Quick Guide to Construction Safety Signs

Specific health and safety laws that concern construction sites in Australia require that people on or near construction sites are warned of all hazardous activities taking place before any construction work begins. Builders and site managers must ensure that an adequate number of general construction safety signs, depending on the size and complexity of the job site, are erected at the workplace. Adhering to the rules and regulations in regards to safety signs will ensure you avoid fines and non-compliance.

To make it easy to identify construction safety signs, there are 4 broad categories:

Mandatory signs
Mandatory construction safety signs indicate that an instruction must be carried out. All mandatory signs can be identified by a blue circle with a white picture within. They are used to designate required safety equipment within a certain area, or to communicate an action that must be carried out. Examples include: ear or eye protection required, hard hat zone, dust mask or respirator required, switch off after use, wash hands, use protective clothing, keep locked etc.

Warning signs
Warning signs are used to warn of a hazard or a hazardous condition that is not likely to be life-threatening. Warning signs can be identified by a yellow background.
Examples include: flammable material, slippery when wet, heavy equipment zone, work overhead, low voltage electricity, asbestos present, falling hazard, toxic vapour present etc.

Danger signs
Danger signs are used to warn of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening. Signs in this category incorporate the word ‘danger’ in white letters on a red oval shape against a black background.
Examples include: high voltage, radiation present, crane working overhead, deep excavation, asbestos removal process, danger of explosion, confined space etc.

Emergency
Emergency signs are used to indicate the location of, or directions to, emergency-related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid facilities. General emergency information signs can be identified by a green square with white writing or pictures.

Don’t get an unnecessary fine for not displaying adequate safety signage on your job site. Give Mesh Direct a call on 1300 368 978 to see how we can help you with your branded construction safety signs. We print our branded safety signs on corflute which is a hardwearing and waterproof substrate which is ideal for construction safety signs.

• banner design
• Banner Mesh
• branded banners
• building signs
• building site signage
• Building Wraps
• construction advertising
• Construction signage
• construction site safety
• construction site signage
• safety
• Shade Cloth
• Vinyl

Advertise Your Construction Business Effectively

Advertising serves a critical purpose in the construction industry as an integral communication tool which enables your business to productively and effectively compete with others for the attention of your target market. The construction industry is largely dominated by word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing but the need for an external reinforcement is critical in gaining more customers for your business.

Advertising of any sorts should be your primary objective to reach a larger sales audience, and in doing so, adheres to the recognition or product recall of your company. It is important that the message you are conveying in your advertising campaign is clear and informative across all platforms.

Advertising not only invites consumers to evaluate your product or service, but creates an environment in the marketplace for companies to learn of their competitors and plan accordingly to meet sales targets. Competition allows small and new businesses to successfully enter and expand in the marketplace through varying strategies. These strategies are all based on differentiation; showing customers what makes your product or service distinctively better than those offered by your competitors, giving your company a competitive advantage. Having an advantage is the key to greater profitability; when a customer is relying on your services or products they create a higher expectation for your company, convinced that this purchase is the best one for them. With quality products or services and this perception by consumers you are able to enjoy greater repeat sales, expanding your business and cementing a reputable image.

With advances in print technology, alluring graphics and attractive designs to capture the consumer’s eye, industries who choose to advertise on banners, signage or billboards, have an advantage using a budget advertising medium. This yields a high impact result and branding opportunities on a grand scale without the necessity of a monthly maintenance cost. The ultimate advantage of out-of-home advertising is that your signage and brand is exhibited on a large advertising space that appears 24 hours a day to a wide audience.

At Mesh Direct, we are Australia’s leading large format printers supplying the construction and events industry. Specifically, grand format printing has a high visual impact and is an easy way to capture your target audiences attention. Call us today on 1300 368 978 to speak to one of our friendly sales consultants about your next project.

• banner design
• Banner Mesh
• branded banners
• building signs
• building site signage
• Building Wraps
• construction advertising
• Construction signage
• Shade Cloth
• Vinyl

Building Wraps: The Grandest of Grand Format Printing

There is nothing more impressive than wrapping branded artwork around a building as a form of outdoor advertising. Whether applied for temporary installation, promoting a product or service, or launching an event, building wraps are capable of displaying a bold advertising message for all to see.

Building wraps or building skins are a relatively new form of advertising in Australia although they have been around for decades in Europe and the US. Buildings are enormous blank canvases that can be used to your advantage and are a great marketing tool.

Whatever the appearance of the facade, building wraps truly create a memorable if not a magnificent impression. Given the costs of other forms of out-of-home advertising which are far less permanent or memorable, building wraps are relatively inexpensive although incredibly impressive.

Depending on the intended usage, building wraps are usually made from banner mesh. After printing, the individual panels are joined together and produce the finished building wrap. Wraps are generally made from banner mesh due to the print quality needed, wind load and structure to which it is fixed to.

Building wraps are highly versatile and when used the construction media they deliver a purpose of minimising attention to the surrounding environment, concealing and disguising construction works.

Recently, Mesh Direct has the pleasure of wrapping the entire rear facade of the British Ambassador’s Residence in Canberra this month with a rendition of the building underneath creating outstanding result. For this particular project, the building wrap was required to minimise the visual impact of the scaffold during the renovation. Mesh Direct photographed, designed, printed and installed the full rear building wrap solution with exceptional results as you can see in the photos.

At Mesh Direct, we have the experience and in-house skills to make your concept come to life in the grandest of grand formats. Talk to us about your vision and we will work together with your creative team, or with ours, to create your building wrap masterpiece. We can handle everything from design of the building skin to installation and lighting. Call 1300 368 978 to speak to our sales team about your next project.

Visit our Building Wraps page for more information and technical specifications.

• banner design
• Banner Mesh
• branded banners
• building signs
• building site signage
• Building Wraps
• construction advertising
• Construction signage
• Large scale projects

Banner Finishing Options Explained

If you are looking to order a banner it’s important to consider how you would like it to be finished after printing. There are several different finishing options available and deciding which one you need can be confusing if you don’t understand the purpose of each one. Use this guide to help you make a more informed decision.

Grommets
Grommets are rust-proof metal eyelets, which are applied around the edges of the banner after printing to reinforce the banner and allow it to be tied. If you’re going to be hanging the banner on the side of a building, on fencing or between poles, adding grommets will make the process much easier. Use strong rope, twine or even cable ties to ensure that your banner will be secure after hanging. Grommets are punched into a banner 500mm apart at the top of the banner and every 1000mm apart at the bottom of the banner. This distributes the banner’s weight and helps to keep the banner from sagging. Grommets are commonly used as a finishing for banners used on temporary fencing. The required tension can be gained for the banner to be wrinkle free which is best achieved using heavy duty plastic cable ties. Remember to match the colour of the cable ties to your banner or use clear ones, and trim the ends once tightened.

Finishing your banners with grommets is our standard practice so please let us know if you want to attach your banner in another way.

Nylon Seat Belt Supertuff® Webbing
Nylon webbing reinforcement is welded to the edge of the banner to provide extra durability in outdoor conditions. The edges of the banner are finished with Supertuff® seat belt style webbing providing an extremely durable, large format sign. Welding PVC coated webbing to the back edges of a banner provides numerous advantages; increased tensile strength; more structural stiffness to prevent curling; stronger grommet mounting; and the ‘trim-to-edge’ method removes the need for fold-over hems. Supertuff® seat belt style webbing provides a superior quality finishing which in incomparable to many of our competitors. This comes with all our premium mesh products as standard.

Kedar Edging
Kedar edging with sail track is commonly used for vinyl banners and is ideal for affixing banners to walls or hoarding. ‘Kedar’ rope is welded to the banner edge and the rope is inserted into sail track made specifically for this type of edging. This method of stretching banners to create a smooth, fully taught low-glare surface works wonderfully on most flat and slightly curved surfaces. Sail track is often used for banner mounting to walls and is the accepted norm for mounting to large billboards and wooden hoardings.

Pole Pockets
If you are looking to display your banner using poles, you’ll most likely need pole pockets. Pole pockets can be added to any side of the banner. The banner material is folded over the back side of the banner, similar to hems, but enough room left for a pole to go through the pocket. Pole pockets allow for rigid poles to be inserted along the edges of the banner. This allows for a more even distribution of the banner’s weight to prevent sagging. Opposing pole pockets can also be used to make the banner more rigid.

Wind Slits
Banners that are mounted outdoors in very windy areas benefit from the addition of wind slits. These are horseshoe shaped flaps cut into blank areas of the banner, which allow wind to pass through, reducing tension and possible deterioration of the banner. Wind ‘holes’ in large banners are required when the banner is exposed to wind on both sides. A banner is like a large sail in the wind and can generate huge pressure and tension on banner fixtures and fittings. Best to cut ‘V’ or ‘U’ shapes in the banner so when there is no wind, the ‘flap’ is left down to expose the image on the banner. The ‘V’ or ‘U’ cut is preferred to a small cut-out hole as they sit flat when the wind is not strong.

Hemmed Edges
Hemmed edges are typically used to reinforce the sides of banners, helping to maintain the banner’s shape and prevent stretching.

Button Hole Eyelets
Reinforced knitted, ‘button-hole’ eyelets are built in to the top and bottom edges of shade cloth. Button hole eyelets provide premium strength and a neat looking installation for shade cloth banners. We recommend using cable ties to attach your printed shade cloth to your temporary fence.

Banner Tape
Banner tape is a single sided tape which is welded onto the edges of banners. It is used to provide reinforcement for the edges and grommets. We use banner tape on our standard banner mesh and many of our competition use to finish their premium banners. When making a decision about your banner mesh, consider how long it is going to be on the fence. On banners finished with banner tape, the grommets can pull through in strong winds which can cause the banner to sag, or in some cases rip. Banner tape is inexpensive and is not labour intensive. The tape is used on banners to add strength along the edge without the need to sew the hems.

Folded Edge
In cases where budget is a consideration, banner mesh can be finished with a folded edge. Approximately 4cm of the edge is doubled over and welded to itself. It is the least effective edge finishing. We strongly urge not to use this edging method in high wind areas or when the mesh needs to be in place for long periods. There is a strong likelihood of grommets coming away from the edging.

Mesh Direct offers a full range of finishes and we are market leaders in providing the most durable mesh on the market with our premium banner mesh. With us you will get super strong banners which can withstand harsh Australian environmental conditions. The banner finishing techniques available at Mesh Direct give banners a clean, sharp look and provide a superior quality in comparison to many of our competitors.

Call 1300 368 978 for any further enquiries about our quality finishing or to get a quote for your next banner.

• banner care
• banner finishing options
• Banner Mesh
• banner strength
• branded banners
• building signs
• building site signage
• Building Wraps
• construction advertising
• Construction signage
• Shade Cloth

Product Videos – Shade Cloth, Banner Mesh & Vinyl

Take a look at our new product videos that were created to provide our client base with some quick facts about each substrate available at Mesh Direct.

Shade Cloth/Scrim

Premium Banner Mesh

Standard Banner Mesh

Vinyl Banners

Corflute

• Banner Mesh
• Corflute
• Shade Cloth
• Vinyl

5 Tips to Ensure a Perfect Banner Installation on Temporary Fencing

Your beautifully printed banner mesh has cost you a bit of money but is now all set to repay you in conveying your message –  you just need to install it. Installing banners on fencing is usually a fairly simple task if you know some basic tips and the cornerstone of those tips is tension. A banner that is crooked, sagging or flapping in the breeze can be more damaging than helpful, displaying a lack of care and sloppiness.

Here are some simple tips to ensure you get the best visual result from your next installation:

1. Purchase the correct substrate and size for your project.  We recommend you always leave some space between the height of the fence and the vertical banner dimension. Our knowledgeable sales consultants will guide you to pick an ideal size and substrate depending on various factors such as wind load, size of fencing, how long you would like to use the banner for etc.
2. Plan the installation when you can have someone else to help you and weather conditions are favourable.
3. Use the correct installation method. Cable ties should be interlaced through the grommets and fencing.
4. The banner should be tightened to the perfect tension ensuring your message displays on a flat canvas
5. Maintain your banner by regularly checking the tension and making any adjustments as necessary.

This is a great time-lapse video showcasing the installation of a mesh banner at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre in Sydney’s Inner West.

At Mesh Direct, we can provide a professional installer to do the job for you if you prefer. Please see our installation service page for more details or contact us on 1300 368 978 or visit www.meshdirect.com.au/get-a-quote/.

• banner design
• Banner Mesh
• branded banners
• Building
• building signs
• building site signage
• Building Wraps
• Construction
• construction advertising
• Construction signage
• Corflute
• Corflute Signage
• Events
• installation
• Premium Banner Mesh
• Real Estate
• Shade Cloth
• Signage
• Standard Banner Mesh
• Temporary fencing

Anti-Graffiti Coating: How to Protect Your Signage

Graffiti and tagging on banners, hoarding and billboards is an unfortunate reality these days. When you install a banner you might want to think about taking precautionary steps to limit your risks of the costly effects of vandalism.

Graffiti vandals can strike anywhere at anytime, even in respectable areas where graffiti is rare. These pests use a wide variety of pens, spray cans and other implements, all of which can be used directly onto mesh or solid vinyl substrates. The cost of graffiti removal can quickly run into thousands of dollars, if possible at all. To remove the graffiti you need to use a solvent which will most likely remove the ink your banner is printed with.

What can you do to protect your signage?

Anti-graffiti coating is one way of protecting your signage investment. At Mesh Direct, we offer only the best graffiti protection provided by Adcoat Graphic Solutions. Adcoat Tuffcoat anti-graffiti coating is available in two variations which differ between levels of graffiti protection. Both are applied to signage after printing by a special liquid coating machine.

The anti-graffiti coating comes in both gloss and matt finishes. Not only does Adcoat Tuffcoat offer the ability to easily clean graffiti off printed banners but it creates an outstanding finish making images and text jump off the substrate.

Adcoat Tuffcoat graffiti coating makes graffiti removal quick and simple without damaging the inks. Adcoat Tuffcoat anti-graffiti coating adds a layer above the original ink, this layer is not impervious to graffiti but it does mean that your signage can be easily restored to its original glory. This is hugely effective in areas of high vandalism activity. Rather than reprinting the entire sign or sections of it, it can be simply cleaned. Over the course of some projects, this would run into the tens of thousands.

Features and Benefits of Anti-Graffiti Coating

• Resists scuff marks, graffiti, gummy adhesive tapes and all stains
• Easy to clean with water
• UV protection
• Weather resistant
• Non-stick, slippery coating
• Mildew and mould resistant
• Durable
• Non-sacrificial (does not lose its properties after cleaning)
• 4 years of graffiti and fade free protection with a 60 micron coating.

Adcoat Tuffcoat anti-graffiti coating is not for everyone or every banner installation. The price of the initial application could double the price of your order but in areas where repeated vandal attacks are likely this is a small price to pay relative to replacement or repair costs. Decision makers will need to weigh up the risks of using Adcoat Tuffcoat anti-graffiti coating but in some cases it is not only desirable but it is virtually mandatory.

We strongly recommend using Adcoat Tuffcoat anti-graffiti coating to protect vinyl covered hoardings against graffiti, particularly when the hoarding is easily accessed and in an urban area. On large scale projects that will last 18 months plus there is a possibility that graffiti vandals will attack your expensive signs multiple times and then the cost of the coating seems relatively cheap compared to replacement costs.

To find out more about protecting your signage with Adcoat Tuffcoat, contact Mesh Direct – 1300 368 978 or visit www.meshdirect.com.au/get-a-quote/.

• Anti-graffiti
• Anti-Graffiti Coating
• banner design
• Banner Mesh
• branded banners
• Building
• building signs
• building site signage
• Construction
• construction advertising
• Construction signage
• installation
• Signage
• Temporary fencing
• Vinyl

[Latest Work] Eight Development Project

Here is a sneak peak at one of our latest projects for a development project.

Mesh Direct worked alongside the construction design agency, Grenade, to provide a brand solution for the Eight development in Maribyrnong, Victoria.

The project brief included the skinning of a double stack container with vinyl banners, mesh banners for temporary fencing and vinyl banners on sail track.

Thank you to Magnify Installations in Melbourne for a fantastic installation.

• Banner Mesh
• Building
• Construction
• Corflute Signage
• Premium Banner Mesh
• Real Estate
• Shade Cloth
• Signage
• Standard Banner Mesh
• Temporary fencing
• Vinyl

6 Reasons Why You Need Corflute Signage

If you are looking for sturdy but lightweight signage for your building and construction site, event or real estate listing, corflute signage is your best solution.

Here are 6 reasons why you need corflute signage:

1. Cost Effective
Corflute is a budget friendly signage solution for many applications which can replace expensive substrates such as aluminium panels or colour-bond signage. This low-cost form of plastic signage is economical and inexpensive, perfect when needing bulk supplies.

2. Easy Installation
Corflute is a lightweight substrate that can be installed and removed in a flash, anywhere and by anyone. It can be affixed to any flat surface using adhesive tape, glue, screws or nails. It can be easily attached to fencing through metal eyelets in each corner.

3. Customisable
Corflute can be cut to any shape or size and is adaptable for any space. Corflute blanks are 2400mm x 1200mm and sheets can be cut into multiple shapes and sizes. Corflute can be joined at install effectively making enormous signs.

4. Variety of Uses
Corflute is used in a variety of short or long-term projects such as real estate signs, promotional signs, construction site signs, building site signs, compliance signs, tradesman site signage, building site warning signs, security company signs, trade show display signs, in-store promotional, safety, warning signs and first aid signs.

5. High Print Quality
High-resolution digitally printed corflute provides a high impact and visually appealing signage solution. There are no restrictions on the colour you can use in your design which enables you to convey your brand in the best possible light. At Mesh Direct, the messaging is printed directly onto the substrate with a flatbed printer, rather than using vinyl stickers. This produces a perfect print reproduction at a budget price.

6. Durable
Corflute is waterproof and direct to corflute printing means that your message will appear perfectly no matter the weather. Corflute retains ink well and will only start to fade after years of exposure to UV. Corflute board is exceptionally strong, it is impossible to tear by hand and will take a beating when bumped into.

Corflute has many applications and its price and durability make it a very attractive medium. Before considering more expensive alternatives, we urge our clients to look at corflute first.

To read technical specifications about corflute, visit our web page – http://meshdirect.com.au/products/corflute-signage/.

For more information or to obtain a quote, call one of our friendly consultants on 1300 368 798.

• Building
• Construction
• Corflute
• Corflute Signage
• Events
• Real Estate
• Signage