TAX DEDUCTIBLE SIGNS FOR END OF FINANCIAL YEAR

Any business needing some sort of signage for should consider engaging a sign writer prior to the financial year end. All business signs are tax deductible. Paying for signs prior to E.O.F.Y. will help reduce your taxable liabilities. At this time most businesses have had a down turn in trade. Many businesses have had little or no income generation with major financial losses.

PREPARING FOR WHEN BUSINESS TRADE INCREASES

Now is the time for businesses to prepare as the economy starts to pick up. Sydney business owners should consider what sorts of signs will be needed. Here’s a list of sign items that are a basic necessity to make your business look professional. Remember, the right kind of signs will convey to customers that they are dealing with a professional company or individual. So its important to have the best looking signs for whatever your budget allows.

TYPES OF SIGNS YOU NEED FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Exterior Signage – This includes sign panels and fabricated signs. Hand painted lettering and designs are a good option for any large wall areas.

3D letters always look good when used for signage. They are a premium option that gives maximum impact. They are durable and suitable for exterior walls, awnings and interior reception areas. Usually acrylic is used to fabricate 3 D lettering however cheaper options such as 3D foam can be used also.

Lightboxes are used under awnings or mounted to walls and roof tops. Lightboxes are a 24/7 sign option as they can be seen day and night.

Movable signs include Aframes, flags, banners, grass spike signs. These types of signs are also good for point of sale promotions.

Interior signage includes reception signs, directional signs, window frosting and decals. Vinyl cut lettering can be used for just about any application.

Hand painted signs including murals and designs make a big impact to the look of your premises when used on a large scale. They are also extremely long lasting with a seemless look.

OHS and Safety Signs. Safety is an important issue when running a business. Health issues must be complied with. Customers and staff need to be notified if any areas are unsafe or have potential safety risks. With the previous covid 19 issues, businesses needed warning signs and directional signage displayed. These needed to be easily seen or businesses risked heavy fines. These type of signs should be located in prominent areas around your business premises. Customers needed to be notified that their movement was restricted and only certain numbers are allowed in any one area. Social distancing and cleaning issues need to be advertised clearly.

All businesses need vehicle signage.

Signage can be applied to cars, vans, utes, trucks, trailers and heavy machinery such as excavators.

This includes vinyl decals, vehicle wraps and magnetic signs.  

Trades such as builders need site signs and safety signs. These include sign panels, corflute signs and banners.

Line marking and Stencilling. Lines are spray painted. Lettering and logos are stencilled onto car park areas.

SIGNAGE IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE FOR ALL BUSINESSES.

Signs and branding are tax deductible for all types of clubs and community groups. Sports clubs, Co Ops, Charity groups, Social groups can all benefit from advertising their brand and claiming the advertising expense. This may be branding the club trailer, vehicle, boats, surf skis, paddle boards, bikes, golf carts etc. You probably want your name on the club house for identification. You want to recognise your highest achievers by adding their names to your honour boards. All the protective equipment and ground items can be branded with your logo and colours also. This helps with security and theft issues.  Anything you get your sign writer to work on is tax deductible.

SIGNAGE EXPERTS

We can help you with any type of signage you need. Get in contact today.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Absolute Sign Solutions supply and install shopfront signs for all types of businesses in the Sydney area. We can paint over existing signs, reface the signs with vinyl overlays or make brand new sign boards which are long lasting and durable. Our sign writers also do hand painted signs as well as decals (long lasting stickers) to glass shopfronts.  Glass panels can be given added privacy with frosted privacy film. Frosted film is applied in sheets, cut to shape or used for cut lettering and logos. Privacy film can also be printed on with a large format printer giving you any type of pattern or decoration for your office areas.

We can help you with creative sign solutions. Absolute Sign Solutions give great personal service and we work to your budget. Our sign makers have over 30 years experience in the signage industry.

CLIENT BRIEF

A  Sydney based physiotherapy clinic has a studio in Curl Curl on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. A shop front renovation is needed with new signs that will be easily noticed and long lasting. Absolute Sign Solutions did an onsite inspection. Measurements were taken and a new design was mocked up for sign writing. The sign proof was then forwarded to the client for approval. This location is a busy road where thousands of people drive by every day. Therefore the hand painted message needed to be easily read and strategically positioned on the wall to maximise the view as you drive down the hill.

HOW SIGNS ARE DONE

We do as much preparation as possible prior to going on site. This includes layouts, measurements, checking OHS and traffic issues and communicating with the client so everything runs like clock work. The wall sign was all hand painted using brushes by our signwriters. The wall was very rough (see detail), therefore it needed someone with skill to achieve a good result.

However this is no problem for an experienced signwriter.

Hand painting always gives you the best outcome for a long lasting wall sign. No other method will work as well on a rough surface. The only other sign option is using sign panels. These are produced and then installed to the surface of the wall. However this can be costly. The life of the sign panels would probably be less than the hand painted signs, therefore not as cost effective. Another advantage of hand painted signs is that they can be touched up or recoated if needed any time in the future. To recoat the hand painted sign is cost effective. Alternatively sign panels need to be removed and replaced with new ones when past their use by date. Another thing worth considering is that the customer often prefers the look of a hand painted finish as it becomes and looks like ‘part of the wall’.

WHAT A SIGN WRITER DOES

A traditional sign writer hand paints just about anything.

These include

• One off signs
• Lettering in any type of font style
• Replicating logos
• Stylised artwork and designs
• Photo realistic signs and images
• A professional sign writer trained in brush art can create anything!

DEMONSTRATION

Check out our sign writer creating a hand made timber sign for one of our clients

 

THE VALUE OF HAND PAINTED SIGNS

• Hand painted signs are great value considering how long they last. Customers always comment on the value of a ‘sign written’ sign.
• Painted signs have lots of character. They can be exact or very rustic depending on the customers requirements.
• When hand painted, the sign actually becomes part of the wall or the surface they are sign written on.
• Hand done signs last.
• Hand painted sign writing can be applied to virtually any type of surface
  

  TYPES OF APPLICATIONS FOR HAND PAINTED SIGNS

  Hand painted signs are becoming more popular. Food and beverage businesses such as cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars ask for hand painted signwriting.  Traditionally trained signwriters are often engaged to hand paint menu boards, price lists, signs and wall murals. There is also a trend for boutique shops and small businesses to engage sign writers to hand paint signs that are more original, rustic and organic. Hand painted signs give a more personal touch making them perfect for events, weddings and special occasions

  Our Signwriters create all signs inhouse. We give you high quality and long lasting sign writing for your business. We can design or replicate any type of logo, image or design. Our sign writers have over 30 years of experience in all types of traditional hand painting as well as the other types of signage.

Get in touch today

HOW TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS USING SIGNAGE.

Any business whether old or new has been find it tough financially over the last few years.  Covid-19 virus crippled many businesses. Many small businesses shut down and never got going again. The Government is forced many businesses to close for an undetermined time.  Unemployment is increasing rapidly. Its having a drastic effect on the economy. Some business people are lucky enough to have some work still coming through the doors. If that applies to you then you need to make sure all potential customers know you what service or products you provide.

If your business is in dire straights with not enough work coming in to cover your costs, then you may need a boost to help you generate some new customers.

EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING OPTIONS

Signage is one of the few types of advertising that features an initial one off cost. This makes any type of sign exceptionally good value. However it needs to be done correctly by a good signwriter. The right kind of signage will convey to customers exactly what type of business they are dealing with. So its important to have the best looking signs for whatever your budget. Types of signs that are cost effective include aframes, banners, site signs, corflute signs, sign panels and simple shopfront signs. You can’t beat the ROI of these types of low cost signs. Your sign will give you years of advertising 24/7. Best thing is the sign was a one off low cost.

Other types of effective business promotion including adwords, or anything online. However these types of advertising have an ongoing monthly cost. It can be difficult to measure the success of online marketing and often you need an expert to help you navigate what to do and where to target customers.

Other promotional tools include advertising in local newspapers, radio and television. These are expensive and ongoing in cost. Advertising in trade journals, school magazines, sports club publications, catalogues and brochures can be quite expensive as well and the ROI is hard to qualify. Direct mail, Yellow pages and White pages have been around forever, but again it can be difficult to analyse how good the return is from these types of advertising?

Summarising – Business owners only need to invest a minimal amount of money to get their business looking good. Get your shop front painted and sign written. Have your vehicles branded. You now have 24/7 advertising.  These will last you for years without any additional or on going costs.

SIGNAGE IDEAS TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Here’s a few signage ideas that won’t cost you the earth to help you generate new business.

A frame signs – are cost effective and can be positioned outside your premises 24/7. Potentially this catches thousands of cars passing everyday. Otherwise the aframe signs will be seen by hundreds of foot traffic customers as they pass your work place. Aframes are popular for retail stores. Trades people use a frames as movable site signs. Aframes are effectively used outside for sports signs and personal trainers.

Another cheap and mobile type of sign is a grass spike sign. These can be easily positioned anywhere in grass and garden beds.

BANNERS AND FLAGS

Banners are one of the most versatile types of signage. Banners can be permanent or temporary. They are an easily movable promotional tool for your business. Banners can be cable tied to a fence, tied to a tree or hung from a building. Banners are really cost effective and can be easily rolled up to store away when not in use.

Another type of promotional sign is a printed teardrop flag. These can be used with ground spikes into grass or garden beds. Alternatively teardrop flags are attached to a wall with a bracket or used on concrete with a stand. Teardrops come in four sizes.

CORFLUTE SITE SIGNS

Builders and all trades need identification, safety and promotion signage. Corflute signs are durable, long lasting and very cost effective. Site signs can be attached to any fence or wall. Site signs can also be used with grass spikes and placed in the lawn or garden bed.

TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR BUSINESS IMAGE

You may have some spare time if your business has slowed down? Have you considered a face lift to make your premises look more relevant and a going concern?

Without spending big dollars you could redo the signwriting on your shop front so it looks nice and fresh.  New looking signs will attract attention and be inviting to potential customers. Your local signwriter can do any of the following to upgrade your business image. Awnings, shopfront walls, window signage, reception signs, car park signs, and light box signs. Your carpark may need new lines and your company logo so customers know where to park their vehicles.

HANDPAINTED SIGNS

Hand painted signs give great value to businesses. Signwriting gives something thats different or original. Hand painting or sign writing is a better alternative for painted surfaces such as rough walls, interior gyprock walls. Signwriting on glass shopfronts is a great alternative for promotional and window sale signs. Hand signwriting is also sought after by shopping centres, cafes, restaurants. Owners of B&B’s and country properties want hand painted signage. Hand painted signs have a certain ‘look’ which gives more character and an ‘old world’ feel which is more organic. Its hard to get the same result with printed and plastic vinyl signs. Here’s some examples of business owners using their downtime to get their premises looking good and ready for when things pick up again. These are all examples of clients wanting a bespoke job giving them the ‘right look’ for their image and customer base. Please click on the link for Puddleduck, Woolworths, La Trattoria and Featherdale Wildlife Park for Hand painted signs

WALL SIGNS

Entry signs include all types of sign panels. Panels can be mounted off the wall to give more impact.

RECEPTION SIGNS

Reception signs can be as simple as flat panels mounted onto the wall. Alternatively a more upmarket look can be achieved by using 3D letters. These are often routed or laser cut and custom sprayed to match pantone colours. The 3D letters can then be glued to the wall. Various thickness are available between 3mm and 50mm thick.

USING MOTOR VEHICLES TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

You can have signage on your car, ute, van, truck or trailer. You can have your logo and business details sign written in a simple way or if you have a bigger budget you can cover the whole vehicle. Here’s a few examples –

SIGNAGE EXPERTS

Absolute’s Sign Shop can help you with any type of signage need. Get in contact today.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Absolute Sign Solutions supply and install shopfront signs for all types of businesses in the Sydney area. We can paint over existing signs, reface the signs with vinyl overlays or make brand new signboards which are long lasting and durable. Our sign writers also do hand painted signs and decals to glass shopfronts.  Glass panels can also be given added privacy with frosted privacy film. Frosted film can be applied in sheets, cut to shape or we can cut lettering and logos. Privacy film can also be printed on. This gives you any type of pattern or decoration for your office areas.

We can help you with creative sign solutions. We work to your budget and our sign makers have over 30 years experience in the signage industry.

Aframe Signage

Aframe signs are one of the most cost effective ways to advertise your business and services. A frames are lightweight, easily transported and can be positioned anywhere. Aframe signs are the perfect medium to advertise your products or direct customers to your store. They make a good site sign for tradies. Aframes make great welcome signs. They are effective to use for entry and exit signs and also warning signage – OHS.

Types of Aframes

A frames are made from metal or wood. The most common sizes are 900mm x 600mm and 1200mm x 900mm. However custom sizes can be fabricated, such as 1800mm x 1200mm or even larger.

Metal Aframes

 Metal aframes are robust and very durable. They come in a powder coated finish and with two handles. Metal aframes have a solid metal face that can be printed on or covered with vinyl cut graphics. Insertable aframes are another alternative. They are designed so panels can be inserted into the frame and easily removed also. This gives flexibility when messages need to be changed.

           

Timber A frames

Timber aframes are made to suit your requirements. They are finished with laquer, stain or varnish. The frame can also be made with bare timber to give it a it a more rustic look. Timber aframes are great for cafes, restaurants, boutiques and promotional events. Because they are custom made, any size is available.

           

Insertable Aframes

This aframe example below is a combination of both a hand painted timber sign that is then slotted into a metal frame. The metal frame is robust and protects the timber insert. It has the character of hand painted timber and the durability of the metal frame. An excellent form of advertising.

TYPES OF HONOUR BOARDS USED IN CLUBS

Honour boards are used by all types of clubs and institutions. They recognise members achievements or contributions to their community. There are usually different categories. Some examples are Presidents, Life members, Secretary, Treasurer. These are the people who run the club and make decisions for the members. Then there are other examples such as best sports people, top point scorers, top sales persons.

These honourboards are updated each year by a signwriter.

WHO USES HONOUR BOARDS

Honourboards are placed in a common area inside the club or wall of the club house. Types of clubs using honour boards are sporting clubs, academic clubs and educational clubs. Other examples of these are Scout groups, Girl Guides, Bridge Clubs, Surfboard riding clubs, Gardening Clubs.

TRADITIONAL HONOUR BOARDS

Traditional honour boards include laquered and stained timber boards. These are often finished with elaborate edging and mouldings. Traditional honour boards are either finished with gold leaf lettering or gold contour cut vinyl letters. RSL clubs, Bowling clubs and Private schools are examples of institutions that demand proper gold leaf finishes. This is due to gold leafs high quality and very traditional look. Gold leaf is also the longest lasting of any lettering. Alternatively metallic gold vinyl cut letters are more cost effective but are long lasting but only if quality cast vinyl is used.

Absolute Sign Solutions make quality timber honour boards. These are finished with hand painted gold leaf lettering and decorations.

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Budget boards are also available. These are made from composite materials or perspex. These budget honour boards are cost effective but very good quality.

OTHER TYPES OF HONOUR BOARDS

Vinyl lettering is used for all honour boards when hand painting is not required or specified by the customer.  Composite materials are used to give honour boards a more contemporary look.

These include the following:

• Acrylic, also known as perspex. Different colours as well as 3mm to 20mm in thickness can be used.
• Aluminium composite sheets give you a variety of 2 pack baked enamel colours. Also available are brushed silver, gold, bronze and copper finishes.
• By using modern materials you can be creative. Pre painted materials can also be more cost effective.

Every honour board is made from high quality materials. Our experienced sign writers will discuss your needs and give recommendations for what type of board will work best for your situation. We then custom make our honour boards to suit the customers requirements.

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What makes a good sign writer?

When looking for an experienced sign writer there are a few things you should consider. Firstly today most sign shops have sign makers, not sign writers. Signwriters do hand painted signs so you should establish that you are dealing with a traditionally trained sign writer. Otherwise here’s a few tips on what you should look for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There should not be any surprises with the sign business you engage. You should be confident your sign person can deliver!

Things to look out for when buying signs

• How much experience has the sign person and how long have they been in the industry.
• What do reviews say and what clients would recommend them.
• Can the sign writer guarantee a quality product
• What type of printers and media do they use to create your signs.

Different printers give different results

Some new print technology won’t last as long as older print methods. Here are some examples:

Where UV prints have been used – see photos 1 and 2. Now compare these to our own workshop sign – photo 3. All these 3 signs were installed to an exterior wall at the same time, You can see the UV prints (1 and 2) are failing badly after only a few years where as our sign has vibrant colours and is still in ‘like’ new condition.

It comes down to using the right print technology for the right application. Again experienced sign writers should’nt leave you with an inferior product. 

Quality printers and media for signage

Eco solvent printers are low emission. We use Eco Solv for our outdoor production. Combined with premium quality SAV media and UV laminates our signs can last twice the life of UV prints. The colours are very sharp and vibrant. The most popular finish for signs is a satin laminate. Alternatively a matte finish laminate is another popular choice.

Paints and sign products used to create your signs

For over 20 years we have used the same premium paint and sign products to create quality signs for our clients. This means you will get a quality sign created with durable media that has passed the test of time.

Of course some jobs need to be as cheap as possible and only need to last a few days or so. We custom make all our sign products to meet our customers needs.

Many of our new customers don’t really know exactly what type of signage or sign writing service they require to create their new signs. We advise exactly what type of signs will suit your requirements. Two considerations are durability and cost. Our sign experts will look at your budget and recommend what will be the best sign solution for you. We provide all types of signage such as large digital prints, SAV decals and vinyl cut stickers. One of our areas of expertise is traditional hand painted signwriting. This includes murals and also signs and designs with different paint finishes. All our sign writers have over 30 years experience in the sign industry so you know you will get the right advice for your next signage project.

HAND PAINTED MURALS IN INDIA

There are many high quality and detailed hand painted murals in India.

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

On a recent trip it was inspirational to see how almost all murals and even signs for hotels, restaurants and shops are hand painted.

There are a lot of printed signs, mostly in the bigger cities however the hand painted work is what really stands out.

These murals are all hand painted on stone walls. Access is by basic bamboo scaffolding which is tied together by hand.

The quality of the work is excellent with many hours needed to achieve the detail in each example

At Absolute Sign Solutions we sign write murals on rough walls or textured surfaces. Typically these types of walls are not suitable for ‘stick on’ types of signage? We have in house signwriters that can hand paint the highest quality lettering and graphics. Absolute Sign Solutions can paint letters and stylised images onto gyprock walls right through to a textured cement render wall or brick walls. Our signwriters have over 25 years of experience in all types of traditional handpainted signwriting as well as the other types of signage. Call us for a competitive quote.

Hand painted Signwriting on buildings

Hand painted signwriting is a specialised field. There are only a few businesses in Sydney able to offer a proper signwriting service. These days sign writers are needed for remedial work and sign painting on older buildings. Do you need to restore old fashioned sign writing? Maybe you have a heritage listed building and are required to retain the original look of the hand painted signs. There are many areas in Australia that have been either heritage listed or have a local authority policing what can and cannot be done. This makes it challenging when restoring or making additions to buildings. One example of a governing body is the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. This entity governs areas around Sydney harbour such as ‘The Rocks’. The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood region dating back to the first settlers from England. Any work on buildings in this area is closely monitored by the Foreshore Authority. The Orient Hotel is a fine example with an historical date of one hundred and seventy five years old.

Old Heritage Buildings

The old buildings in this area need constant maintenance and upgrades. Any remedial work needs to follow strict guidelines so that the ‘old character’ of these heritage listed structures is not lost or compromised. Vinyl stickers or any type of SAV (self adhesive vinyl) are prohibited. Printed signs and stickers are also disallowed. Therefore to keep the original look, all names and advertising must be handpainted by brush with enamel paint. The signwriter will often finish the letters with a pure gold sheet. This is know as guilding which gives a long lasting decorative finish to hand painted signs.

Using experienced signwriters

Absolute Sign Solutions was engaged to re sign write three sides of the building whilst maintaining the original look and character of the signwriting.

Our team of highly skilled sign writers painted three areas of the hotels exterior walls with the words ORIENT HOTEL.

Meeting deadlines for the client

The sign writing job was marked as urgent. The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority needed the hotel looking good for its 175th birthday celebrations.

Qualified sign experts

An expert sign writer that’s traditionally trained can duplicate or create any type of sign with paint and brush.

Get in contact

If you need a specialised type of sign contact us today

info@absolutesigns.com.au

NEW SIGNS FOR START UP BUSINESSES

Any new business requires signage for identification and marketing. The right kind of signage conveys to customers what type of business they are dealing with. So its important to have the best looking signs for whatever your budget. Types of signs needed include:

ENTRY SIGNAGE

Entry signs include all types of sign panels. In this example the panels are mounted off the wall to give more impact. alternatively signs can also be hand painted directly to a flat wall.

RECEPTION SIGNS

Reception signs can be as simple if the clients budget is small. Logos can be painted directly to wall or printed onto flat panels and mounted to wall. Alternatively a more upmarket look can be achieved by using 3D letters. Custom letters routed or laser cut and sprayed to match pantone colours. The 3D letters are then be glued to the wall. Various thickness are available for laser cut acrylic, between 3mm and 50mm thick.

FROSTED WINDOW SIGNS

Frosted film is be used for both privacy and signage. Frosted film is cut to make letters and logos. Another option is vinyl cut film. This is available in any colour and applied over a frosted background. If you prefer a more transparent look then printed frosting illuminates with light and has more of a stained glass effect.

SIGNAGE EXPERTS

Absolute Sign Solutions can help you with any type of signage need. Get in contact today.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Absolute Sign Solutions supply and install shopfront signs for all types of businesses in the Sydney area. We can paint over existing signs, reface the signs with vinyl overlays or make brand new signboards which are long lasting and durable. Our sign writers also do hand painted signs and decals to glass shopfronts.  Glass panels can also be given added privacy with frosted privacy film. Frosted film can be applied in sheets, cut to shape or we can cut lettering and logos. Privacy film can also be printed on giving you any type of pattern or decoration for your office areas.

We can help you with creative sign solutions. We work to your budget and our sign makers have over 25 years experience in the signage industry.

NEW SIGNS NEEDED QUICKLY

Federal Member Elect, Zali Steggall needed new shopfront signs for her new office in Manly on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. The existing signs were from Tony Abbot, the former long standing Member of Parliament for Warringah. There was a lot of media interest and the contest for votes was well documented in the tabloids. Reporters were keen to document the changing of the guard at the ministerial office in Manly. As the signage was changed by our signwriters, the media took photos and videos. There was also a lot of public interest for 6.30am on a week day.

day.https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSsydney/videos/340169519981958/?t=13

HOW TO CHANGE OLD SIGNS

The existing signs were over 10 years old and needed to be upgraded. We refaced the double sided under awning sign. This made it look like new. The glass sign above the door was also updated with Zali Steggall’s name and details.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Absolute Sign Solutions supply and install shopfront signs for all types of businesses in the Sydney area. We paint over existing signs, reface the signs with vinyl overlays or make brand new signboards which are long lasting and durable. Our sign writers also do hand painted signs and decals to glass shopfronts.  Glass panels can also be given added privacy with frosted privacy film. Frosted film can be applied in sheets, cut to shape or we can cut lettering and logos. Privacy film can also be printed on giving you any type of pattern or decoration for your office areas.

We can help you with creative sign solutions. We work to your budget and our sign makers have over 25 years experience in the signage industry.