Signage Journal

GSA Accountants in North Melbourne wanted to use theirs. They asked us for window graphics that tell people walking past three things in a few seconds: the business name, their services and their phone number.

The window graphics design

We gave GSA a few layouts and they picked and combined the parts they liked. “GSA” in blue with a white outline, “Accountants Pty Ltd” in white on the same line. Under it, two columns of services, then the phone number, big and clear.

Good window signage doesn’t need a background panel or full print. Just clean lettering, so the office stays open and bright and the window still feels like a window.

The material

All lettering is vinyl cut, or vinyl signwriting, in Avery 700 Premium Film, a polymeric vinyl. Polymeric vinyl is made for long-term signage. Monomeric vinyl is cheaper and suits short-term jobs like promotions. For a permanent office sign, polymeric is the right choice.

Inside or outside the glass?

This is the question we ask on every window job. (More in our guide: how to install window signs.)

GSA was worried about graffiti, so they asked for the graphics on the inside. We agreed. We cut every letter in reverse so it reads the right way from the street, cleaned the glass and fitted it on the inside face.

Inside install:

• The window is easier to clean from outside
• Better protection from UV and vandalism
• Trade-off: glass reflection can cost around 20% of visibility from some angles

Outside install:

• Sharpest read from the street, with no glass in front of the letters
• More exposed to weather, cleaning and damage

No right answer for every shop. It depends on your street, your glass and how people see your window. For GSA’s North Melbourne office, inside was the right call.

Simple job, clean result.