An Introduction to Vinyl Printing

 A signage and branding entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience, Mike Loftus serves as the president of MLE Merchandising and Sign Solutions in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois. Since founding the company in Elmhurst, IL, in 2002, Mike Loftus has overseen all final decisions on signage and vinyl printing.

Digital vinyl printing is copying a digital image onto a vinyl sheet. Vinyl is light, durable, works with many types of printers, and generates high-resolution images with quality dye. Companies often use printed vinyl products for indoor and outdoor promotion and marketing. Examples include stickers on vehicles and banners in exhibition spaces.

What makes vinyl printing appealing is its durability and affordability. Vinyl is waterproof and stands up to the adverse effects of extreme weather, from heat to cold. When combined with scratch-resistant ink, a printed vinyl banner or sign can remain in good condition outdoors for years. Depending on the digital printing technology, vinyl products can display photo-quality images. Vinyl products are cost-effective compared to several other digital printing techniques.

How Directional Signage Works

 As the president of the Elmhurst, IL-based MLE Merchandising and Sign Solutions, Mike Loftus oversees the company's divisions, finances, and operations. The firm’s services also extend to the Chicago area. Products that MLE provides under Mike Loftus’s supervision includes interior and exterior signage for corporations, retailers and hospitality service providers throughout Elmhurst.

Wayfinding signs are a critical part of most facilities. They can be broken down into four types: identification, to label specific areas and features; directional, such as arrow signs; informational, which provide more details about a facility; and regulatory, which control access and enforce safety measures. Of these, directional signage can come in a variety of forms, often using icons and colors to expand the reach of their messaging.

Directional signs focus on guiding visitors and personnel to various areas in a facility. For instance, airport signs point travelers to different gates from where they can access their flights. This is particularly vital in a high-traffic area where most visitors are not familiar with the layout; the signage serves mapping purposes while people are on the go. These range from plaques with labels, to arrows on the floor or walls, to color-coordinated markings for certain needs.

One of the prerequisites of effective directional signage is that it is continuous. In a mall, for instance, a single arrow or sign directing one to the elevators or exit will not be sufficient as one navigates multiple corridors and corners. Placing multiple signs at visible locations along a route helps the user see whether or not they are on the right track.