FADING LIGHT: THE SEQUEL

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I know that I have addressed the issue of digital printed illuminated signs before. I know that I have complained vehemently about it as well. Technology is changing and there are now methods of successfully printing signs to be backlit without it looking like an "iron-on" picture pulled from a package of Honey-Comb. (Yes I am that old!) We produce more and more signs that are using digital printed components. From wood grain backgrounds to bevelled effects, these are images that just cannot be accomplished with standard translucent vinyls.
I was very disappointed to see a long established British Columbia restaurant chain, whom I won't name, using digital printed backlit signs. I'm talking about a company that prided itself by using a custom 3M translucent green vinyl for all the backgrounds of its signs, accented with 3M metallic gold and 3M burgundy translucents. I produced some of these signs myself over the years and they were some of the most fiddle f* graphics to weed and apply, but thats what made the end product look so good. Daytime the contrasting white, gold and burgundy on the rich green background (actually 2 layers of 3M Holly Green Translucent Vinyl) looked amazing. You could spot it a mile away and know that "there's a place to get a great burger!" In the evening the same amazing look glowing in the dark.
Recently though, I was stunned to see a brand new restaurant use digital printed graphics on not one but two pylon signs and two channel logos. In the daytime you can get away with this, but once illuminated... unbelievably BAD! I assume to achieve the proper dark green in the daytime, and not get too dark with a double hit of ink, they went with a single pass. I'm not exagerating because I'm a picky sign guy. These things look like crap. I wish I could tell everyone the name of the restaurant and the location of the offending franchise so everyone could see for themselves how bad they are. I deliberatly drove past one of the locations that I had a hand in producing the signs. At least 7 years old and they still look great in the day and even better at night.
So I implore all sign companies out there, I know it's cheaper, I know it's easier but educate your customers. Let them know the difference it will make. If they don't care what their image looks like at night, then save them some more money... don't illuminate it.