signs for buildings & businesses on our layout

Haven't tried this program John but if it's anything like their LED products, it should be easy to use.

OK

Great!

I appreciate  your input and reply.    My layout really needs something more than a Word Doc printed and pasted to the front of the buildings.  So I figure I will try the program.

I would love to customize signs but am weary of having to download software programs nor messing around with a laser printer. I would pay someone for signs, within reason, after giving them the dimensions of the area and the letters for what I want. My experience in buying water slide decals has been a bust...despite following instructions they fall off within a year, all crinkled up.

Yes I agree.

@Paul Kallus

I’m in the same situation. But when I found that Evans Design had this sign design product I was excited.  But hesitant.

Thanks for sharing.

I use Word Art in Microsoft Word for signs.  It allows you to format and size text as needed.  I've downloaded railroad fonts to give me additional fonts.

The first photo is a pair of buildings created using Microsoft Word; signage is Word Art.  Kwik-E Mart is inspired by the Simpsons with doctor's offices on the upper floors.

The second photo is a Williams 72' streamliner with replacement letterboards created using Word Art.

This is Whistler Station.  It's a 48W station with signage inspired by the gold lettering on red background used elsewhere by Lionel.  The advertisements are off the internet and resized to fit.

@cbq9911a, they look good and Word Art is something even I can use. But what kind of printer and paper did you print them out on?

I have an Epson ET3850 inkjet printer and I print on 60 LB matte photo paper.  Any good inkjet printer will work.

I make text for signs using MS-Word™. Many colors, fonts, sizes and outlines are available, although I use mostly black text on a white background. I then copy the text into Powerpoint™ - save it as a photograph – and email it to my local photography store for printing on matte photo paper.

First photo shows three signs – Long Hill Fire Department, Corner Deli (italic) and RAILROAD CROSSING (bold caps).

Second photo shows Bridgeport Scrap Metals in bold script font.

MELGAR

@MELGAR posted:

I make text for signs using MS-Word™. Many colors, fonts, sizes and outlines are available, although I use mostly black text on a white background. I then copy the text into Powerpoint™ - save it as a photograph – and email it to my local photography store for printing on matte photo paper.

I just make signs directly in Powerpoint using the vast array of possible fonts, colors, and effects that that software provides.  Save as a Powerpoint file and print directly here at home (inkjet or laserjet) using on to whichever paper I think might look best - gloss thick or thin, several different matte papers, stuff that some might use for certificates, etc.  Smaller packs of specialized paper is readily available at the office supply stores.

I START OUT WITH A drawing then laser cut into a 3D sign in acrylic.

currently working on the logos for the back-side of the Menards Strip shopping center.

adding brick work, doors and fire separations usually found in the back of the store

Door are 3D printed to fit into brick openings above.

@AlanRail as always... verrry nice!

I'm half high-tech/half low-tech. I start with internet images (I like old neon signs). I import them into Photoshop, manipulate the image, and inkjet print them on heavy-weight matte photo paper. Then I glue them to foam core, fill the edges with lightweight spackle, and paint the edges.

Flat signs and billboards are easier.

I also used heavy photo paper to make all my street/stop signs.

I'm working on replacing my transparent widow signs next. I like making custom signs that help tell the story of my little desert town.

@Seth Thomas as a way to pay it forward...I would be glad to create the artwork and print a sign for your new building gratis.

Do you have an image of either Erwin & Kiser’s or Rayburn’s? A pic of the old sign would be a great place to start. Then dimensions for your new sign and I'll mock something up for you.

@Paul Kallus posted:

I would love to customize signs but am weary of having to download software programs nor messing around with a laser printer. I would pay someone for signs, within reason, after giving them the dimensions of the area and the letters for what I want. My experience in buying water slide decals has been a bust...despite following instructions they fall off within a year, all crinkled up.

I think the key to long lasting water slide decals, whether store bought or homemade, is surface preparation and finishing. Even if you ultimately want to end up with a flat finish, you need to start with a smooth, high gloss finish surface to lay the decal on and use Micro Set or Micro Sol to get better adhesion, especially over uneven surfaces like rivets. Then finish with at least two more coats of gloss finish over the decals and they should blend in nicely with the background with no noticeable edges. You can then use a matte or dull coat final finish if you desire.

in addition, allow plenty of drying time between each step - this is not a rush procedure.

A pair of custom billboards.  Both of them are puns.  Images from the internet combined with my text.

Another custom billboard.  Artwork is a scanned box side, cropped and enlarged.

Hello @Stephen Sharp

I certainly appreciate your offer.  With all the recent comments posted, I believe I will follow their suggestions first.  If I cannot come up with a better product I will contact you.

Seth

Evans Designs programs are a breeze to use and yield fantastic results, of course dependent upon the printer and paper you use.