Sign making as we know it today didn’t exist 10, 20, or 30 years ago.

However, sign making is one of the oldest tools used throughout society. Although now we, as a company, have expanded our range of machines and tools, such as the Anapurna and Mimiaki. When we started Signs for You in 1995, the sign making landscape was entirely different to the space now.

The Origins of Sign Making

According to sources, signage was discovered as far back as in Ancient Greece and Rome. It’s been documented through excavated artefacts that people would create signs for their stalls in the market, and signage only grew from there.

Screen printing

The first introduction to screen printing occurred in Asia during 90AD, originally, screen printing worked by forcing ink through holes cut into banana leaves to make prints.

From these, screen printing spread to China where people would use silk screening instead, while the Japanese turned their iteration of screen printing into a reliance on paper stencils.

The transition

And as technology grows, sign making grew with it.

Although for a while sign making may not have exceeded beyond the usual expectation. Typically, sign making was seen to promote and display businesses, this was through store signs, flyers, and billboards.

However, over the years, the technique adapted to technology.

With the biggest leap being the introduction of the printing press in 1440, the introduction to screen printing to the Western world, and laser printing in the 1960s.

The 1960s was quite a big year for printing as serigraphy became commonplace with the help of artists such as Andy Warhol.

Of course, there have been more subtle techniques through the years. But the ones above are seen as the most iconic.

Modern-day growth

While, of course, the way in which the signs were made and the machines they were made on were upgraded as time went on too.

A defining corner for sign making came from the digital printer in the ‘90’s.

Nowadays, most of our work is digital. Which is supported by the investment we made in two machines that excel in that regard; the Anapurna M2 and Mimaki CJV both help speed up the printing process.

As our job is to printing large quantities of signage to a deadline, it’s crucial our machinery matches to those needs.

Most recently, 3D printing has taken the industry by storm. And we suspect that in a few years’ time, the concept of 3D printing will be more prevalent and easier to use than it is now.

But in the meantime, if you need any sign making help, then you can contact us at: 01473 325806 and info@sfy.org.uk