Pima County Library Project

Project Overview: Updating Sign Faces for a New Logo

When Pima County updated its library logo, the fastest and most cost-effective way to refresh exterior identification was to replace the existing sign faces—rather than rebuild the entire cabinet. Graphic Impact evaluated the cabinet condition, lighting, and viewing distance, then recommended translucent vinyl for this specific application. Because the design was simple—clean typography and a limited color palette—high-quality translucent film delivered the clarity, durability, and even light transmission the project required without the added complexity of full digital imaging.

Why Translucent Vinyl Was the Right Choice

Translucent vinyl is engineered to diffuse light evenly across the sign face. On uncomplicated graphics—solid spot colors, simple shapes, and crisp lettering—it provides outstanding readability day and night. Benefits include:

• Even illumination: Films are formulated for backlighting, minimizing hot spots and banding.
• Color consistency: Brand colors stay true when the sign is on or off.
• Clean edges: Cut vinyl yields razor-sharp outlines for legibility at distance.
• Serviceability: If a panel is damaged, individual elements can often be replaced without reprinting the entire face.
• Cost control: For simple art, cut film is typically more economical than full-panel digital imaging.

When Digital Imaging Makes More Sense

For intricate logos, gradients, or photo-rich artwork, Graphic Impact shifts to digitally imaged backlit faces. We manage ink densities and laydowns specifically for illuminated signs so colors don’t wash out at night or look too dark during the day. This “right concentration of inks” approach balances on/off appearance and takes advantage of modern LED illumination. Digital imaging is ideal when:

• The brand includes gradients, photographs, or multiple spot colors.
• You need very large contiguous artwork across oversized sign faces.
• There’s a requirement for tight color matching across a family of signs or campuses.

In these scenarios, we print on premium translucent media and laminate for UV and abrasion resistance, ensuring both vibrancy and longevity.

Opaque Sign Boxes: Aluminum vs. E-Panel

When a cabinet isn’t illuminated—or when a non-lit monument or wall sign is preferred—an opaque sign face is the right path. Here, Graphic Impact typically recommends:

• Aluminum (sheet): Lightweight, rust-proof, and long-lasting, aluminum is the standard for municipal and campus signage. It accepts reflective or high-performance vinyl, printed graphics, and protective clear coats. It’s excellent for high-traffic areas and directional systems.
• Aluminum Composite (E-Panel): A polyethylene core sandwiched between two aluminum skins. It’s rigid, flat, and cost-effective for larger panels. E-Panel is dimensionally stable and resists warping, making it a great option for building signs, kiosks, and large exterior panels where weight and budget matter.

Both substrates deliver professional results; selection depends on structural needs, mounting method, budget, and expected lifespan.

Location Matters: Vandalism, Sun, and Foot Traffic

Final material choices often hinge on environment. In areas with known vandalism, we can specify tougher face materials, protective overlaminates, anti-graffiti coatings, or even polycarbonate faces for impact resistance. For high-sun exposure zones—common in Southern Arizona—we choose films and inks rated for UV stability and can add clear coats to combat fading. Near sidewalks or parking lots, edge protection, tamper-resistant hardware, and reinforced mounting help preserve the installation.

Lighting Check: Getting the Glow Right

Before producing new faces, we audit the cabinet lighting. Older fluorescent systems can unevenly light a pristine new face. Upgrading to LED illumination often improves brightness, reduces power consumption, and extends maintenance intervals. Proper LED spacing and diffusion produce the uniform “glow” that makes backlit signs look premium at night.

Brand Integrity: Color Matching for Public Institutions

Libraries and public agencies rely on consistent brand presentation. We maintain digital color profiles and material standards for repeatability. Whether using cut translucent films or digital imaging, our workflow includes test lighting, proofing, and brand color verification so signage remains consistent across branches and future updates.

Speed, Cost, and Sustainability

Replacing faces (rather than fabricating new cabinets) saves time, reduces cost, and lowers material waste. Reusing the existing frame, electrical, and mounting infrastructure minimizes landfill impact and streamlines permitting in many jurisdictions. With in-house production, Graphic Impact manages every step—design alignment, fabrication, and installation—so downtime is minimal and signage remains in service.

Maintenance & Longevity

Quality materials paired with appropriate protection can extend service life significantly. We recommend routine cleaning with non-abrasive agents, scheduled lighting checks, and prompt repairs if a face is scratched or tagged. Where vandalism is a concern, anti-graffiti laminates allow solvent-based cleanups without damaging the graphics.

Takeaways from the Pima County Library Project

• Simple rebrand, simple solution: Translucent vinyl delivered crisp, even-lit graphics quickly and cost-effectively.
• Complex art needs imaging: Full-color, gradient-heavy logos benefit from digitally imaged faces with tuned ink densities.
• Opaque options are versatile: Aluminum or E-Panel provide durable, professional faces for non-illuminated signs.
• Environment drives specs: Location, sun exposure, and vandalism risk determine films, coatings, and hardware.

Ready to Refresh Your Signage?

If you’re navigating a logo change or simply want a cleaner, brighter look, Graphic Impact can assess your existing cabinets and recommend the smartest path—translucent vinyl, digitally imaged faces, or opaque aluminum/E-Panel solutions. We handle surveys, production, and installation in-house to control quality and timelines. Let’s make your next sign update simple, consistent, and built to last.