Wilmington City Zoning and Permits Page
http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/
For more information about vector versus raster images please check out these informative sources:
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics
Introductory Guide by Liz Fulghum:
http://www.eastbywest.com/pub/vectorbitmap/
Our experienced art staff can lay out your design from scratch or make improvements to increase visibility/effectiveness. Or, if you already have artwork you can send us the files for production. When sending electronic files please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Our art department uses Windows XP. However, we should have no issues opening appropriate file types originally created on another operating system.
- Our primary design software is the Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop & InDesign. (currently using CS2 & 4) We also have CorelDraw.
- It’s important that your artwork be vector line art (if possible) to ensure clarity at large sizes.
- Preferred file formats: EPS, AI, and PDF (vectorized). We also accept CDR files.
- Raster files must be used for photographs, and sometimes other images. Please make sure they are high resolution. Accepted formats: PSD, JPEG and TIFF.
- To avoid font problems, please convert all text to outlines before sending artwork. If you need help with this, just give us a call. We’re happy to help.
IMPORTANT – HOW TO USE AND CARE FOR YOUR NEW VEHICLE GRAPHICS / WRAP
- Car Wash. Avoid washing for one week after installation. Thereafter, there should be no concerns about using a standard car/truck wash. Do not use abrasive cleaners on the vehicle graphics.
- Pressure Wash. When using a pressure washing wand, point it at an angle to the graphics, never straight on and never closer than 20″ with the wand or you will risk blowing holes in the vinyl. Any auto wash soap will work fine on the vehicle. For touch stains and dirt, please use a brush. DO NOT PRESSURE WASH WINDOW PERF or you may rip it apart.
- Wax. We highly recommend you wax your vehicle once a year (or more) to maintain the high shine and the life of the vehicle graphics. The best wax is a liquid, this makes it easier to apply. In most cases wax will take out the stains you might get in the graphics.
- Snow Removal. Only use a brush, never use a scraper as this could damage the film. If you wax the film (the solid film, not the window perf), the snow should just come off with very little effort.
- Perforated Window Media. Never scrape the “window perf” and only handwash this material. We DO NOT recommend rolling down window to which perf material has been applied. Rolling the windows down risks peeling up the edges of the material.
- Window Wipers. DO NOT EVER USE REAR WINDOW WIPERS ON THE WINDOW FILM. It will damage the film.
- High Heat. Hot sun will not damage the film.
- Insurance. Most insurance companies offer a special policy to cover your vehicle graphics. Call your insurance company for more details.
- Peeling or Lifting. If you see the film lifting or pealing back, you must contact us immediately so we can fix the problem. If you leave it, you will prevent us from fixing the problem and void the warranty.
IMPORTANT – HOW TO USE AND CARE FOR YOUR NEW MAGNETIC VEHICLE SIGNS
- Magnetics require maintenance. They come off if not installed right, and they are easily damaged. A lot of problems with magnetic signs stem from poor installation. Customers who claim to have had problems with magnetic signs blowing off their vehicles need to be aware that there are some tricks to a good installation.
- Preparation for Installation. The vehicle surface and the brown, magnetic side of the sign should be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and well waxed prior to applying. The magnetic sheeting should be warmed to room temperature.
- Installation. Don’t just “slap” the magnetic sign onto the side of the vehicle. Make contact on one edge of the sign to the vehicle surface in the desired location, then let the adjacent part of the sign contact the vehicle surface until the entire sign is held magnetically to the vehicle. If the sign is not in the desired position, remove and repeat the process. (Do not try to straighten the sign by pulling when it is held magnetically to the vehicle. This might stretch the material, especially when hot.)Avoid placing your sign over chrome trim or surface protrusions of any kind. Never let an edge hang over a body Line. The temperature of the sign should be at least 60 degrees F during installation. The temperature of the vehicle surface does not Never apply a magnetic sign when it is deformed. Warm it on a flat surface (clothes dryer or water heater) to return it to its proper shape first.
- Removal. Always remove the sign by lifting from the center of the two opposite sides. Never start at the corners. This precaution will avoid bent corners and reduced adhesion.
- Caution. Magnetic vehicle signs will not adhere to areas on you car where plastic body fillers have been used. In order to avoid loosing your signs, use caution in applying vehicle signs to areas of your car that have been damaged and repaired.
- Maintenance. Your signs should be periodically removed – once a week minimum. Wipe dry both the vehicle and the back of the sign. Trapped moisture, dirt, or chemicals may harm your vehicle finish. Clean your sign with plain water or warm water and a mild detergent. If, particularly in cold weather, the sheeting becomes bent or distorted, placing it on a warm flat surface (clothes dryer or water heater) or on a large metal surface such as a metal filing cabinet or washing machine and heating it with a blow dryer or heat gun will help bring it back to shape.
- Storage. To avoid cracking or breaking, do not fold or crease. Store your magnetic signs flat (maybe on the side of a fridge or metal filing cabinet). Don’t store magnetic signs back to back; they will loose their magnetic force.