ShieldCo Art

Custom Metal Signs & Business Logos

Custom Signs

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When considering custom office signs for any work or commercial space, it is important to select durable, professional, and visually appealing materials without compromising on branding. This ensures a long-lasting, impactful design that resonates with your brand. Material choice is key to creating effective custom office signs that stand the test of time.

We’ve compiled some of the top factors any business should consider when choosing sign materials for custom office signs.

PFIT custom steel sign

Understanding Common Sign Materials for Offices

Signs are created in many shapes and sizes, but they can also be made from a variety of materials. Metal (both stainless steel and aluminum), acrylic, wood, and vinyl are just a few of the choices, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

While metal signs are durable and sleek, vinyl can fit into almost any budget. Wood offers a rustic comfort to any office, and acrylic can achieve a transparent finish that is unmatched. The message you intend to convey through the material, as well as the location of the sign will both be top considerations.

Durability: How Long Should Your Sign Last?

Material choices for a custom business sign will vary depending on whether it is intended for indoor or outdoor use. Metals such as aluminum and stainless steel are viable for the long term when used outdoors, but this is not a necessity for all businesses. 

Some businesses prefer to change signs frequently, which reduces the need for a durable, long lasting sign. In this case, something more affordable and easily replaceable, such as vinyl, is likely a better fit.

Aesthetic Appeal: Does Your Material Reflect Your Brand?

The material used to create the sign can have a substantial impact on a customer’s first impression. Polished steel conveys sophistication, modernity, and trustworthiness, while wood may showcase warmth, approachability, and security. No matter what material is chosen, it should match the overall office design and branding to avoid mixed messages.

Location and Environmental Factors

A sign must be durable enough to withstand its environment. Exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and ice can affect its materials, causing premature wear or failure, such as bending, corrosion, or malfunctioning backlights. For outdoor signage, metals or signs with protective coatings offer better longevity. 

However, indoor signs can be made from lighter materials since they are not exposed to harsh elements and rust-inducing moisture.

Cost Considerations for Custom Office Signs

A custom office sign is an investment, but that does not mean it can’t be affordable. Some options, such as PVC and aluminum, can accomplish a company’s goals at a lower price. Premium choices such as stainless steel can level up a space, but may cost more. 

Keep in mind, investing in higher-quality materials can save money over the long term by avoiding frequent repairs or replacements. 

Sustainability: What Are Eco-Friendly Sign Materials?

Now more than ever, businesses are focusing on green initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. Choosing appropriate signage can support this mission; consider the sustainability of any prospective sign’s materials. 

Using recyclable aluminum or reclaimed wood can balance eco-consciousness with durability and the business’ aesthetic needs. For many companies, this is an important aspect of their brand.

Customizing Sign Materials for Visual Impact

No matter which type of signage a business selects, it should be customized to suit the company’s identity. Consider incorporating company logos and branding into the design process for a cohesive visual representation. 

Next, consider the impact of the material itself, taking full advantage of customization opportunities such as layered designs, powder coating, lighting, or combining materials for eye-catching effects.

Work With Experts to Choose the Perfect Material

A sign has a significant role as a visual aid, navigational tool, and brand representative for your business. Signage professionals can recommend the best materials for office signs that suit the needs and brand of your business.

Working with industry leaders who blend artistry with functionality ensures quality craftsmanship, creating custom office signs that align with the unique branding goal of a business.

North Hills custom office sign

Explore Sign Material Options with the Pros

Choosing the right material for your custom office signs is just as important as the design itself. ShieldCo Art places a high value on these and all aspects of the custom signs they craft. Whether you prioritize durability, aesthetics, or sustainability, the right choice ensures your signage reflects your brand and lasts for years to come. Contact ShieldCo Art today for professional guidance and custom signage solutions tailored for your business.

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Custom office signs can be an impactful way to make a favorable first impression on visitors, communicate the values of your business, and stand out from the competition. However, business leaders who are still in the design phase of their signage project will need to make an important choice: which material makes for the best sign? Stainless steel and aluminum are two top choices, and both can provide long-lasting, professional-looking custom office signs. 

Factors such as durability, style, and functionality must all be considered when creating a custom office sign. As such, business owners must be well-informed on each of these to make educated decisions about their custom sign.

Here are some recommendations for choosing between stainless steel and aluminum signs for your business based on your branding needs, budget, and environment.

Spectrio Aluminum custom office Sign

Understanding the Basics of Stainless Steel and Aluminum Signs

Stainless steel contains around 10% chromium, while the balance is primarily iron. This combination allows it to resist rust, corrosion, and other damage while maintaining the bright sheen that is commonly associated with stainless steel. Aluminum, by contrast, is a pure metal. As the most common element in the crust of the earth, aluminum is easily accessible, which is reflected by the less expensive price.

Both of these options can be a great choice for custom office signs, offering durability, resistance to wear over time, and aesthetic benefits that make them impactful installations in any office. However, it is important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of these materials.

Advantages of Stainless Steel for Custom Office Signs

When it comes to sleek, high-end signage, stainless steel is often the preferred choice for business environments. Its heavier weight and premium feel are ideal for professional branding and can convey a sense of dedication and attention to detail. Because stainless steel resists rust and other damage, it is a long-lasting option that can even withstand harsh conditions such as outdoor use.

Advantages of Aluminum for Custom Office Signs

Unlike stainless steel, aluminum is lightweight in nature, making it among the easiest types of signage to install. This light weight also makes it versatile, since it can be placed in locations that may not be able to support a heavier stainless steel installation. Because aluminum is such a common element, it is cost-effective without compromising on durability. It, too, is rust-resistant, which allows it to be used both indoors and outdoors.

Key Differences Between Stainless Steel and Aluminum Signs

Three main areas in which stainless steel and aluminum signs differ are:

  • Appearance – Stainless steel tends to excel as a polished metal, while aluminum is usually brushed.
  • Attributes – Stainless steel is heavier, which tends to make it more difficult to install.
  • Upkeep – Both aluminum and steel can last for a long time, but stainless steel is often regarded as more durable. Aluminum resists rust, but it can corrode if the sign is used outdoors and exposed to salt, which may occur in colder climates that use road salt.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Steel and Aluminum

In addition to the attributes of the metal itself, business managers should also consider a few other factors when selecting the right sign for their needs:

  • Budget – How much can the business allocate to the sign project, including installation?
  • Location – Where will the sign be displayed, and will it be a permanent fixture?
  • Space – How big is the ideal installation space, and how big is the vision for the sign? Do these align?
  • Environment – What factors influence the location of the sign? Is it humid, exposed to sunlight, or something else?
  • Identity – What brand identity does the business embrace, and which material best suits that image?

Real-Life Applications for Each Material

Businesses have several decisions to make when selecting their signage. And, although every office style is different, stainless steel is most frequently chosen for spaces such as luxury offices, corporate lobbies, and showrooms where sleek, premium materials make an immediate impression.

However, aluminum is a great choice made by many as it is accessible for companies of any size. It’s versatility makes it common in startups, creative workspaces, or areas requiring frequent sign updates.

steel mountain top foam custom office sign with the slogan we never settle

Get the Right Sign for Your Business

Choosing between stainless steel and aluminum signs depends on what your office needs to meet branding goals and budget. Whether you’re looking for the sleek sophistication of stainless steel or the versatility and affordability of aluminum, both materials can create stunning custom office signs that reflect your company’s personality. Contact ShieldCo Art today to craft high-quality, professional signs customized for your workspace.

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Your office lobby serves as the first point of contact, shaping how clients, guests, and employees perceive your brand. Designing a space that reflects your brand identity ensures a strong and lasting first impression. Incorporating custom office signs is a great way to ensure your lobby embodies your company’s values and aesthetics uniquely, professionally, and invitingly. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some insider recommendations for curating the perfect office lobby sign to leave a lasting impression.

The Lobby Reflects Your Brand Identity

When visiting your business, the lobby is the first place your customers visit. Guests rely on a well-designed lobby to let them know they have arrived in the right location and clarify where to go next or what to do. To make the most of this space, your lobby should function as a reflection of your company’s personality and values. 

Smiles at Fairfax Corner individual letters custom backlit lobby sign

Incorporate Custom Office Signs for a Lasting Impression

Using custom office signs for thoughtful branding helps present a polished and cohesive image in your lobby. With just a few simple aesthetic choices, a business can carefully curate its impression, from sleek and modern to rustic and homey.

Any business can purchase a sign that says “OPEN” or “Welcome,” but having a branded reception area makes a more impactful and lasting impression. It shows that your business has invested in quality rather than sticking to the basics, which helps visitors feel confident that they, too, will receive personalized attention. Custom signs represent attention to detail and professionalism.

For businesses with a very specific aesthetic, office lobby signage is highly versatile. Multi-dimensional metal signage, logo-centric signs, and illuminated lettering are just a few options. Consider how the color, shape, material, placement, and content of a sign will speak for your company.

Choose Colors, Fonts, and Materials to Match Your Brand

Signage and décor elements should complement the attributes of the business’ logo; choose the color scheme, font, and general shape carefully. A brand’s logo is the primary associating factor between your business and the consumer. Some companies choose angular, abstract logos for a sharp, modern feel, while others use bright colors or even real shapes (think of the pet company Petco’s logo made up of a dog and cat).

Additionally, materials such as various types of metal, wood, and glass can bring durability and sophistication to a sign’s design. A customer who sees a high-quality metal sign in good condition is more likely to be convinced that the brand is willing to invest high-quality service in them, too.

Consider Layout and Functionality When Adding Signage

Location, location, location. Where you put a sign in your business matters just as much as what it looks like. Integrating signage seamlessly into the lobby’s layout can enhance traffic flow and usability. Ideally, it should be placed where that is easy to see but blends with the existing architecture. Alternatively, make a statement by using a multi-layered or three-dimensional sign to give customers a lasting impression

Many businesses choose to put signage above their check-in desk so customers know where to go right away. Placing signage with wayfinding, accessibility, or key brand messaging in mind enhances both practicality and aesthetics. 

Use Storytelling to Build an Emotional Connection

Signs can be more than a single word or image. Consider adding branding elements that tell the company’s story, such as a timeline graphic or mission statement signage. Custom office signs with these elements can showcase core values or slogans in a unique and creative way. The benefits of this strategy are twofold: the lobby aesthetic improves, and customers are informed of the business’ identity in a subtle rather than an overbearing way.

Lighting and Custom Signs: How to Set the Mood

Signs don’t have to be hung and done. Consider upgrading the area with lighting, which can elevate the visibility and impact of custom office signs. Backlighting, spotlighting, or ambient lighting can help set the tone for a welcoming space; just remember to consider not only the shadows being cast but also customer comfort (e.g., are back lights shining into customers’ eyes?) and tone (warm orange lights can promote comfort, while crisp white lights can boost alertness). Your business could even use colored lights to play thematically into the company’s identity and personality!

Rees Broome custom metal lobby sign

Collaborate with Experts to Bring Your Vision to Life

Office signage can be one of the most impactful installations you can make for both aesthetic and branding reasons. Because creating a memorable sign takes time and consideration, it is wise to work with signage and design professionals to create custom displays tailored to your vision. Collaboration with the best signage companies will facilitate high-quality, branding-forward results.

Embrace Artistic Elegance and Functional Design

Your office lobby is an opportunity to showcase your company’s identity and leave an impression that lasts. By incorporating custom office signs and design elements that align with your brand, you can create a space that is both professional and unforgettable. Interested in elevating your lobby with standout, artistic signage? Contact ShieldCo Art today to start designing a custom office sign that reflects your company’s true personality.

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The modern conference room is more than a meeting space. Today, it’s a visual representation of the culture, professionalism, and values of your business. Adding custom office signs is one effective way to create an impressive conference room that ties branding into functionality. Combined with other thoughtful design elements, such as comfortable furniture, custom signs can create a conference room that commands attention.

brushed steel sign for meta with neon lighting finishes

Why Branding Matters in a Conference Room

When visitors enter your conference room, they immediately begin to form impressions. How clean is it? Is it set up to facilitate thoughtful discussion? A branded conference room creates a lasting impression on clients and employees by communicating that the business is confident in its identity, values, and practices. It is proud to put forth its branding, and elements such as custom office signs reinforce professionalism and attention to detail.

Additionally, visitors will quickly be greeted with your brand information. This helps to keep your business top-of-mind, leaving a lasting visual impression making recall quick and easy.

The Importance of Custom Office Signs in Conference Room Design

Many important facets make up a business, such as what they stand for and what niche they serve. Custom office signs help businesses display their logo, motto, or other brand elements effectively and impactfully without taking up too much space. Multi-layered logo signs, dimensional lettering above the conference table, or door signage for room names can all convey something about the company without becoming overbearing.

For instance, 3D signage is eye-catching, helping visitors break out of the mundane mindset that they might be joining a dull, boring meeting. Additionally, high-quality room name plates can help move guests in the right direction, avoiding unnecessary stress and creating a positive mood for the meeting.

Incorporating Versatile Technology for Modern Functionality

Of course, a great sign is not the only thing that makes a conference room ideal. Large-scale presentation screens, interactive whiteboards, and video conferencing setups boost productivity when carefully set up with quality equipment. You can also consider custom signage for tech hubs or device storage areas to integrate your identity with the functionality of the space.

Furnishings and Layout for Comfort and Utility

The visual elements of a room, such as signage, colors, and whiteboards, are all important, but people will not pay attention to the space (or their work) for long if they are struggling to get comfortable. Be sure to invest in ergonomic chairs, sleek conference tables, and seating arrangements that foster collaboration without leaving guests with a sore back afterward.

Think about furniture placement and prioritize comfortable, dynamic interactions by making simple choices such as:

  • Leaving enough space between a wall and the chairs allowing people to get in and out
  • Placing every chair along a comfortable side of the table, not at corners
  • Facing everyone in the right direction so no one has to spend the meeting turned sideways

Bringing Branding to Life With Your Design Choices

Branding can go beyond custom office signs by integrating wall art, branded furniture, and company-themed color schemes. For instance, consider the latent meaning in your company’s logo colors. Color psychology reveals how people react to certain colors, and if your logo is full of shades that enhance your customers’ impressions (e.g., blue for trustworthiness, green for comfort), incorporate these physically into the office.

Businesses can create a cohesive atmosphere through consistent visual representations of the brand’s personality. The green from your logo could also appear along the baseboards or on a branded seat cover. Make your office seem like everything inside it was selected with care to create a unified whole.

Lighting: Setting the Mood for Productivity and Style

Lighting plays a big role in how well people focus during meetings and even what emotions they feel throughout. Bright white lights can increase attention, but they can also leave people feeling wired and stressed. Conversely, warm lighting might help everyone relax and collaborate, but it can also leave them tired or less interested in the content of the meeting.

Natural lighting is a great option where possible, but even artificial lighting can create an inviting, professional space. While you are at it, think about using custom signs to enhance the lighting scheme of the conference room! Consider how you might enhance the appearance of your sign through LED lighting, adjustable light fixtures, and spotlights.

Jumpstart Communications multi layer interior lit

Using Artwork and Signage to Craft a Statement Wall

Consider incorporating a statement wall in the conference room using multi-dimensional or illuminated custom office signs. What about a sign showing off the elegant script of your brand’s values or mottos? Or perhaps add a sign that displays all the non-profits you have worked with to get conversation brewing if others have heard of those places or seen their charity in action.

A well-placed art display or graphic panel can serve as another conversation starter to hammer home your branding, but not in an overbearing way. This way, people have something company-related to look at, and they no longer feel that they are sitting in a sterile, white room devoid of any character.

Level Up Your Meeting Room

Your conference room should inspire collaboration, express your brand’s values, and leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits. By integrating modern amenities and custom office signs, you can transform your workspace into both a functional and visually distinct asset. Trust ShieldCo Art to design custom office signage that’s tailored to your goals and reflects your business’s unique identity.

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Business signs serve an essential role in any company’s aesthetic. However, beyond the visual appeal, carefully crafted signage has the ability to make a positive first impression on visitors and serve to inform them about the company’s values and attitudes. For instance, powder coated custom metal signs for businesses can help a business convey a sense of refinement and quality while simultaneously providing benefits such as low maintenance and durability.

If your business is in the market for a custom sign, you probably have plenty of options to choose from, and no clear picture of which one will serve you best. Here is what you need to know about powder coated business signs, their advantages, and the many ways they can be customized.

Hubbel Power multi layer powder coating

What Is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a process that refines a metal sign to become a piece of art that is more durable, visually appealing, and long-lasting using powdered paint. Untreated metal signs may rust or lose their luster over time, but powder coated signage maintains its appeal and functionality for the long haul.

There are three basic stages of powder coating:

  1. Sandblasting, in which the metal is exposed to intense force from granules that shear away impurities including old paint and dirt. This process leaves a slightly textured surface that allows paint and other amendments to adhere better.
    Or, if you pour powder coating on clean aluminum, you can wipe the aluminum down with denatured alcohol. 
  2. Priming involves applying primer that infiltrates the sandblasted texture to form a protective layer against scratches and rust and enables the powder coating to better adhere. This is baked deep into the textured surface for full coverage.
  3. Coating, which bonds the metal to the powder paint using a chemical reaction and heat. This strong, resilient finish is both beautiful and durable in all types of weather.

Benefits Of Powder Coated Signs

Any business considering signage should know that powder coated signs offer benefits that other types might not. These advantages include:

Superior Durability

While normal metal can rust, oxidize, or degrade over time due to scratches and corrosion, powder coated signs stand up to these issues. A business with a fading or damaged sign may be sending the wrong message about themselves or their brand. Powder coating is a simple way to boost this first impression.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Powder coating creates a visually striking design. Standard metal signs boast vibrant colors on their own, and powder coating further enhances this appeal because the paint is baked directly into the metal using a molecular bond. This type of signage remains as visually striking as the day it was made.

Low Maintenance

Between the longevity of the colors and the long-lasting resistance to scratches and other deterioration, powder coated signs make maintenance easy. No repainting or repairs; just a quick dusting every now and then as needed.

Cost-Efficiency Over Time

Custom metal powder coated signs are a great investment for any business. Because they last so long and don’t require repainting or other in-depth maintenance, their long-term cost is low.

Some Custom Business Signs Powder Coating Is Ideal For

While almost any type of signage can be crafted using powder coating, some specific niches are notably improved using this method. A few examples include:

  • 3D Signs – A three-dimensional sign sticks out from the wall in order to create the 3D image. Powder coating is ideal for this type of sign because it offers protection to the entire installation, both back and front.
  • Logo Signs – Logos are just as unique as the business that makes them, and that can pose a problem when maintaining a sign. Powder coating keeps a logo sign consistent in quality for the best first impression, including its curves, corners, and other brand-specific features of the logo.
  • Outdoor or Blade Signs – Blade signs, which sit perpendicular to a wall on the outside of a business like a banner or flag. These are great candidates for powder coating as their positioning exposes them to the elements on both sides. Powder coating keeps them beautiful and able to withstand their consistent exposure to the weather and bright sunlight.
Matix NDI two layers powder coated custom sign

Get A Free Custom Business Sign Quote From ShieldCo Today

Business signs have the ability to elevate your company’s presence and create a more favorable impression that turns prospects into customers. Has your sign become faded, broken, outdated, or hard to read? If so, it could be sending the wrong message about your business.

The talented team of artists at ShieldCo Art helps businesses create stunning, artistic signs that stand the test of time and make a favorable first impression. Contact ShieldCo to get started!

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To impress visitors, the design of an office matters just as much as its customer service. For those charged with creating an office that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, it’s often hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there are a variety of options that can dramatically change the space without demolishing walls, refinishing the floors, or making other substantial changes. Custom office signage, new furniture, lively colors, and more can also be powerful options.

No matter which types of décor are chosen for the space, the most important factor is the first impression. The visual aesthetics of a well-designed office create an impact and are appreciated by visitors and staff alike. Here are some recommendations for blending functionality with artistry in your office design.

modern natural material and creative design working space working room in modern office interior design decorating with wooden laminate

Practical Ways To Blend Functionality & Artistry

The most impactful office spaces will incorporate design elements that are both visually appealing and functional. Consider the following for your space:

Custom Signage As A Functional Art Piece

Many office spaces choose to display information using signage, but custom signs can reimagine a space when designed with care. Imagine an office that stands out from its peers in an office block by using rich, backlit illumination to draw customers’ eyes to the name of the business.

Not only does this immediately create an artistic impression (based on sign colors, shapes, design, and more), but it also helps visitors find the business, which improves the experience. Signs can also do more than simply state the name of the business.

A restaurant could wow customers with the artistry of a custom engraved sign featuring their menu, creating both a visually stunning installation and a functional way to display information the customers need. The only limit to the power of custom signage is imagination.

Furniture That Combines Form & Function

The furniture that provides seating, writing space, and privacy in an office can make an impression on visitors extremely quickly. Uncomfortable seating (or insufficient space and number of seats) may leave customers feeling uncared for. If they must fill out paperwork on a dirty desk covered in bits of tape and chipped edges, they may wonder whether they are in good hands.

Instead, select furniture that supports whatever need visitors have, e.g., a welcoming place to sit, a sturdy place to write, and more. Then, consider how those items can be leveled up aesthetically. Instead of a standard square table, imagine a curved one (often called a kidney table, for its kidney bean shape).

Not only does this add a level of elegance to the office, but it also provides more accessibility and comfort for customers, who can fit more snugly into the curves of the table to do their writing. Do not forget to incorporate natural elements! Wood remains a symbol of classic longevity and a down-to-earth attitude, but consider thinking outside the box with options such as bamboo as well.

Using Texture & Dimension To Enhance The Brand

Even the most well-designed offices can be left feeling uninspired and sterile if they utilize only items that are flat and glossy. Textured walls and surfaces can go a long way here, and as an added benefit, textured materials also help to cut down on unwanted noise.

Embrace décor with some level of dimension; custom signage can appear to pop out of the wall and add visual interest. By curating more of the 3D environment in an office, businesses can take full advantage of every inch of space they have.

Tips For Executing A Balanced Design

While all of these recommendations for artistic and functional office design can be inspiring, it is possible to go a little too far and create something that is disorganized and overwhelming. Be sure to prioritize the key areas of the office first: reception, meeting rooms, and other spaces that visitors will spend the most time in. When designing these rooms, think about cohesion.

Do all of the aesthetic elements complement each other? It can be jarring for visitors to see furniture made of angular designs next to a wall covering with large, sweeping curves.

Finally, do not hesitate to collaborate with experts! Professionals who create custom signage and other office décor usually have insight into what installations can draw customer attention without standing out like a sore thumb. Remember that a single, highly relevant design element, such as a sign or centerpiece, is often more impactful (and less cluttered) than many smaller items in the same square footage.

Waymaker Brewing backlit custom office signage

Request A Free Custom Office Sign Quote From ShieldCo Today

Designing an office is an important task that can have real-world consequences on a business. The team at ShieldCo Art is proud to help companies create signs that impress customers and convey their values while fully embracing the beauty that comes with creating real art. Contact ShieldCo to discuss your vision for your office and discover how custom signage can play a part.

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