face material translucent woven vinyl cloth that is decorated and then stretched across a

frame to form awnings, billboards, and other types of signage. Foam board a type of lightweight, rigid board used for interior signs. Foam board consists of a plastic foam sheet laminated on one or both sides by a variety of paper or plastic substrates. Foam tape typically double-sided adhesive tape used for mounting sign plaques, letters, or other sign materials to vertical surfaces. Comes in black or white and in various thicknesses (1/32 to 1/8 thick) and widths (1/2 to 1 wide). Font a specic style and group of letter forms consisting of one complete set of letters, numerals, symbols, and punctuation used for composing written communications in a given typeface. Typically provided in digital form (formerly available in hot metal and photographic composed typography). Fonts come in various weights (i.e., light, regular,

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bold and black weights). Many fonts also are provided in italic formats. Fonts can be condensed (made to look narrower) or extended (wider). Format the workable space within which the art and copy must t; the shape and area of a sign face. Also, format may describe the general make-up of a sign, such as: the format is a sandblasted wood sign with a push-through logo. Gateway sign typically a sign at the entry to a neighborhood or large facility, graciously announcing the entrance to a grand destination. Also called precinct sign. Gilding considered by many to be the highest form of sign art, gilding is the application of thin metal sheets to glass, signs, and vehicles. After the work surface is clean and the design is marked out, a gelatin sizing is brushed on the area to be gilded. The gold leaf is lightly applied to the work site using

a gilders tip and static electricity. After the entire area is dry, the gold leaf is burnished and holes and imperfections in the gild are lled. The nal step, if the gild is reversed on a window, is painting the backs of the letters (and an outline) or outlining them if it is a direct gild. On outdoor application, a protective clear coat is sometimes applied when the gilding is on incised stone. Glass signs painting, carving, sandblasting and/or etching are the most popular ways to decorate glass for signage. Glazing 1. the act or process of furnishing or tting with glass. 2. a transparent or translucent color applied to modify the effect of a painted surface. Goose neck the curved support for a light xture normally constructed out of steel conduit. It is used on billboard and storefront signs as a traditional solution.

Ground sign a freestanding sign that is mounted on poles or braces, with no secondary support. Height the vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of the sign face. Sign codes often limit allowable height of signs. Identication sign a sign giving the name of the business for purposes of identication. Illuminated sign a sign which is lighted by either an internal electrical source or external ood lights. Internally illuminated a sign that is lighted through the use of internal electric xtures or lamp banks. See also back-lighted sign. Legibility the quality of a signs typefaces that allows it to be easily read and deciphered. Marquee 1. the portion of a canopy, sign, or architectural element protruding from a building

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face that projects over the public street or sidewalk. Can be lighted, used for advertising of events, and is typically used by theaters.. 2. a projecting structure permanently attached to, but not a part of the roof. Also known as a canopy. Menu board a changeable point-of-purchase advertising display that allows the retailer to list products and prices. Neon tubing glass tubing lled with various gases and charged with electricity creating an illuminated tubular sign or decorative elements. Neon itself is a rare inert gas which, when an electric current is discharged through it, produces a reddish-orange glow. Other gases such as argon and mercury can be used, and will produce other colors. This term is also often used to describe a type of luminous tube sign, which may contain other inert gases. The coating and color of the glass tubing will also dictate the color of the illuminated tube.

Off-premise sign a sign that is not located on the building or property of the business it advertisers. The most common example of an off-premise sign is a billboard. Open channel letter a channel letter with returns that project forward perpendicularly from face of letter, and in which the neon tubing is visible. Painted sign - Sign that has graphics and/or text painted directly onto the brick facade or the sign band area. Permit a license granted by the appropriate authorities to allow a sign to be erected. Pin Mounted letters Letters that are mounted onto the building but leave a 1 -2 space between the letter and the building in order to visually create more depth. Pole sign a freestanding sign, usually doublefaced, mounted on a round pole, square tube,

or other fabricated member without any type of secondary support. Projecting sign a sign that is attached to a building but extends beyond the building structure. Regulators often set a predetermined distance that a sign must extend beyond a building for it to be considered a projecting sign. A decorated awning is an example of a projecting sign. Also referred to as blade sign. Readability the quality of a signs overall design that allows the viewer to correctly interpret the information presented on it. Also, the optimum time and distance in which this can be done. Letter size and style, legibility of typeface, color contrast between letters and background, and a signs layout all contribute to readability. Reverse channel letter a channel letter that has a face and sides but no back, and is pinned out from

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a background surface. When the neon tube inside the letter is illuminated, it produces a halo effect around the letter. Roof sign a sign structure that is erected on or above a roof, or that is installed directly on a roofs surface. Sandblasting a method for decorating glass or wood. A rubberized stencil of the artwork is either hand- or computer-cut and applied to the substrate, which is then sprayed with a pressurized stream of sand or synthetic particles to texture the unprotected area. Once the desired depth has been achieved on the item being blasted, the stencil is removed, and if on wood, the surfaces may be painted. Setback in a sign or development code, the distance between the primary face of the sign and the property line or right of way. The distance is measured in a straight line from the base/bottom of the sign. Most municipalities require that signs

comply with specied setbacks or that a variance from the regulations be applied for and secured. Sign any device, structure, display, or placard which is afxed to, placed on or in proximity to, or displayed from within a building to attract the attention of the public for the purposes of advertising, identifying, or communicating information about goods and services. Signage / signing interchangeable terms used to describe signs. Any group of posted commands, warnings, information, or directions. Sign code a sign code may be part of a government bodys land use planning regulations, or it may be a separate document designed to interact with other land use codes. As part of the police powers granted to local governments, a sign code normally seeks to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Sign codes may

regulate size, placement, illumination, structure and aesthetics of sign content and design. Sign face the front surface of the sign (in elevation), where the graphics are placed. Also called face. Sign type denes the style or use of each unique sign component in a system. Sign types are individually determined in each sign project. A sampling of sign type descriptions: building identication, directory, freestanding, monument, pedestrian directional, pedestrian informational, post and panel, regulatory, vehicular directional, vehicular informational, etc. Sign-Foam a brand of specialized polymer foam cell products designed for three-dimensional signage applications, available in different densities and strengths. This open cell foam machines easily and holds shape well. When primed and painted, it can look like other more permanent materials.

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Spinner sign a sign, either freestanding or wallmounted, where the messages rotate in the wind. A spinner sign is not considered an animated sign. Stone signs typically sandstone, granite, marble, limestone, and other common decorative stone material. Letters can be stud-mounted to stone or they can be carved or incised into the face of the stone. Substrate the material out of which the face is made. Wood, metal sheeting, paper, and acrylic are some examples of sign substrates. Temporary sign any sign that is not intended to be permanently installed. Banners and signs at construction sites are good examples of temporary signs. Vinyl letters letters cut from adhesive-backed material, in dozens of opaque, translucent, metallized, and transparent colors and patterns.

Wall mount a single-face sign mounted on a wall. Another name for a wall sign. Wall sign in the most literal sense, a sign that is painted on a wall. The term is often expanded to include at signs that are placed on or attached to the wall of a building. These latter signs are also called fascia-mounted signs and wall mounts. Window sign a sign that is mounted for display on a window, and intended to be viewed from the outside.

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