Make Advertising Signs From Your Computer

March 3, 2011

You only have to walk or drive up a road to see signs on shop fronts, advertising billborads, on vehicles etc. In everyday life signs are almost everywhere, so that can also add reality to a train layout.

Using your computer is a great way to make signs. Example: If you search google images for “Pepsi” you will get dozens of images of the logo, bottles and more. Select the image you want and save it as a jpeg. If you have a graphics program on your computer you will easily be able to resize the image and print it out. Even a simple graphic program like PAINT (which is free on most PC’s) will do. You can also design your own signs using these a graphics program. You simply choose the font size, style, font color, background color etc.

The next step is to spray a thin sheet of styrene plastic with an artists adhesive and then glue the signs to the plastic. Smooth it out to remove any bubbles. When it’s dry use hobby/craft/xacto knife and carefully cut the signs out.

You can then attach the styrene backed signs to any other plastic surface using styrene cement. You will be able to fit lots of signs on one sheet of paper, so that will save on printing costs. For best results you might want to seal the signs with a dullcoat matt varnish, but test a piece first to make sure the ink doesn’t run. From experience I have found it best to apply a couple of light clear varnish coats rather than one heavy coat which could run or be so thick it looks yellowish.