SIGNS FAQS

Q: Why do I need a sign for my business?

A: The first way to build your brand and let people know you are open for business is with a skillfully designed sign. Your sign may be installed in front of or on your building. Window graphics, vehicle lettering and wraps, parking and wayfinding signs, banners, and foyer graphics are additional ways to strengthen your brand and create awareness.

Q: How long does it take to make a sign?

A: The turnaround time for your custom sign depends on the complexity of the project and the materials used. Roeda will work within a timeframe to meet your expectations.

Q: Will you install my sign?

A: Yes, Roeda has installation crews experienced in all aspects of sign installation. Our bucket trucks and cranes allow us to install on almost any building.

Q: Will you meet with me on-site to discuss my signage needs?

A: Roeda will send a knowledgeable representative to meet you on location to discuss your sign requests.

Q: What is the process for determining the best sign for my needs?

A: Roeda considers the sign's purpose is to inform, direct, announce, or showplace. Once this criteria has been determined, we will recommend the best sign option for you.

Q: How much does a sign cost?

A: The price of the sign is determined by the complexity of the design, materials used, and installation location.

Q: How long will a sign last?

A: Roeda provides materials to fit each custom sign or graphic application. Whether it’s short or long-term, Roeda uses only the best materials to match the project requirements, giving your sign maximum longevity.

Q: What kind of maintenance will my sign require?

A: Most outdoor signs need an occasional cleaning. Mild, soapy water is preferred instead of strong liquids or cleaning solutions. If your sign is illuminated, an occasional service call may be required to replace burned-out bulbs or ballasts. Our technical sales reps will tell you what is needed to keep your sign fresh, clean, and vibrant.

Q: What are the standard sizes of signs?

A: Sizes depend on available space, viewing distance, complexity, and budget.  Signs and sign structures can be as small as a 12in x 18in and as large as a 10ft x 20ft monument-style structure.

Q: Can you design sign graphics?

A: Roeda has a team of talented graphic artists with many years of experience designing sign graphics. Trust us to turn your message and brand into an award-winning image for your business.

Q: If I already have artwork, how should I send it?

A: For print and production, vector art is preferable to provide us with your artwork. Acceptable vector file types are ai, eps and pdf.  All fonts should be outlined. Please remove any password restrictions attached to the file. If your file is too large for an email, let us know, and we will provide you with a link to our Dropbox folder.  Delivering your artwork in the best possible condition helps to ensure that we can provide a quality product for your project.

Sign Minimum Order:

New accounts, walk-ins, or customers without credit approval require a minimum order fee of $125.00.

Sign Deposit:

Unless credit has been established, signs require a 50% deposit before any artwork is designed or sign materials ordered.

VEHICLE GRAPHICS FAQS

Q: When should I use a vehicle wrap?

A: Anytime is a good time to apply a full, half, or quarter wrap.  If you have one vehicle or a fleet and you wish to broadcast your message or brand to a larger audience, a vehicle or trailer wrap creates high awareness at a low cost. A single vehicle wrap can generate 30,000-70,000 daily impressions depending on city and population size.

Q: How are vehicle graphics made?

A: All of our vehicle graphics are made from high-performance 7-10-year pressure-sensitive vinyl stock.  We apply clear vinyl over laminate to add durability to the digitally printed images.

Q: What is a vehicle vinyl wrap?

A: A vehicle vinyl wrap is a large printed vinyl graphic applied directly over the vehicle's original paint.  A vehicle wrap is a great way to advertise.  During the day, it serves as a traveling billboard, promoting your business with “wow” graphics, and while parked at night, it continues to advertise as a sign.

Q: Will a vehicle vinyl wrap damage my vehicle's paint job?

A: No, it actually protects your paint from scratches that may occur when exposed without the vinyl covering.  (Pressure-sensitive materials cannot be applied to any rusted areas of a vehicle.)

Q: What is the difference between vinyl cut graphics and vinyl wraps?

A: Vehicle graphics are produced in two ways. Vinyl cut graphics are solid color pressure-sensitive vinyl. The vinyl is cut on a plotter to the appropriate size for the vehicle. The design may call for solid colors to overlap with shadows and outlines. For a vinyl wrap, a designed image is digitally printed on pressure-sensitive vinyl, then a clear vinyl over laminate is applied and is cut on a plotter to the appropriate size for the vehicle. Both of these methods require our trained staff to apply them to your vehicle.

Q: How much do vehicle graphics cost?

A: Pricing varies on the graphic's size, the design's complexity, and the vehicle's size or area to be covered. Call us today for a quote based on the information you provide.

Q: Where does the installation of my vehicle graphics take place?

A: Roeda has a trained installation crew available to apply graphics to any size vehicle or trailer here at our location in Lynwood.

Q: How long do you need to keep my vehicle to install graphics?

A: Depending on the complexity of the vehicle contours, rivets, and the size of the vehicle, most installations take one to three days.

Q: How can I remove the vehicle vinyl wraps?

A: For the best results, vehicle vinyl wraps should be installed and removed by our trained installers at Roeda. We do not damage the vehicle through removal, and the vehicle's original paint is in the same condition as when the graphic was applied.

Q: Can I take my wrapped vehicle through a carwash?

A: It is not recommended to go through a car wash.  Hand washing is better for the life of the vehicle wrap.

Q: Do you design vehicle graphics?

A: Roeda has a team of talented graphic artists with many years of design experience. Trust us to turn your message and brand into an award-winning image for your business.

Q: If I already have artwork, how should I send it?

A: For print and production, vector art is preferable to provide us with your artwork. Acceptable vector file types are ai, eps and pdf.  All fonts should be outlined. Please remove any password restrictions attached to the file. If your file is too large for an email, let us know, and we will provide you with a link to our Dropbox folder. Delivering your artwork in the best possible condition helps to ensure that we can provide a quality product for your project.

Q: So, what is a vector graphic?

A: A vector graphic stores the colors, dimensions, shapes, and lines of an image as a mathematical formula. The mathematical formula allows you to produce the highest quality image possible and can also help determine where the pixels should be placed to give you the best image on the screen. In this format, the image can be scaled to almost any size with any level of detail. This means you get a clear picture without experiencing ‘blur’ in the resolution when the image is enlarged.

Vehicle Cancellations:

A 3-day cancellation notice is appreciated if you cannot keep your appointment. 

Vehicle Cleanliness:

All vehicles to be lettered must arrive clean and ready to apply graphics.  

Vehicle Drop Off & Pick Up:

Roeda prefers all vehicles scheduled for installation to be dropped off within 24 hours of the scheduled time. Roeda requires all completed vehicles and trailers to be picked up within 24 hours after completion.  

Key Drop-Off Box

Our customers can conveniently drop off their keys outside our regular business hours by leaving them in our 24HR drop-off box. This box is located next to the main entrance of our facility.

**We recommend filling out your contact information in organized fields to ensure all information is received, and seal that information with or to your keys when you drop them off. **

SCREEN PRINTING FAQS

Q: When do I need screen printing?

A: Screen-printed graphics are best suited when the quantities needed are higher, making it more economical to print a graphic on a press than to produce individual signs.

Q: How durable is screen printing?

A: Very durable. Roeda produces all of its screen-printed products using an ultraviolet curing process.  UV ink is a solid that remains liquid until exposed to UV light.  While still liquid, the printed piece goes through a dryer, exposing it to UV light. The UV ink dries (or cures) as the sheet passes under the light, and in seconds, the sheet is ready for the next production step.

Q: What types of materials do you use?

A: Because of the versatility of UV ink, Roeda is capable of printing vibrant, durable colors on a large variety of substrates: pressure-sensitive vinyl, static clings, reflective vinyl, chrome and brushed silver polyesters, paper products, poster board, foam board, gator board, aluminum, PVC plastics, polystyrene, polyethylene, fluted plastics (coroplast), acrylics, canvas and more.

Q: What types of graphics are screen printed?

A: Equipment decals for waste and recycling containers, construction and rental equipment labels, portable restroom decals, retail in-store promotions, original equipment manufacturer graphics, floor graphics, window graphics, shelf talkers and wobblers, political signs, bumper stickers, magnetic signs, yard signs, removable decals, static cling decals, control panels, fence signs, hard hat decals, banners, door knob hangers, parking permits, patriotic products and more.

Q: Can I remove a printed decal?

A: Roeda understands some decal campaigns require removal within six months. We have a removable low-tack adhesive that can be easily removed for those uses.  However, most of the industries we serve require a strong adhesive bond. For those, we are proud to offer a proven hi-tack adhesive.

Q: If I already have artwork, how should I send it?

A: For print and production, vector art is preferable to provide us with your artwork. Acceptable vector file types are .ai, .eps and .pdf.  All fonts should be outlined. Please remove any password restrictions attached to the file. If your file is too large for an email, let us know, and we will provide you with a link to our Dropbox folder.  Delivering your artwork in the best possible condition helps to ensure that we can provide a quality product for your project.

Q: So, what is a vector graphic?

A: A vector graphic stores the colors, dimensions, shapes, and lines of an image as a mathematical formula. The mathematical formula allows you to produce the highest quality image possible and can also help determine where the pixels should be placed to give you the best image on the screen. In this format, the image can be scaled to almost any size with any level of detail. This means you get a clear picture without experiencing “blur” in the resolution when the image is enlarged.

Q: Can you produce the artwork for my decals or signs?

A: Yes, we have many graphic artists on hand to take your information to design eye-catching graphics that will sell your product or promote your brand.

Q: How fast can I get my screen-printed decals or signs?

A: Depending on the colors printed, any die-cutting or finishing needed, and our industry's demand, Roeda is usually at 5-10 working days after approval of artwork.  Roeda takes pride in producing your graphics on time and within budget.

Q: How do you ship the decals or signs?

A: Roeda has shipping accounts with United Parcel Service and Fed EX. We also deal with freight companies for bigger shipments and can messenger products in the Chicagoland area if needed.

WIDE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINT FAQS

Q: What is wide-format digital printing?

A: Wide format printers usually employ some variant of inkjet or toner technology to produce the printed image. This is more economical than other print methods depending on print size, run length, and substrate or medium print. Inkjet technology is a method for depositing liquid ink droplets on a substrate. Depending on the type of digital printer, these ink droplets are dried either by forced heat and air or by a UV light source.

Q: When should I use wide-format printing?

A: It is best to produce all full-color, short-run jobs digitally.  Jobs can be completed beautifully, professionally, and quickly. Roeda Sales consultants will assist you in making this determination.

Q: What types of wide-format printing are there?

A: Roeda produces digital graphics on roll-to-roll printers and flatbed printers.  If the requirement is to print rigid substrates like fluted plastic or foam board, we will print on a 4’ x 8’ flatbed digital table. This printer allows us to print any 4’ x 8’ sheet of material up to 2” thick.  If the material is flexible or on a roll (i.e. vinyl banner, pressure sensitives, fabric), we will print on our roll-to-roll printers.

Q: How do you decide which digital printer to use?

A: Roeda chooses the printer by determining what the product is, where it is going, and for how long it will be displayed.  If the stock is rigid, we will most likely use a flatbed printer that prints UV ink.  If the stock is on a roll and is needed for months on end, we may use a solvent ink-based printer as it has longer-lasting ink properties. We use the HP latex printers if a vehicle graphic needs to be laminated and applied the same day.  We also use latex printers for all elevator wraps and wall murals, as it is very eco-friendly.

Q: How should I supply artwork?

A: For print and production, vector art is preferable to provide us with your artwork. Acceptable vector file types are ai, eps, and pdf.  All fonts should be outlined. Please remove any password restrictions attached to the file. If your file is too large for an email, let us know, and we will provide you with a link to our Dropbox folder.  Delivering your artwork in the best possible condition helps to ensure that we can provide a quality product for your project.

Q: So, what is a vector graphic?

A: A vector graphic stores the colors, dimensions, shapes, and lines of an image as a mathematical formula. The mathematical formula allows you to produce the highest quality image possible and can also help determine where the pixels should be placed to give you the best image on the screen.

In this format, the image can be scaled to almost any size with any level of detail. This means that when the image is enlarged, you get a clear picture without experiencing “blur” in the resolution.

Wide Format Minimum Order:

New accounts, walk-ins, or customers without credit approval require a minimum order fee of $125.00.

Wide Format Deposit:

Unless credit has been established, digitally printed projects require a 50% deposit before any artwork is designed or sign materials ordered.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: You used to be Roeda Signs & ScreenTech Imaging. What happened to the name?

A: We shortened it to ‘Roeda’ to encompass everything we produce.  Roeda Signs was started in 1954, creating signs and graphics for our local community in Chicagoland and its suburbs.  ScreenTech Imaging was created thirty years ago to promote our decal division to the Waste, Recycling, Construction, and Rental Equipment industries. Today, we are diversified and cater to many different industries, producing many products using many different processes.  If it’s Signs, Print, or Service, one name gets it done and says it all….. ROEDA.

Q: What types of equipment or materials do you have?

A: For any questions you may have about our capabilities or the materials we work with, feel free to contact us via phone or email at our contact page here.