What materials go into a sign?
THE BASIC SIGN:
Most interior ADA signs are composed of a base plate, raised tactile letters and/or graphics, and braille beads. ADA guidelines require that the signs have a matte or non-glare finish. This is to ensure viewability from many angles.
The base plate can be made of different materials but most commonly is a matte acrylic (or eggshell & non-glare) . The tactile portion is typically made from modified acrylic ( the lettering & icons of the man, woman, child, & wheelchair icon in the images below).
The braille beads are also modified acrylic.
Photopolymer and thermoplastic braille signs use different acrylics but are also non-glare.
Thicknesses can vary. ADA rules have requirements for the tactile portion-minimum 1/32'' thick, braille-.025-.037
Substrates can vary in thickness and some rules require a 1/4'' combined thickness. Contrast with the tactile portion being the main requirement in the ADA guidelines.
BEYOND THE BASIC SIGN:
While staying within the ADA rules and guidelines, you can still create a very attractive sign.
While maintaining correct letter style, height, spacing from braille, etc. might seem like a lot of constrictions, the guidelines don't restrict creativity.
Using a combination of layers, colors, substrates, laminates, and decorative hardware, unlimited variety is achievable.
I will give just one example here. The images above were for an office building. Simple wall mount restroom signs. Six elements were used to create a clean but sophisticated sign. The bottom light gray panel matched accent colors used on the buildings' interior walls. The lettering color matched painted interior trim. The wood grain laminate was used throughout the building's interior. Finally the small strip at the top has a sub-surface digital image that was created to add an accent and unify all the interior signs, the colors varying by floor.
We have many other examples of attractive design solutions to match any budget. Go to the Contact us page for a free consultation.
