Materials & Substrates

1. Substrate The base material onto which graphics or lettering are applied. Common substrates include aluminum, acrylic, PVC, foam board, and corrugated plastic.

2. ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) A lightweight, rigid panel made of two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a polyethylene core. Ideal for outdoor signage due to its durability and smooth finish.

3. Acrylic A clear or coloured plastic sheet often used for illuminated signs or sleek, modern displays. Known for its glass like appearance and weather resistance.

4. Foamex A brand name for expanded PVC foam board. Lightweight, easy to cut. Suitable for indoor and short term outdoor use.

5. Correx A fluted polypropylene board, often used for temporary signage like estate agent boards or event signs. It’s lightweight, waterproof and cost effective.

Tools & Sign Fixing

1. PanelTrim (aka Panatrim) A framing system used to give signs a clean, professional edge. Available in various profiles including small, medium, large or  bullnose.  PanelTrim can be supplied as kits or DIY lengths.

2. Sign Channel (Fixing Rails) Aluminum rails fixed to the back of a sign panel, allowing it to be mounted to posts or railings without visible fixings. Available in sizes and finishes, often with UHB tape for easy application.

3. UHB Tape (Ultra High Bond) A double sided adhesive tape used for mounting signs without screws or rivets. Offers a clean finish and strong hold, especially on smooth surfaces.

4. Standoffs Hardware used to mount signs away from the wall, creating a floating effect. Common in acrylic signage for a modern, dimensional look.

5. Ankerbolts These bolts just need a pilot hole and will cut its own thread. Particularly useful when attaching a bracket one hole at time. Eliminates the chance of the holes not lining up as is often the case when using rawlplugs. 

6. Clamping Bars Used to attach signs to non standard railings or chain link fences. Often paired with bolts and washers for secure fixing.

Design & Production

1. Vector Graphics Scalable artwork created using mathematical paths, essential for sign making as it ensures crisp edges at any size. Common file formats include .AI, .EPS, and .SVG.

2. Plotter A machine that cuts vinyl or other materials based on vector designs. Used for lettering, decals and intricate shapes.

3. Weeding The process of removing excess vinyl from around a cut design before application. A weeding tool helps lift unwanted material cleanly.

4. Application Tape (Transfer Tape) A semi-transparent adhesive film used to transfer vinyl graphics from the backing paper to the substrate while keeping the design intact.

5. Lamination A protective film applied over printed graphics to enhance durability, UV resistance, and scratch protection.

Lighting & Illumination

1. LED Modules Energy efficient light sources used in illuminated signs. They’re often embedded in channel letters or light boxes for even back lighting.

2. Light Box A sign cabinet with internal lighting, typically using LEDs and a translucent face that displays graphics.

3. Halo Illumination A lighting technique where LEDs are mounted behind raised letters, casting a glow around the edges for a dramatic effect.

4. Face Lit Letters Channel letters with translucent faces that allow light to shine through the front, making them highly visible at night.

Sign Types & Styles

1. 3D Letters Three dimensional letters often used in storefront signage. They can be face lit, halo lit or both and are typically mounted individually.

2. Totem Sign A freestanding vertical sign structure, often used at entrances or along roadsides for visibility from a distance.

3. Wayfinding Signage Directional signs that guide people through a space, such as in hospitals, campuses or shopping centres.

4. Fascia Sign A sign mounted flat against the front of a building, typically above a shopfront or business entrance.

5. Projecting Sign Mounted perpendicular to a wall, these signs extend outward and are visible from both directions along a street.

and a few more to finish....

1. Bleed An extra margin around artwork that ensures the design extends to the edge after trimming. Prevents white borders on printed signs.

2. DPI (Dots Per Inch) A measure of image resolution. Higher DPI means sharper print quality, important for large format printing.

3. Reflective Vinyl A material that reflects light, enhancing visibility in low light conditions. Commonly used for road signs and safety signage.

4. Indoor vs Outdoor Signage Indoor signs are designed for controlled environments and may use lighter materials. Outdoor signs require weather resistant substrates and UV stable inks.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're crafting a simple shop sign or managing a full scale brand roll out, knowing the right terminology helps streamline communication, avoid costly mistakes and deliver polished results. This glossary is just a starting point, sign making is a dynamic field where materials and methods continue to evolve.

If you're sourcing materials or looking for inspiration, Tradesignz offer a wide range of sign frames, fixings, and accessories. For a deeper dive into industry standards, the International Sign Association has a glossary which is a goldmine of definitions and best practices.