Signage & Graphics Glossary

Understanding signage and graphics terminology helps you make informed decisions. Below is an expanded breakdown of common terms you may encounter when working with Wallsticker.

A

ADA Signage – Signs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, including raised text, Braille, high‑contrast backgrounds, and specified mounting heights.
Ambient Light – The natural or existing lighting conditions around a sign, which affects visibility and material finish choices.
Awning Sign – A sign integrated into or attached to a fabric or metal awning structure affixed to a building façade, often used for storefronts.
Artwork Approval – The final sign design (mock‑up) which the client approves before fabrication begins.

B

Blade Sign – A projecting or “flag” style sign that extends perpendicular from the building façade, enhancing visibility to passing foot traffic.
Backer Panel – A flat panel—typically aluminum or acrylic—mounted behind individual letters or logos to simplify installation and site alignment.
Bonded Vinyl – A high‑adhesion vinyl film used for long‑term exterior graphics, including storefronts and vehicle wraps.

C

Channel Letters – 3‑D individual letters created from metal and acrylic, often illuminated for exterior building signage.
Changeable Graphics – Vinyl graphics designed for periodic updates (seasonal, promotional, or temporary campaigns) using reusable materials or modular systems.
Commercial Wrap – A full or partial vinyl wrap applied to a vehicle or fleet, creating mobile brand exposure.

D

Dimensional Signage – Sign letters or graphics that have depth and volume, created using materials like acrylic, foam‑cut, metal, or layered substrates.
Dibond® Print – A two‑layer aluminum composite panel (brand: Dibond) used for high‑end prints, durable indoor/outdoor displays, and mounted graphics.
Design Proof – A digital or printed mock‑up of the signage/graphics, showing layout, colors, and content. Requires client approval prior to production.

E

Exterior Signage – Signage that is weather‑resistant and designed for outdoor use, including channel letters, cabinet signs, monuments, and vinyl wraps.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) – A fully programmable LED sign capable of displaying changing text, images, animations, and live data.
Engineer Certification – A structural or electrical compliance document required by some municipalities to approve large exterior signage installations.

F

Fleet Graphics – Vinyl wraps and decals applied to multiple company vehicles, offering consistent branding and mobile advertising across a fleet.
Finish Coat – A clear protective layer applied to signage surfaces to protect against UV light, abrasion, and environmental damage.
Film‑Face Sign – A sign that uses printed vinyl film mounted onto a panel substrate, as opposed to routed or extruded letters.

G

Graphic Wrap – Full‑surface vinyl application wrapping around surfaces like walls, vehicles, kiosks, or architectural elements to create immersive branding.
Ghosting – A faint outline or shadow remaining after removal of vinyl or film due to underlying tint, film, adhesive residue, or surface discoloration.
General Liability (GL) – An insurance policy covering bodily injury and property damage that may occur during installation or fabrication operations.

H

High‑Tack Vinyl – A strong‑bond adhesive vinyl designed for challenging surfaces such as textured walls, rough concrete, brick, or tinted glass.
Halo‑Lit Channel Letters – Also called reverse channel letters; letters are mounted with open backs and illuminated to cast a halo effect on the wall surface.

I

Interior Signage – Signs installed inside buildings, such as reception logos, wayfinding directories, ADA room signs, and wall decals.
Installation Crew – Certified professionals who perform the on‑site mounting, wiring (if required), alignment, and verification of signage work.

J

Job Site Survey – A detailed on‑site assessment that includes measurements, mounting surfaces evaluation, mounting method, and photo documentation before fabrication begins.

K

Knock‑out Panel – A panel with removable sections to allow replacement of text or graphics without replacing the entire sign, often used in tenant‑changeable directories.

L

Led Face‑Lit Sign – Illuminated sign where the LED light shines through a translucent face, making the letters or graphics luminous.

M

Mural Wrap – Full‑coverage wall graphic created with high‑resolution printed vinyl, often used for branding, environmental graphics, or large‑format imagery across an entire wall.
Mock‑up Approval – Formal confirmation from the client that the design proof is acceptable and ready for fabrication, including layout, materials, and colors.
Multi‑Site Rollout – A signage program where multiple locations are executed nationwide under a standardized approach and brand specifications.

N

Neon‑Style LED Sign – A modern alternative to traditional glass neon, using LED tubing or modules to replicate neon appearance, offering durability, efficiency, and lower maintenance.
Narrative Graphics – Graphics that tell a story or communicate a campaign message, often used in retail or experiential environments to engage viewers.

O

Outdoor Rated Vinyl – Vinyl film specifically formulated for exterior exposure and UV resistance, typically rated for 5–10 years or more.
Open Face Channel Letters – Channel letters without acrylic faces, exposing internal LED modules for an industrial or exposed‑light aesthetic.

P

Permitting – The process of submitting required drawings, applications, and documentation to city or municipal agencies for signage approval. Wallsticker provides permit drawings and submissions to assist clients in regulated jurisdictions.
Printed Graphics – Graphics created by large‑format inkjet or UV printing on substrates such as vinyl, fabric, film, and rigid panels.
Push‑Through Acrylic – A high‑end fabrication method where letters or logos are formed by pushing acrylic shapes through an aluminum face, revealing colored translucent material when back‑lit.

Q

Quick Turnaround – A fabrication/installation schedule designed for fast delivery and deployment—often needed by retail chains or property managers with tight deadlines.

R

Reflective Vinyl – Specialty vinyl that reflects ambient light or headlights, often used for safety signage, vehicle graphics, and high‑visibility branding.

S

Substrate – The base material onto which graphics are printed, cut, or applied. Common signage substrates include aluminum composite, acrylic, foam board, PVC, and vinyl‑wrapped wall panels.
Site Readiness – The condition of the installation site being fully prepared and clear of obstructions—delays or return trips may incur additional charges.
Sign Package – A coordinated grouping of signage types delivered as one project workflow—e.g., exterior building signs, wayfinding directories, window graphics, and branded wall murals under one contract.
Scan Vinyl – A thinner, repositionable vinyl used for short‑term graphics, often in leased retail spaces or pop‑up environments.
Scope of Work – A detailed description of tasks, deliverables, and responsibilities agreed upon by client and vendor before production begins.

T

Tenant Change‑out – Signage replacement program associated with a tenant vacancy or change; involves removal of old signage, fabrication of new signage, regulatory approval, and install logistics.
Transcript Finish – A low‑gloss or matte laminate applied to printed graphics to eliminate glare in bright interior lighting.
Time & Materials (T&M) – A billing method where the client is invoiced based on actual labor hours and material costs used, plus markup—commonly used for on‑site adjustments during installs.
Total Light Output (TLO) – A technical specification used in illuminated signage to measure the total lumen output from an LED cabinet or channel letter.

U

Urethane Ink – Durable, solvent‑based ink used for outdoor-rated large‑format printing; offers excellent color stability and weather resistance.
Underlayment Film – A protective film applied to substrates during installation to protect surfaces and facilitate smoother application.

V

Vinyl Wall Decal – Adhesive‑backed vinyl cut to shape, ideal for interior branding, promotional graphics, and wall applications.
Vinyl Window Decal – Printed or cut vinyl applied to glass surfaces, including perforated, frosted, or one‑way vision options.
Visual Merchandising Graphics – Displays and wall graphics designed to support product sales, branding, or campaigns—common in retail environments.
Vandal‑Resistant Film – Laminated or self‑healing film applied over graphics or glass to protect against graffiti, scratching, or abrasion.

W

Wayfinding Signage – Directional or informational signage used in buildings, campuses, hospitals, and multi‑tenant properties to guide visitors.
Window Wrap – Full‑coverage printed vinyl applied to exterior storefront windows, often used during pre‑opening campaigns or temporary branding.
Wire‑Backed Letters – A mounting method for channel letters where each letter is individually wired and secured through the wall, reducing visible conduit.

X

X‑Mount Screws – Heavy‑duty anchors used for secure mounting of large signs where vibration or high‑wind loads are expected.
X‑Cut Film – A film cut in an "X" pattern at the corner to facilitate easier removal of vinyl graphics without edge lifting.

Y

Yield Strength – A material property indicating the stress at which a substrate or sign mount begins to deform; important for large exterior signage under wind load.
Yellowing – The gradual discoloration or degradation of vinyl or printed material due to UV exposure—proper substrate and finish selection helps mitigate this.

Z

Zero‑VOC Coating – A laminate or top coat with zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions — ideal for interior installations in schools, offices, and healthcare environments where air‑quality matters.

At Wallsticker, we believe an informed client is an empowered partner. That’s why we created this signage glossary — to define industry terms and help you confidently navigate your project from start to finish. Whether you're managing a construction site, opening a flagship retail location, or rolling out signage across a multi‑property portfolio, our expert team is here to guide, fabricate, and install with precision. Ready to bring your brand to life? Let’s make your next signage project seamless and successful — coast to coast. We’d love to hear from you. Contact Us Today!

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