Glossary of Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

H-channel letter: A dimensional letter with a cross sectional shape (e.g. like an "H") that allows for the mounting of neon tubing within the lettering itself.
Hairline joint: The thinnest possible joint between two edges.
Halation: A halo-like effect can result from extreme contrast between adjacent illuminated and non-illuminated portions of a sign. The light appears to spread or bleed across the non-illuminated area, making it more difficult for the viewer to focus on the sign and its message.
Halftone: The process by which a continuous tone image such as a photograph is reproduced and simulated using a pattern of printed or silk screened dots of varying size and equal spacing. At a normal viewing distance the reproduced image appears as continuous tone.
Halo lighting: A type of sign lighting where a light source located within or behind a sign is allowed to reflect off the mounting surface. The result is that the sign appears to be surrounded by a halo of light.
Hanging sign: A projecting double-faced sign that is hung from a bracket or support arm which mounted to a wall or pole.
Heat colour-transfer: A process of applying colour to fabric whereby a pigmented resin is activated by heat and then pulled into the fabric with a vacuum applicator.
Heat-bending: The process of heating a piece of material such as PVC, acrylic or glass tubing in order to make it malleable enough to bend and shape.
Height: The measured distance between the highest point of a sign to the highest point of the grade underneath the sign.
Height above grade: The measured distance between the lowest portion of a sign and the highest point of the grade underneath. (Also called clearance.)
Hinged side: The hinged side of a double-faced sign. When opened it provides access to the interior of the sign allowing for the inspection, maintenance and repair of the internal components of the sign.
Hue: A given colour's tendency towards any of the four base wavelengths of visible light: red, yellow, blue and green. For example, if yellow appears more dominate in an orange coloured ink, then that colour orange would be said to have a yellowish hue. Hue is one of the three attributes of colour along with brightness and saturation.