Custom Signs

There are a lot of factors that go into custom metal sign creation. The great thing about ShieldCo is that we’ll work with you to create the metal sign of your dreams. Personalized signs make a perfect gift for the home or office, or they can be used to create advertising for your business. Depending on what your sign will be used for means incorporating different styles and design elements. Older styles can add a bit of vintage charm, while a newer design method can look sleek.

The use of space, color, and different fonts all make a difference in the message you might be trying to communicate. So, if you’re looking to get the best possible outcome out of your ShieldCo custom metal sign, here are some design tips to get you started.

Who Is the Audience?

Understanding your audience is the first thing you should consider before jumping into making a custom metal sign. “Where will the sign go?” is an important question: Do you want clients walking into your office to see it? Do you want customers on the street to walk in after seeing it? Or is the metal sign simply decorative for the home?

Certain graphics and design elements work differently for different needs. For example, if your custom metal sign is for a bar that you run, different colors, inclusion of lights, and more stylized elements make sense. But if your sign is part of a professional office space like a lawyer’s office or architect, you would opt for a bold and more professional style.

If your custom metal sign is supposed to be noticed by people driving by, you’ll want it to stand out at a further distance, so prioritizing size and readability is an important design tool.

Creating Dynamic Typography and Color Schemes

Since this is all about design elements, fonts, and color schemes play a big part in design theory. The font and colors chosen are all important aspects of the message you’re trying to convey.

Font

Every sign with lettering on it has some type of font. Deciding what is suitable is part of the message you’re trying to say with your metal sign. There are three important things to keep in mind when creating your custom metal sign.

1. Keep it simple. Make sure your metal sign is visible and easy to read. If it is hard to read, especially from afar, your sign won’t attract the same attention.
2. Size matters. Information must be kept to a minimum if your sign is somewhere public where people are walking by or driving. Large sizing with easy-to-read and quick-to-understand print will always attract more eyes which can enhance business.
3. Contrast. ShieldCo signs offer color LEDs to light up your custom metal signs as well as powder-coated technology to bring color and vibrancy to your creations. Understanding color theory and contrast can bring attention and enhance visibility to your sign.

Color Choices and Psychology

Color choice in art plays an important part in the visual aspect. Choosing what colors to display requires more work than just picking your favorite. Color also plays an important role in brand recognition, like the green and white of Starbucks or the yellow and red of McDonald’s.

The psychological effect of different hues plays a part in how your metal sign is perceived. Bright and bold can be attention-grabbing but look out of place in a professional setting, while subtle and darker tones would look better in an office but out of place in a restaurant.

Shaping Metal Sign Design and Other Elements

Personalized signs can be as unique as you are. When it comes to the production of custom metal signs adding a layer, or layers can provide a sense of dimension. Interesting shapes and multiple layers can add a sense of 3D as well as help in creating a more memorable sign.

Play with Depth

ShieldCo can produce signs with multiple layers but depending on need, more or less layers might be what you’re looking for. For example, a single-layer sign with a back panel is great for incorporating lights, while multilayer signs provide depth and texture.

Size and Scale

Think about where and for what purpose your sign will be present. A sign with ideal proportions is an important part of the custom sign process. A sign that is too small will be easily ignored if it is meant to represent your business but a smaller sign design will work better if it is something that is meant to be decorative in your house or man cave.

A well-designed and proportional sign can be impactful without being overbearing.

Design with Confidence

ShieldCo offers quality custom designs for your metal sign needs. In our process, we’ll work with you to ensure that the product you spend your money on is one that you’ll be happy with. If you aren’t a graphic designer, you won’t have to worry, because our team of art designers will turn your logo into a work of art.

Getting the best-looking sign you can means understanding some important art design principles. Thankfully the only thing you need to get started is a photo of your logo and we’ll work at creating something great.

Request a quote today and get started on your next piece of art for the home or office!

If you’re splurging on a custom metal sign, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck. That means investing in quality and taking care of your metal signs. Outdoor signs play several different roles depending on what they’re representing. For example, if the outdoor signage represents your business, you will want people to notice it and engage with your business.

Comparatively, if your outdoor sign is more decorative or informational, you’ll still want people to notice, but you may opt for something less flashy.

No matter where you plan to put your custom metal sign, knowing how to care for it in all weather conditions will provide longevity and prevent other maintenance issues from arising in the long term. If you’re a ShieldCo customer looking for a few tips on outdoor signage protection—or you’re simply a sign owner looking for tips—we have all the tricks to keep your exterior signs looking their best.

Choosing the Right Metal for the Right Outdoor Sign

Depending on the nature of your outdoor sign, you’ll have different needs. After prolonged outdoor use, the materials will degrade and will likely require some regular cleaning and general maintenance. Dust, sunlight, moisture, snow, and wind are all contributing factors that can degrade your outdoor signage over time.

While there are no bad options to choose from, not all metal surfaces are created equal, and some are better than others. Here is what we primarily work with:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel provides a sleek and modern feel to your signs. It is also great at preventing rust and is corrosion-resistant. Not only that, but it won’t scratch and is generally easy to maintain. Stainless steel is great for outdoor signs with a more decorative approach, like gardens or community spaces.

Stainless steel has very few downsides, but it doesn’t offer the same customizable experience as aluminum. If you’re opting for stainless steel, it is because you’re looking for that modern shine so adding a powder coating layer won’t be done. Stainless steel is also a denser metal, so it will keep its shape for longer but offers less malleability than aluminum.

Corten Steel for Outdoor Signage

Corten Steel is known as a “weathered steel,” meaning it will deliberately rust over time. After the material is exposed for long periods to moisture and rain the metal will develop its layer of rust and fade. Corten adds a certain natural personality to its signs, and the underlying protective coating will keep it from corroding further. Coreten is a popular choice for outdoor architectural designs and signage that can withstand wear and tear.

Aluminum Steel

Aluminum is ShieldCo’s preferred metal, offering the highest number of design elements at your disposal. Aluminum is lightweight while also being durable. It holds up well for outside signs as well as indoor ones with electrical components attached. Aluminum will hold up in most weather conditions and will take longer to fade from the sun.

When it comes to customization solutions, Aluminum works great for three big reasons:

1. It is the most malleable. This means that more intricate shapes and designs can be molded to your desired pattern.
2. Powder-coated colors will stick to the material better, so your signs will be more vibrant and stand out. Powder coating also will not chip like paint.
3. Aluminum is the best option for people looking to hook up lights or other electrical elements to their sign. The material is highly conductive and our LED lighting system will add some flair to your custom signs.

Keep Your Outdoor Signs Protected and Maintained

Even the highest quality custom metal signs need to be cleaned once in a while. The normal wear of the outdoors means that your outdoor signage will eventually get covered in dirt, snow, rain, and sunlight. Regular maintenance can keep your signs looking fresh for a long time, and for the most part, they are easy to clean.

So, if you’re looking to keep your metal surface looking its best, here are some professional tips:

• Soap and water work: That’s right, for the most part getting rid of grime requires no more than your basic cleaning products and a little elbow grease. Mix some soap or a mild detergent with clean water and use a clean cloth.
• Avoid chemical cleaners: Chemicals work for tough spots but a lot of the time extra-strength chemicals will ruin the metal’s natural coating. Use chemicals sparingly for maintenance issues as surfaces can wear quicker if exposed to abrasive substances.
• Let it dry: Outdoor signage in locations with more humidity, rain, or snow may have a harder time maintaining dryness but surfaces that remain in contact with moisture for long periods of time have a higher risk of rust and corrosion. Keeping the sign dry and out of contact as much as possible with moisture maintains its look for longer.

The Power of Powder-Coated Signs

ShieldCo uses a special powder coating technology that will not only protect your signs but also keep them colorful and vibrant. Powder coating does not require a liquid solvent like regular paint so the material sticks on better and doesn’t run the risk of chipping.

Powder coating helps maintain signage by keeping a protective layer on the metal, which increases durability and resistance to rusting and corrosion.

The business world is constantly evolving and changing. If you want to remain competitive, you’ll have to occasionally rethink not only your business model but also how your business is perceived. In the early days of light-up signs, traditional incandescent light bulbs were usually affixed to signs, but now, in the modern world of energy efficiency, LED lighting is at the forefront.

Adding LED lights to your ShieldCo custom metal sign has many benefits. Whether you’re trying to attract attention or you’re looking to add a cool light source to your personal space, ShieldCo can affix LED lighting to most custom sign designs.

Why Are LED Lights Good?

There are several reasons you should fit your ShieldCo metal sign with LED lighting over conventional lighting or no lighting. For one thing, it creates an environmental impact that grabs attention.

If you’re running a business and want attention, LED lighting provides that, and a beautiful display pays for itself in advertising fees. Research shows that people will remember an ad 80% of the time if it is lit up with lights. People will want to see it, take pictures, and remember your brand. LED lights offer five important features over other forms of lighting like neon lights or incandescent bulbs.

1. They Are Energy Efficient

LED lights, or light-emitting diodes, are some of the most energy-efficient ways to produce light. What this means for you is savings on things like replacing lights and can save energy costs.

2. They Are Enduring Tech

LED lights are robust, and LED technology maintains brilliance over time, making sure that they create a bright atmosphere no matter where you put them.

3. They Have a Longer Life Span

Compared to other forms of lights, LED lights have a considerably longer lifespan. LED bulbs can last between 50,000 to 100,000 hours, about 3-6 years longer than fluorescent or neon.

4. They Are Eco-Conscious

Aside from being an excellent way of maintaining energy efficiency, LED lighting is also less of an environmental hazard. LED bulbs also don’t contain any harmful elements like mercury or argon.

5. Design Adaptability

An LED light installation on your sign can be an excellent way to show off who you are. ShieldCo allows customers to customize their lights in a way they see fit. LED lights are a great choice, no matter whether they’re used to backlight, for cut-out lighting, or for box lighting. There is also a range of colors and styles of LED lighting available that can reflect your message.

The ShieldCo Method

ShieldCo works with you to make sure your sign is the perfect result of your vision alongside our skills, and when fitting a sign with LED lights, we’ll ensure you get exactly what you want.

When you choose ShieldCo for a sign with lighting, we’ll deliver you easy-to-follow instructions on the best practices for setup. Customers will also receive a remote to turn the sign on and off, change the colors, and cycle through modes—now that’s customization!

What Else Do Our Signs Offer?

• Premium LED light bulbs that are equivalent to a 60-watt light. Other lighting options can use up to 5x more electricity.
• Powered by 12-volt LED lights to reduce heat emanating from the fixture.
• Ease of installation: all you have to do is put up your sign and plug it in. Circuitry and soldering make your sign ready to go. Go the extra mile and install an outlet behind the sign to avoid seeing the power cord. 

When it comes to custom metal signs, ShieldCo is one of the best manufacturers to work with. Our custom metal signs are made with care from start to finish, and we work with you to ensure your custom metal signage needs are always met. Our custom design process is collaborative; we’ll consult with you from start to finish so that your wall art or business signs match your initial vision.

Whether for home decor in your personal space or a decorative piece for the office, ShieldCo’s custom metal sign designs always look great. But before investing in a custom sign, you might be wondering how it all works and how ShieldCo’s metal sign elements all come together.

We’re going to pull back the curtain on ShieldCo’s secret to custom metal sign greatness and show you how design elements come together with laser-cutting technology.

Custom Metal Signs with Laser Precision

With new technology comes new ways of making things bigger and better. The technique of hand cutting is long gone, and ShieldCo is a company of the future; that’s why we use precision laser cutting CNC to make your personalized custom piece.

Lasers have emerged as a game-changing way to make metal signs as they can cut through various materials like steel and aluminum without a problem and with accurate precision.

Custom Cut Metal Sign Details

Laser cutting allows two essential things. First, it cuts with more precision than other methods. And second, it helps us create more detailed and intricate designs. Cutting through multiple layers means more dimension to your decorative pieces.

All of this adds durability, style, and a better ability to personalize your vision.

How Do Our Lasers Make a Custom Metal Sign

The Laser Cutting CNC process at ShieldCo transforms intricate designs into exquisite metal artwork of superior quality. This method ensures our sign components boast flawlessly smooth edges, rendering a professional, multi-dimensional sign replete with distinct depth and character.

The laser is channeled through a specialized optical lens and maneuvers around the workpiece using CNC software. It executes tasks such as melting, etching, vaporizing, or eliminating the designated material area, resulting in impeccably finished edges.

Creating and Producing Metal Signs

If you need an outdoor sign for your business or an indoor one for your home, a personalized one is what you are looking for. Uniqueness is important in the business world and your house decor is as unique as you are. Laser-cutting ensures that production is easy and streamlines the production process so your logo or idea for a sign is exactly how you want it to be.

When it comes to personalized metal art, laser cutting ensures that lettering and style stand out, and ShieldCo’s powder-coated signs leave less chance of rust and more vibrant colors.

Powder coating does not require chemicals or solvents, so it is environmentally friendly and offers more durability than traditional paint.

Durable and Sustainable

When it comes down to the price of a custom sign, you might be concerned about affordability. In the long run, laser-cut signs with powder-coated surfaces are more affordable. The streamlined process of laser cutting cuts down on cost and reduces turnaround time without compromising quality. The powder coating is resistant to chipping, searching, rust, and general wear, so long-term maintenance is also easier.

Aside from also being a great way to make signs, laser-cutting technology is also environmentally friendly. In contrast to specific chemical etching techniques or printing methods reliant on solvents, laser engraving produces minimal waste and emissions. This significantly lessens the environmental impact linked with signage production.

The durable nature of laser-engraved signs diminishes the necessity for frequent replacements, thereby bolstering resource preservation and reducing waste.

Custom Design Crafted with Care

No matter the location you’re going to put your custom sign, ShieldCo makes sure that you have a great buying experience. Hang your custom sign with pride and display it to the world.

ShieldCo’s laser-cutting technology and powder-coating coloring are state-of-the-art, allowing for amazing creations and designs with amazing precision.

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.

Benefits of Aluminum	Details
Lightweight	Weighing only one-third of steel, a 16 sqft sign with multiple layers comes in at less than 70 lbs. Easy to handle, it can be effortlessly installed on any surface using drywall anchors.
Corrosion Resistance	Our chosen 5052 aluminum, considered marine grade, ensures longevity even in high-salinity areas, making it ideal for businesses located near oceans.
Malleability and Strength	Aluminum’s unique combination of malleability and strength allows us to create intricate shapes and curved signs with ease. It’s a dream material for bringing creative designs to life.
Natural Beauty	Uncoated aluminum boasts striking beauty, providing an elegant and modern aesthetic for your business signage.

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.