Star Posts and Panels

Imagine yourself walking down a busy sidewalk lined with glass storefronts, each one battling the next for attention with bright displays of the latest products on the market. As you walk you notice a storefront up ahead with areas of the window carefully blocked from view with a cloudy film. With interest piqued you continue walking only to discover that as you approach the window, what was once a translucent mystery is now a perfectly clear view into yet another vivid retail display.

Such is the effect of Lumisty film a unique glass film which shifts transparency based on the angle at which it is viewed. Star recently began work for a project which will include the use of Lumisty® film and we couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity to work with this new and innovative material.

Lumisty® is a product of Glass Film Enterprises and has already gained popularity for its versatility and dynamic visual effect. In settings such as offices or banks, Lumisty® offers a degree of privacy to those on the inside without completely blocking out the outside world. In retail, restaurant, and other such settings the opportunities to add visual interest to an ordinary glass window or partition are endless.

Star is looking forward to getting our hands on Lumisty®, and can’t wait to see first-hand what a transformational effect it can produce on glass. Expect a full follow-up review post-install, complete with pictures! In the meantime, here are a few images of Lumisty® in action, and you can also check out videos of it in full effect on the Lumisty® website.

Lawrence is getting a new natural food store on 23rd Street and we were there to add the finishing touch to the buildings exterior. The Grocers sign supplier hired us to take care of the local install.

Did you ever think about needing a permit when you order a sign? All cities have a sign ordinance that must be followed.  Many clients are not aware that the sign installer must obtain a sign permit from the city by first submitting a sign permit application.   The process is similar to obtaining a building permit.

• Wall Signs require a submittal of a full elevation drawing of the building. Showing the sign in place, as well as the total square footage of the sign.  Most cities like Lawrence, KS for example allow the sign to be 10% of the total square footage of the wall; some cities only allow 5%.
• Monument signs are treated differently.  There is a maximum height from grade as well as square footage that is allowable per city.  Lawrence allows a monument sign of 60 sq ft and 12 ft tall in C5 commercial zoning.  In some zones, you must have a minimum amount of overall acreage in order to put up a monument.
• Illuminated signage and awnings are also regulated.  Awnings for example cannot have a logo that exceeds 50% of the total area of the awning.

It is possible to apply for a variance and appear before the broad of zoning appeals if you wish to install a sign that does not meet the cities requirements.  This process usually takes more time and money.

Checklist to Consider Prior to Applying for a Sign Permit:

1. Be familiar with the zoning and regulations of the area you are working in.
2. Have a good site plan, which shows acreage, property lines and setbacks.
3. Have a full elevation drawing of the building.
4. Show where the signs are to be placed on the elevation drawing.
5. Most of all make sure you’re licensed in the town you’re working in.  Or give Star Signs a call and we’ll take care of it for you.

In almost all cases the lifespan of a digital print can be extended with some type of laminate. The costs for lamination are relatively minimal and typically will be a great investment to extend the life of digitally printed products. Laminates come in a variety of forms that serve a wide array of purposes. Always consider the following when choosing an over laminate for your signs and graphics:

• Installation type
• Print type
• Location
• Desired finish

The most common type of laminate used on digital prints is a roll laminate. This type of laminate is typically used on digital print media like adhesive vinyl, rolled pvc sheeting, or even paper prints. The desired result from most laminates is to increase the UV stability of the print. Most un-laminated solvent prints or roll to roll prints will typically last 2-3 years. A laminated solvent print should have a 5 year minimum lifespan under normal conditions with the addition of a UV laminate. Liquid laminates can be applied to flatbed prints which are digital graphics printed directly on some type of flat ridge stock, such as: aluminum, plastics, glass or painted surfaces of all types. Liquid laminates offer many of the same benefits as roll laminate but is the ideal choice for flatbed prints. There are a handful of other reasons to use over laminates outside of extending the life of your digital prints, including:

• Vandal resistance with a hard coat or chemical resistant laminate
• Fully encapsulating prints with laminate on 2 sides for waterproofing. This is most commonly used on paper prints.
• Dry erase laminates can be used if the end user wants to be able to update information on the surface.
• Matte, satin, or high gloss laminates to create the desired finish of the print.

Laminates should not be used on banners or any print that does not require a long lifespan. In instances where a marketing image will change on an annual basis laminates can still be used to add a desired finish, but would not be necessary to achieve the desired lifespan. Be sure to speak with your printer prior to ordering graphics and print work to ensure that you get the correct product or combination of products that will meet your needs and expectations every time.

As you all probably know, a tornado went through St. Louis on Friday, 4/21. The tornado came within a mile of Jeanna Stoll’s house – so we are thankful she is safe and sustained no damage to her property. Much of the area around the airport was heavily damaged. Star Signs has installed quite a few signs at the airport and surrounding parking lots. To our surprise, the tall pylon signs at the Cypress Parking Lot withstood the EF4 tornado!  Not to brag, but do we build a good sign or what!

Star Signs recently completed fabrication and installation of a new monument sign for Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church on Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, KS.   The sign incorporates an electronic message center from Watchfire allowing the church to post service times, events, and welcome visitors.    Michael Schmidt was our account manager for this project.    Sign looks great – customer is very happy!

Star Signs LLC is proud to announce the launch of our new website!

Please visit www.starsignsllc.com to view updated information on our companyalong with photos and videos of our recent projects.

Welcome to Star Signs New Website!