Custom Sign Fabrication – The ShieldCo Process

In today’s world of business, eye-catching signs aren’t always enough to get customers through the door. Custom business signs serve more than just being a sign: they are literal beacons to potential or returning customers. They are also symbols of your business or company, oftentimes representing business logos or designs that tell the world who you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small operation or a large corporation; you should be proud to display your company name or logo inside or outside.

This is where ShieldCo comes in. Offering exceptional customized metal signs and great customer service, ShieldTCo will deliver excellent quality custom signs for any budget. When it comes to custom metal signs, ShieldCo has worked with national names as well as small local businesses. If you’re looking for something for the home or office, we can create something you’ll love to have in your home.

When fabricating custom signs, ShieldCo works with our clients from start to finish, so everything from graphics to materials and even maintaining your finished piece is part of the ShieldCo process.

The ShieldCo Custom Metal Signs Process

Project Contact

Once you’re set on creating custom metal signs with ShieldCo, the first part of the process is designing your logo, letters, or brand. After you send us a high-quality vector file, we can begin the design process.

The second step is to have an idea for a budget in mind. Manufacturing more elaborate custom metal signs may increase your price, or adding elements like LED lights may fetch an additional charge. We won’t charge you for anything you don’t sign off on, so there are no surprise fees.

Projects and manufacturing prices typically fall between $3000 to $7000, with minimum signage costs around $1500.

Getting a Quote

Once you’ve submitted a quote request, your details will be entered into the system, and we’ll contact you about your sign fabrication process. Before you get an official final quote, we’ll discuss examples with you and try to create something that you’ll love using the materials you need. This process is helpful because it means you will only pay for sign fabrication once you’ve confirmed exactly what your sign needs are.

The next step pairs customers with a salesperson. You’ll discuss your budget and see a mock-up of your signs. At this stage, elements can be modified so that signage, branding, and shape fit your specifications.

ShieldCo offers quotes at a wide range of prices, and keeping the cost at a level you’re comfortable with is important to us. Offering great quality signs is crucial to us, so manufacturing a product and quote that you’re happy with is important for the ShieldCo team and your brand.

Signage Mockups

Throughout the process, you’ll see mockups of the sign during the design process. This allows you and us to keep track of where things are going along and ensure you’re happy with the manufacturing process so far.

You’ll see 2D and 3D design mockups that will help you visualize what the sign will look like when it’s done. At this point, if everything is good to go and there’s agreement on the quote, we’ll deliver you a 3D mockup and get started on making your custom metal sign.

Once the manufacturing process is done, we’ll send you more pictures so you can see the final project and make the final payment.

Shipping and Sign Installation

Once the payment is received, we’ll pack and ship your sign to you. Every sign gets a custom-made shipment box to ensure that there are no dings and dents to your signs during transit.

Now You Have Your Signage!

After delivery of your sign, you can put it up! ShieldCo will provide easy installation instructions so you can install your custom metal signs as you wish. Most of the materials and equipment you’ll need for installation are a level and a drill. For individual letters like channel letter signs hardware and templates will be provided. 

Creating Strong Brand Identity Through Rebranding

One of the first rules of business is getting people to recognize you. Recognizable signs, color palettes, and even shapes are all elements that create a strong brand identity. Think of the yellow and red “M,” a green and white mermaid, or a swoosh checkmark. Chances are that reading these descriptions instantly created the associated brand image in your head; that’s the power of a robust brand identity design.

As a business owner, keeping your business fresh and interesting is a great way to get people to recognize it. Appealing to a target audience with a new custom metal sign can effectively utilize brand management skills your competitors haven’t even thought of.

Upgrading your brand identity can be a great way to attract new potential customers, and ShieldCo can help you out every step of the way. Regardless of whether you’re looking for something trendy or traditional, we’ll work with your brand style guide and colors to create something you’ll love. But first, let’s explore the benefits of a brand image revamp process and what that means for developing something great.

Understanding Brand Identity Design

Building a strong brand identity requires elements that people will associate with your business. Distinct symbols, colors, and other visual aspects will create a strong and cohesive brand personality.

ShieldCo can help create a logo and design for your custom metal sign, but most people who come to us already have a logo or branding style in mind.

Some Things to Consider

Identify Company Goals

Is your business a dentist’s office? Luxury watch seller? A bar? What we craft together will depend on what you’re marketing or selling. More casual elements, like LED lights, make more sense for a burger restaurant, while bold lettering and spotlights create a style for a mature audience frequenting a luxury car dealership or professional office.

Identify Customers

Who are you trying to sell to? What does that demographic like? The aesthetics of selling designer handbags differs from that of work wear. Brands that sell luxury handbags will reflect a base of customers who want a clean, simple look, while brands that sell clothes to construction workers will want something more rugged.

Determine the Brand Voice You’re Trying to Communicate

How people perceive your company needs to remain consistent. Consumers can determine the perceived value of things before they even buy your product. For example, purchasing a $500-dollar watch from a jewelry store has a higher perceived value than a $20 watch purchased from a street vendor.

Why is this important? Your brand identity can’t be everything, so focusing on specific design elements creates cohesiveness.

Brand Image Through Custom Metal Signage

The benefit of a custom metal sign is that there are few constraints when creating one that reflects your brand. ShieldCo offers several ways to reflect your brand identity and make a bold statement to your future customers or clients.

• Logo and Company Design: After making a final decision on your logo and new design, we’ll ensure everything is good to go before we start. Customers will always get the last say before we start working on your sign so that the branding reflects exactly what you want.
• Metals: We have different metals like steel and aluminum at our disposal, so the choice is up to you. Where your sign will go may affect which metal is optimal.
• Colors: ShieldCo creates its vibrant and long-lasting colors using our special powder coating technology. Rather than using paint, powder coating lasts longer and won’t rust or chip.
• Layers: ShieldCo offers a layering service for your designs. Single-layer, single-layer with paneling, and our signature multi-layer format allow for dimension and depth as well as light placements.
• Lights: ShieldCo can install LED lights for your sign to make it pop. For branding, external spotlights are an option typically used for more professional settings, while backlights can be used for more casual businesses and offices.

Choosing the Ideal Signage Type

Selecting the appropriate signage is crucial for crafting a compelling visual presence for your market. If you run a small business, getting attention via unique branding is helpful to get attention, but if you operate a business with multiple locations, consistency across your brand reinforces brand identity.

Your choice of signage hinges on factors such as your geographical position, how much you’re willing to spend, and what you want to include, like different colors or lights. For instance, monument signs or channel letters might be ideal if you aim for a sophisticated and refined appearance.

It’s All a Part of Brand Management

A great way to revitalize your business is through rebranding. Giving your company a facelift can help with brand identity and recognition, which are all factors that can lead to more sales and an increase in business. Getting things done the right way can increase your brand’s visual presence, and in the world of marketing, having a visual presence that people associate with you adds personality and appeal and communicates quality.

Make your next project finding your new brand identity through custom metal signage with ShieldCo. Stand out amongst your competitors and lead your industry through gorgeous metal signs that communicate your unique brand.

Home Sign Decor Redefined: How Custom Metal Signs Can Elevate Your Personal Space

ShieldCo offers tons of options for custom metal sign design. Whether you’re looking to showcase your business in a unique way or add a touch of personalization to your home, our signs are a perfect choice. But ShieldCo delivers more than just signs for your business, our custom metal signs also make great decorative pieces for the home.

All eyes will be on your metal sign when you have guests over as our metal signs aren’t just customized designs but also works of art. Invest in a ShieldCo custom metal sign for your man cave, home office, or studio. 

We can turn your logo and designs into amazing wall signs for whichever room you want. ShieldCo’s signs also make great gifts! So, if you’re interested in exploring a custom sign for your personal space, let’s explore how ShieldCo’s signs can elevate your room. 

The Benefits of Custom Signs

The biggest advantage you’ll get over pre-made signs is the obvious customizability. ShieldCo works with you to deliver exactly the sign you want so when you receive it, you’ll be happy with everything. 

From the time you place your order, ShieldCo will get to work making sure that your sign will fit where and how you want it. The customization process works seamlessly, so things like colors, lighting, and choice of size are exactly how you want it.

The ShieldCo Process

• Have a Logo Ready: Don’t have one? No problem! Our team of designers will work with you to come up with something you’ll love. 
• Budget: Our signs range from $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the size, complexity, and materials used, so we can work within that budget to create works of art.
• At ShieldCo, we value your input and ideas. Once we understand your preferences, you’ll be matched with a dedicated sales representative to start refining the design.
• Once your preferences are set (including scale, layers, colors, materials, and finishes), you’ll proceed by paying the manufacturing deposit, and the sign-building process can start.
• Turnaround time is as fast as 10 business days.

Wall Signs with Versatility and Character

Whether you’re looking to add a subtle touch to your family room or make a bold statement in your man cave, our custom metal signs are the perfect choice. With a wide range of customization options, including different metals, colors, and lighting, you can create a sign that perfectly matches your space and style.

However, if you’re trying to set up a studio or your man cave, brighter colors and LED lights would fit right in and add a visual pop to the room. Whether you’re looking for wall signs or something smaller, you can check out some of our design options below.

Design options

Color Options

Custom powder coating allows colors to remain more vibrant without the risk of chipping or rusting. 

Lighting

ShieldCo can equip your sign with LEDs to light up any room or shop. They’re long-lasting, have color options, and are remote-operated.

Metals

Steel, coreten, and aluminum are our three most popular metals. All designs are laser cut within 1/1000th of an inch to ensure detail

Layered Signs

Different layers offer different visual depths. We offer single-layer, single-layer with back panel, multi-layer, individual lettered, or multi-layered with individual lettering.

Ordering Process

Interested in a personalized sign for the home or want to shop around? Check out our free quote process. Once we receive your request, we’ll get back to you with some ideas and prices.

We provide a large range of quotes so we can understand what you’d like and how much it would cost. Once that is settled, ShieldCo will also provide 2D and 3D mockups of your artwork so you can keep track of things along the way and make sure everything is coming together as desired. 

Once the project is done, we’ll ship everything to you so you can take it out of the box and install it right away. Since we want to ensure every sign gets to every customer in the best condition, we customize every shipping box so your ShieldCo piece is secure during transit.

Light Up Your Business Signage: The Top 7 Types of Signs for Business

ShieldCo doesn’t just provide professional works of art for your home or office; we also make some of the best business signs you can find. Naturally, getting a sign to advertise your business is important if you are an entrepreneur. You’ll want something that stands out in the right way. That’s why investing in a business sign can be one of the most crucial parts of starting a business.

Before investing significantly in business signs, it’s crucial to consider what type of sign will best represent your brand and where it will be placed. Exterior signage has different needs than interior business signs. Is your sign going in shopping centers, or do you need monument signs? If you’re wondering about the best types of business signs, you’ve come to the right place because ShieldCo has some helpful tips for your next project.

Exterior Business Signs

1. Commercial Signs

The style of a commercial sign might vary depending on its type. Commercial signs are usually placed as monument signs, pole signs, or signs attached to the exterior of the building. Typically, this type of commercial sign is located above the door at the entrance to the business.

These signs are usually meant to be large, attract attention, and direct customers to the appropriate place.

Typically, a company name will be seen on the building, so these types of exterior signage designs are for things like gyms, restaurants, stores, and hotels.

The pros of these signs are that they are eye-catching, they provide excellent visibility, and they can lure in new potential customers. The largest downside is that they are hard to maintain given their usual position high up.

2. Monument Business Sign

Monument signs are long-lasting and easier to care for. Generally, they act as wayfinding signs, so when foot traffic or drivers pass, they can see where and what the business is. Typically, they are at eye level and made for easy visibility.

You’ll find these business signs outside parking lots, buildings, or entrances. This type of display is an excellent way to allow more creativity with designs since people will be looking at it longer, and their outdoor nature means more durable metal like aluminum and steel.

3. Individual Lettering

Also known as “channel letters,” these signs have three-dimensional letters or a background to give the appearance of extra dimension. The letters themselves can be hollow which allows for lighting the interiors.

These outdoor signs are great for low-light visibility and usually display brand names. The style lends to a professional image like what you would find with higher-end retail, law offices, or financial institutions.

Individual lettering is cost-effective and made to withstand outdoor conditions with minimal care. It also works for indoor signs, which we’ll cover in a moment.

4. Pylon Signs

Pylon signs, also known as freestanding signs, are typically what you will find mounted on support structures. A pylon sign will usually have other types of business signs above or under it. They are usually located at the side of a road near the entrance to a parking lot. Pylon signs are another type of wayfinding signage as they indicate to passersby what is there.

The pros of pylon signs are that they are incredibly cheap to make and are a clearly visible way to guide customers toward your facility or businesses. You will likely find them around shopping centers with multiple businesses like malls or office parks.

Interior Signs

Interior signs serve different functions for businesses. While things like monument signs and pylon signs provide outdoor signage to customers, indoor signs can provide different types of ways to advertise. Interior signs can also provide an informal and low-profile way to maintain brand image, for example seeing a custom metal sign display inside your favorite pub. You already know where you are, but the display reinforces the brand identity.

5. Office Signs

A significant difference between outdoor and indoor signs is that a lot of interior ones are artistic or ornamental. A prime example of this is ShieldCo’s custom office signs. Crafted with channel letters or layered metal, these designs are not just functional but also serve as a creative expression of your brand. 

These signs will create a lasting impression and can be very customizable with three-dimensional letters, colors, and even lights to represent your brand or logo.

6. Backlit Signs

Backlit signs are great decorative pieces that can enhance any room, like a lobby or waiting area. The catch with backlit signs is that they are very noticeable and as you may have guessed, are lit up.

For professional offices like lawyers or doctors, this might seem a little out of place, but backlit signs can bring a space together for music studios or restaurants.

7. Individual Lettering

Similar to how channel letters function outdoors, they can also provide a great way to advertise your brand name indoors. Typically individual letters spell out the name of your brand so this is the style you would opt for if you were providing a professional service such as a doctor’s office, financial institution, or something similar.

Indoor channel letters can also be illuminated with spotlights or backlights. ShieldCo provides customers with a template so installation is easy and precise.

Signs for Success: Tips for Designing Custom Metal 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!

Shine On: How Do You Protect and Maintain Outdoor Metal Sign Fixtures?

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.