Signage

[Sir Simon]

So I now have built my G scale outdoor buildings which are good but lacking detail.

I would like to know if anyone has some good idea's on what is the best way to make or even buy custom signage which looks authentic, detailed and stand up to the weather the world can throw at it.

For example I have built a  store and need the sign above the shop window to say  "Book shop"r"

I live in Texas so it will get rather hot come the summer.

Any idea's would be appreciated.

Thank you

Simon

 

 

 

[DennisB]

I use the vinyl letters available from Staples. They come in 1/2" up to 2" in height. They are very durable and stand up to the elements. Regards, Dennis.

[ttrigg]

For realistic advertising signage:

Do a Google search for "antique signs" and "classic signs". About a third of what you find is NOT in the public domain and cannot be used for commercial reasons, the rest are fair game. Save the ones you like to your hard drive. Stop by your local office supply store and pick up a pack of transparencies (alongside the mailing labels (Avery or Great White brands). (These are used in "Vue-Graph" slides) While you are there swing over to the glue section, you are looking for Elmer’s Spray Adhesive, it says right there on the label it will not cause colors to run. The transparencies have a smooth side and a "rough" side, print on the rough side. Size the picture of the sign you want and print it "backwards" on the rough side of the transparency. Cut it out with a wide margin, along with a piece of clear same size. Spray a light coat of Elmer’s over the printed surface and attach the clear piece rough side to rough side. Allow the glue to set about half-hour or so, then trim to the size required and build a "frame" as needed. On signs where I want white as a primary color I substitute a piece of white styrene for the second piece of transparency.

For custom storefront names, station names etc.

Use your favorite art/graphics software (Print Shop etc.) to design your sign then print as above.

Option 2:

Micro Mark sells clear and white, wet transfer decal material. You can use either color laser or ink jet printers. Hint: seriously, give the spray sealer ample time to dry (I didn’t the first time). This will allow you to put the sign on a wood surface and allow the wood grain to show through.

[Jerry Barnes]

 You can also get ink jet vinyl, print on it, then hit it with a UV spray(Krylon has one), stick them on.