I found all the discussions about red on black not having contrast because...
interesting, but there is a much easier way to verify enough contrast, size,
legibility, location etc. Simply park your car outside on an average day,
walk ~ 100-200' away and while looking at the car squint through your
eyelashes at it until all the colors disappear into shades of grey (yes,
you'll need to almost close your eyes). Can you still see and read your
markings (be honest!!!)? If you can't easily see them you don't have enough
contrast. If you can't read them you need to make them bigger and/or change
the font.
You can use this method to test markings by printing them on your color
printer at full size and color, cut them out and tape them to the car where
they will go and do the squint test, or have just one full size one made and
test it before ordering a full set. This simple test will eliminate such low
contrast combos as yellow on white, silver on white, red on black, red on
blue, and their reverses, patterns that blend into a low contrast shade at a
distance, too small lettering, lettering that blends into a multicolor
background or into the graphics, fonts that run together. I eliminated a
couple patterned fills that looked good up close, and adjusted our "G" to more
easily distinguish it from a "C". It will also verify if a contrasting border
stripe is effective or not.
Evidently a rule does need to be in place that forbids the use of tape to
represent or change numbers and forbids the use of shoe polish markings. I was
shocked to read in NA Pylon that shoe polish markings were being used at the
San Diego NT in the rain!
Here's a thought on how to bring the slackers into compliance: Lets all start
a rumor that it's been verified that the size and contrast of the markings on
one's race car are directly proportional to the driver's "sexual prowess",
i.e. the bigger the better! WARNING: Sign shop owners prepare for a rush of
orders! LOL!
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