FAQS
SIGNS
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
HOW QUICK IS YOUR TURNAROUND?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A SIGN?
WHAT DOES THE FULL PROCESS ENTAIL?
Our process starts with a simple chat to determine your requirements.
We can then book in to measure up at the location if necessary and provide a quote from the accurate measurements we took on-site.
All quotes are valid for 10 days from the initial quote date. Due to the nature of this business, projects may have to be requoted if not accepted within the 10 days.
If you did want to proceed we would then take your details and a 50% deposit to secure your project and book it into our schedule.
We would get to work on the artwork side of things and proof this with you until happy.
Once the artwork has been signed off, we would then get to work on producing the necessary items required for your project and book a date for fitting.
The remaining invoice balance would then be due within 10 days of project completion.
HOW LONG DOES A QUOTE LAST FOR?
All quotes are valid for 10 days from the initial quote date. Due to the nature of this business, projects may have to be requoted if not accepted within the 10 days.
WHAT WILL THE FINISHED PRODUCT LOOK LIKE?
Each project, no matter the size would have artwork designed and created to be approved by you before we got to work on the production side of things. This enables you to see what your project will look like and suggest any design amendments. So you get exactly what you want and your project will look as intended once installed.
WHEN/HOW WOULD YOU INSTALL MY SIGN?
With each project being bespoke, time frames can alter. However, we aim to have every project fully manufactured and installed within 10 days of your final approved artwork proof. Larger projects would be installed on-site by a multi-person team using the correct safety equipment to mark out a safe working area away from the public, and the correct tools for the job to install your project to the highest standards possible.
HOW ARE THE SIGNS INSTALLED?
Larger projects would be installed on-site by a multi-person team using the correct safety equipment to mark out a safe working area away from the public, and the correct tools for the job to install your project to the highest standards possible.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSON FOR MY SHOP FRONT SIGN?
Opening your own shop is an exciting step in your business journey. You’ve found the perfect premises, the next task is to put up your shop sign. But one question people often don’t consider is whether they need planning permission for their shiny new sign.
It is not widely known that it is a legal requirement that shop signs require planning permission to be displayed, but it is something every shop owner will need to obtain in order to display the sign they want.
Usually referred to as “advertisement consent”. The law requires standard non-illuminated signs larger than 0.3 metres squared to have planning permission to ensure they are safe and not a hazard to the public. There is no minimum size requirement for illuminated signs, as they all require planning permission due to the issues they could cause with neighbouring shops and passing traffic.
Your local county council is often responsible for managing the planning permissions for shop signs, and it will usually be them who decide whether shop signs will be permitted or not. Planning regulations administered by UK law can vary according to the location and other circumstances, so you should always check with your local authority to be certain of what permission your sign requires.
When applying for planning permission for a shop sign, there are a couple of key points that should be taken into consideration. Every sign must be clean, tidy, and kept in a safe condition. It must also be approved by the owner of the property/site where the sign is to be installed. Other considerations involve the sign’s proximity to other signs. Shop signs of any description are not allowed to obscure or in any way hinder the visibility of any neighboring signs, and public signs such as street names and other way-finding directional signs.
These considerations should be easy to adhere to for most shop signs, so they shouldn’t cause too much hassle. Your local council won’t go too much further into requiring further information beyond these main considerations as it is not in their interests to unnecessarily make it more difficult for local businesses to attract customers. As long as you keep your signs to a non-invasive size and make sure it looks professional, you shouldn’t have any issues obtaining the required planning permission. We are able to provide constructive advice when deciding on your sign’s design during the design process to ensure it meets the necessary requirements.
To enquire further about the rules on shop sign planning permissions, if you would like to request a quote on something specific, or simply would like to connect and see what options are available for your business. Drop us an email at sales@designitsignandprint.co.uk and we will be back in touch as soon as possible.
DO SIGNS COME IN STANDARD SIZES?
Smaller projects such as wall signs, road signs, and smaller printed items are available to be produced in standard sizes to suit their locations. However larger projects such as shop front signs, totem signs, and printed wall graphics would all be made to bespoke sizes for their required locations.
If you are confused about what size sign or print you need for your project, simply get in touch and we will do our best to help get things on the right track to provide a simple process and quote for you and your project.
WHICH FACTORS DETERMINE YOUR PRICING?
Many factors determine pricing for our signs and print solutions.
Where and how will the sign need to be installed? How many people will it take to install? Our fitting team comes fully equipped with scaffolding towers, however, if other equipment is required such as a cherry picker or scissor lift, these would all factor into the project cost.
Signs and print can be made to last different amounts of time. A temporary sign could be made with vinyl, however, a permanent sign would likely be made from composite, acrylic, metal, or wood, which are more expensive materials.
Different types and grades of material will alter the pricing, as well as the bespoke sizing for the products and how they will be installed. More material used on your project would mean more expense.
All of the above we can look at and resolve when surveying your project. We can consider all the above and can suit almost any budget with our sign and print solutions.
Simply get in touch today to discuss your project. Let’s have a chat and determine how we can help you, work out what best suits you, and create something visually stunning whatever budget you might find yourself on.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF MY SIGN?
Signs and printed items can be made to last different amounts of time.
A temporary sign could be made with vinyl, which has different grades and lifespans.
A permanent sign would likely be made from composite, acrylic, metal, or wood. The expected lifespan for a sign or print will vary based on whether it’s an indoor or outdoor based project, and vary on the materials used.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss what type of materials and products are right for your project, why not get in touch? We can have a chat to discuss your project’s requirements and match them to a product that will meet your needs for durability and sustainability.
CAN THESE TYPES OF SIGNS BE USED IN THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR?
Our signs and print solutions can be made to suit any environment, and we certainly love a challenge if you have something a little different.
Whether you want to establish your brand identity on the exterior of a building or connect with your clients through interior branding and wayfinding.
We have a wide range of materials, products, and machinery to provide the right solution for your brand and the project at hand.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE COMMONLY USED FOR SIGNS?
Working with you on your project, we can suggest and provide the most appropriate materials and solution based on the design and your project budget.
Materials used will vary per project but can include anything from composite, wood, acrylic, metal, stone, and glass. To other solutions such as vinyl, architectural films, paper, magnetics, and digital display solutions.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss what type of materials and products are right for your project, why not get in touch? We can have a chat to discuss your project’s requirements and match them to a product that will meet your needs for durability and sustainability
IF I HAVE SPECIAL COLOUR MATCHING NEEDS FOR MY BRAND, CAN YOU STILL HELP?
We can colour match any specific colour tones using our printers and carry your brand identity across our fantastic range of products with an in-house team of designers. If you want to extend your brand further through new signs and printed products, our friendly team can suggest and recommend the right signs and print solutions for your project. Get in touch today to get started.
CAN YOU MAINTAIN OUR BUSINESS IDENTITY AND BRAND THROUGH OUR PROJECT?
As a business that strives to push other businesses forward. We understand brand management and business identity more than most, to help you maintain brand integrity throughout. We can colour match any specific colour tones using our printers and carry your brand identity across our fantastic range of products with an in-house team of designers. If you want to extend your brand further through new signs and printed products, our friendly team can suggest and recommend the right signs and print solutions for your project. Get in touch today to get started.
CAN YOU DELIVER MY CUSTOM SIGN?
We are able to provide delivery directly to you for your smaller custom signs. If we are installing your signs, no delivery will be nesessary as we will bring them with us on your scheduled installation date.
HOW DO I SEND YOU MY ARTWORK?
Once you have completed the checkout process online, you are automatically re-directed to our artwork upload page. On this page, you will be able to upload your own designs/logos/images using WeTransfer.
Alternatively if you prefer, we are happy to accept artwork via emails, or Dropbox links.
ARTWORK GUIDE
You can supply us your artwork in any of these formats: EPS, PDF, AI, PSD. Although EPS or PDF are our preffered choices.
Please bear in mind we print all designs in CMYK, so colour shifts can occur when designs are supplied in RGB format.
Please convert all fonts to outlines.
For our standard PVC and roller banners we recommend not placing any critical artwork/text within 5cms of any edge. And a bleed of 25mm should be added to all edges.
DO YOU OFFER A DESIGN SERIVICE?
If you want to use our simple free design/layout service. Simply email us your design specification along with your order number and we shall send you a design proof for approval.
IF I HAVE SPECIAL COLOUR MATCHING NEEDS FOR MY BRAND, CAN YOU STILL HELP?
We will match colours as close as possible but as we print in CMYK, some print processes may result in slight colour changes. Colours will not always print exactly as they appear on your RGB computer monitor so please let us know if you have specific colour shades and we can do our best to help.
CAN I COLLECT MY ORDER FROM YOU?
Yes, we can arrange collections from our production unit. Please contact us after placing your order to arrange collection on a suitable day when your order is due to be complete.
CAN YOU POST DIRECTLY TO MY CUSTOMER?
Yes, we are happy to post your order direct to your customers in plain unbranded packaging. Simply let us know this when placing your order. All order invoices and details are kept seperate and sent directly to you via email.
HOW LONG DOES DELIVERY TAKE?
We aim to dispatch all orders within 2-3 working days. Larger orders may sometimes take longer, however if you are in a rush please contact us and we may be able to help.
Once ready to be dispatched, most orders will be put on a next working day courier service.
WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?
We aim to dispatch all our orders within 2-3 working days of receiving a completed and proof approved order.
If you need your order faster than this, we can do our best to help. But please contact us before completing your order.
WHAT WILL THE FINISHED PRODUCT LOOK LIKE?
With every order we will always send a digital proof that needs to be approved before we start printing your order.
HOW MANY EYELETS DO YOU PUT IN BANNERS?
As standard, we eyelet the banners in all four corners and then roughly every 50/60cms around all edges.
If you have specific requirements, please let us know.
HOW DO YOU TAKE PAYMENT?
We accept payment via credit/debit cards and bank transfers.
Full payment is required in advance of printing.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PACKAGE IS DAMAGED IN TRANSIT?
If on the rare occasion that your order has been damaged during transit. This must be reported immediately by signing the delivery note “Damaged on arrival”.
You will need to inspect your order immediately on delivery and if there are shortages or any problems at all with the order, you need to notify us within 24hrs after the time of delivery or we cannot be help responsible.
DO YOU OFFER A TRADE PRICED PRINT SERVICE?
Yes we do, please get in touch if you wish to enquire further.
VEHICLE GRAPHICS
WHY GET VEHICLE GRAPHICS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Vehicle graphics are one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing methods around. Seen by hundreds of eyes daily, whether it’s an impactful wrap or a more minimal approach. It is the perfect way to get your business noticed, whatever the budget.
WHY CHOOSE US TO APPLY GRAPHICS TO YOUR VEHICLE?
With the knowledge and know-how to work with you and find the best solution for your business. Get in touch to see how we can create a visually impactful design that suits you and your budget, which can turn your vehicle into the ultimate advertising machine.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
After a short discussion to work out what kind of design you have in mind and a budget that would suit your business. Our design team will get to work to create a visually impactful design. This design will be emailed and proofed with you so you can see a visual representation of what the design will look like before it’s installed on your vehicle. The design itself can be adjusted until you are happy to approve and allow us to get to work on the installation side of things.
WHAT COLOUR OR DESIGN CAN YOU APPLY TO MY VEHICLE?
Our design team can recreate any design or colour scheme you have in mind using a wide range of materials to suit the project. If you do not have an idea in mind, we can also come up with a design and layout for you which will suit your business and brand after a short discussion to find out your requirements and a budget you have in mind to give us an idea for vinyl coverage. You name it, we can design, create, and install it.
HOW LONG WILL THE DESIGN PROCESS TAKE?
The design process itself has no strict timeframe. Your design will be proofed with you via email, where you can suggest any amendments you would like us to make. It will take as long as it takes for your design to reach a place where you feel you are happy to approve it and are ready for us to start preparing your order ready for installation.
HOW LONG WILL THE INSTALLATION TAKE?
The installation time for vehicle graphics vary per project and the amount of vinyl that needs to be applied to your vehicle. Once your vehicle arrives we will clean the vehicle to remove any remaining oil, grease, and light road use. Then we will get to work on installing your vehicle graphics which includes the application process itself, as well as post-heating the graphics onto your vehicle to help them along with the adhesive process after application. This process as a whole usually takes us 1-2 days depending on your project, but we will clarify this through our communications with you, so you know exactly where your vehicle graphics are up to, and when your vehicle is ready for collection.
WHAT WILL THE FINISHED PRODUCT LOOK LIKE?
With every project we will always send a digital proof via email, this will show what your design will look like. And you may suggest any changes and alterations required, which we can work through until you are happy. We will only proceed with your vehicle graphics once we have full approval and you are ready for us to start preparing your order ready for installation.
CAN YOUR COLOUR MATCH VINYL TO MY VEHICLE?
We can print and create vinyl in literally any colour you can think of, however, please keep in mind that vinyl and vehicle bodywork is two different materials. If you are looking to cover up bodywork damage, vinyl may not be the solution for this as the textures and sheens of the two materials are different.
WHAT VEHICLE INFORMATION DO I NEED TO SEND TO GET STARTED?
We will clarify this through our communications with you but the basic information we need to get started is a set of photos of your vehicle, aswell as the following information:
– Make & model:
– Year:
– Reg Number:
– Colour of the vehicle:
– Wheelbase:
– Roof height? (Standard or High roof?)
– Sliding Doors? (Nearside or duel-sliding doors?)
– Rear doors (Tailgate or barn doors?)
– Any windows or obstructions on the sides or rear?
– Any additional notes or alterations made to the vehicle? (Slam locks as an example)
DROP OFF AND COLLECTION
You may drop your vehicle off early on the day of your installation, or if it works better with your schedule you may drop it off the day before your installation. This can also work well if we are expecting rain, which enables us to place your vehicle in the workshop overnight and keep it dry and ready for installation the next day. In most cases, your vehicle will be ready for collection the same or the next working day, but we will clarify this through our communication with you based on your exact project requirements.
DO I NEED TO CLEAN MY VEHICLE?
We ask that you make sure your vehicle is as clean as possible when it arrives. We understand if the weather is bad and that you will have to travel to us, so any light road wear and tear is fine. However, if your vehicle is obviously not suitably clean on arrival, we will charge extra for any time spent and materials used to clean it on your behalf which is highly likely to delay your vehicle graphic installation.
MY VEHICLE HAS BODYWORK DAMAGE, IS THIS STILL SUITABLE FOR VINYL GRAPHICS?
We can still apply graphics to rough bodywork, but please keep in mind that vinyl is not a fix or cover-up solution. Vinyl is a thin adhesive film that will cover bodywork marks, but any damage will still be visible through the vinyl. Some colours and finishes can also exaggerate damage to make it seem worse. Vinyl will not adhere to rusted areas or damaged/flaky paintwork, so we advise getting these issues sorted out professionally before going ahead with vinyl graphics. We are always happy to offer advice on this upon request and find a solution that will work best for your vehicle.
HOW LONG WILL VEHICLE GRAPHICS LAST?
The vinyl we use is all exterior vehicle grade which will not crack or fade, this vinyl varies in shelf life from 5-8 years. However, it is important to look after and clean your new vehicle graphics correctly so that you can enjoy them for the full term of their lifespan.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY VEHICLE GRAPHICS?
Please allow up to 2 weeks for your graphics to fully adhere to your vehicle before the first clean. We advise you not to use any form of jet sprays to clean your vehicle as this will damage them over time and may even remove the lettering and smaller graphics entirely. The best way to wash your vehicle is by hand with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Using a mild solvent and alcohol-free cleaner. After a complete wash and rinse, let the vehicle air dry. Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals. For more stubborn contaminants such as bug splatter and bird droppings, soak with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly. If you’re having trouble, try using a citrus-based cleaner. Or for the more extreme marks, a mixed water and isopropyl solution. Vinyl graphics may be run through car washes. Touchless car washes are the best for vinyl/graphic care. As the use of a brush may cause dulling/scratching and lifting toward the edges of the graphics.
HOW DO I BOOK IN?
Simply get in touch via email or phone and we can take it from there.
HOW DO I PAY?
Payment is done via an invoice, with a 50% upfront deposit and the rest being payable upon project completion and collection.
ARCHITECTURAL WRAPPING
WHY GET YOUR KITCHEN, FURNITURE OR OFFICE SPACE WRAPPED?
If you want to spruce up your home or office, our wraps will give your property a new and refreshed look at a fraction of the cost of a full refurb.
WHY CHOOSE US TO WRAP YOUR SPACE?
We are proud to offer a first class customer service and faultless installation without the mess and disruption a full refurm would cause you. Our expert wrap installers are trained to the highest level at the UK’s only 3M training centre.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
We provide a full wrapping service for your kitchen, furniture or commerical office environment. Once you have contacted us, we will discuss your requirements and ideas, then we can tailor a plan for you based on your particular budget and colour requirements.
WHAT KIND OF PREPARATION WORK IS INVOLVED?
We do most of the preparation work for the wrapping ourselves, but we would simply ask that you could have the work area cleared and cleaned to a reasonable degree before we arrive.
MY SPACE HAS DAMAGE ON THE UNITS OR DOORS, CAN THESE STILL BE WRAPPED?
We will always endeavour to fix any damage as best we can, but this is a refurbishment wrap and not a replacement service. All your expectations will hopefully be managed from our initial survey.
WHAT COLOUR CAN YOU WRAP MY KITCHEN, FURNITURE OR OFFICE SPACE?
We stock over 1000 different full colour and textured effect vinyls from the worlds leading manufactures such as Metamark, 3M and Cover Styl’. We can provide brochures and swatch samples at your request.
DO YOU STOCK ANY SPECIAL TEXTURED VINYL?
We stock the full range of Cover Styl’ architectural grade vinyl, the same brand used across hotel chains such as Best Western, Holiday Inn and Raddison Hotels. This brand includes a full range of metallic, glitter, natural stone, marble, wood grains and fabric textures. We can provide brochures and swatch samples at your request.
CAN YOUR COLOUR MATCH VINYL TO MY APPLIANCES?
We can colour match our wide range of coloured and textured vinyls to match your existing appliances and furnishings.
CAN YOU WRAP MY KITCHEN WORKTOPS?
Yes we can wrap your kitchen worktops and counters too as part of your kitchen refurb. With this being quite a high traffic area within a kitchen, we can advise on different materials to use and will provide information on the care required to ensure longevity.
HOW LONG WILL THE WRAP LAST?
Please allow up to 2 weeks for your graphics to fully adhere before the first clean.
We advise not to use any form of high pressure sprays to clean your wrap as this will damage them over time and may even remove curl the vinyl at the edges.
The best way to wash your vinyl wrap is by hand with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Using a mild solvent and alcohol-free cleaner. After a complete wash and rinse, let the vinyl wrap air dry.
HOW SAFE IS A KITCHEN, FURNITURE, OR OFFICE SPACE WRAP?
Our vinyl is flame-retardant and stain-resistant, keeping your furniture and property safe as well as looking good. All certification and safety guidelines can be supplied on request for larger fit-out projects so speak with our advisers to learn more.
HOW LONG WILL THE JOB TAKE?
This depends on the size and complexity of the project, but most jobs can be fully completed in anything ranging from 1-3 days. We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround times and as little downtime for your kitchen, furniture, or office space as possible.
HOW DO I BOOK IN?
Simply get in touch via email or phone and we can take it from there.
HOW DO I PAY?
Payment is done via an invoice, with a 50% upfront deposit and the rest being payable upon project completion.