FAQs / Signage & Displays

We invested in the Canon Colorado M Series and Canon Arizona flatbed large format printers, among the most capable wide-format systems available for commercial production because we're committed to delivering results that genuinely exceed expectations. These presses use UVgel ink technology, which cures instantly on contact using UV light. The result is exceptional detail sharpness, vibrant color, and a durable surface that resists scratching, fading, and moisture without the off-gassing concerns associated with solvent-based inks. From fine-detail retail displays to heavy-duty outdoor signage, our equipment is built for the full range of what our clients need.

UVgel ink sits between traditional UV-cured and latex inks in performance and delivers distinct advantages for our clients. Because the ink gels on contact before curing, it produces smooth, consistent dot placement with minimal dot gain, which translates to sharper edges, finer text, and more accurate color than many competing technologies. Prints are immediately dry and ready to finish with no outgassing wait time which speeds up your job without cutting corners. The cured ink is also highly flexible, making it the right choice for vehicle wraps and contour-cut graphics that need to bend around curved surfaces. It's a meaningful technical advantage, and one we're proud to offer.

The Colex Sharpcut is a digital flatbed cutting and routing system that opens up a wide range of custom shapes and applications that traditional die-cutting simply can't match at low quantities. It precisely cuts, kiss-cuts, creases, routes, and perforates rigid boards (foam core, gatorboard, sintra, corrugated), flexible materials (vinyl, banner material, canvas), and specialty substrates, all from a digital file with no physical dies required. Because cutting is file-driven, custom shapes and intricate die-cut designs are achievable at virtually any quantity. This makes custom-shaped signage, display components, and packaging prototypes accessible in ways our clients genuinely appreciate.

Plotter cutting uses a blade-equipped cutting plotter to precisely follow the contour of printed or solid-color artwork in flexible vinyl and other thin media. It's the right tool for contour-cut vinyl graphics, transfer lettering and logo decals, vehicle graphics and fleet lettering, window graphics, and cut vinyl signage applied to walls or substrates. Where the Colex handles rigid and heavier materials, our cutting plotter excels at intricate detail work in flexible films. Our team selects the right system for your material and application ensuring you get the best result either way.

Lamination is one of the most important finishing steps in large format production. It protects your investment and elevates the finished appearance of every piece. We offer roll lamination in gloss, matte, and satin finishes to protect prints from UV fading, abrasion, moisture, and handling. Specialty laminates include anti-graffiti overlaminate for outdoor signage in vulnerable locations, cold laminate for heat-sensitive materials, and mounting adhesive laminates for applying prints to rigid substrates. Most outdoor graphics and all vehicle wraps receive lamination as standard. If you're unsure which laminate is right for your application, our team will guide you.

Our Canon Colorado presses handle an exceptionally wide range of substrates, one of the real advantages of UVgel technology. Flexible media includes vinyl banner material, self-adhesive vinyl (gloss, matte, clear, white), perforated window vinyl, canvas, backlit film, and specialty textiles. Rigid media includes foam core, gatorboard, sintra/PVC board, coroplast, aluminum composite material (ACM/Dibond), and styrene. We also print on adhesive-backed papers for temporary applications and specialty films for floor graphics and wall coverings. If you have an unusual substrate or application in mind, we are up to the challenge.

We produce the full spectrum of commercial signage: outdoor and indoor banners, retractable and telescoping banner stands, trade show displays and backdrops, foam core and gatorboard signs, ACM (aluminum composite) signs, ADA braille signs, coroplast yard and real estate signs, window graphics and perforated vinyl, wall murals and wallcovering, floor graphics, backlit displays and lightbox graphics, A-frame sidewalk signs, feather flags and teardrop banners, event signage, wayfinding and directional signage, construction site signage, and safety signage. If you have a format or application in mind that isn't listed here, contact us. Our capabilities are broad, and we love being asked about something new.

ACM, also known by the brand name Dibond, consists of two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a solid polyethylene core. The result is a rigid, flat, lightweight panel that holds up to long-term outdoor use without the weight of solid aluminum or steel. It's the standard substrate for permanent and semi-permanent outdoor identification signs, architectural signage, and building-mounted displays. ACM accepts direct printing, applied vinyl graphics, or both. We print, route, and finish ACM signs, and our certified installation team can mount them correctly for the environment they'll live in.

Retractable banner stands are among the most versatile display formats we produce. The printed banner retracts into a self-contained base for easy travel and storage, sets up in seconds without tools, and protects the graphic in transit. They're the standard for trade shows, retail environments, events, and presentations. We produce the banner graphic and can supply hardware in various sizes, single- and double-sided, and with a range of base quality levels. For clients who attend trade shows or events regularly, a well-made retractable stand is one of the best display investments you can make.

We produce graphics for the full range of trade show display systems: pop-up fabric displays, modular inline and island exhibits, tabletop displays, retractable banner stands, step-and-repeat backdrops, hanging signs and ceiling graphics, adhesive floor graphics, and custom-shaped display components. We print on the appropriate media for each system, including silicone-edge fabric (SEG), dye-sublimated fabric, or rigid panel graphics. We can coordinate hardware and graphics together or work from your existing system. Bring us your booth dimensions and display system details and we'll spec everything correctly the first time.

Yes, and they're a category where our UVgel technology delivers particularly strong results. We produce floor graphics on slip-resistant, pressure-sensitive media rated for pedestrian traffic, printed on the Canon Colorado and laminated with a textured overlaminate meeting applicable slip-resistance standards. They can be cut to any shape using our Colex system. When ordering, tell us your floor surface type (hardwood, tile, carpet, concrete) as media and adhesive selection varies by substrate. Floor graphics are an effective and often underutilized way to engage customers and guide traffic in retail and event environments.

Yes. We print backlit graphics on translucent media specifically engineered to transmit light evenly and produce vibrant, illuminated imagery. Color is adjusted during prepress to compensate for how backlighting affects perceived saturation, a detail that matters significantly for the finished result. We produce backlit graphics for airport-style lightboxes, illuminated cabinet signs, LED panel displays, and custom backlit display systems. Provide your lightbox dimensions and we'll produce a graphic sized, colored, and finished for your specific hardware.

We offer a complete vehicle graphics program: full vehicle wraps, partial wraps, spot graphics, fleet lettering, window perf graphics, and magnetic signs. Design, production, and installation are all managed by our team. Our Canon Colorado M Series produces wrap graphics on premium cast vinyl with UVgel ink, delivering sharp detail, accurate color, and a flexible, conformable print that adheres smoothly to compound curves and body contours. All vehicle graphics are laminated with a protective overlaminate rated for exterior automotive use. Your vehicles are moving billboards and we treat them accordingly.

A full wrap covers the entire exterior painted surface of the vehicle (hood, roof, doors, rear, and bumpers) creating a rolling billboard with maximum visual impact and the added benefit of protecting the factory paint underneath. A partial wrap covers a defined section of the vehicle, typically combined with cut vinyl lettering or graphics on untreated areas. Spot graphics are individual elements (logos, phone numbers, URLs, regulatory markings) applied at specific locations. Cost and installation time increase with coverage. Our team will help you determine the approach that delivers the right impact for your budget and marketing goals.

We wrap passenger cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, box trucks, trailers, and specialty vehicles. We also produce graphics for boats, golf carts, ATVs, and equipment. For fleet programs involving multiple vehicles, we maintain consistent color and design across every unit regardless of make or body style. Brand consistency across a fleet is something we take seriously. We may request vehicle make, model, year, and body style before quoting, or arrange a vehicle inspection for unusual body shapes, to ensure accurate templating and material estimation.

A professionally installed full wrap using premium cast vinyl and overlaminate typically lasts 5–7 years under normal conditions, and longer for garaged vehicles with limited sun exposure. Economy calendered vinyl is appropriate for short-term or budget applications and typically lasts 2–3 years. Lifespan is affected by sun exposure, climate, washing habits, and parking conditions. We specify cast vinyl for all full wraps and long-term graphics.

Hand washing is ideal. Use a mild automotive detergent, a soft cloth or sponge, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid directing high-pressure washers at wrap edges, as pressure can lift seams over time. Touchless automatic car washes are generally safe; brush car washes can damage wrap edges. Avoid petroleum-based cleaners, solvent wipes, and abrasive compounds. For spot cleaning, 70% or lower isopropyl alcohol is safe on laminated wraps. If an edge begins to lift, contact us promptly — minor lifting caught early is a straightforward repair. We're invested in your wrap looking great for its full-service life.

Yes. When properly applied cast vinyl graphics are removed correctly and within their rated service life, factory paint in good condition is protected. Heat is applied to soften the adhesive, vinyl is peeled back carefully with plastic tools, and adhesive residue is removed with a compatible solution. Paint that was damaged, chipped, or scratched before the wrap was applied may show those existing conditions after removal. While a wrap doesn't cause damage, but it may have concealed pre-existing issues. Our team can advise on removal and provide an honest picture of what to expect.

Yes, our certified installation team serves Oregon and Washington, and we install the signage we produce. Wall-mounted and post-mounted signs, ACM and rigid panels, window graphics, wall murals, vehicle wraps, banner systems, trade show displays, and large-scale interior and exterior graphics. Our team handles all of it. There's a meaningful advantage to using the same team for production and installation as we know exactly how the piece was built, what the material requires, and how to mount it correctly for its environment. The finished result reflects our full accountability, from the first file to the last fastener.

Our installation team is licensed and bonded in both Oregon and Washington, and carry State Board Contractor Licenses in each state. Additionally, our installation team hold various certifications for vinyl applications, including vehicle wraps. Certification matters for commercial signage projects where improper installation can create safety hazards, structural damage, or voided material warranties. For elevated work, our team is equipped and trained to operate safely at height. Many commercial property managers and general contractors require certified installers as a condition of access. We can provide documentation of our credentials upon request. When the job is done right, it stays done.

Our certified installation team serves Oregon and Washington. Our primary service area covers the greater Portland metro, the Willamette Valley, and SW Washington, with the capability to travel statewide for larger or phased projects. For projects outside Oregon and Washington, we can produce the signage and coordinate with a certified installer in your area, or ship production-ready graphics to your installation team. Contact us with your project location and we'll share availability and travel costs.

Yes. Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction, sign type, size, and placement. Navigating that complexity is part of what we do for our clients. For projects where permitting is required (typically permanent outdoor signs, illuminated signs, and building-exterior-mounted displays), we can advise on the process and, in many cases, facilitate the submission of permit applications or coordinate with your property manager or general contractor. One important note: permit approval can add weeks to a project schedule. We recommend discussing permitting requirements early in the project timeline to ensure your project has the right amount of lead time built in.

Yes. Our team is equipped and trained for elevated installation work including high interior walls, mezzanines, building facades, and exterior-mounted signs. We use appropriate lift equipment for the height and access conditions of each site. For very large exterior signs or projects requiring crane access, we coordinate specialized rigging as needed. All elevated work follows applicable OSHA safety standards. Provide us with the installation height and access conditions when requesting a quote and we'll plan the right approach from the start.

To give you an accurate installation quote, we typically need: sign type and dimensions, the mounting surface (drywall, concrete, brick, glass, vehicle, etc.), installation height and access conditions, the location address and jurisdiction for permitting assessment, your target installation date, and whether electrical or structural work is involved. Photos or a site visit are helpful for complex projects. The more detail you provide upfront, the more accurate your quote, and the fewer surprises at the site. Unexpected conditions discovered during installation may require a change order, and we prefer to anticipate those conversations rather than have them after the fact.

Large format signage is viewed from greater distances than standard print, which changes the resolution requirement. For pieces viewed from 3–6 feet (retail displays, trade show graphics, window vinyl), design at 100–150 DPI at final print size. For pieces viewed from 6–15 feet (banners, outdoor signs), 72–100 DPI at final size is often sufficient. For very large pieces viewed from 20 feet or more (building wraps, large outdoor installations), 30–50 DPI at final size is typically appropriate. When in doubt, supply the highest resolution file you have and our prepress team will assess it for your specific application.

For pieces over 4 feet in either dimension, it's standard practice to supply files at typically 1/4 or 1/10 of final size, with resolution scaled up accordingly. For example, a 10-foot banner designed at 1/10 scale (12 inches) should be built at 720 DPI to equal 72 DPI at final print size. It’s good practice to indicate the intended print size and the scale in your file name. For standard large format sizes under 4 feet, full-size submission is preferred. Our prepress team is happy to confirm the right setup for your specific project before you finalize your file.

Submit signage files in CMYK. Our Canon Colorado large format presses are CMYK devices and files built in RGB color profiles require a color conversion during processing that can shift colors unexpectedly, particularly neutrals and brand colors. If your file contains Pantone spot colors, we will convert them to CMYK equivalents. Our operators will verify the conversion and adjust if needed. Accurate color starts with the right file setup, and we're here to help you get there.

For most large format signage trimmed or hemmed on all sides, we require a minimum 0.5 inch bleed. For banner material receiving a sewn hem pocket, extend the background at least 1.5 inches beyond the finished edge on pocket sides to allow for folding. For rigid substrates (foam core, gatorboard, ACM) routed to exact size, 0.25 inch bleed is typically sufficient. Vehicle wrap templates have their own bleed and overlap requirements. Contact us for a vehicle-specific template before designing a wrap. Getting the bleed right upfront avoids delays and ensures a clean finished edge.

Yes, we provide design templates for our most common signage formats: standard banner sizes, retractable banner stands, trade show backdrops, yard signs, and window graphic panels. Templates are available in Adobe Illustrator (.ai) and PDF format with bleed guides, safe zones, and fold or hem lines indicated. For vehicle wraps, we provide or source vehicle-specific templates by make, model, and year. Contact us to request what you need. Starting from the right template makes everything downstream faster and more accurate.

Outdoor sign lifespan depends on many factors, including substrate, ink, lamination, and environment. We'll always give you an honest estimate for your specific application. General guidelines: vinyl banners with lamination typically last 2–5 years; ACM signs with UV-cured ink last 5–10 years or more; coroplast yard signs are rated 1–3 years; unlaminated prints on banner material have shorter lifespans. Our UVgel inks are inherently UV-resistant and rated for outdoor use on many substrates without lamination, though lamination always extends service life. For permanent outdoor signage, we'll recommend the substrate and finish combination that makes the most sense for your environment and budget.

Our exterior sign production methods are designed to withstand the PNW climate. Our materials and inks are specifically chosen for durability in heavy rain, UV exposure, wind, and temperature variation. UVgel inks resist moisture and fading better than many competing ink technologies. Substrates like ACM, gatorboard, and PVC board are dimensionally stable in wet conditions where paper-based materials would warp or delaminate. For banners and flexible graphics in high-wind locations, we can add reinforced hems, extra grommets, and wind slits to reduce material stress. Tell us where your sign is going and we'll build it to handle the same environment.

This distinction matters significantly for vehicle wraps and long-term applications, and we want you to make the right choice. Calendered vinyl is manufactured by pressing compound through rollers making it thicker, less conformable, and has a memory that causes it to shrink over time, especially on curved or riveted surfaces. Appropriate for flat or mildly curved applications and shorter service periods (2–3 years). Cast vinyl is manufactured by casting liquid onto a carrier sheet resulting in a thinner, highly conformable, and dimensionally stable material with a 5–7 year lifespan. Cast vinyl is the correct choice for vehicle wraps, compound curves, and any long-term exterior graphic application. We specify cast vinyl for all vehicle wraps and premium outdoor work not because it's not an upsell, but because it's the right material for the job.

Yes, and for the right applications, it's one of the smartest protective investments you can make. Anti-graffiti overlaminate is a sacrificial clear coating that allows graffiti, paint, and adhesive residue to be removed with appropriate solvents without damaging the underlying print. We recommend it for any outdoor signage in locations with graffiti exposure, such as transit environments, urban street-level signs, construction hoarding, and public-facing permanent displays. The cost addition is minimal, and in vulnerable locations it can meaningfully extend the useful life of a sign that would otherwise need premature replacement.