The Easiest Way To Search For Anything Signs!
Find A Local Sign Company

| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
  • EDGE
    The part of the sign that encloses the back and face or faces; the frame.
  • 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.
  • EDGING
    The act of chamfering a sharp corner.
  • EGG CRATE
    A patterned piece of plastic installed below a light source in illuminated awnings or light fixtures to protect the light source from damage or direct visibility, as well as to soften and evenly distribute the transmitted light.
  • ELECTRIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN
    A misnomer for an electronic message center.
  • ELECTRIC SIGN
    A sign that contains electrical fixtures or connections.
  • ELECTRODE
    A terminal that conducts an electrical current between two conducting substances. Electrodes are found at both of the ends of a neon unit.
  • ELECTRONIC ART
    Digital data and artwork files (formerly called "camera-ready art") used in production of signs and graphic elements. Shapes and text are converted to paths (outlines) and used in defining path of knife, laser, router, waterjet, etc.
  • ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER
    A sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or other electric means of changing text. Changeable message displays/signs may use incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs, and other technologies.
  • ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS
    Dynamic, changeable signs which may be any of the following: an EMD sign, an led sign, an lcd sign, or a crt sign. See also video wall, plasma screens, flat screens.
  • ELECTROSTATIC FILM
    PVC medium treated with a small charge of electricity, enabling the sheeting to temporarily, but firmly, adhere to glass and similar smooth substrates.
  • ELLIPSIS
    A mark or series of marks (. . .) used in writing or printing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words. It can also indicate continuing thought.
  • EMBEDDED FIBERGLASS
    A common misnomer for fiberglass embedment.
  • EMBELLISHMENTS
    Any addition to a sign face that provides a three-dimensional effect. Cut-outs, push-through 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.
  • EMC
    See electronic message center. Also called electronic message signs.
  • EMD (ELECTROMAGNETIC DEVICE)
    Magnetically controlled disks that flip on and off to create changeable messages and are controlled with digital technology. See also electronic message signs.
  • EMULSION
    A semiliquid material that dries hard and is used in preparing stencils for screenprinting.
  • ENGINE-TURNED
    Descriptive term as applied to metal and gold leaf finishes. Appearance of material altered by spinning (turning) a series of uniform circles into the surface in rows. The rows then overlap in a symmetrical orderly manner to produce a unique finish. Most commonly seen applied to burnished, gold leaf , or stainless steel surfaces.
  • 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 filled to create greater contrast.
  • ENTRANCE CANOPY
    A canopy or awning attached to the facade of a building to provide shelter and to define the building entrance. Often used as a vehicle for identifying building.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS
    The planning, design, and execution of graphic elements in the built and natural environment. Environmental graphics includes communication systems that identify, direct, inform, interpret, and visually enhance the environment.
  • EPOXY
    A common form of adhesive (glue) that produces a very strong adhesive bond between substrates. Epoxy comes in liquid or putty form and in two parts. The epoxy base is intermixed with a catalyst immediately before application. Once the two parts are mixed, working time is limited.
  • ERECT
    To place a sign and sign support structure in its final location; install.
  • ETCHED AND PAINT-FILLED
    Etched (chemically) or incised (mechanically or by the abrasive method) and then filled with color to create a desired contrast and appearance.
  • ETCHING
    See acid-etching.
  • EXTENDED
    A font in which the proportion of the letters, numbers, and symbols, has been altered by increasing their width.
  • EXTENDER
    A substance added to an ink to improve is working quality or to extend the volume.
  • EXTERIOR ILLUMINATION
    Illumination that is provided from a source separate from the sign itself, such as a spotlight.
  • EXTRUDED ACRYLIC
    See extrusion.
  • EXTRUSION
    A part that's created by forcing a raw material (usually metal or plastic) through a die to create the desired shape. Often used to refer to the extruded aluminum members that make up the frames of awnings. PVC boards are also created through the extrusion process.