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Custom Signs

March 8, 2022 by Luke Markey

Advertising is one of a business’s biggest investments. It may not be the most expensive item in your budget, but a FedEx survey found that 68% of consumers purchased a product or service based on a sign alone. To draw in consumers, businesses around the country invest in custom metal signs.

While signs come in a variety of materials and styles, custom metal signs have unique traits that make them the best bang for your advertising buck. Here are nine reasons custom metal signs should be a part of your business’s marketing plan.

1. Metal Signs Can Be Moved Without Damage

For retailers, seasonal promotions are lucrative events. A store may put up signs advertising the sale for a few weeks or even a few months. In the process of putting them up or taking them down, vinyl and plastic signs may be torn by strings, ropes, adhesives and accidents.

Before the next sale, a store would need to invest in replacement signs or use the damaged ones. In consumers’ eyes, that’s not a good look. Because they’re made of more durable materials, custom metal signs are less likely to sustain damage when being moved and stored. 

2. They Can Be Double-sided

When businesses have signs in storefront windows, the back is often blank. The same can be said for in-store signage. Blank signs aren’t only eyesores — they’re wastes of valuable advertising space.

Many types of signs can of course be double-sided, but ink and paint often bleed through and make messages difficult to read. However, metal signs aren’t opaque at all. Both sides can be used for messages and directions that point customers to the right areas. When consumers know where to find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to make a purchase.

3. They Can Be Lit

Any kind of sign can be lit with a spotlight, but that’s not very exciting, is it? Metal signs can be lit in a number of creative, eye-catching ways. A light in front might project an interesting silhouette on a wall. Back-lit customs signs present logos in dazzling colors that draw attention and interest customers.

Because LEDs can be affixed directly to, behind or in front of metal signs, you won’t have to rely on expensive and overheating spotlights. According to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, 40% of commercial energy consumption is sucked up by lighting. By combining metal signs with LEDs, you could shave precious dollars from your monthly expenses.

4. They’re Easy To Clean

When storefronts are in high-traffic areas, everything gets a little dirty. Windows need to be scrubbed, floors swept and counter-tops shined. Over time, signage gets a bit dingy, as well. If it’s made out of cardboard or canvas, washing can be damaging.

With custom metal signs, employees can simply take them down and spray them off. For more stubborn stains, they can be easily scrubbed without damage. When they’re put back up, they look good as new.

5. Custom Metal Signs Can Be Cut Into Any Shape

Rectangular canvas signs convey messages, but they’re a little plain. For new businesses, standing out to potential new customers is vital to making it past a tumultuous first year.

Custom metal signs, whether they’re inside or out, make a distinct first impression. A tax office with clean, metal letters on the outside looks professional yet striking. For bars, boutiques and restaurants, a backlit custom sign cut into the shape of a logo lets customers know they’re in for a unique experience.

6. They Can Be Extremely Detailed

Imagine you’ve come up with the perfect logo. It’s intricate but not too jumbled. On your computer, it looks great. You send it off to get it printed on a vinyl sign. When you see your sign for the first time, you’re disappointed that it looks a little fuzzy and pixelated.

By using state-of-the-art laser-cutting tools and printing techniques, a custom metal sign always looks sharp. Every line is distinct. Your sign, like the vision you have for your business, deserves to come to life in stunning detail.

7. They Add Texture and Layers

Speaking of logos, sometimes they look better with a little texture. For instance, let’s say your logo is a complex geometric design. It weaves in and out of itself in a knot-like twist. Does a two-dimensional picture on a flat white sign really do it justice?

Custom metal signs are rigid yet durable. That means sign designers can actually bend the material to make patterns pop. When new customers see your intricate metal sign adorning your storefront, they see the pride you take in your business before they even come in.

8. Custom Metal Signs Fit Any Motif

Metal is always in style. It fits into minimalist architecture just as well as it fits into rustic atmospheres. Canvas, vinyl and cardboard, however, do not. Leave those materials in the storeroom.

Metal signs can be made of steel, copper, aluminum and many other durable materials. They can be left smooth or distressed. Using paint and finishes, metal signs can be just about any color you want. From down-home diners to bustling boardrooms, metal goes with any motif.

9. They’re Reflections of Your Business

According to the same FedEx survey referenced earlier, 68% of consumers see signs as reflections of businesses themselves. A boring sign means an adequate yet probably cookie-cutter business. If you want customers to be as excited about your business as you are, you need to entice them with a unique custom sign.

Besides, who would trust a store or restaurant that can’t even maintain their own signs?

Set Your Business Apart With ShieldCo of Frederick, Maryland

Since 2013, ShieldCo has helped businesses big and small stand out with custom metal signs. From the materials we use to the cutting-edge techniques and artisans we employ, we take as much pride in serving your business as we take in our own. For a free quote, contact us today.

Filed Under: Custom Signs

March 8, 2022 by Luke Markey

Did you know being environmentally friendly is crucial for a successful business? For this reason, more businesses are starting to use sustainable signs to advertise their brand. But, what exactly is a sustainable sign, and why are they important?

Having a stylish logo and signage is one of the first things that your potential customers see. By presenting your brand with sustainable materials, you show your company off as both stylish and environmentally friendly! Green signs are long-lasting as well.

Read on to learn more about why sustainable signs matter for environmentally friendly businesses!

What Is a Sustainable Sign?

A sustainable sign gets created out of sustainable materials. These materials are produced without using up non-renewable resources and without a harmful environmental impact. Sustainable materials are reusable and don’t require mining or harvesting more resources to reuse.

Sustainable signs get made from various materials of this sort. The most common environmentally friendly signs get created from wood, recycled plastic, glass, and metal. While all of these materials have their own benefits, metal is the most durable and versatile.

Why Environmentally Friendly Signs Matter

Being socially and environmentally friendly is important for consumers. Your customers and clients want to feel good about doing business with a company that is looking out for our world. Eco-friendly signage is the first signal that your company cares.

By using sustainable materials, your signs show your brand is both high-quality and thinking of the long term. Post-consumer paper is best for smaller signage for promotions, sales, or info boards. But, permanent sign fixtures need the durability and wow factor that custom metal signs provide.

Benefits of Sustainable Signs for Your Brand

Choosing a sustainable sign show off your brand’s commitment to environmentally friendly business practices. It also benefits your business with green certifications and tax benefits. Creating and ordering a custom sustainable sign may help qualify your business for becoming LEED-certified.

This certification provides tax breaks, so there is an incentive to make your business and its building as green as possible!

Purchasing signage is an investment, but it’s important to choose quality over cheap, non-sustainable options. LED lighting and metal signs might have a higher initial cost, but the long-term savings are tenfold.

Best Materials for Sustainable Signs

A sign deemed sustainable comes from materials that don’t require further mineral extraction. This means they were recycled or recyclable. While glass and wood signs offer a stylish look, they both have their downsides.

Glass requires frequent cleaning, especially if it gets exposed to varied weather. Glass also is prone to scratches. Glass is easily recyclable though and this makes it a good choice for sustainable signs.

Wood signs offer a warm and classic look. But, they also require frequent maintenance to stay looking fresh. Power washing and repainting or staining is part of taking care of an exterior wood sign.

While recycled plastic materials are a choice for creating sustainable signage, they aren’t as eco-friendly as these other options. For a truly sustainable sign, glass, wood, or metal are the three best choices.

Metal Options for a Custom Sustainable Sign

At Shield Co., we create custom-designed metal sustainable signs. Each piece is a work of art and something your business will feel proud of for years to come. We work with various metals, each with its own feel and visual impact.

Using a 3D process, our design team crafts environmentally friendly signs out of aluminum, brass, and copper. Other options include steel, stainless steel, and weathering steel.

Although all metals are recyclable, reusable, and renewable, aluminum is the most eco-friendly choice. It is durable, lightweight, and affordable for all budgets. Many eye-catching and luxurious signs are made from aluminum!

Why Aluminum Is the Best Choice for a Sustainable Sign

Aluminum is an element that is plentiful on our planet. And, it’s the most abundant metal, with 8% of the Earth’s crust made from it. Creating products out of such an available resource helps protect more precious materials from overproduction.

By creating your business signage out of this highly recyclable metal, you can guarantee your sign is eco-friendly. It is estimated that 75% of all aluminum produced is fully recycled. This means your new aluminum sign will come from a sustainable materials chain.

And, when it’s time for a branding re-fresh, you can recycle your old sign as well!

Aluminum requires little-to-no maintenance which also makes it the most eco-friendly choice. Your sign won’t require regular mending because it is durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. Aluminum also holds up to all-weather conditions, requiring little cleaning with harsh chemicals.

LED Lighting in a Sustainable Sign

Most remarkable signs include some type of lighting to showcase their art. When choosing a sustainable sign, it is important to consider what kind of lighting you’ll use. LED options are the most environmentally friendly option for a green sign.

LED lighting makes sure no potential customer will walk by your sign without noticing!

These lighting systems are energy-efficient and long-lasting. For outdoor displays, you can expect at least 10,000 hours before replacing any bulbs. This equals about 10 years of lighting but can run for much longer depending on the colors used and the daily running hours.

Choosing LED lighting for your sustainable signs will also help towards achieving your green building goals. Every step you take for sustainability is something your customer notices. Along with the government and their tax benefits!

Order Your Sustainable Metal Sign Today

Get started on your custom metal sign today with Shield Co. We specialize in a 3D design process that makes your brand’s logo pop! Our vast selection of metals, colors, lighting, and finishes have the sustainable materials you need for your next gorgeous sign.

From doctor’s clinics to churches, law offices to clothing shops, our signs get your business noticed. And, with a five to seven week turnaround time, you’ll be hanging your new sustainable sign in no time!

Contact Shield Co. today to get started with your free, no-obligation quote.

Filed Under: Custom Signs

December 3, 2021 by Luke Markey

Laser cutting and engraving is an excellent way to boost your company’s marketing strategy and create a positive first impression with customers. On top of that, laser engraving gifts is a great way to promote your business as well as keep your company at the forefront of customers’ minds long after they’ve received their gift.

Ideas for Laser Engraving

Here are some ideas:

Idea #1:  Promotional gifts

Businesses can offer promotional laser engraved items to their customers as a way of saying thank you for their business and loyalty. An engraved pen, ruler or bracelet is a great way to build rapport with your customer base and make them feel like they truly matter.

Idea #2:  Brand building

Customers will think about companies that provide high-quality gifts long after they leave the store or website. Offering branded products such as coffee mugs, pens, keychains and bracelets can be turned into an effective advertising tool by laser engraving your company name and contact information on the product so that customers remember where it came from every time they use it.

Idea #3:  Personalized gifts

Customers love to receive personalized gifts because it makes them feel like they’re valued. Creating laser engraved plaques, nameplates and badges for your top clients is an excellent way to show appreciation for their business and help you build rapport.

One of the most popular applications is logo engraving on metal, wood or acrylic materials. Engraved logos are often used in advertising campaigns, trade shows and networking events so customers can remember where they’ve seen the brand before. Laser cutting also enables companies to create unique shapes that would otherwise be impossible with traditional manufacturing techniques.

Idea #4:  Unique products

Companies that only offer conventional products may quickly lose customers to competitors who offer personalized and unique experiences. Laser engraving enables companies to produce products that were never before possible, such as:

Laser-engraved wooden flooring –  This is a great way for woodworkers to put their logo on display while making their business more memorable than ever. People who see your company name and logo every day will think of it often.

Stainless steel kitchen counters – Offering laser engraved cooking surfaces could be an excellent way for restaurants and catering companies to generate buzz about their business, as well as boost sales by offering customers a one-of-a-kind experience that they’ll rave about. At ShieldCo, we offer a wide range of laser cutting and engraving services for all types of businesses.

Idea #5:  Enhancing your brand visibility

Companies looking for creative ways to market themselves should consider custom laser-engraved bandanas and aprons. Promoting yourself through the clothes you wear is a cost-effective way of getting more exposure without breaking the bank. People who see your apparel will instantly recognize your company logo or message and recognize the brand.

Idea #6:  Business cards

Having laser-cutting business cards shows people that you’re dedicated to excellence. You’ll never run out of personalized cards because you can engrave as many as desired at any time, which makes them great for conventions where you don’t know how many clients or connections you’ll make

Ideal #7:  Gifts for men

Most gift shops offer personalized gifts that are too girly or whimsical to appeal to most men. Laser engraving a flask, knife, watch or lighter with your logo is a great gift for any man in your life because it shows you’ve put thought into it and truly care about them.

Idea #8:  Wedding gifts

Engraved wine decanters make excellent wedding gifts because they’re useful and classy. Unlike typical registry items such as towels and bedding, laser engraved decanters can be used for years after the big day. They also make a classy gift box when sold along with an engraved bottle stopper.

Idea #9:  Event giveaways

Custom event giveaways are an easy way to get your brand in front of large groups of people who may become your future customers. Laser engraving your company name on promotional items such as bags, sunglasses or bottles is an inexpensive way to make lasting impressions on attendees at major events like concerts, festivals or conventions.

At ShieldCo, we specialize in creating customized laser engravings that give companies the competitive edge they need to succeed.

Idea #10:  Engraved pens and pencils

Laser engraved pens and pencils are a great giveaway for the classroom and the office because they’re useful and fun. Instead of having generic giveaways that you hand out at events or conventions, why not raise brand awareness with laser engravings that feature your company logo?

Idea #11:  Unique gifts for book authors

Authors, speakers and other well-known figures often engage in book tours where they sign copies of their bestsellers. Laser engraving your next book signing could be a fantastic way to generate buzz about your latest release, as well as keep the conversation going even after you’ve moved on to another part of the country or world.

Idea #12: Gifts for kids

Trying to figure out what to buy your children’s friends for birthday presents can be an expensive headache for parents. With laser engravings that feature popular TV characters along with your company logo, you’ll never have to wonder if they’ll like it because children are naturally attracted to this type of thoughtful present.

Idea #13:  Bathroom accessories

People spend several hours in their restrooms every week, which is why decorating them with bathroom accessories makes them feel more like an escape. Engraved toilet paper holders are one way to make people smile when they use the facilities while also promoting your brand at the same time.

Idea #14:  Quotes and messages

People can enjoy looking at quotes and messages that uplift or inspire them on a daily basis. Laser engravings that feature motivational sayings, Bible verses and positive affirmations help people start their day off in the right frame of mind while raising brand awareness for your company at the same time.

Idea #15:  Lighting

Laser engraved string lights can be used to decorate patios during parties or by the poolside when you want to get cozy with someone special. While they’re fun to use, laser engraved lighting is also a great way to get your logo out into broad daylight where everyone can see it.

For the laser engraving services you need, turn to ShieldCo. We offer a wide range of custom laser cutting and engraving services for businesses around the world, so give us a call today to learn more about how we can boost your business’ sales with our state-of-the-art equipment. Call us at (240) 394-9893 now!

Filed Under: Custom Signs

December 3, 2021 by Luke Markey

Have you realized that your storefront is a bit lacking when it comes to attracting customers?

Maybe it’s the color of the building, maybe you’re hidden behind a few things, or maybe you just don’t have a sign so no one knows you’re even there!

If that’s the case, we have some great storefront sign ideas for you to make your business stand out to attract more customers!

Keep reading for eight great business sign ideas!

1. Use A-Frame Signs for Less Permanent Signage

One great idea for attracting more customers is using an A-frame sign that shows off sales you are having or has a funny quote on it.

Maybe you just got a new product in and you want to let everyone who is walking by know about it. Put it on the A-frame sign!

Then, when you get another new product or have a different promotion, you can just swap it out easily.

2. Show Off Affordable Prices

If you are a company that values your affordable prices, you want to make a sign visible to show that your services are affordable and they should choose you over your competitor. 

For instance, if you are a car washing company and have some of the cheapest prices around, slap the price onto the front of the sign that you put near the road! Or if you are a fast-food chain, you can do the same with promotions for bundling different food options.

People love affordable and cheap prices, so the more you show them you relate, the more they will be attracted to your business.

3. Advertise Your Business Hours

Have you ever shown up to your favorite restaurant just to realize that it was closed? You were probably really bummed out. And odds are, you had a bad taste in your mouth about your favorite restaurant for a few weeks.

To prevent this, you should advertise your business hours on your signage. This is especially important if you are open early or late.

Let’s say you are a coffee company. Since some people commute around 5 or 6 am, there aren’t many shops open other than Starbucks. If you want to stand out and have these commuters come into your shop, make sure the time you open is front and center on your signs so they can see it!

You’ll be sure to attract more customers and business this way.

4. Choose the Right Colors for Your Signage 

With so much psychological research done about colors, using different colors for your outdoor business signs can do wonders for your business.

Using the color black can be empowering and bold. Many businesses decide to bold the most important word of their business tagline to make it stand out.

Using the color green oftentimes makes people think about nature and the outdoors. If you are an outdoor company or business, using green can have great psychological effects on your customers.

Of course, there are many other colors that have differing effects on customers, so be sure to do your research before choosing one!

5. Use a Fun Logo

Making business building signs with just words can be a bit boring. Instead, try putting your business logo on the sign as well.

This will catch people’s attention and will help potential customers remember you better than just seeing a few words about your business on a sign they pass by.

6. Use Sign Illumination 

Imagine driving around at night and not being able to see any store names because they were too dark to see. That’s where sign illumination for your outdoor business signs is crucial.

If you are open after dark, you want to make sure that you have illumination behind your business name or logo. This will help people see your building!

The best part? You can illuminate your sign in multiple colors or just in regular lights. This is a creative element you get to choose when it comes to your business sign!

7. Create a Monument Sign

If your business is tucked back behind other buildings, it could be crucial to have a monument sign out front. This will attract customers that would not otherwise drive behind the other buildings to see what is back there.

Even if you are not a hidden business, a monument sign adds more value to your property and creates a better first impression on customers.

Make sure that you customize your monument sign to reflect your business’ values, products, and services.

8. Make Use of All Space

Why have only one business sign if you have space for two signs on your building? This is especially important if you are in a corner space! You want people coming from all angles to be able to see what business is inside.

This will help drive more traffic into your store since more people are aware of who you are based on the signage you put on the outside of your building.

Use These Storefront Sign Ideas to Increase Business

Now that you know the ins and outs of storefront sign ideas to increase your business and the number of customers you see on a daily basis, get started!

We offer so many options, all you have to do is call to get started with the process! You can choose from regular business signage, metal signs, or something we haven’t even imagined yet! We’ll do the cutting, creation, and installation all for you!

Filed Under: Custom Signs

December 3, 2021 by Luke Markey

Did you know that having custom business signage can help you with everything from customer traffic to attracting employees? Not only will signage help your company flourish, but it also presents you with the chance to add a personal touch to your business!

There’s quite a bit more to a sign than just making a nice-looking logo, however. Often, you’ll need to consider the space you have, where a sign might be most visible, as well as where signs might be needed for navigation or clarity. You now might be asking, how much does signage cost?

While jobs vary in scope based on materials and size, most signs tend to fall into a price range based on their type. How much do outdoor business signs cost then? Read on to learn how to gauge pricing based on different sign types. 

Estimating Pricing

While there isn’t a universal signage cost calculator, there are a few things that you can rely on to get a rough idea of prices. 

Commercial sign installers typically charge based on material costs, which are primarily dependent on the size of the sign (most shops charge based on square feet). Cheaper materials such as plastic and aluminum tend can run you typically between $15-25 per sq. ft. The next step up would be steel, which runs anywhere between $25-$35 per sq. ft. 

If you’re looking to include something like sign lighting, expect to pay a bit more as well. If you were hoping to commission a neon or other tube lit sign, prices do get considerably higher by hundreds of dollars! A backlit sign can run into the thousands of dollars (potentially into the tens of thousands dependent on size), while an entirely neon sign will likely run you into the tens of thousands. 

Remember to consider installation costs as well! The larger and more complicated the sign, the more labor will cost. 

Storefront and Wall Signs

Storefront and wall signs are pretty ubiquitous, mainly because of their cost-effectiveness. Yet, storefront signs can simultaneously serve as a canvas for a spectacular, artful design for those looking to spend a bit more. Whether they’re mounted just above your front door or on the back wall of your sales floor, they’re a fantastic way to make sure customers remember your name and logo. 

Storefront/wall signs also offer more creative freedom in terms of design. Experienced sign makers can easily take your logo and turn it into an eye-popping, multi-layered centerpiece!

A simple storefront or wall sign won’t cost you more than a few hundred dollars, typically between $100-$700. A more complicated sign made of pricier materials and including lighting could run over $1,000. 

Window and Floor Graphics

A graphic (often made of vinyl) is a modern form of signage that has become prominent over the last decade. This unconventional signage can be applied to walls or floors and come in a range of sizes from small single square foot “stickers” to wall-encompassing wraps. 

Graphics aren’t the most dazzling form of signage, but they are significantly cost-effective, especially for custom designs. Vinyl wall and floor graphics can run as little as $30 to $50 for more minor signs, while wall-sized vinyl wraps will easily cost you $250 and up (dependent on the size of the coverage needed, of course). 

Pylon and Monument Signs

If you’re hoping to catch some attention and have a high budget or own a larger property with tenants, a large standing sign such as a pylon or monument sign is your best bet. 

A monument sign is a free-standing sign, typically sitting by the street or your parking lot entrance. These larger signs are perfect for putting more on display and providing more information to potential customers. Because these signs are much larger, expect to pay several thousand dollars or more.

A pylon sign is what you might find sitting at the entrance of a business park or shopping center, advertising the plaza and its tenants. If you’ve got a large property, this is the ultimate way to grab attention! Expect to pay over $10,000 for one of these signs. 

Wall and Rollup Banners

Back the more cost-effective end of the spectrum are banners, which are perfect for advertising sales, specials, product launches, or even just serving as a temporary sign for your new shop! Banners come in two forms; wall and “rollup.”

Wall banners are typically made of nylon or vinyl and can be folded up and put away when not needed. While they’re extremely basic in terms of business signage, the cost rarely goes over $150, even for a bigger sign. 

Rollup banners are similar but are vertical and can be mounted onto free-standing displays to be stood in front of your entrance or to guide customers to a specific location. The cost of a stand not considered, rollups typically run similarly in price to wall banners.

Vehicle Wraps

Vehicle wraps are surprisingly lucrative, so much so that it’s even become part of the gig economy! If you’re a business that has delivery services, or you’ve got a “work car” that could use a bit of flair, a wrap could be a lucrative way to advertise your business on the move. 

Vehicle wraps tend to be made of vinyl and are typically applied to protect its paint. As lucrative as they are, though, wraps can be expensive. Wrapping a coup will be your cheapest option, running around $2,000 on average. Larger vehicles are more expensive, with SUVs and trucks costing a grand or more extra on average. 

Want to Turn your Business Signage Into Art?

Your business signage is the most visible aspect of your company and its personality as well. A finely designed, eye-popping custom sign can not only attract customers but leave your company’s logo and name burned in their minds long after they’ve gone! 

At ShieldCo, we’ve spent the last eight years turning logos into art for customers as near as Frederick and as far as Colorado. We’re passionate about our work, and we’d love to help you bring your vision to life! Reach out to us today to get your free quote and 2D mockup!

Filed Under: Custom Signs

December 3, 2021 by Luke Markey

Do you need to replace your broken, old business sign? Or, are you looking for an eye-catching sign that has a bit more pizzazz than the plain, boring sign that you currently use?

Then you must be wondering, just what are your options for lighted business signs? Fortunately for you, you’re about to find out. 

In this complete guide, we list and describe the 9 best types of lighted business signs that you have to choose from. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each type, including which ones are the cheapest and which are the most energy-efficient.

Types Of Lighted Signs For Your Business

Whether you’re looking into outdoor business signs, indoor displays, custom business signs, or something basic, you’ll learn all you need to know from this guide. Read on to find out more.

1. Internally Lit Business Signs

Internally lit business signs are signs that contain lights within the structure of the sign. These come in many variations, including but not limited to:

  • Face lit signs
  • Halo lit signs
  • Lightbox signs

The internal lighting allows for a very artistic sign creation. Thus, these signs are always more impressive and eye-catching than externally lit signs.

2. Externally Lit Business Signs

An externally lit business sign is any business sign that is lit from the outside by separate, external lights. Any type of lighting solution can be used for this. Popular lighting choices include:

  • Spotlights
  • Concealed fluorescent lighting
  • Rope lights/Christmas lights

A clever array of spotlights, color-changing lights, or rope lights can make a very basic business sign really stand out. Still, external lighting is pretty useless during the day.

On the one hand, though, this saves you energy by not having to keep your sign lit all day. But on the other hand, an internally lit sign is impressive all day long.

3. Face Lit

Face lit signs are so common that almost every business has at least one. These are internally lit signs that project light through a translucent front panel (the face).

Square/Rectangle Signs

The simplest type of face lit sign is just a large square or rectangle with a flat panel in the front. With these, the front panel is basically a translucent banner or poster that can display anything you want. 

Many businesses just spell out their business name in the font of their choice. Or, the panel can say the type of business or the services provided (“HOTEL,” “Coffee and Sandwiches”). If you want, you can put all of these on your sign along with some original artwork. 

This category also includes lightbox signs. These have a front panel that you can easily open or remove. That way, you can redesign your sign or update the information on it with ease.

Custom Shapes

You can also face lit signs in custom shapes, like letters and logos. These look much classier/more professional than a rectangle sign. And you can have the face panel digitally printed with your logo or artwork.

4. Halo Lit

A halo lit sign is merely a solid shape with a light behind it to create a silhouette effect. These signs look remarkably elegant for such simple technology.

Typically, companies that use these signs will have their business names spelled out in individual, halo lit letters. You would also want your logo halo lit as well. Obviously, these can be made in any shape you desire.

A benefit to these signs is that there’s no need to turn them on during the day. You can save energy by only using them at night. In addition, you can add halo lighting to face lit signs to give them even more emphasis. 

5. Individual Letter Signs

As mentioned, both halo lit and face lit signs can be made into individual letters to spell out the name/type of your business. This gives texture to the text on your sign and really makes it stand out. In general, it looks less generic than a rectangular face lit banner.

6. Signs Mounted onto a Backer

Next, the custom-shaped signs we’ve mentioned are much more convenient when mounted onto a single backer. That is, it’s a lot more trouble to hang/install your sign when you have to mount each individual letter.

But the signage is a lot easier to mount and maintain when it’s all connected as a single unit. Plus, it will look no less impressive this way. In fact, you can stylize the backing to add even more flair to the overall look.

7. Monument Signs

A monument sign is a style of sign that sits on the ground out in front of the business rather than attached to the business itself. You can incorporate any type of internally lit or externally lit sign into your monument sign.

8. Pylon Signs

Pylon business signs are basically the same as monument signs except that they’re held high off the ground by one or two poles. Typically, the poles hold a single lightbox/face lit sign that says the name and/or type of business.

It’s also common that there be a blank space on the sign where the business can add customizable messages with numbers and text. A business could, for example, use this space to display updated business hours or to advertise a new service.

9. Blade Signs

Blade signs are kind of a variation of pylon signs that are also held by one or two poles. But they are mounted onto the side of the building, perpendicular to it.

Thus, customers do not see these signs when they face the building. Rather, they see it as they drive past it or as they approach it on the sidewalk. Again, this style of sign can be used for any type of sign on this list.

Choose One or More of These Signs For Your Business

Based on this guide, we hope you’ve decided on the types of lighted business signs you need. If you’re still not sure, we can help.

Here at ShieldCo Art, making you the perfect sign for your business is our area of expertise. Fill us in with a few details about the sign you want and we’ll provide you with a free 2D mockup and a free quote. Get a 3D mockup for only $1.

Filed Under: Custom Signs

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