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  • 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.
  • SANS SERIF
    Any typeface that lacks serifs. In most sans serif fonts, there is little differentiation between the width of strokes within the letter. Helvetica and Futura are familiar sans serif fonts.
  • SCANNER
    An optical device that senses different levels of reflection of light and translates that information into numeric formulas that can be read by a computer and replicated on a screen or printed.
  • SCHEMATIC DESIGN / SCHEMATICS
    A conceptual design developed at the beginning of a project which demonstrates a design approach or strategy.
  • SCORING
    Cutting or notching a material prior to bending it. Sufficient scoring of some substrates—glass and some thicknesses of PVC boards, for example—will also allow them to be broken cleanly without cutting them all the way through.
  • SCREEN
    A frame over which fabric is stretched for use in screen-printing. The screen supports the stencil or emulsion through which the ink is forced by the squeegee, created the print.
  • SCREEN-PRINTING
    A stencil method of applying paint or ink to surfaces such as wood, paper, glass, metal, through a resist applied to fabric stretched over a frame. Can utilize a photographic process to create/control the resist for more precise imaging. The artwork is also cut into rubylith resist on computer-driven plotters or tables. See also silkscreening.
  • SEAM
    A line formed by the joining together of two separate pieces of the same or different materials at their edges, as with flexible-face fabric material or wood, metal, or plastic sheet. Also called butt joint.
  • SECOND-SURFACE
    Refers to a sign made of a clear substrate, such as acrylic, where the art is applied in reverse on what can be an interior face of the sign, providing extra protection from the environment. Some large exterior signs are painted that way, as are many smaller identification, wayfinding, restroom, and evacuation signs that are subject to handling on a regular basis.
  • SEQUENCE
    A continuous or related series of things following in a certain order or succession. In signmaking, a sequence may refer to the operation of a flasher or chaser, or to the order and frequency of messages in an electronic changeable copy sign, or the pattern of an advertiser's billboard campaign.
  • SERIF
    A small line or embellishment finishing off the strokes of letters in some fonts (like this one). Well-known serif fonts include Souvenir, Times Roman, and Garamond.
  • SERVER
    In computer networks, servers act as a hub for storing programs used workstation computers.
  • SERVICE
    The general maintenance of a sign. It may include cleaning, repainting, replacement of bulbs or lamps, and repairs, which may be provided on a regular basis under contract.
  • SERVICE COVER
    In an electric sign cabinet, a panel that allows ready access to the bulbs or lamps and the electrical connections for their replacement and maintenance.
  • 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 specified setbacks or that a variance from the regulations be applied for and secured.
  • SHADE
    A color made darker than the original by adding black to it.
  • SHADOW
    Duplication of an image that is slightly offset. Drop shadow is a simple copy and offset; block shadow joins the outlines of the original and duplicate to create a 3D-relief effect; and cast shadow alters the shape and size of the duplicate to imitate shadows cast from varied placement of light, as the sun does on a sun dial.
  • SHEET METAL
    Aluminum or steel in sheets or plates used as a sign substrate.
  • SHOP DRAWINGS
    Traditionally, drawings prepared by specific trades to describe the quantity, shape, size, and materials and other details to be manufactured, built, or constructed. In signage, it now refers to drawings prepared by fabricators describing their intended methods of construction and sequence of assembly to be reviewed by designer and owner for approval prior to construction and fabrication. The essential reason for shop drawings is to be sure the original design concept is accurately carried out in the construction process. See also template, contract documents.
  • SIGN
    Any device, structure, display, or placard which is affixed 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.
  • SIGN CABINET
    The enclosure of an electric sign, not including the components and mounting structure.
  • SIGN CAN
    An informal term for sign cabinet.
  • SIGN CATEGORIES
    Signs are typically used for the following purposes: life safety or fire code, directional, identification, informational, life safety, orientation, ornamentation, point-of-purchase, regulatory, wayfinding.
  • SIGN CODE
    A sign code may be part of a government body's 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 LOCATION MAP
    Usually a site plan or floor plan indicating where signs will be placed (called "sign locations").
  • SIGN SCHEDULE/ SIGN MESSAGE SCHEDULE
    An inventory or list indicating the quantities of signs and messages for each individual sign. Typically used as a contract document for final text and sign wording, keyed to a sign location plan.
  • SIGN TYPE
    Defines 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 identification, directory, freestanding, monument, pedestrian directional, pedestrian informational, post and panel, regulatory, vehicular directional, vehicular informational, etc.
  • SIGNAGE / SIGNING
    Interchangeable terms used to describe signs. Any group of posted commands, warnings, information, or directions.
  • 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.
  • SILHOUETTE
    The overall shape or profile of a sign, or a block of copy within a sign.
  • SILICONE
    1. Trade name for a popular adhesive used in installation of letters and signs because of its elasticity, strength, reasonable curing time, and its impermeable nature. 2. Any of a group of polymers characterized by wide-range thermal stability, high lubricity, extreme water repellence, and physiological inertness, used in adhesives, lubricants, protective coatings, paints, electrical insulation, and synthetic rubber.
  • SILKSCREENING
    One of the oldest and simplest forms of printing. A print is made using a squeegee to force ink through stencil or emulsion that is supported by fabric that has been stretched over a frame to create a screen. Several synthetic fabrics have replaced silk as the fabric of choice for screen printers. See also screen printing.
  • SINGLE-FACE
    A sign consisting of one face, rather than back-to-back faces on a common frame or back-to-back messages on the same piece of material.
  • SIZING / SIZE
    The substance applied to the substrate before gilding in order to make the gold leaf stick to the work surface, and its application. Today, the most common sizing used by glass gilders is made of gelatin capsules dissolved in boiling water and then strained.
  • SKELETON
    The metal frame on which a sign is installed.
  • SLIP-BASE
    Foundation consisting of two bolts fastened between the foundation plate and the concrete footer.
  • SMOOTHING
    A method used to vary speed and movement of material and knife-head of a plotter, making for less-jagged transitions between nodes during cutting.
  • SNIPE SIGN
    An overlay sign added to an existing sign layout, as an additional message to the main sign, for example a band across a corner saying "coming soon." Also a term for illegal posting of handbills and posters without permits.
  • SODA-LIME GLASS
    The most common type of glass manufactured and the type used in most fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs. Soda-lime glass is made from a combination of sand, limestone, and sodium carbonate, and can either be clear or colored.
  • SOIL BEARING
    Refers to the ability of uncompacted soil to support a weight, such as the footing for a sign. The figure usually has to be obtained from an engineer (or soils engineer), and is expressed as pounds per square foot.
  • SOLVENT
    A petroleum-based liquid used to modify oil-based pains and inks and to remove them from sign components, frames, and brushes.
  • SPACER
    Any device used in mounting letters or signs that separates them from the surface to which they are being installed. A spacer allows letters to be pinned out.
  • SPECIFICATIONS
    May include General Requirements, Products, and Execution sections for sign specification package. Similar to architectural construction format per CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) standards.
  • SPECTACULAR
    An extra-large outdoor sign that incorporates special lighting and/or motion effects, or an interior sales display that also includes special lights and motion elements.
  • SPINNER SIGN
    A sign, either freestanding or wall-mounted, where the messages rotate in the wind. A spinner sign is not considered an animated sign.
  • SPOTLIGHT
    A source of illumination for an externally illuminated sign; a lamp with a strong focused beam directed toward a sign.
  • SPUN GLASS
    See fiberglass.
  • SPUTTERING
    Occurs when the electrode in a neon tube, because of the heat and electrical forces, gradually erodes, blackening the ends of the tube near the electrode and decreasing gas pressure, eventually making the tube inoperative.
  • SQUEEGEE
    1. In screen-printing, a flexible blade mounted in a wood or metal handle and used to force ink through a stencil mounted on the screen. 2. In signmaking, a hard plastic or nylon blade used to apply pressure to increase surface adhesion between cutting vinyl and the transfer tape or between the vinyl and sign face.
  • STANDARD FRAME
    The structural supports found inside a sign cabinet.
  • STAND-OFFS
    See supports.
  • STAR OF LIFE
    The asterisk symbol, indicating exit level, showing preferred route for gurney, emergency egress, etc., required by A.D.A. next to floor indication on elevator control panels and elevator jambs.
  • STENCIL
    A thin sheet of material into which a design is cut. When a stencil is place on another substrate and paint or ink is applied, the image represented by the cut-out portion of the stencil is printed on the substrate below it. Stencils range from metal to card stock to photo emulsions.
  • STIPPLING
    A method for taking out brush marks and creating a transparent look on windows. Paint is mixed with linseed oil to slow the drying process, then brushed on the surface to be stippled. A stippler is created by wrapping a piece of cheesecloth or other lint-free cotton rag around a wad of cotton, which is then either held firmly in the hand or securely attached to a short stick, taking care that the work surface of the stippler is wrinkle-free. Stippling is done by daubing the stippler over the wet, painted surface.
  • STOCHASTIC SCREENING
    A silkscreening process that conveys the tone of a screened image by varying the number and location of dots rather than just varying the size of the dots within the grid.
  • 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.
  • STREAMER
    A long, narrow banner included in interior or window displays only.
  • STRETCHING
    1. The process of securing mesh to a frame in screen-printing. 2. The stretching of vinyl sign face material over a flex-face sign cabinet.
  • STROKE
    A single movement of the hand or arm, or of a marking tool. Stroke refers to a pass of the squeegee in screen-printing, and a pass of the brush in painting. See also stroke width.
  • STROKE WIDTH
    The width of the major lines comprising a letterform. A wider stroke width is used to make a bolder letter, a narrower stroke width is used to make a lighter letter.
  • STRUCTURE
    In the sign industry, a fabrication designed for and capable of supporting a sign. Can refer to internal or external skeleton (exoskeleton) of sign as well as support pole or mechanism.
  • SUBSTRATE
    The material out of which the face is made. Wood, metal sheeting, paper, and acrylic are some examples of sign substrates.
  • SUPPORTS
    Insulators that support a neon tube, as well as hold it away from the background surface and provide some impact resistance. Also called stand-offs.
  • SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY
    See international symbol of accessibility.
  • SYMMETRY
    The balance of design elements in which one side equals or mirrors the other.