|
Background panel
A panel onto which individual text or logo elements are fitted, either for support
or for easier on-site installation.
Back-to-back
Two or more sign faces mounted on a common structure but facing in opposite
directions. Many pole signs are back-to-back or double-sided.
Ballast
A device that operates as part of a fluorescent lamp circuit and is designed
primarily to provide sufficient starting voltage. A ballast may also heat
the lamp electrodes and, once the tube is in operation, limit the amount
of electrical energy going through the lamp.
Banner
A sign made of fabric, plastic or other non-rigid material which has no enclosing
framework. May be painted, screen-printed, digitally printed or decorated
with vinyl. A sign composed of lightweight material. Promotional banners
include those used to announce open houses and grand openings, make special
announcements, or communicate events. Ornamental banners use images or colors
of a decorative nature.
Base Plate
A flat, thick piece of steel (usually square or rectangular), welded to the
bottom of a sign support. The base plate adapts the support to the concrete
foundation, to which it is secured with anchor bolts.
Backlighted Letter
An illuminated reverse channel letter (open or translucent back)
so light from the letter is directed against the surface behind the letter
producing a halo lighting effect around the letter. Also referred to as Silhouette
lighted or halo lighted.
Bench Sign
A sign located on the seat or back of a bench or seat placed on
or adjacent to a public right-of-way. A type of street
furniture.
Bevel
A flange more attractively fitted at an angle to the sign or letter face in
such a way as to reflect ambient light. Depending on the angle, a flange
may be described as having a bevel (outward sloping) or an inverted bevel
(inward sloping).
Blackout
A type of paint used in the crossover connections between letters to prevent
light spill. Special paints have been formulated for this purpose that offer
a high-degree of adherence to glass, as well as resistance to weather heat,
light, high voltages and corona discharge.
Bleed (1)
In screen printing, bleed refers to the portion of the job which extends beyond
the area of the finished print. When the print is cut or die-cut, the bleed
is cut away. Also in screen printing, bleed is used to describe the area
where one color overprints another for purposes of registration.
Bleed (2)
Sometimes used to describe the visual halation which can occur to an illuminated
sign around a letter/logo shape where there is a sharp contrast in colors.
(See also Halation).
Block colors
Colors that are printed or painted without gradations, tints or shades.
Blue Gas
An EGL argon/neon gas mixture that contains mostly argon.
Bombarder
Properly a bombarding transformer, a bombarder provides a high voltage and
higher current than is ordinarily used with a neon tube for purposes of
bombarding.
Bombarding
The process of heating the glass and metal portions of a neon tube to a high
temperature to release all absorbed gases and other impurities. Improper
bombarding may result in a decrease in illumination, darkening of the tube
or premature tube failure.
Border
Band that defines the outer edge of a sign.
Box Sign
A sign which is totally enclosed and which may have internal lighting. Most
box signs have translucent plastic portions carrying text on one or more
faces.
Bronze
An alloy of copper and zinc with traces of other materials, long associated
with traditional institutional signage. Bronze signs can be either lacquered,
peroxides for protection or left to oxidize naturally.
Built-up, flat faced (BUFF) letter
(See flat face(d) letter).
Burning-In
Recommended to bring a neon tube to its proper brilliance, burning-in involves
connecting the complete tube to a transformer similar to that which will
be used in the installation and allowing it to remain lighted until proper
brightness, color and electrical properties are achieved. Also called ageing.
Burnish
To polish by rubbing. For instance, after gold leaf is applied to a substrate,
it is burnished with a cotton cloth to bring up the shine and reveal any
holes where the leaf will have to applied a second time.
Brand Equity(Branding)
The intangible, but real, value of words, graphics or symbols that
are associated with the products or services offered by a business. Developing
branding of a site includes the presentation of signage and architecture to
create a unique awareness and memory by the potential customer of the products
or services offered at that site. Brand equity for a particular business is
similar to the goodwill of an enterprise.
Building Code
State and/or local regulations governing public health, welfare and safety
of construction and maintenance.
Building Fascia
That portion of any elevation of a building extending vertically from the
grade to the top parapet wall or eaves, and horizontally across the entire
width of the building elevation, including slanted wall surfaces sometimes
referred to as a mansard.
Building Mounted Sign
A sign that is applied or attached to a building.
|
