Basic Tools for a Sign Maker
Signmaking is a trade that dates back many years and has evolved alongside the technological changes of each era. In fact, the tools, styles, and concepts involved are closely linked to the study of graphic design and the graphic arts.
A sign maker is a person responsible for creating and installing signs. Today, there is an extraordinary variety of signs, thanks to advances in advertising, which is why we can find everything from letters on plastic backing, 3D figures, and printing on glass to illuminated signs or signs simply painted on a backing.
Historically, a sign painter was known as someone who practiced the craft of lettering, creating calligraphy directly on advertising media. It was the advent of computer systems, printers, and other tools that drove the growth of advertising production. Although the craft of lettering has fallen out of favor in favor of printed signs, it is still practiced today because of its great artistic value.
Next, we’ll take a look at the main tools used by signmakers today and how they can improve their work by using the right materials.
Solutions and Tools for Sign Makers
There are specific tools available on the market used by signmakers who work with many types of materials (from vinyl to wood), both for static signage and for vehicle graphics.
When lettering is done by hand, tools ranging from paintbrushes to modeling tools are used. When it is done digitally, other, more sophisticated tools are used to prepare the surface (which can range from canvas to metal) to be lettered.
Hand-painted signage has regained popularity due to its artistic and vintage appeal, a trend that has taken hold in neighborhood shops and restaurants that evoke the atmosphere of days gone by.
We can also categorize signage based on the type of application. In general, there are three types: indoor signage, outdoor signage, and vehicle signage.
Tools for Labeling in Digital Printing
We’ll mainly focus on digital signage and solutions for producing flawless work. In the case of vehicle graphics or car wrapping, the work is mostly done in a signage shop. However, for interior and exterior signage, the signmaker will sometimes need to go to the location where the sign will be installed.
That is why the common features of all the tools we will describe below must be comfort, light weight, and ease of transport.
Squeegees: These allow for the correct and damage-free application of vinyl and stickers. We can say that the squeegee is one of the basic tools of the trade, since it’s nearly impossible to apply vinyl without bubbles without the help of a squeegee. Rubber rollers are another option for certain materials, but squeegees are widely used in the industry because of the high-quality results they provide.
You can view all the models available from PLASTGrommet here: Spatulas and scrapers
Blades or scrapers: Their function is to clean, remove excess material, or strip away any previous vinyl that may be on the substrate. There are different models available, primarily designed for the specific type of surface being worked on. For example, a flexible blade is recommended for uneven surfaces such as joints, tiles, or fiberglass.
Rulers for measuring and guiding: Safety rulers enable precise cutting and measuring. They should be non-slip, made of durable materials, and feature safety and grip features that are comfortable to use.
Cutting mat: To protect the work surface, signmakers should use a cutting mat on which they can perform all types of cuts. We recommend mats made of plastic materials that feature self-healing technology.
Cutters: To make precise cuts without wasting material, we need cutters with sharp blades that, whenever possible, have replaceable blades to maintain the quality of our work. At PLASTGrommet, we offer a wide variety of precision cutters, including those with rotating blades for hard-to-reach areas, circular or double-bladed foamboard cutters for making straight or freehand cuts, and easy-to-use safety cutters, among others.
Marking pens: There are different types of pens used to peel back vinyl or to remove the annoying bubbles that can form during vinyl application.
Corner Rounding Tools: For a cleaner finish, we can use this tool to round the corners of various materials. Having the right corner rounding tool allows us to cut materials as diverse as cardboard, Dibond, cellular polypropylene, or polyethylene.
Vinyl Clamps: Whether for vehicle graphics or other types of signage, it’s helpful to have clamps that allow you to secure the material in place while installing the vinyl. In this case, magnetic clamps with powerful magnets are used to hold the vinyl in place. It’s also recommended to wear special gloves when handling the materials to eliminate static electricity.
Tool Kit: An ergonomic bag is the best way to keep all your labeling tools within easy reach. At PLASTGrommet, we offer convenient kits that come equipped with all the essential tools, organized into different compartments. You can wear it clipped to your belt or use the built-in clip.