Sylvan Signs
Glossary - M
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magnetic sheeting:
A layer of magnetic material
laminated to a flexible surface
material such as vinyl that
can be printed with lettering
and graphics. Magnetic sheeting
is commonly used for temporary
signage that can be placed
on the side of vehicles or
other metal surfaces.
mall signage:
A general term for on-premise
signs located within a multi-tenant
building or mall.
margin:
The space between the any
lettering or graphics and
the border of the sign face.
marquee sign:
A permanent structure attached
to the front of a building
and which incorporates a
large message center. Typically
illuminated and often ornate
in design, a marquee sign
projects over the entrance
of the building and provides
a canopy over at least a
portion of the sidewalk or
street. Marquee signs are
often used by movie theaters
and concert halls.
matte:
Having a dull or non-shiny
surface or finish.
MDO (medium density
overlay): An exterior
grade plywood sheet that
has been given a resin-impregnated
overlay on one or both
sides to improve its paintability.
medium density
overlay (MDO):
An exterior grade plywood
sheet that has been given
a resin-impregnated overlay
on one or both sides to
improve its paintability.
memorial sign:
A sign, typically a plaque,
which commemorates a person,
place or event.
menu board:
A changeable point-of-purchase
sign that provides a list
of products and prices. It
is a type of sign commonly
seen in sandwich shops and
other fast service restaurants
where it is used to display
the menu. (See also variable
message sign.)
mercury:
A silvery-white metal that
remains liquid at room temperature.
In a neon lamp and fluorescent
lamp, mercury is heated to
a vapor through the application
of an electric current and
mixed with an inert gas such
as argon to produce the ultraviolet
light necessary to excite
the phosphorous coating on
the inside of the lamp, which
in turn then generates visible
light.
mesh:
1. Any fabric or woven material
having a loose or open weave.
2. In screen printing, the
material through which ink
or paint is applied to a
surface.
message area:
Any segment or surface of
a sign that conveys meaning
to the viewer either through
words or graphics.
message center:
Any sign designed such that
the copy (message) can be
changed as needed through
mechanical or electronic
means. (See also variable
message sign.)
mild steel:
A type of sheet metal commonly
used to form channels and
other sign components and
structures.
mildew resistant:
Refers to fabric that has
been chemically treated so
as to inhibit the growth
of mold and fungus.
mobile billboard:
A large sign mounted on a
trailer or back of a truck.
The sign may or may not be
illuminated. (Also called
a mobile sign.)
mobile sign:
A large sign mounted on a
trailer or back of a truck.
The sign may or may not be
illuminated. (Also called
a mobile billboard.)
mock-up:
A full scale model of a structure.
A sign mock-up is created
to test and review in detail
the appearance, legibility
and other aspects of a final
design. It is typically made
of cheaper, less durable
material than the final sign
but given the same colors
and finishes. (See also model.)
model:
A scaled version of a structure.
Typically, sign models are
substantially smaller than
the actual sign it represents,
and are used during the design
process to test and review
different design concepts.
molded letter:
A letter created by heating
a sheet of acrylic or plastic
until it is pliable and then
shaping it into the desired
form using a mold of the
letter. After the plastic
cools, it retains the molded
shape and any excess material
is trimmed away.
molding:
A decorative strip of metal
or wood that frames the outer
edge of a sign. Molding can
be simple or ornate in style.
monolith:
A structure created out of
a single mass of material
such as a block of granite
or marble, or formed concrete.
monument sign:
A freestanding sign that
stands directly on the ground
or ground level foundation.
A monument sign is often
used to mark a place of significance
or the entrance to a location.
(See also low profile sign.)
mottled:
Term for a surface or finish
that is marked with irregular
patches of color.
muntz metal:
A type of brass alloy that
has good casting and hot-work
properties, and is resistant
to corrosion. Commonly used
for the making of plaques.
(Also known as alpha-beta
brass and yellow metal.)
mural:
A wall surface that has been
decorated with a direct application
of paint, tile or printed
graphics.
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Where creativity comes in all shapes and sizes! Call Sylvan
Signs today at 503.430.8072!
