Custom Metal Sign Questions, Answered

Every sign is custom, so we quote from your logo, size and site. Our project minimum is typically $1,500.

Yes. Getting a quote is free, and a consultation takes about 15 minutes. We talk through where the sign will go, color schemes, lights and size. Get a free quote to start.

Fill out our form with details of your project. We follow up to make sure we understand your vision and share ballpark pricing to help decide the best sign style. Then we get to work on your quote and a 3D mockup.

Yes. We send a 3D mockup before anything is cut, so you can see how it will look in real life.

A logo, a sketch or a photo is enough to start. A vector file is ideal because it scales without losing quality, but we can trace your design if you don’t have one.

Yes. A logo, sketch or existing artwork is the usual starting point. The design may need small adjustments for fabrication, mounting or lighting, and we will show you those before anything is cut.

No. The same shop cuts art too: a silhouette, a vehicle, a scene, or something you sketched. It is laser-cut, finished and built to hang.

Most signs are 2 to 10 feet wide or tall. Larger signs are built on a grid system. The smallest we’ve made is 1 inch, and the largest is 16 feet.

Yes. A straight-on photograph of the wall with approximate dimensions is usually enough for us to recommend a proportion that fits the room.

The ideal size depends on where your sign will be placed and how far it needs to be seen from. A good rule of thumb is 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of viewing distance. For example, if your sign is viewed from 300 feet away, your letters should be about 30 inches tall.

We specialize in aluminum for its flexibility, and also work in steel, stainless steel, brass and copper, with rustic and distressed finishes available.

Mostly aluminum and steel, plus corten, brass, copper and stainless. Everything is laser cut to within 1/1000 of an inch, so fine detail holds up.

Powder coat in your colors, brushed, polished, patina or distressed. A layered piece can mix several finishes in one sign.

Yes. Powder coating comes in a wide range of colors and textures, and a layered design can combine several colors and metallic surfaces.

Metal lasts longer and cuts more precisely. Aluminum is our top choice: it’s strong, weather-resistant and looks high-quality. Vinyl and wood don’t offer the same durability or finish.

For most exterior signs we recommend powder-coated aluminum. It never rusts, it is light enough to mount easily on a wall, and it holds color well. Stainless steel suits coastal sites and a high-end look but costs and weighs more.

Yes, aluminum comes in various grades based on alloy composition and strength. We use 5052 because it’s great for signage and is corrosion-resistant. Other common types include 6061, which is stronger and commonly used for structural purposes. Each type has different properties suited for indoor use, outdoor durability, machining, or fabrication processes. The choice depends on the specific project needs.

Aluminum refers to the raw metal in its natural finish — smooth, shiny, or matte depending on the treatment. Brushed aluminum is aluminum that has been mechanically polished to create fine, consistent lines on the surface. This “brushed” texture gives it a satin-like, modern look and helps hide fingerprints or minor scratches, making it a popular choice for signage and decorative applications.

A well-built, powder-coated aluminum sign should last 15 to 20 years or more with little upkeep. An occasional wash with mild soap and water is usually all it needs. Lifespan depends on climate, finish and maintenance.

Yes. We build halo-lit and face-lit LED signs, and lighting is planned during the build, not added afterward. Most designs can take concealed halo lighting behind the sign, or light through cutouts in the design.

Yes. You can choose from various colors for the acrylic backing, including bright white, blue, or green, and we can match specific brand colors with custom paint. We can also incorporate intricate graphics and unique letter designs.

Yes. For outdoor use, the LEDs, power supplies and wiring are rated and sealed for weather.

No. We only build LED, not neon.

About four to six weeks from purchase for a handmade custom sign. We photograph it when it is finished so you can see it before it ships.

In a box or crate built for your piece, so it arrives ready to hang. We photograph it when it is finished, before it ships.

Yes. Every sign is made in our Frederick, Maryland shop, then shipped nationwide in secure packaging made to the sign’s dimensions. Since 2020, our work has gone to 46 of the 50 U.S. states.

Outdoors, on aluminum standoffs that hold the sign off the wall, so water drains and air moves behind it, with stainless hardware available on request. Brick, stone, metal panel and stucco each take a different anchor.

Every sign ships with installation instructions, and our installation team can also handle it.

Often, yes, for an exterior sign. Most towns require a permit, and lit signs usually need an electrical permit too. Rules vary by city and district, so check with your local office or your installer before you order. We can supply drawings with sizes and mounting details.

Warm water with a mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish, and dry it afterward. Check the hardware now and then.

Both. Most of our work is for businesses, and the same shop, metals, finishes and lighting go into pieces for the home: a basement bar, a home gym, a bedroom wall, a kitchen.

Yes. Send clear photos of the car from the side and anything you want included, like a number or a club name. You see it as a 3D mockup before anything is cut.

Yes. We build for both indoor and outdoor use, so a piece can hang in the garage, by the pool or on the front of the house.

Yes. Tell us the date it needs to arrive. Most pieces take four to six weeks from purchase, so start early for a birthday, a retirement or the holidays.