Custom Signs

When it comes to custom metal signs, not only does ShieldCo work with you to figure out the best options, but our high-quality materials will keep your logo or sign looking fresh for a long time. ShieldCo is an excellent option for business owners to stand out and advertise, or we can help you create works of art for the home.

If you’re searching for your next perfect gift idea or looking at creating a custom sign for your business, there are some things to know. Since there are a plethora of different custom metal sign options out there, which is the best material for you?

Custom Metal Signs for Outdoor Use

When it comes to your company, getting noticed is essential. Creating memorable custom metal signs attracts eyes, bringing in more potential customers. But the life of an outdoor sign is different from one that hangs in your home or office.

Powder Coated and Durable Metal

ShieldCo typically works with three different types of metal, each offering unique aesthetics and design. High-quality aluminum is our favorite, but we also work with steel and corten. For outdoor use signs, you’ll want something that can stand up to the weather. Our powder-coated signs do just that. The technology behind powder-coating means the color stays vibrant longer as opposed to paint, which can chip.

Steel, aluminum, or corten each offer something different. Corten can give a rustic look and weathered feel. But its weathering effect is done with the ugliness of chipping. Steel is great for adding dramatic elements and ambiance while still including modern elements like lighting fixtures.

Aluminum has the benefit of being lightweight and can have added effects like brushed aluminum, adding a professional look to the sign.

Custom Signs for Indoor Use

Custom metal signs for indoor use can transform your office or home into an amazing space. Outdoor signs and indoor custom signs have different needs, however. Custom sizes can be played with more for indoor signs as regulations for indoor use are less strict. Moreover, a custom sign for your office or professional space can utilize lighting a lot more easily.

ShieldCo offers affordable lighting fixtures for your custom signs to make your space pop! Our top-quality LED lights are rated for 40,000 hours and can be affixed to most aluminum or steel signs upon request. Lights can also be added in a variety of ways to get the special effect you’re looking for.

Personalize Your Custom Sign Today

Whether your custom sign is going outdoors or indoors, ShieldCo can help you create some incredible art pieces that will bring to life any space. If you’re still wondering which type of material is right for you, check out our rundown or contact us today and get a free quote for your next custom sign.

Powder-Coated Signs for Weather Resistance:

• Ideal for outdoor use, powder-coated signs withstand weather elements.
• The technology ensures vibrant colors for a longer duration compared to chipping paint.

Material Choices for Different Aesthetics:

• Coreten provides a rustic, weathered look but may come with the downside of chipping.
• Steel is versatile, offering drama and ambiance, with the possibility of incorporating modern elements like lighting fixtures.
• Aluminum, being lightweight, allows for added effects like brushed finishes, imparting a professional appearance to the sign.

Customization Options for Indoor Signs:

• Indoor signs offer more flexibility in custom sizes, as regulations are less strict.
• Custom signs for offices or professional spaces can creatively utilize lighting for enhanced ambiance.

If you’re a business owner with a brand-new custom sign to show off to the world, you might be wondering about the best ways to install it. How will people see my business signs? Are they big enough? And most importantly, will they stay put? These are pretty common things to think about, but luckily for you, ShieldCo has the answers.

The best ways to install signs depend on a few factors, including: 

• Where will the sign installation go? Is it indoors or outdoors? Large or small?
• What materials is the sign made out of? Is it light or heavy? Does it have lights?
• Do you need to hire a sign installation company? Is installing business signs doable on your own?

The ShieldCo Method of Business Sign Installation

At ShieldCo, we work with you every step of the way to ensure that your custom signage project meets your expectations. We’ll even make sure that no matter where your sign goes, its presence will be seen. The best business signs are ones that stand out, don’t overwhelm the viewer with too much information, and are always visible.

ShieldCo makes sure the custom business sign installation process goes smoothly. Since ShieldCo signs are works of art as much as they are signs, we’ll make sure that no matter where you are, your sign arrives to you in peak condition.

To prevent any harm to your sign during shipping, we pack the signage with a one-inch gap between the sign’s edges and the shipping box’s walls. We then insert a new packing sheet and a layer of foam within the container to provide robust cushioning on all sides of your sign, ensuring it stays safe during transit.

ShieldCo’s Best Ways to Install Your Sign

While other custom sign companies may rely on a professional sign company to install your business sign, ShieldCo knows that might end up costing you more money for nothing. The installation process of ShieldCo signs is easy. For indoor sign installation, you’ll need to employ either the French cleat mounting system or use drywall anchors and stems.

The French Cleat System

To install a ShieldCo sign using the French cleat system, follow these steps:

1. One-half of the French cleat is paired securely to the back of your sign. Ensure it is centered and level for proper alignment.
2. The second half of the French Cleat pairs to the wall. Make sure it is level and aligns with the cleat on the sign.
3. Drill pilot holes for both the cleat on the sign and the one on the wall. This step is crucial for maintaining balance and stability.
4. Fasten the French cleat to the wall using the provided screws and anchors. Ensure it is securely attached to provide stable support for your sign.
5. Once the cleats are securely attached, lower the sign towards the wall cleat, allowing them to interlock. Slide the sign down until both cleats are securely connected, creating a strong and stable hanging solution.

For Individual Letters

After hanging the provided template on the wall, drill pilot holes where you want the letters to go. Now, screw in all thread stems to sign components, and press into pre-drilled holes on the wall for a swift and secure wall-mounted display.

Outdoor Business Sign Installation

ShieldCo’s high-quality signs are a powerful tool in attracting customers. ShieldCo uses various materials, including superior aluminum and stainless steel, to manufacture your sign, and colors are always vibrant due to our powder-coating methods.

For installing business signs outside, you must consider a few aspects of the installation process. Monument signs or other outdoor signs are typically larger, so the strength of where the sign will go, as well as how it will hold up against the elements, is important.

ShieldCo’s premium powder coating will keep signs vibrant no matter the weather, while our high-quality metals will ensure that your custom sign looks great for years.

Exterior Sign Installation

So, you’re looking to put your custom-made ShieldCo sign outside, but before it goes anywhere, there are a few things to know.

Choose the Right Location

You’ll want as many customers to see your sign installation as possible, so you’ll want to set it up somewhere with a lot of visibility. For signage installation near roads, you’ll want cars to see your sign, so make sure to place your sign above the driver’s viewpoint. This allows drivers to see your sign as they approach, so make sure sign installation is done at the correct height.

Business signage installed properly is important to get notices, but towns, cities, and states may have regulations on business sign installation. For example, in Maryland, your business sign must be within 100 feet of the business activity; otherwise, you’ll need different permits.

Branding and Graphics

It’s important to have your sign installed somewhere that will create potential customers. Attracting customers means having a sign that gets people’s attention and shows a visible business name.

A great logo for a professional company adds legitimacy to your business, but adding too much information to a sign can also be detrimental. Signs should display as much info as needed without having too much to read. Overcrowded signs leave readers confused.

Conclusion

As a custom sign company, ShieldCo knows that good business signage is an important investment for businesses. With ShieldCo, the design process is easy and simplified, so much so that oftentimes you won’t need special equipment to proudly display your custom signage.

Creating custom rustic signs is a great way to add charm to your farmhouse décor. Imprinted with names, favorite quotes, or tailored messages, these signs become the heart of a room, reflecting your personal style and creativity. The key is in selecting natural materials and taking advantage of their inherent beauty: the rough grain of an old barn board, the fade and wear from years exposed to the elements. Essentially, this is your chance to make something truly unique. Now, let’s delve deeper into crafting your perfect rustic sign.

Ordering a custom metal rustic sign from our website is easy. Simply navigate to our free quote page, select the size, material, and design options, then proceed to checkout. Our team will then craft your personalized rustic sign with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.

Benefits of Custom Rustic Signs

A custom rustic sign serves as more than just a piece of artwork; it’s a key element in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere within your living spaces. The unique, personalized touch adds character and charm to any room, transforming it into a cozy haven that reflects your individual style. Imagine walking into a room and being greeted by a beautifully crafted wooden sign with your family name proudly displayed— it’s an instant mood lifter, and adds a personal, heartwarming touch to the space.

The ability to tailor these signs to specific themes further enhances their significance. Family name signs, inspirational quotes, or personalized messages are just a few examples of the countless possibilities. Each sign carries its own story, making them not only beautiful decorative pieces but also meaningful representations of cherished memories or values.

Let’s say you’ve recently moved into a new home. A custom rustic sign with the coordinates of your new house or a phrase that holds special meaning can serve as a constant reminder of this exciting new chapter in your life.

This is what our customer Olivia had to say about her experience:

Having a custom rustic sign with my favorite quote hanging in my living room brings me so much joy every day. It feels like I have my own little piece of motivation and positivity right there with me at all times.

Furthermore, by serving as focal points in the room, these signs draw attention and spark conversations. Visitors are often drawn to the unique design and personalization of these pieces. They invite intrigue and admiration, making them perfect conversation starters that elevate the ambiance of any gathering.

It’s clear that custom rustic signs carry several layered benefits that extend beyond mere visual appeal. Their ability to add a personalized touch, reflect individual style and serve as engaging focal points make them invaluable additions to farmhouse decor and any living space seeking warmth and character.

Considering the significance of custom rustic signs in adding depth and personality to living spaces, let’s now explore the process of designing your very own unique rustic sign.

How to Design Your Rustic Sign

Imagine having a beautiful custom-made sign that perfectly captures the essence and feel of your space. Creating that perfect rustic sign begins with conceptualizing the design. You’ll need to think about the message you want to convey, the font you want to use, and any additional graphic elements that you want to include. Consider how large you want the sign to be and what layout will ensure that it fits perfectly in its intended display area.

When conceptualizing your design, consider what makes your message unique. Will it be a welcoming phrase for your home’s entrance, or perhaps a motivational quote for your office space? The font you choose will set the tone for your message, whether you opt for something traditional like Times New Roman or something more casual like Arial. Additionally, consider if you want any additional graphics added to your sign to enhance its visual appeal.

Once you have a clear vision for your design, the next step is selecting the right software to bring it to life.

Selecting a Design Software

Graphic design software can be incredibly useful when it comes to bringing your design to life before transferring it onto the sign material itself. Programs like Adobe Illustrator offer comprehensive tools for creating and refining your design with precision and flexibility. If professional software isn’t accessible, many free online design tools can also do the job admirably.

Before diving into your design, take some time to acquaint yourself with the software’s capabilities. Whether it’s understanding how to create different shapes or learning how to manipulate text, becoming familiar with these tools will help you execute your vision accurately.

With your design now mastered, it’s time to consider the material and finish for your rustic sign.

Choosing the Material and Finish

The material you select plays a significant role in determining the authenticity and rustic charm of your sign. Reclaimed wood or weathered metal are popular choices for achieving an authentic rustic look. Additionally, consider the finish of the material—whether you want a distressed paint for a weathered appearance or a natural wood stain for a more organic look.

For instance, if you’re aiming for a cozy and vintage feel, reclaimed wood may be the perfect choice as its natural imperfections add character to the sign. On the other hand, weathered metal offers a rugged aesthetic that’s ideal for an industrial-inspired space.

Ensure that the finish complements the overall aesthetic you’ve envisioned for your sign. Experimenting with different finishes and materials can help you find the perfect combination that brings your rustic sign to life.

By carefully considering each of these elements—conceptualizing your design, selecting appropriate software, and choosing the perfect material and finish—you’re well on your way to creating a stunning custom rustic sign that reflects your unique style and vision.

Choosing Materials for Your Rustic Sign

When it comes to creating a custom rustic sign, the choice of materials can greatly influence the overall aesthetic and durability of the finished product. Let’s break down the key considerations when selecting the perfect materials for your project.

Reclaimed Wood: Whether it’s weathered barn boards or salvaged pallet wood, reclaimed wood offers a rich, aged appearance that effortlessly exudes rustic charm. The weathering and patina of reclaimed wood bring a unique character to each sign, making it a popular choice for those seeking an authentic farmhouse look. Consider the natural imperfections such as knots, nicks, and texture variations that add to the character of the wood.

Distressed Metal: For those aiming to introduce an industrial or vintage element to their rustic sign, distressed metal is a compelling option. The worn, weathered appearance of distressed metal creates a sense of history and nostalgia, ideal for evoking a bygone era. Additionally, metal provides exceptional durability, ensuring your sign withstands the test of time both indoors and outdoors.

Consider the dimensions and placement of your sign when choosing the material. Are you envisioning a large statement piece for an outdoor space or a smaller accent for an interior wall? The size and intended location should guide your selection to ensure the material complements its environment.

While reclaimed wood brings warmth and authenticity to interior spaces, it may require protective coatings if used outdoors to prevent weather-induced deterioration. On the other hand, distressed metal offers inherent resilience against the elements but may not be the coziest fit for indoor settings.

It’s essential to strike a balance between visual appeal and practicality when making your material choice. After all, your custom rustic sign should not only be visually stunning but also serve its intended purpose effectively.

Your choice of material will serve as the foundation for your unique rustic sign – providing both visual impact and endurance. With these considerations in mind, it’s time to move on to the next step in crafting your one-of-a-kind farmhouse decor.

Crafting Your Custom Rustic Sign

Crafting your custom rustic sign can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a chance to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your living space, whether it’s for your home, office, or as a special gift.

Cutting and Shaping

When it comes to wood signs, cutting the material to the desired dimensions and shape is crucial. A good quality saw, jigsaw, or circular saw can help you achieve precision with ease. For metal signs, using a metal cutting saw or shears is essential to shape the metal sheet according to the design. The strength and durability of metal complement the rustic aesthetic perfectly.

Metalwork requires caution – wearing protective eyewear and gloves is imperative during this step to ensure safety. Additionally, using a workbench with clamps can provide stability and lessen the risk of slippage while working with metal sheets.

Adding Graphics and Text

Once you have your rustic sign shaped and ready, it’s time to give it a unique identity. You can apply the design using stencils, vinyl lettering, or hand-painting for a personalized touch. Consider employing distressing techniques to create an aged appearance for an authentic rustic look. This could involve gently sanding the edges and surface of the wood to give it a weathered, vintage feel. Alternatively, for metal signs, one could utilize specialized chemical solutions to induce a natural rusted appearance.

Remember that each technique contributes to the overall charm of your custom sign, adding depth and character that reflects the unique story behind it.

Finishing Touches

To ensure that your custom rustic sign maintains its appeal for years to come, sealing it with a protective coating is vital. For wood signs, consider using a clear varnish that not only preserves the natural beauty of the wood but also adds a layer of protection against wear and tear. On the other hand, a rust-resistant clear coat is ideal for preserving metal signs from environmental elements.

It’s important to apply these coatings in a well-ventilated area while following the manufacturer’s instructions. Letting each coat thoroughly dry between applications will ensure a seamless finish. For metal signs in particular, regular maintenance includes inspecting for any signs of rust or corrosion. If detected early, treating these spots with rust-resistant paint or specialized sprays can prevent further deterioration.

By paying attention to these finishing touches, you’re not just adding longevity to your custom rustic sign but also enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Crafting your custom rustic sign invites you to transform raw materials into something truly extraordinary—a piece that resonates with authenticity and individuality.

Decorative Approaches for Rustic Signs

Adding decorative touches to your custom rustic sign can really make it stand out. The distressed look is a popular choice for rustic signs, as it gives them an aged appearance. One way to achieve this is by lightly sanding the edges and surfaces of the sign to create a worn and weathered effect, adding character and vintage charm.

Additionally, incorporating faux rust finishes can further enhance the weathered aesthetic of the sign. This technique involves using special paints or patinas to mimic the look of authentic rust, giving the sign a uniquely aged appearance while adding depth and texture to the design.

For those desiring an industrial flair, hardware accents like metal brackets or antique nails can be used to embellish the sign. These rugged details contribute to the rustic theme and provide structural support, adding both style and functionality to the design.

In addition to distressing and faux rust finishes, stenciling or hand-lettering can further personalize the sign, allowing you to incorporate meaningful quotes, family names, or special dates, adding sentimental value to the piece.

Another decorative approach for rustic signs involves layering different materials. For instance, combining wood with metal accents or adding multiple layers of paint can create a dynamic and visually appealing composition. By experimenting with different textures and materials, you can elevate the overall aesthetic of your custom rustic sign.

Lastly, consider using natural elements such as reclaimed barn wood or incorporating aged patinas to complement the rustic theme. Reclaimed wood not only adds a sense of history and sustainability but also contributes to the cozy and inviting feel of the sign.

By incorporating these decorative approaches into your custom rustic signs, you can infuse them with character, charm, and a timeless vintage appeal that will beautifully accent any space.

As you craft your perfect rustic sign, it’s essential to give just as much thought to its display.

Displaying Your Custom Rustic Sign

You’ve put so much effort into making your custom rustic sign, and now it’s time to showcase it in a way that really makes it shine. Choosing the right spot to display your sign will not only enhance the charm of the room but also make sure that your hard work gets noticed and appreciated.

Consider how the style and size of your rustic sign will fit in with the decor of the room. If you have a large farmhouse-style sign, think about placing it in a spacious area where it can become a commanding presence and add character to the space. Conversely, if you’re working with a smaller, more subtle sign, it might be better suited for a cozier nook or small wall space where it can still make an impact without overwhelming the area.

When it comes to mounting options, there are a few different routes you can take depending on the type of sign you’ve created. Hanging hardware, such as D-ring hangers or sawtooth hangers, is a reliable choice for larger and heavier signs. For smaller signs, especially those with easel backs, simply leaning them against a wall or on built-in shelving is a great option. If you want to give your sign a floating effect, wall brackets can provide support while keeping the focus solely on the sign itself.

Let’s say you’ve made a lovely “Welcome” sign for your front porch. Hanging it by the entrance with sturdy outdoor materials ensures that it withstands the elements while warmly greeting guests as they arrive at your home.

Another important aspect to think about is lighting. Placing your custom rustic sign in an area with adequate lighting can really help draw attention to it. Think about how natural light changes throughout the day and consider positioning your sign in a place where it will be gently illuminated by sunlight during certain hours. If natural light isn’t an option, consider adding artificial lighting to highlight the features of your sign.

The right placement can turn your rustic wooden sign into a focal point, adding warmth and personality to any space in your home. It’s all about ensuring that you provide it with an appropriate platform—an environment where it’s valued and seen in its best light.

As with any cherished possession, maintaining your rustic wooden sign is key to preserving its appeal over time. Now, let’s explore how simple yet effective maintenance practices can keep your prized creation looking top-notch for years to come.

Tips for Rustic Sign Maintenance

Your custom rustic sign represents your style and adds character to your space, so it’s important to keep it looking its best. Regular maintenance not only preserves its aesthetic appeal but also ensures its longevity. Here are a few essential tips to help you ensure the lasting beauty of your custom rustic sign:

Dusting Regularly

To keep your custom rustic sign looking pristine, make it a habit to dust it regularly using a soft, dry cloth. This simple step prevents the buildup of dirt and maintains the natural allure of the wood or metal. By removing dust and debris, you can prevent the accumulation of grime that can dull the appearance of your sign over time.

Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Regular dusting not only maintains the visual appeal of your sign but also protects it from potential damage caused by accumulated dirt. Additionally, for outdoor signs, periodic dusting helps prevent environmental elements like pollen and bird droppings from causing stubborn stains or discoloration.

Sealing for Outdoor Signs

If your custom rustic sign is displayed outdoors, it’s vital to take extra measures to protect it from the elements. Consider resealing the material periodically to shield it from moisture, sunlight, and other weather-related damage. This proactive step can significantly prolong the life of your outdoor sign and maintain its original charm for years to come.

Outdoor signs are subjected to harsher conditions due to exposure to sunlight, rain, and fluctuations in temperature. By applying a protective sealant at regular intervals, you create a barrier that shields the sign from moisture penetration and prevents fading or warping. This preservation technique is particularly crucial for wooden signs, ensuring that they remain resilient against outdoor elements.

Regular Inspection

In addition to routine cleaning and protective measures, it’s important to conduct regular inspections of your custom rustic sign. Keep an eye out for any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration, such as cracks, warping, or peeling paint. Promptly addressing these issues can help prevent further damage and preserve the overall appearance of your sign.

By proactively monitoring the condition of your custom rustic sign, you can detect early indicators of potential problems and take corrective action before they escalate. For example, identifying a small crack early on allows you to repair it effectively before it expands and becomes more challenging to fix. This attentive approach contributes to the long-term preservation of your prized rustic decor.

Maintaining your custom rustic sign doesn’t have to be an arduous task. With regular dusting, protective sealing for outdoor signs, and vigilant inspections for any signs of wear or damage, you can keep your custom rustic sign looking captivating and well-preserved for years to come. Whether indoors or outdoors, these maintenance tips ensure that your unique piece of decor continues to exude its timeless charm.

What are the Best Fonts for Custom Signs?

ShieldCo doesn’t just provide your home or business with a beautiful sign; it provides a work of art for your space. ShieldCo works with you to craft a custom metal sign you’ll love, but you might be wondering what the best font styles are.

There is no straightforward answer to that because the question of which sign font styles are the best comes down to where your sign will go and what type of purpose it will have. Sans serif fonts are popular for business signs but not necessarily for decorative signs. While script fonts can be harder for readability at a distance, they can be eye-catching for personal signs in the home or office.

Choosing a great font isn’t hard, regardless of where you’re displaying your signage. Our designers at ShieldCo will help every step of the way.

Sign Fonts for Readability

In a nutshell, the perfect font styles for your sign differ depending on where the sign will go and what you want it to convey and say. Font psychology dictates that different sizes, styles, colors, and sign usage affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Certain sign fonts matter if you’re looking to make a bold statement. Sans serif font categories are a great choice for large-scale text that will catch your eye. Elegant and lowercase letters may work for more subtle signs, like in your office or home.

Best Font Size for Large Displays

Creating a custom metal sign with a great message requires some thought about font sizes. ShieldCo offers a lot of design options with colors, backgrounds, and even lighting options.

Naturally, where your sign goes dictates the font size. Large signs will require larger letters and larger fonts. Smaller sign fonts are more beneficial for indoor spaces.

For example, if you’re looking to choose lettering for a monument sign or to create a sign advertising your business, you’ll want a sign design that can be seen from a distance. Sans serif font sizes are ideal as they can be easily viewed at a distance.

Examples of Sans Serif Fonts Include

• Helvetica
• Arial
• Verdana
• Calibri

Smaller Fonts

ShieldCo’s custom metal signs aren’t only for your storefront, but we make gorgeous works of art that you’ll be proud to display in your office, your mancave, or even your living room.

Clients love their ShieldCo signs, reflecting their brand and company. Walking into a professional setting and being greeted by a ShieldCo sign will elevate the whole area.

The best fonts for closer viewing include simple serif fonts such as Times New Roman or Georgia. Wide open fonts like Tahoma also work as well. Futura, a geometrically shaped typeface, has small print and lowercase letters that can still easily be read.

Brand Guidelines and Consistency

Brand guidelines and a consistent message align with your company. Creating logos is something the design team at ShieldCo can help you out with if you don’t already have one. You may be wondering what this has to do with font style.

The largest recognizable brands typically don’t change their signage often. Keeping your design consistent with your brand helps people distinguish it from your competitors and maintains a professional appearance.

The best fonts are ones that keep design choices in line with brand guidelines and company identity. A suitable design needs to reflect the company. For example, a law office wouldn’t use Comic Sans, and a sports bar probably wouldn’t use a cursive script.

Material and Readable Signage

Once you’ve got your logo ready and your signage style set, you’ll want to think about which type of material and lettering you’ll want on your sign. ShieldCo offers plenty of different ways to meet your signage needs.

Aluminum, steel, and corten are three popular choices and work for both small and large signs. Lighting options are also available, and our powder-coating finish adds bright and vibrant colors that last way longer than paint. Our precision lasers cut metal within 1/1000th of an inch, allowing for incredible readability and intricate sign font styles in various sizes.

Gothic, Letterform, or Sans Serif Font?

Making sure you convey the right message is important when it comes to designing the best sign. We’ll make sure that the sign you want not only has a great font but is a beautiful piece of art you’ll want to display proudly.

In the fast-paced business environment, where a sign often has only a few seconds to make an impact, visibility is a critical factor in standing out. This encompasses not just the frequency with which your signage is seen but also its size and clarity. Selecting the appropriate size of your custom sign or branding, along with clear and concise letters, is essential for catching the eye, conveying your message, and converting potential customers into actual ones.

The effectiveness of your sign largely depends on those fleeting moments when it grabs someone’s attention, especially for those driving by, even at average speeds. In such scenarios, a bigger sign with easily readable text becomes significantly more effective, as it can be spotted and understood quickly from a greater distance. On the other hand, in areas with fewer cars and slower speeds, you might have more leeway to experiment with different sizes, lettering styles, and fonts. Ultimately, the ideal dimensions and right size for your company sign should be a balance of clarity, location, and its capacity to capture attention quickly, ensuring that it leaves a lasting impression in just a few seconds.

“Good signage can be responsible for up to half of a store’s foot traffic. Different types of signage, such as monument, pole, and larger storefront signs, can drive sales increases of 9.3%, 15.6%, and 7.7%, respectively” – source

How Big Should Your Business Sign Be?

To determine effective business signage, a good guideline is to design your sign letter sizes that are at least one inch tall for every 10 feet of viewing distance for optimal reading clarity. For example, a typical store is set back from the main road, separated by a parking lot. If the average space from the roadside to your storefront is about 300 feet, then the letters and words should ideally be 30 inches tall.

Something else to consider is that maybe you’ll want a sign inside your building. If you decide that you want a ShieldCo to create an indoor piece for your building then the parameters will be different than one that goes outdoors. Most people or customers will likely see it rather up close so the size of the letters matter a little less and more attention can be paid to other details. 

Line Height Visibility Chart

In this chart, the “Distance for Readability Recommended” column is calculated based on the guideline that for optimal reading clarity, the letter height should be 1-inch height for every 10 feet of viewing distance. The “Maximum Readability Distance” is approximately 33.3 times the line height, rounded to the nearest whole number. This provides a range of visibility for different letter heights, from optimal to maximum readable distances

It’s All About Location

The ultimate rule of real estate also applies here because, quite frankly, your sign will be taking up some degree of real estate. 

Different environments call for different elements and different sign sizes. First, it’s important to determine where your sign will go. For example, if you’re placing your sign along a busy street with plenty of cars going by at an average speed, easily visible letter size at a distance is paramount. 

By contrast, if your sign is in a high pedestrian area, letter size and font have a little more creative freedom because people will have more time to read the letters, which isn’t the case if you’re moving fast in a car.  

Letter Height and Zoning Rules

Before determining your sign’s size, it’s important to know the local laws in your area regarding zoning regulations. Cities and municipalities often have specific guidelines regarding the dimensions of commercial signage. 

For example in New York City, a sign must comply with regulations outlined in the New York City Construction Codes, the New York City Zoning Resolution, and the Rules of the City of New York. These regulations dictate the permissible size, location, projection over a sidewalk, and illumination of a sign. For instance, in certain zoning districts (like C1 and C2), the maximum surface area for an individual accessory sign is 150 square feet, with a maximum height above the curb level of 25 feet.

Standard Commercial Business Signs

Standard commercial sign sizes typically include larger dimensions to maximize visual clarity, message, and impact. Common sizes for these signs are 36″ x 120″, 36″ x 144″, 36″ x 192″, 48″ x 120″, 48″ x 144″, 48″ x 192″, 60″ x 120″, 60″ x 144″, and 60″ x 192″. These sizes are designed to ensure that the signage is noticeable and readable from a distance, suitable for commercial settings where attracting attention is crucial

Budget Considerations

ShieldCo’s works range in price from $1,500 to $3,000 to $7,000. Naturally, bigger signs with bigger fonts and more colors will increase the cost. Always consider choosing the right size and letters when investing in a sign. For less expensive options, check out our partners at Hudson Laser.

Enhancing Visual Impact

Strategic placement and lighting are crucial factors in maximizing visual impact. When considering placement, aim for the highest point that is still within the line of sight of your target audience, such as above the storefront or along a busy road. This ensures maximum exposure to both foot and vehicular traffic.

Additionally, the orientation of the sign should be considered; a perpendicular sign to the road can catch the eye of passersby more effectively than one that is parallel. Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing visualness, particularly during evenings and in low-light conditions. 

Well-lit signs not only become landmarks in their own right but also ensure that your message is visible and legible at all times, ultimately contributing to a stronger brand presence and customer recall.

Start Creating Your Custom Business Sign Today