RETAIL PRICES and Design Features

If you have entered this website on this page, please go to our Home Page (click on blue tab on upper left), to get an overview of our products and website contents. This page provides information on our prices, and also serves as a reference page for clients who are not familiar with ordering a dimensional sandblasted or carved sign. It provides insight and a description of design choices and pros and cons on recommended sign size, materials (HDU vs wood), type of design and construction (sandblast vs CNC carving vs hand-carving, raised letters, 3D and vinyl appliques, engraving, V-carving).

Please call us at 951-698-8484 or EMAIL us at info@ArtSignWorks.com for more information.

Sign and Plaque RETAIL Prices.

We offer factory-direct low prices on our custom dimensional signs, without sacrificing high quality. We do not employ salesmen, have an expensive showroom, print expensive catalogs, or run ad campaigns; consequently you pay only for the raw materials and the direct labor to design and build your custom sign, which is typically 60 to 80% of the cost of most sign retailers.

The retail prices for our signs and plaques, like most sign companies, are primarily determined by sign area (maximum width x maximum height), in square feet. Large signs are more expensive than small signs. The cost of materials we purchase is very high, because we buy only the best quality premium wood, HDU, paint , clearcoats, and adhesives. For example, we pay $500 for a 4 x 8 ft sheet of HDU or wood (compare this to plywood at $30/sheet); and the special 3-part sign paint and clearcoat we use costs $200/gallon. Our raw materials are typically 25% to 30% of the cost of the sign; the larger the sign, the more materials and labor are required. The price is also determined by whether the sign is single or double-sided (a double-sided sign is 50% more than a single-sided sign), material type (HDU is 15% less expensive than Redwood or Cedar, which is 10% less expensive than Mahogany), sign thickness (varies from 1.5 inches to 3 inches), whether the sign is sandblasted or 3D routed (sandblasted and routed 2.5D signs are about 10-20% less than 3D routed signs), and finally any special complex features such as custom 3D carved appliques, separate letters on standoffs, built-up overlays, gold-leaf gilding, hand-carving, laser engraving, full-color digitally printed vinyl appliques, etc. Thus Product 1 Line signs (sandblasted HDU) are less expensive than Product Line 2 (Carved HDU) or Product Line 3 (Wood) signs. Because every sign is custom designed, and can have a range of sizes, we do not post the price on each sign in our Product and Application Galleries. Instead we will provide you a specific written quote by email once you tell us the sign size, type of material and approximate design (refering to the ID number). We can help you select these design parameters if you can describe the sign's use or application.

However, you can determine the approximate price of a sign yourself by using the simple procedure described in this paragraph. Our least expensive dimensional signs are single-faced sandblasted or 2.5D CNC routed HDU signs with text and simple art, shown in Product Line 1. For medium size custom-designed signs (between 2 ft2 and 20 ft2) these are RETAIL priced at $68/ft2, which includes a free custom design. These can have any number of colors, font types, raised or engraved text, and most logos or other art. Our smallest simple signs (less than 2 ft2), have a price of $78/ft2, with a minimum price of $150 for a single order (may consist of several signs, or only one) , depending on our backlog. We raise the order minimum to $150 when we have a large backlog. Our large 2.5D CNC routed and sandblasted HDU signs, 30 ft2 to 100 ft2 for the total order, have RETAIL prices of $62/ft2. Elaborate art, hand-painting, gold-leafing, etc have higher prices. For very large orders, we sell CNC Routed and sandblasted signs as low as $55/ft2 (wholesale price or retail orders greater than 250 ft2) .

The table above gives typical prices of our most popular HDU and wood sign and plaques. We presently have a minimum order of $150 (total order, that may consist of several signs, wrought iron hangers, etc) for signs that require a new design . Double-faced, extra thick, and special feature signs will cost extra, as described above. For very large orders (dozens to hundreds of signs), or very large signs, or for sign retailers (wholesale prices) we offer substantial discounts, typically 10-20%, from the above retail prices. Our prices for these premium signs are among the lowest in the US. Several companies sell their gold-leaf gilded 3D carved applique HDU signs for 2 or even 3 times our prices, up to $250/ft2. Why pay $1400 for a sign when you can get the same sign for $500? Customers ask us, how can we offer these low prices? In five words, "factory-direct and design & production efficiency." We use the latest automated technology, completely computerized design, computer-controlled machines for manufacturing,and we have a very skilled and experienced staff, along with low labor / overhead rates and high volumes, which enables us to reduce our costs and pass the savings on to you. We use exactly the same (or better in some cases) high-grade materials as our more costly competitors, and our designs and hand-craftmanship are outstanding. By buying from us factory-direct over the internet, rather than through a retail store, you save an additional 20% to 50% in price.

Large flat signs, made of MDO (smooth waterproof plywood) signs are $20/ft2 for a single-faced sign and $28/ft2 for a double-faced sign.Extiria board sandblasted or carved signs are $45/ft2 (retail prices, includes design). Both of these have a much shorter life and require more maintenance than HDU, and are not recommended for rainy/4 season climates or where sprinklers can hit them with water.

Our wrought iron and aluminum hangers and posts have prices that range from $60-$120 ( scroll bracket only ) to $200-$500 (Post, decorative base, finial and large bracket). We have both custom and standard frames, stands and brackets,; the custom ones have higher prices.

Our designs are included at no cost if you buy the sign, unlike most sign shops. For smaller signs (under $1000) that require us to develop a new unique design to your requirements, we charge a nominal $30 for the design of the proof, which is then credited to the price of the sign if you buy it. This design fee covers five (sometimes more) design iterations. We do not charge this fee for larger orders or to sign resellers, most who do their own designs. Most sign companies charge from $150 to $250 for design fees, and do not give a credit if you buy the sign-their design is not free.

Ground Shipping to the US and Canada is typically an additional 5-15% of the sign price, depending on your location compared to Southern California.. California sales tax must be added on to signs delivered to California addresses only. Canadian orders have a small customs fee. Please call or email us for an exact price or quote on any item shown on this site or for your unique custom design.

These are only approximate estimates to help your planning; for an exact price on your custom, unique sign or plaque, please call us, email is, or send us Request an Estimate Form , and we will respond promptly with a quote, usually the same day.

Design Suggestions

This page may seem like "information overload". To make it simpler, we recommend the following (each of these items is discussed in detail in the separate sections below):
(1) Wood vs HDU for Outside Signs. For outside signs, we recommend painted HDU over wood. HDU is less expensive. lasts much longer, and requires much less maintenance than Cedar or Redwood for an outside sign, especially in 4 season northern climates. However, we do sell wood signs, which have one advantage-they are less susceptible to vandalism because they are tougher. HDU Signs are described in Product Lines 1 and 2 (Galleries 1 & 2) ; Wood signs in Product Line 3 (Gallery 3).
(2) Sign Size. Make sure your sign is large enough for its intended purpose-many people order their signs too small (because it saves $) and are disappointed when they put them up ; see the paragraph below "How do I specify my Sign shape & size?"
(3) Most Popular Signs at an Economical Price. Our least expensive, most popular, most versatile signs and plaques, recommended for most applications, are multi-layer sandblasted or CNC routed HDU signs with hand-painted art. You can get a great looking original unique sign or plaque for $62/ft2 to $75/ft2. Examples of these signs are in Product Line 1 (Gallery 1).
(3) Elegant Signs. Our most elegant, formal and beauriful signs,sometimes referred to as "works of art", often ordered for churches, law firms, doctor offices, financial institutions, and upscale retailer stores(e.g., jewelry, boutiques, etc) , are our HDU signs with V-carved, 24 K gold-leaf gilded text and 3D carved sculpture hand-painted HDU appliques. These cost about $80/ft2 to $95/ft2; these premium signs are comparable to signs made by other companies that charge $150/ft2 to $220/ft2. Examples of these signs are in Product Line 2 (Gallery 2).
(5) Freestanding Outside Sign Support and Monument Signs A simple double wood post (4 x4 or 6 x 6) and crossbar sign support system is least expensive for large (to 12 ft wide) one- or two-sided outdoor signs; a single wood post and a wrought iron hanger (scroll bracket) is inexpensive (typically $80 to $150,depending on size) and looks great for signs 18 to 48 inches wide.Wrought iron posts and reverse scroll brackets look most elegant, but are more expensive. These are described in Product Line 4 (Gallery 4). We can supply iron or wood sign support hardware, or you can have wood posts and supports made locally.For large outdoor entrance signs, often referred to as monument signs, we offer three different types: (1) double post and panel, described at the beginning of this paragraph; (2) constructed stucco, stone or brick bases with the sign mounted on the base (Southern California only); or (3) EPS foam base and pillar monuments. These types and their prices are all described in the Photo Gallery for Product Line 6.
(6) Naturally finished outside wood signs. We do make these, but please be aware they may require expensive annual maintenance (clear-coating) and will eventually need refinishing (except the very rustic uncoated barnwood or redwood signs, which actually look better as they age) . See Product Line 3 (Gallery 3) for examples
(7) For inside signs and plaques. Naturally finished wood (mahogany and cherry are good choices) looks richer and more elegant than painted wood or HDU, but the wood must be stained either dark with white or gold lettering, or lightened up so that black letters can be esily read. Painted indoor hdu signs with carved bas-relief or multi-level sandblasted art and text ($65/ft2 to $75/ft2) can be very beautiful and detailed (e.g., seals, coats of arms, logos, etc). 24 K gold leaf (additional cost) adds beauty to both indoor and outdoor hdu and wood signs. Inside signs and plaques are shown in Galleries 9, 28 and 30-37.

You do not have to know all (or any) the information below to order a sign!!; our Friendly customer relations staff, Christie and Kevin, will be happy to help you select and create your perfect sign design. Call them at 951-698-8484 or email them at info@artsignworks.com. They are very knowledgeable about all types of signs we make, and if you do not already have a design, will recommend one based on your specific requirements

How do I specify my Sign Size and Shape?

The most frequent question asked by clients is "How large should my sign be?". Sign size can be determined by either (1) physical limitations due to sign mounting or installation (i.e, only so much space available, as for a front door or between two existing sign posts, or specified by a Sign Ordinance) or (2) requirements for viewing and readability.

Sign sizes basically depend on location and use. If you are going to mount your sign on your front door, the sign must be quite small (typically 12 to 14 inches wide, and 4 to 6 inches high.). If it is on a wall outside your door, it can be larger (20 to 40 inches wide). If it is on a separate, larger wall (like as restaurant sign), to be viewed by pedestrians, the width can range from 36 to 72 inches wide and 10 to 36 inches high, depending on how far away it is viewed (e,g,,across a lawn or right next to a sidewalk). Signs mounted on a single post for close pedestrian viewing are typically 20 to 30 inches wide and 10 to 20 inches high. Signs hung from an overhead projecting hanger (blade sign) over a sidewalk should be at least 30 inches wide, up to 48 inches, since they will of necessity be viewed from 50 to 75 feet away from or across the street. Signs mounted on double posts, that can be viewed from a slow-moving car, as on a driveway, should be from 42 to 86 inches wide. Signs that are viewed from more than 150 feet away from a faster-moving car should be 8 ft to 14 ft in width . We make custom signs from 6 inches to 14 ft in width and 6 ft high.

Our most popular sizes of outdoor signs with text and art (such as a logo) , along with their prices, are 20 in x 12 in ( $100); 24 in wide x 18 in high ($195) ; 36 in x 24 in ($390), 48 in x 36 in($780) , 60 in x 48 in,($1200) and 72 in x 48 in ($1440) Residences, including vacation homes, generally choose the smallest three sizes; businesses all but the smallest one. Prices given are for our basic single-face HDU 2.5D sandblasted or CNC routed signs (Product Line 1); additional features cost more.

We can help you determine a more precise sign size if you can tell us the answer to three simple questions, (1) where will the sign be placed and how will it be mounted;? (2) how far away will people be that you want to read your sign? (e.g, 10 ft, 50 ft, 200 ft?) (3) what is the longest line of text that you will have on a single line (no.of characters & spaces)? Using these three pieces of information we (or you) can determine the approximate size sign required. A design is required to get a more precise size.

Most signs are designed using the heights of letters as a criteria. Letter heights on signs we make typically run from 1 in high to 12 inches, which very roughly correspond to sign widths of 12 inches wide to 144 inches (12 ft ) wide.(assuming 10 characters & spaces on longest line of text). These signs can be read from 25 ft away (1 in high letters) to 300 ft away (12 in high letters). Door signs may be 12 inches wide, whereas Monument signs or double-faced signs along a highway can be 12 ft or wider, so fast moving cars hundreds of feet away can read the sign. For most of our outdoor freestanding, building wall, or blade signs that need to be read from a distance of 75 ft or closer, we like to have at least 3 in high letters. The width of a sign with 3 in high letters is typically 24 to 48 inches, depending on the length of the text and art, if any. A simple very approximate formula for sign width is: W=1.2 x N x d/25, where W=Sign width in inches, N=No.of characters & spaces in longest text line, and d= Maximum distance from reader to sign on feet.

For example, if the sign is to say "Bob's Hideaway "(14 characters), and the distance from reader to sign is 50 feet, then W=1.2 x 14 x 50/25 = 32 inches, and the letters are 2 inches high (h = 50/25)

Approximate sign height (H) is simple to calculate if you know how many lines of text you have, plus art. For 1 line of text, multiply letter height h by 1.8; for the above example, H=h x 3 = 5.4 inches. For 2 lines, multiply h by 3.4 ; for 3 lines, by 5.1; for 4 lines, by 6.5. Thus a 4 line sign is H=h x 6.5=14 inches high for the above example of 2 inch letters.The minimum size for the sign is thus approximately 18 inches high x 32 inches wide. Of course ,if there is art on the sign, this will add to the height; most signs containing art are approximately square; i.e., H is about equal to W.

As far as shape goes, it is mostly a question of style and the message you want to display. Do you want a simple, rectangular sign or an ornate (decorative) sign? Do you want it wide and short or narrow and tall, or in between? Do you want the sign to stand out or naturally blend into the background (like park and golf course signs)?.Do you want an elegant shape or a strong, bold shape? Again, the Catalog for Product Lines 1 shows our 99 different standard sizes and shapes for our signs.We can make virtually any other sign shape on a custom basis.

If you want help to determine exact dimensions, please let us know, and we will be happy to help you. Exact sign width can be specified, but exact sign height can only be determined when a complete design layout is done and text is combined with art on a specific sign shape.

Which should I select, Wood or High Density Urethane (HDU) , for my sign or plaque material?

Outdoor Signs. We recommend that painted outdoor signs be made of High-Density-Urethane (HDU), rather than Redwood or Cedar, because they last longer, require much less maintenance, and will not rot or crack. HDU has been the material of choice for outdoors in the sand-blasted sign industry for many years. HDU is impervious to water and will not rot because of its closed-cell construction, and it has good temperature stability so that it will not crack due to freezing and thawing. This provides greatly superior weather resistance compared to wood. Also, paint finishes last considerably longer, and will not crack or peel like they sometimes do on wood. A dramatic grain pattern on HDU can be created using a multi-wire stencil (i.e., grain-frame) during the sandblasting process, so that the background of the sign looks just like sandblasted redwood grain. Alternatively, we can make the background look like sandstone or leave it smooth (for applique or incised letters).

However, HDU is not as strong and does not have the syrface hardness of wood. A double-faced HDU sign must be thicker than one made of wood. For our largest signs, we put a sheet of 1/2 or 3/4 inch thick MDO plywood on the back of single-faced signs, or insert a sheet of MDO sandwiched between two HDU faces for a double face sign, to give additional strength. To increase surface toughness we also apply a coat of resin epoxy (the same asused on fiberglass boats) to the HDU surface, which provides greater impact resistance, We can also supply posts and crossbeams (heart redwood or pressure-treated fir) and can install the sign including setting the posts in concrete (Southern California area only). We can also arrange to have a local sign company near you install a sign we send to you.

However, we do make painted Cedar and Redwood outdoor signs if you wish; about 30% of our painted outdoor signs are made of Redwood or Cedar. We prime them twice, put 2 coats of the best acyrlic latex paint over the entire sign, then two coats of 1-SHOT lettering enamel on the letters, borders, and art. We then finish the signs with two coats of a UV-resistant clearcoat. Properly maintained, a painted outdoor sign should last for many years, but an HDU sign will last much longer and require much less maintenance.

If you want a naturally finished wood outdoor sign, California Redwood is the preferred choice, but Western Red Cedar is also acceptable. We also make outdoor naturally finished signs from Mahogany. However, all of these signs require high maintenance . Clear-coating allows UV damage (which paint protects against), and water is more likely to enter the wood than a painted wood sign. Yearly sanding and clearcoat refinishing may be required in extreme climates. Think of a varnished wood boat and all the maintenance it needs.

MDO is a waterproof plywood that is only suitable for flat signs (2D), or for use as a strong , rugged laminated backsheet or middle sheet (sandwiched and laminated between 2 HDU sheets for a double-faced sign) for a signboard. .It cannot be carved or sandblasted. Exteria board, which we use occasionally, is less expensive than HDU and can be carved and sandblasted, but will not last as long and will deteriorate and absorb water if even a small spot ot protective paint is removed; consequently we seldom use it.

What are the differences between sandblasted, engraved and carved signs and plaques? What are 2D, 2.5D, and 3D signs and plaques?

This section describes the types of design and construction of our 2D, 2.5D, and 3D signs (sandblast vs CNC carving vs hand-carving, raised letters, engraving, V-carving, 3D bas-relief appliques, naturally finished vs painting, gold-leaf gilding, digital vinyl appliques, etc). This section applies to both wood and hdu dimensional signs and plaques.

First, some definitions. We refer to flat signs as 2D; they have painted letters, solid color vinyl, or printed vinyl adhered to a metal, plastic or MDO water-proof plywood signboard. They are smooth and flat with no (zero) relief. Relief is defined as the elevation difference in inches from high point of sign surface to the low point. Examples of 2D signs are stop signs, aluminum street signs, and real estate signs. We do make 2D signs using MDO plywood, PVC, and aluminum signboards, but our specialty is 2.5 and 3D signs and plaques. 2D signs are less than one third the cost of 2.5 and 3D signs, because both material and labor costs are much lower. 2D signs with aluminum or plastic signboards and vinyl lettering are the cheapest signs you can buy (most local sign shops sell them), but they also look it. Most 2D signs are quite thin compared to dimensional signs.

We call 2.5D and 3D signs dimensional signs. These have text, art and borders either elevated (raised) above or engraved (cut ) into a thick, carveable signboard substrate. 2.5D signs are a made with either elevated or engraved flat areas; the most common are two levels, the sign background at one depth and the text, art and borders at another level, but there can be several levels instead of just two. Most 2.5D signs are made with sandblasting and have 0.5 to 0.75 inches of relief. 3D signs have true continuous and curved elevation level changes, rather than "plateau" stepped levels like the 2.5D signs have; these are similar to bas-relief sculptures, and usually have more relief (depth differences over the sign area, typically 1 to 4 inches) than 2.5D signs. The term "bas-relief" describes a low-relief sculpture, such as the Greeks made for marble panels on their Parthenon or other temples. Our 3D bas-relief signs are made with a 3D CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) router/carver ,or sometimes they are hand-carved. Product Line 1 has 2.5D signs; Product Line 2 has 3D signs; and Product line 3, wood signs, has both 2.5D and 3D signs & plaques..

We offer three basic types of 2.5D and 3D signs (1) raised or elevated text and art, which are higher than the sign's background (i.e., closer to the viewer), and (2) engraved (also called incised or carved) text and art, which are lower than the background, and (3) both raised and engraved text and art on the same sign. There are several different ways of making these three types of 3D sign. We use (1) sandblasting (spraying abrasive particles at high pressure on a wood or hdu surface, eroding material from the surface) , (2) our large Computer-Numerically-Controlled (CNC) router/carver (5 x 10 ft table), and (3) hand-carving (sometimes we use 2 or even all 3 of these techniques for a single sign) to make our many types of signs.

Raised Text and Art. Text and art "pop-out" from the background and are elevated from 0.5 in to as much as 1.5 inches (up to 6 inches with cut-out letters on stand-off pegs). For most of our raised text signs, the HDU or wood material in background areas is removed by sandblasting or carved out with a CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) router.

*Sandblasting. HDU produces either a very attractive sandstone (roughened granular) surface; or using a wire frame as a blocker, it will make a dramatic wood-grain like surface with tiny ridges and valleys, looking very similar to sandblasted Redwood. Generally unblasted areas like text and art remain smooth and flat, since a sandblast mask ( a rubber-like adhesive mat) protects the original smooth flat surface from being eroded. We can do multi-layer blasting, sequentially removing masks as we blast, creating as many as 5 different layer levels, each separated by 0.1 to 0.2 in differences in depth. Thus we can create multi-layer backgrounds, text, and art, giving more of a dimensional look. We sometimes call the multi-layer look "2.5D", to distinguish it from true bas-relief 3D which is described below. For multi-layer 2.5D, each layer is flat (i.e.,, not rounded) , and all but the top layer will have a roughened surface, which can be hand-sanded smooth. We use this technique for outlined letters and art where one object should appear to be in front of another, for example. Sometimes we do hand-sanding and hand-carving on multi-layer sandblasted signs, to round edges and add fine detail, so that the text and art are pseudo bas-relief (however, these are not as dramatic nor do they have the relief depth of 3D hand-carved or CNC carved hdu or wood). Of course we also sandblast wood (redwood, cedar, oak, alder, maple, old barnwood) to give dramatic grain patterns, which can either be painted or naturally finished, and can also be made rustic or antiqued.

*CNC Carving. A more elegant approach to making a true 3D raised letter sign is to use our large CNC router/carver (5 x 10 ft table) to produce raised text and art. It is more precise and versatile, because it uses very small high-speed rotating tools that are computer controlled to create fine and precise details. The CNC carver can remove the background material very accurately, making it flat or smooth, and make any bas-relief pattern. Although it can make multiple flat layers like sandblasting, generally we program it to make true 3D surfaces with continuous curvature,rather a series of flat plateau steps. Thus it can round the top of letters, make them prismatic (V-shaped, see second paragraph under Engraved below), create 3D bas-relief art, and make any 3D profile we wish. All of our signs use the CNC router to cut out the signs, and carve borders, text and art. Some of our signs are then lightly sandblasted in some areas to create the sandstone or wood-grain pattern, usually on the background, but sometimes on text and art. A true 3D CNC routed sign is a “step up” in appearance compared to 2.5D sandblasted signs, usually at a small additional cost.

*Hand-Carving. We hand-carve some of our signs, because they may require more relief (i.e. depth) than the CNC carver can easily provide, or they require more artist control, or it may take less time to hand-carve a sculpture than to program our CNC carver for a unique design. Hand-carved signs are our most expensive signs because of high labor costs, and we use our CNC machine to do carving whenerver possible to keep our prices low. As mentioned above, we also hand-carve details for some multi-layer sandblasted signs, and also make very large carvings with high-relief or sculpture in the round. We use sand-carving (precise directed sandblasting) or CNC cutting & carving to make the approximate rough blank, then an artist sculptor carves the fine details with chisels, rasps, veniers, sandpaper, etc. Once we make one carved sculpture, we can automatically scan it with our CNC machine exactly and make hundreds of identical carvings robotically with the CNC carver.

*Cut-Out Letters. The most dramatic 3D elevated text and art is made by cutting out letters and pieces of art and either attaching them directly to a signboard (usually smooth but can be carved or sandblasted) with epoxy or screws, or with studs (steel pegs) which elevate them completely off the surface, such is done with metal letters on monument signs. We can provide custom cut-out letters any font style and size, to 8 ft high , made from aluminum, steel, acrylic, PVC, HDU, or wood, complete with studs ready to attach. We can also build custom art, such as logos, that can be put on a signboard or a stone, stucco wood or brick monument or building wall,. Cut-out letters can have flat , rounded or even prismatic (V shaped) top surfaces, and are made with our CNC router/carver.

Indoor Signs. Indoor signs may be made of HDU (if painted) or several types of wood (if naturally finished). Either will last many years without maintenance, because they are protected from UV, water and temperature extremes. .

For indoor signs or plaques, wood is just as suitable as HDU. Nothing looks better than the beauty of naturally finished wood. For indoor naturally finished signs and plaques, we use hardwoods such as Mahogany, Oak, Maple, Alder, Cherry , and Teak ,as well as Cedar and Redwood. For painted or gold-leaf gilded indoor signs and plaques, HDU is a better choice and is less expensive.

For sandblasted background, naturally finished signs we use clear premium kiln-dried California Coastal redwood, which has a more dramatic grain pattern than cedar. Cedar, Mahigany, Oak and Alder are more suitable for engraved signs, where the letters may be CNC routed, sandblasted, or hand-carved into the wood and the background is smooth, stained and clear-coated. Intricate 3D wood carvings are best made from Alder, Mahogany, or Cherry, because of their finer grain structure.

Engraved Text and Art. The other alternative to raised letters and art is engraved (sometimes called incised) letters and art, for wood or hdu signs and plaques. This costs about the same as raised letters above, since material and labor are about the same. An engraved (incised) sign is created by cutting letters, borders and art into a usually smooth signboard, leaving the background smooth and flat. This is the opposite of raised letters, where the letters and art have a front smooth surface the same as the sign blank and the background is cut away. Engraving of large wooden and hdu signs and plaques can be accomplished by using any of three different techniques, (1) reverse sandblasting, (2) CNC cutting, and (3) hand carving with chisels. We use all three techniques in making our signs, although we use CNC router carving most often because of its speed , precision. and reduced labor costs.

For letters, engraved depth profiles (i.e., cross-sections of cut depth) can be U-shaped, or V-shaped, or have a flat bottom and vertical sides. See Engraved Letters (we use their software) for a more extensive discussion.
A CNC router or hand-carving can do any of these; reverse sandblasting (where the mask protects the background and leaves the letters exposed) can make only the flat-bottom profile, with the bottom roughened in a sandstone surface pattern, which is sometimes undesireable. Most of our engraved letters, any font style, are V-carved with our CNC router. These are sometimes referred to as pseudo-prismatic letters, , we use V-carving or flat bottoms for most of our engraved signs. V-carved letters look especially beautiful when gold-leaf gilding is applied, because the reflection pattern changes as the viewer moves with respect to the sign.

Engraved borders and art can be done a number of ways, but in all cases, material is cut out of the signboard leaving the front surface smooth and flat and the borders or art below the surface. Borders can have flat bottoms or can be V-carved. Art can be made with an engraved outline, or it can be recessed using a dished-out background with a raised 3D bas-relief sculpture (CNC carved or hand-carved), with its high point still even with or below the signboard surface.

Combined Engraved and Raised Bas-Relief Signs and Plaques .Most often, however, 3D art is made as a bas-relief appliqué so that is in front of the signboard surface; this is a hybrid sign, with engraved text and borders and raised 3d bas-relief “pop-out” art. This combination is very elegant , especially when the text and borders are V-cut and gold-leaf gilded. It is often used for Church, doctor , lawyer and upscale retail store signs. If an “off-the-shelf” CNC carved bas-relief sculpture is selected, and gold paint, rather than 24 K gold-leaf is used, this sign type costs very little more than a simple sandblasted sign, even though it looks much more expensive. We can do this because our CNC carver eliminates most of the tedious manual carving labor normally required for such signs. Sometimes we naturally finish (stain and clearcoat) a wood signboard, engrave and paint or gold-leaf V-cut text and borders, and then epoxy a multi-color painted or gold-leafed gilded carved appliqué made of hdu onto the surface of the signboard.

Coating and Finishes. We finish our signs with a wide variety of coatings, including acrylic and enamel paints, stains (for wood), clearcoats , gold-, silver- and copper-leaf gilding, bronzing, antiquing, and digital-printed vinyl. HDU and painted wood signs are painted with 2 coats of primer,and then 2 coats of Sherwin-Williams’s best acrylic exterior latex or alternatively, Mathews sign lettering enamel. Then letters, borders and art are painted with 2 additional coats of Mathews sign lettering enamel , or they can be gold-leaf gilded. Natural wood signs are stained and then given several clear-coats. If digitally-printed vinyl as used as an appliqués, we use 7 yr cast vinyl which is then clear-coated twice to protect against fading from UV. Our signs , including substrate and finish, have a 3 year warranty.