Making and Installing DIY Office Wall and Door Signs

Which Kit is Right For Me?

You'll notice that we have quite a few different options when it comes to these DSIGN and EDSIGN kits. Shape is one of the first considerations to make when deciding on the right style. We carry square and rectangular panels as well as circular and oblong shapes. While most of the designs are flat, some have curved faces that add a distinct, contemporary look to your signage. Choosing the right system depends on personal taste, so take a look at all the different options before deciding.

The main application for our DSIGN and EDSIGN products is office designation. Adding nameplates onto doors or just off to the side on the wall provides fast visual recognition of the occupant. Depending on how long the employee's title is should dictate the sign's overall size if using it as a one-off display. However, many companies use these sign holders for a cohesive wayfinding system throughout the office, and therefore want to use a one-size-fits-all format. In this case, you'll want to decide if a given size will accommodate everyone's name and title. Keep in mind you can also add multiple lines of text to each sign in order to fit more content.

Most of our kits feature clear, green-edge acrylic plates that sandwich the printable film. The elegant design mimics the appearance of plate glass but without the exhorbitant cost associated with that material. Another option includes the addition of a black panel added behind the sign. While this helps frame the overall display for easier legibility, it does require using the frosted film, not the clear.

Mounting your office wall or door sign is simple and straightforward. The use of stainless steel or polished aluminum standoffs projects your display off the wall, providing a more contemporary and upscale presentation. Since most of the DSIGNs and EDSIGNs come pre-drilled for the standoffs to pass through, installation is quick because you can use the holes to mark perfect screw locations.

Designing the Sign

In most cases, the kits come with two types of printable film: clear and frosted. Three sheets of each are included, so users can create a few different signs on each material if they like, which is great for shared spaces like conference rooms and offices that frequently change locations and signage.

When creating the graphics for your DIY office signs, keep it simple. Overly complicated images and fancy fonts tend to affect the clarity of the information being conveyed. Typically, vector art is better for creating logos, emblems, seals, and other company graphics. The same can be said for color choice. In general, keep the colors minimal to avoid ending up with something hard to discern. Also when creating the graphics, use CMYK color mode instead of RGB for the truest final result. Most people use some kind of computer software to manipulate their images and text, like Photoshop. There are a few free software options that are available on the web if you do not have access to photo manipulation software.

It is extremely important to note that the provided film only works with laser printers (not inkjet). The reason behind this is water-based inkjet ink can adhere itself to the acrylic plate when sandwiched between the two, and in some cases actually transfer the ink from the print onto the plastic. Laser-printed inserts prevent this. Printing on the film can be done relatively easily and most offices have access to a laser printer. If not, head to the local library or print shop to finish the job.

Installation

• Simply position one of the panels on the wall and make sure it's level. Then with a pencil, mark the wall for your drill holes.
• Pre-drill the wall with a pilot bit. Use some sheetrock wall anchors if you are unable to drill directly into wood or wooden studs. If you are mounting onto concrete and other masonry, you should definitely pick up the correct type of wall anchors from your local hardware store prior to installation.
• After the holes have been drilled, install each standoff base with a screwdriver or drill. Be sure not to overtighten the hardware if you are using a power drill.
• Once the bases are tight against the wall, sandwich your custom printed film between the acrylic panels and position the plates over the standoffs.
• Finish the installation by inserting the standoff caps and hand-tighten.

Stand Back and Admire!

Now that you have installed your custom DSIGNs or EDSIGNs, you're ready to show them off! Visitors to your office will be impressed when you tell them that you not only designed the signs but also saved a lot of money while doing it. Similar custom options cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars but not these kits. We aim to save you money while providing one of the finest office door sign systems available anywhere.