Deboss
The pes or plates.
De-cal:
An appliqué of words, graphics, or a combination of the two, screen-printed on the non adhesive side of vinyl film, then cut to a specified shape using a plotter or die. Decals are often created when a large number of identical pieces are required.
De-Greasing:
The process of removing residual oil or grease from a material.
De-Lamination:
The separation of layers in a laminated substrate. The main cause of de lamination is adhesive failure.
Density:
The quality of being close or compact; dense. In physics, density is a ratio of the mass of an object to its volume. In sign making, it is a measurement used to express the hardness of foam boards, expressed in pounds-per-cubic-foot.
Deposit:
The amount of ink applied to a substrate.
Descender:
In a given typeface, the portions of the lowercase g, j, p, q, y, and in some fonts f as well as uppercase J that extend below the baseline of the letter. See also ascender.
Design:
At its simplest, a synonym for layout. Also, the process involved in creating a sign including conceptualizing the idea, choosing the colors, typefaces, and graphics, and arranging to be most effective for the given situation.
Design Intent Drawings:
Drawings that show only the size, profile, and basic relationship of parts, but no specific details of material or construction. Usually, these drawings are provided as bid documents from which the selected fabricator develops shop drawings and/or prototypes to define and confirm specific details.
Die-Cut:
Refers to the outline made with a steel-rule die manufactured for the purpose of cutting out a particular shape or job. Die-cutting is commonly done when a large number of items, such as decals, are to be cut, or the shape consists of something other than straight lines. Die-cut can also refer to the object that has been cut.
Digital Color Signage:
Computerized output (usually sheet materials) that can be applied to fabric, vinyl, paper, high-pressure laminates, fiberglass embedment, and other material.
Directional Sign:
A sign intended to provide directional information. While a directional sign may be considered any on-premise sign that provides such information, the Highway Beautification Act sets guidelines for the size, placement, and content of purely directional signs.
Directory:
Usually a list of names of people, offices, or destinations at a specific building, facility or public venue. May provide text listings or include maps, site plans, or diagrams.
Disabled Access/Parking:
Commonly used misnomer for identifying facilities for persons with disabilities. These misnomers include "disabled access", "disabled parking", etc. "Accessible parking" is the term used in many areas. Legal requirements vary from state to state.
Documentation:
Process of recording and conveying design intent information. Used as a tool for recording and reviewing shapes and data throughout design process, from schematics through design development to design intent drawings and finally to contract documents. See also schematic design, design intent drawings, contract documents.
Donor Recognition:
A sign, plaque, or graphic display to recognize and honor the contributions of a person(s) or organization to an entity, project, or a facility.
Double Back:
A 180-degree bend used in neon tubes to produce such letters as R, E, F, and G, as well as other designs. Often used to describe the technique and placement of the electrode on a neon unit.
Double-Face:
A sign with two parallel but opposing faces; a back-to-back sign.
Double Tube:
Two neon tubes running parallel to each other. often used to create outlines or borders.
Draw:
In the manufacture of plastic letters and sign faces by embossing, de bossing, or vacuum forming, draw is the depth of the shaped letter or face from the original plane of the material.
Dye:
A colorant that is dissolved in a liquid and applied to a surface or texture to change appearance.
