Acrylic – A clear or colored plastic used for sign faces and letters, known for its durability and weather resistance.

ADA Signs – Signs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; typically include braille and raised characters.

Aluminum – Lightweight, rust-proof metal commonly used for exterior signs.

Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) - a lightweight, durable, and versatile material composed of two sheets of aluminum bonded to a core material, often a polyethylene (PE) core.

Backlit Sign – A sign that is illuminated from behind, often using LEDs or fluorescent lights.

Banner – A flexible sign typically made from vinyl or fabric, used for temporary or portable signage.

Blade Sign – A sign mounted perpendicular to a building, projecting out for visibility from the street.

Cabinet Sign – A box-like sign structure with internal lighting and a sign face, often used for storefronts.

Channel Letters – 3D letters, often illuminated, that are mounted individually to a wall or raceway.

Contour Cut – Cutting a sign material along the edge of a printed graphic or design, often used in decals and vinyl graphics.

Die Cut – Custom-shaped cuts typically used for stickers, vinyl, or foam letters.

Dimensional Letters – Non-illuminated letters made from materials like acrylic, PVC, or metal, mounted with standoffs or flush to a surface.

Directional Signage – Signs that provide navigation, such as wayfinding systems in buildings or campuses.

Electronic Message Center (EMC) – A digital sign that can display changing text or graphics, often LED-based.

Engraving – A method of cutting or carving a design into a surface, used for nameplates, tags, or ADA signs.

Face – The front panel of a sign, which displays the graphics or message.

Flat Cut-Out Letters – Letters cut from flat material (e.g., aluminum, acrylic) without dimensional returns.

Fleet Graphics – Vehicle wraps or decals used for branding company vehicles.

Halo Lighting – A lighting style where the light glows behind the sign or letters, creating a "halo" effect.

HDU (High-Density Urethane) – A durable, lightweight material often used for carved or sandblasted signs.

Illuminated Sign – A sign with internal or external lighting for visibility at night.

LED – Light Emitting Diode, used for energy-efficient sign illumination.

Lexan – A tough, clear plastic similar to acrylic but more impact-resistant; used for sign faces.

Monument Sign – A ground-level, freestanding sign, often made with masonry or fabricated materials for a permanent look.

Pantone (PMS) – A standardized color matching system used in printing and branding.

Plotter – A machine that cuts vinyl or other materials based on vector designs.

Post & Panel – a freestanding sign structure consisting of one or more upright posts supporting a flat panel, often used for displaying information or directions.

Raceway – A mounting structure that holds electrical components and supports channel letters on a wall.

Reflective Vinyl – A type of vinyl that reflects light, commonly used on traffic and safety signs.

Sandblasted Sign – A sign where the surface is blasted with sand to create a textured, carved look, typically in wood or HDU.

Sign Code – Local ordinances that govern the design, size, and placement of signage in a jurisdiction.

Stencil-Cut/Stencil Cut Push Thru - the design or lettering is cut out of a material using a stencil, typically vinyl or metal, to create a specific shape or pattern. This method is used to create unique, custom-shaped signs, including those with contour cuts and dimensional letters. 

Substrate – The base material onto which graphics or vinyl are applied (e.g., aluminum, acrylic, wood).

Vinyl – A flexible adhesive material used for lettering, graphics, and wraps.

Wayfinding – A system of signs that help people navigate spaces like campuses, hospitals, or office buildings.

Wrap – A large vinyl graphic applied to a surface, often used for vehicles, windows, or walls.