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Acetate
A tough, clear plastic film that`s ink-receptive and a popular substrate for
point-of-purchasing advertising.
Acid-etching
A method similar to sandblasting, used primarily for marking glass. A stencil
of the artwork is applied to the glass, which is then brushed with an acid
mixture such as ammonium and sodium bifloride. The surface is then washed
and the stencil is removed.
Acrylic
Although sometimes used as a generic term to describe plastics, acrylic is
a particular type of plastic characterized by its clarity and colorability
(See Poly-Methyl Methacrylate).
Acrylic Paint
A paint with an acrylic resin base.
Adhesion
The ability of two materials to be held together at the molecular level, usually
created through the use of an adhesive. May also occur through suction.
Advertising Media
The means by which an advertising message is carried to potential
customers; including Internet, magazine, newspaper, radio, signage and television.
Aesthetics
A term dealing with form, design, and/or quality of construction of a particular
sign, building, site or structure, that presents a judgmental statement
concerning the level of beauty or artistic value.
Age In
The initial lighting up of a neon lamp to achieve full brightness. The amount
of time to `age in` can vary widely.
Airbrush
A small pen-sized spray gun utilizing compressed air to generate a fine spray
of paint. As air passes through the head of the airbrush, a vacuum is created,
siphoning the paint up from its container. Studio versions are generally
gravity feed.
Aluminum
Pure aluminum is soft and ductile and unsuitable for commercial use but with
the addition of other elements such as copper, manganese, magnesium, silicon
and zinc, the alloys produced have both strength and good working characteristics
for many uses. In addition to flat sheets, aluminum can also be extruded
into complex linear profile. (See extrusion).
Ambient Light
The light in a given area. May be natural or man-made, but does not include
direct or internal illumination.
Amortization
1) In accounting terms, this refers to the method in which an intangible asset
is depreciated over a specified period of time.
2) In terms relevant to signage and urban planning, it conveys the "grace
period" beginning on the date a sign owner is notified that removal of a previously
conforming sign has been ordered, and ending on the date removal is required.
This process makes a structure, which was legally erected with all permits,
legally non-conforming for period of time. After an amortization period, the
sign becomes illegal and non-conforming. Amortization has often been found
to be a form of regulatory taking. The legality of amortization depends on
state law and numerous other conditions, and is frequently unenforceable.
Animation
The sequential switching on and of graphical, pictorial or decorative arrangements
of fluorescent lamps, cold cathode tubes, LEDs or bulbs to provide the illusion
of movement.
Animated Signs
A sign depicting action, motion, light or color changes through electrical
or mechanical means. Although technologically similar to flashing signs,
the animated sign emphasizes graphics and artistic display.
Anneal
A process that prevents or removes strain by heating glass above a certain
temperature and then cooling slowly in a very controlled manner. Used in
glass manufacturing.
Anodizing
Process by which a protective aluminum oxide layer is formed on an underlying
metal using electrolysis as an integral part of that metal. Anodizing can
create a variety of colors and special effects while providing a durable
surface.
Annual Average Daily Traffic (Annual ADT)
Measurement representing the total number of vehicles passing a given location
each day. These counts can usually be obtained from your State Highway Department.
Argon
An inert gas which, when mixed with mercury, is used in fluorescent lamps
and neon tubes. In gas discharge tubes, the combination of argon and mercury
creates a blue color and ultra-violet light, and by itself argon is a pale
lavender.
Artwork
Any illustrative material which is prepared for reproduction. It acts as controlling
mechanism ensuring the graphic quality of items such as company symbols,
logotypes, diagrams, text and color.
Ascender
In a given typeface, the portions of the lower case b,d,f,h,k and l that extend
above the height of the lowercase x.
Authorized person
A person employed, appointed or selected by his employer to carry out defined
duties, such person being a competent person.
Awning
A shelter constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting frame work which
projects from and is supported by the exterior wall of a building. An awning
may be illuminated and/or decorated with graphics to serve as a sign.
Awning Sign
A building mounted sign that provides additional functionality
as shelter.
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