Classic Banner Finishing |


Being Indianapolis’s go to sign and banner studio, Key Reflection Studios has the answers to the many different aspects to finishing a banner. It is not uncommon to think that once your eye-catching banner is printed or a graphic is applied to it, that is complete. That would be excluding one of the most important aspects of banner creation; that being, the finishing of your banner. What is finishing you say?

Finishing is the final touch to each banner and concerns itself with the structural integrity of the banner for how it is going to be utilized in the real world. Much like banner material, certain finish techniques should be used depending on how the banner is going to be used. We’ve seen numerous instances where a nice looking banner simply does not hold up like it should because of improper finishing. There are several different ways to finish a banner that have came across over the years thanks to advances in technology from the standard sewn-hem banner. To keep this short, we will talk about just a few of these techniques.
What are some of the ways a banner can be finished?

Glued: Yes, a banner can actually be glued to create a strong hem. This method is a less expensive way to hem a banner but it does work for the right banner. Much like gluing two pieces of paper together the glue itself is a layer that holds both the materials together. Over time stresses of weathering (such as high winds) can cause this kind of bond to fail.

Sewn / Stitched: A professionally sewn banner is the preferred method for us at Key Reflection Studios. The end results of a sewn banner is what we consider the ideal finished look of a classic banner . A sewn banner, when double-stitch hemmed, has been proven to hold up for many years. When done right, this proves to be an effective way to complete a banner in a timely fashion. An industrial sewing machine is needed to go through the heavier material along with some training to get the stitch line straight.

Double Sided Tape: Much like sewing, a hem is made by the use of double sided banner tape. This is a lot like household double sided tape you might have used for projects around the house but has an extremely high tact adhesive specifically made for banners. A guide line is marked down the backside of the banner, double sided tape is then placed on the line to ensure a straight line, then the outside layer of backing paper on the tape is peeled back and the banner is applied. A roller is used to ensure the banner has adhered firmly to the banner tape material.

Welded: The welded banner is the strongest bond you can get with banners but is also the most costly. The method of welding banners together requires expensive specialty machines, but the end results are amazing. Unlike glue, the hem on a welded banner actually fuses the banner material together making them one. This is especially beneficial for large scale banners that are pieced together to cover buildings. Depending on your taste, some will say the elimination of the stitches of a sewn hem makes for a more esthetic banner.
A Classic Company Banner Staple – Grommets
Grommets: A grommet is an eyelet placed in a hole in a sheet or panel to protect or insulate a rope or cable passed through it or to prevent the sheet or panel from being torn. The size of your banner will depend on how many grommets will be in it, but expect to find these throughout your banner to help assist in hanging multiple ways. These are installed in numerous ways either with a hammer and grommet dye, bench‑top press grommet machine, or a grommet machine foot press.
  In Conclusion
We feel as if every type of finishing technique is a working solution depending on the application and budget of the customer. We also hope that from this you now have an understanding that the finishing technique of your banner is as important as the print quality of it. Of the banners we do at Key Reflection Studios, our ideal classic banner finishing method would be the sewn double stitched banner–reliable, cosmetically finished look, and cost effective.

 Key Reflection Studios

Questions? Chat with us below!

 
Retractable Quick Setup and Take Down Banner Stands |

Key Reflection Studios presents the very best in retractable banner stands. Does your business event or promotion require a lot of travel? Do you need advertising that is versatile and quick to setup? Often the answer to these questions are yes! Hanging banners are great when a location is already established but many times clients do not know the exact area they are going to be working in. This uncertainty can lead to a banner being hung in a less than desirable location or to a complete catastrophe, being not hung at all. Banners also in real world application are often rolled up and stored in a box which can be damaged. Retractable banner stands offer a solution to all these occurrences and more.

Our retractable banner stands are perfect for quick easy setup time and time again. We offer several different types of banner stands, the one showcased is a single-sided retractable banner stand constructed out of aluminum. You can get this in either a silver or black finish depending on your preference. The banner when not in use rest within the structure thus preventing it from damage. The retractable banner stand also comes with a padded carrying case that allows for easy handing to your event.


The Retractable Banner Above Showcases the Following |
- silver or black finish
- visible banner size: 33.5″ x 78″
- design banner with 1″ leader on top and 4″ leader on bottom
- top swing out stabilizing feet
- clip-in top rail, tape-in bottomrail

 Key Reflection Studios

Questions? Chat with us below!

CUSTOMER | Gotwal’s Equipment Repair location:
location: Anderson, Indiana  

Job Type | 4′ x 8′ Double Sided Street Sign Vehicle Graphics


 
Description |
If it’s broke, he can fix it. Eric Gotwals is clearly a man who knows machinery and how things run. His shop is filled with tools, his trucks are filled with tools, and I’m sure the majority of the time he can be found with a tool in-hand. We provided Eric with several fonts and styles for his truck graphics; he was quickly able to choose one that he liked. We became really excited when Eric chose our specialty reflective vinyl film for his choice of material. Often Eric works hundreds of feet underground in mines, fixing equipment; we imagine there is a lot of dirt/dust and high volume traffic in such a work site. This film really illuminates brightly when lights shine on it, making it perfect for safety reasons or just getting noticed.After the installation of the vehicle graphics we moved on to making a large street sign for advertising Eric’s quality work. We decided to go with a 4′ x 8′ MDO board for a longer lasting sign than regular plywood would create. The sign was double coated with high quality primer, along with two coats of black oil-based paint. The red lettering outline/stroke was painted oil-based paint twice as well and then premium cast white vinyl letters were applied. Both sides of the board were created in the same manner and the results were amazing.



Painted Wood Sign, Vehicle Graphics |
We can offer suggestions for a wide variety of materials used in sign making such as painted signs, vinyl graphics/lettering, stenciled signs, or signs printed with digital artwork. We want to save you money and add value to your sign whether you want an Indy painted sign with rich bold colors and long lasting enamel paints, or custom vinyl cut lettering and graphics. We also offer vehicle graphics, full printed logos/banners, magnetic signage, long lasting vinyl lettering and graphics.

Questions? Chat with us below!

CUSTOMER | Virgil's Automotive Garage
location: Southport, Indiana

Job Type |
wooden sign advertisement


Description |
Virgil's Garage is located on Indy's southside on Southport Rd., right behind the famous Long's Bakery. Virgil himself is icon in Southport, Indiana and bears resemblance to one of the greatest icons of all time--the KING, Elvis Presley. Virgil had had the same two signs on his mechanic shop for over 40+ years and decided it was time for an update. With signs that have had such a place on his shop, it just didn't seem right to replace them. So instead, we refurbished them. This not only saved Virgil money but also kept the same classic vintage look of his shop. We've got to say, the signs turned out great--uh huh, uh huh, thank you, thank you very much.







Painted Wood Signs |
We can offer suggestions for a wide variety of materials used in sign making such as painted signs, vinyl graphics/lettering, stenciled signs, or signs printed with digital artwork. We want to save you money and add value to your sign whether you want an Indy painted sign with rich bold colors and long lasting enamel paints, or custom vinyl cut lettering and graphics.

Questions? Chat with us below!

When you hear the term 'graphics innovation', several leading manufacturers may come to mind--Oracal, Avery Dennison, 3M, HP, etc. These companies and many others invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring the very best products to the market for sign makers and their customers. With rapid advancements in technology, it can be hard for sign makers and graphic applicators to keep track of the latest developments. That is where the N.B.M Show comes in; imagine a place where the top industry manufacturers and suppliers showcase their product lines and services! Oooooh! It is a mecca event for those in sign and graphics! It is like having the Super Bowl every year in your home state. One of the many reasons we love Indiana.


Why do we go to this event every year?

Experience

THE NBM SHOW, produced by NBM (National Business Media) and NBM Events, is the only event that offers multiple dimensions of opportunity for improving Key Reflection Studios by combining the very latest equipment, supplies and services in the sign making, digital printing, engraving and custom gift market.

Complimentary Training

The NBM show provides Key Reflection Studios with training programs offering the very latest in techniques and information in a variety of learning settings.

Networking

The NBM Show also allows us to network and socialize with other companies in the Indiana graphics and sign industry, whether it be in wall murals, vehicle wraps, signs, printing, embroidery, etc. The sign community, while competitive, is also very friendly. We enjoy talking and learning from other professionals in the industry and hearing their expertise. We are all on a journey in life and this is the time to share our love with others who have the same interest.

SO what's the event you look forward to every year?

Cheers - Brent Doughty - Team Key Reflection Studios

With any startup in a graphics and sign business there is, of course, a starting point. From the companies with the largest contracts bringing in huge revenue to the small town sign shop, there is no one way to start a sign business. And with such wide array of specializations within the graphics community, it really comes down to finding a niche. Finding a niche in such a competitive field will involve some creativity and opportunity but it is very possible. This is only possible if there is PASSION for what you are doing and a yearning to learn. At Key Reflection Studios, we have encouraged our sign business growth by really encompassing the industry as our passion. Many large corporations over the years become much like machines - money machines, where the passion has left and the job comes down to dollars and profitability, at any cost. I've worked for such a company and have witnessed this first hand. The presentation can look promising on the outside but the inside their is a disconnect between management/employees and the work they do. That is why it's important to find your PASSION in your work and with others who share it!

Our Niche, Our Passion - Vinyl Wall Art / Wall Murals

So where did we first get our start? What was our niche, so to speak? Key Reflection Studios started from absolutely nothing but a passion and yearning to master the graphics industry, with no hand-me-downs and no backers, just pure heart.

We did local sign and graphic work in Indianapolis and surrounding areas while improving our skill set. During this time, we launched KRS Inspirations, our online vinyl wall art store . We never would have thought that our online presence would grow to the level that it has in such a short time and really appreciate all those who have supported us. We have gone from one online store to now three online stores and over eight social media outlets covering more than 13,000+ followers. The wall art was our defining niche in the graphic industry. Over time, KRS Inspirations established itself as a premier distributor of quality vinyl wall art. At the time, we offered FREE custom design work. This was to separate us from the majority of the competition. No one wants to work for free, but this enabled us to improve or graphic design skills and bond with our customers. This lead to many more sales and new customers establishing friendships with us. The growth of our business enabled to us to quit our full time jobs and do what we love. Now, we operate both Key Reflection Studios -serving Indianapolis, Indiana with the best in commercial graphics and signs, along with KRS Inspirations - personalized home decor. This is just a start and our long term goals are not met, but we are excited, our customers are excited, and our potential customers should be excited. Each project is a chance for us to showcase our skills and develop long lasting relationships.

SO what's your PASSION?

Cheers - Brent Doughty - Team Key Reflection Studios