Custom metal signs are a great way to enhance your business, personal space, or events. Whether you need a sign for branding, direction, or decoration, metal signs are durable, stylish, and highly customizable.
However, before you place an order, there are some key things to think about to make sure your custom sign fits your needs perfectly.
Here’s what you need to know before ordering custom metal signs.
Understand Your Purpose
Before ordering a custom metal sign, it’s important to know exactly what you want the sign to do.
Are you using it for branding, directions, or decoration?
For example,
- If you’re creating a custom metal for your branding, you’ll want to focus on your brand’s logo, colors, and fonts to help customers recognize your company right away. It can use a large stainless steel sign at the entrance that uses your logos and colors to catch people’s attention and leave a strong impression.
- If it’s for giving directions, you’ll want it to be clear and easy to read. The design should focus on helping people quickly find where they need to go. It can use plain aluminum signs with big letters and arrows to guide visitors through different areas.
- For decorative signs, it focuses more on the material, texture, and design to add beauty and style to a space. Such as, A boutique hotel places a copper plaque with detailed engraving in the lobby to create a warm, welcoming feel.
Different purposes will affect the design, material, and placement choices.
Material Choices
The material you choose for your custom metal sign affects both its look and how long it will last.
Whether you’re going with aluminum for outdoor use or steel for a bold, modern look, it’s important to choose the right option for your specific needs.
Common materials for metal signs include aluminum, steel, and brass. We listed their key features and common uses for your reference.
| Material | Appearance | Durability | Weather Resistance | Weight | Cost | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Silver-grey metal (can be anodized or painted) | Highly corrosion-resistant (won’t rust) | Very weatherproof (holds up well outdoors) | Very light (one of the lightest metals) | Affordable (cost-effective) | Indoor and outdoor signs or banners (large or small) |
| Stainless Steel | Bright silver (polished or brushed finish, can be electroplated with different metallic colors) | Extremely strong and rustproof | Excellent outdoors (highly corrosion-resistant) | Heavy (much heavier than aluminum) | Expensive (usually pricier than aluminum) | Modern commercial/architectural signs and plaques |
| Brass | Shiny golden-yellow metal | Strong and long-lasting (wear-resistant) | Good indoors or covered outdoors (can tarnish) | Heavy (denser than aluminum) | Expensive (more costly than aluminum) | Decorative plaques, awards, name plates, recognition plaques, memorial plaques, and trophy |
Design Considerations
The design of your custom metal sign is one of the most important things to consider. A well-designed sign should be eye-catching but also easy to read and understand.
Here are a few key points to think about:
Size and Shape
When planning a custom metal sign, it’s important to think carefully about the size and shape. These details affect how well the sign fits the space, how visible it will be, and how it supports your brand’s image.
Choosing the right size helps the sign look balanced with its surroundings — large enough to be seen clearly, but still fitting naturally into the space.
The shape you select also plays a role. While standard shapes work well in most settings, a unique outline can give your sign a special look if it matches the style of your business.
| Factor | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Size | The sign should match the space and be readable from the intended viewing distance. Signs that are too small may be missed, while signs that are too large may not suit the environment. | A small boutique picks a sign that fits neatly above its door, while a roadside business chooses a larger sign so drivers can spot it easily. |
| Shape | The shape influences the overall appearance and how the sign is installed. Standard shapes are often quicker to produce and fit most places well, while custom shapes require more planning. | A simple rectangle is mounted directly on the wall, while a sign cut to follow a logo’s outline may need extra preparation during installation. |
Planning ahead with size and shape in mind will make sure your new metal sign looks right, works well, and lasts for years.
Font and Readability
Choosing the right font is easy to read from a distance, because overly complicated styles may look good up close but become hard to understand when viewed from far away.
Below are a few tips:
- Simple and clear fonts work best. Clean, bold fonts that are easy to recognize at a glance. For example, a clothing store might use a bold sans-serif font on its outdoor sign so people driving by can quickly spot the name.
- Avoid very Thin or decorative fonts. Thin, fancy lettering might look good in a logo, but it can get lost when used on a large sign. A coffee shop that uses a thin script font on its outdoor sign might find that people have trouble reading it from the street.
- Proper size. Make sure the letters are large enough for the distance they’ll be viewed from. For instance, a shopping mall directory inside a building can have smaller lettering, but a sign on a highway billboard needs much bigger text so drivers can read it safely at a distance.
Good readability helps your message get across clearly and makes a strong first impression.
Color and Finish
Good color contrast between the background and the text helps improve visibility. Think about how different finishes—like brushed, polished, or painted—match the style of your business or location.
More details for the different finishing, please refer to this article: 6 common surface finishing for metal signage
Mounting and Installation
How you plan to mount the sign will impact the design. Make sure the sign includes the right brackets, holes, or backing needed for the surface it will be attached to. How to choose the installation method for advertising signs
Brand Consistency
Your custom metal sign should align with your company’s overall branding. This includes using your logo, color scheme, and design style consistently. When your sign reflects the same elements as your other marketing materials, it reinforces your brand and makes it easier for customers to recognize and trust your business.
Matching fonts, colors, and logos across your signs and promotional materials ensures a professional, cohesive look. Whether you’re placing a sign at your storefront, office, or event, it should be an extension of your brand, helping to strengthen your identity in the eyes of your audience.
Size and Placement
The size and placement of your custom metal sign are crucial for making sure it stands out and serves its purpose. A sign that’s too large can dominate the space, while one that’s too small may not be noticed.
When deciding on size, consider the location where the sign will be placed and how far away people will be when they view it. For example, outdoor signs often need to be larger to ensure visibility from a distance, while indoor signs can be smaller, depending on the space.
It’s also important to think about the sign’s placement. Make sure it’s visible, but not obstructing pathways or other key features.
Here’s an overview of how custom metal signs are used in different places and what to consider for each:
| Places | Common Uses for Metal Signs | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Storefronts | Business name, logo, opening hours | Weather-resistant, eye-catching design |
| Offices | Department names, meeting room signs, reception signs | Sleek finish, professional look |
| Restaurants & Café | Menus, restrooms, decorative signs | Stylish, theme-matching, durable |
| Shops & Boutiques | “Open/Closed” signs, product sections, and branding | Custom shapes, lightweight |
| Hotels | Room numbers, wayfinding, and welcome signs | Clear, consistent design, elegant finish |
| Homes | House numbers, nameplates, gate or wall decor | Weatherproof, personal style |
| Factories & Warehouses | Safety signs, equipment labels, directions | Tough material, easy to read |
| Schools & Campuses | Building names, classroom numbers, and campus maps | Durable, clear fonts |
| Events & Exhibitions | Booth names, arrows, and information boards | Portable, easy to install/remove |
Quick Tips for Different Places:
- Storefront: Choose a design that can be easily seen from across the street.
- Office Building: Keep it simple and clean to match a professional environment.
- Restaurant: Use materials and colors that match your interior style or menu theme.
- Hotel Lobby: Pick elegant finishes that make guests feel welcome.
- Industrial Facility: Focus on strength and easy readability for safety and efficiency.
- Public Park: Use materials that can handle outdoor weather and still look good over time.
- Event Venue: Go for something easy to move if needed, but still looks polished.
Durability and Maintenance
The durability of your custom metal sign will depend on both the material and where it’s placed.
If your sign is going outside, it needs to withstand the weather—rain, snow, or intense sun. Materials like aluminum or steel are great for outdoor conditions, while indoor signs can use a wider variety of materials.
Taking care of your sign will also help it last longer. Depending on the material, you may need to clean it from time to time or apply a protective coating to prevent rust or fading.
The durability of the custom metal sign depends on the material and where it’s placed.
- For outdoor signs, materials like aluminum and stainless steel are ideal, as they resist weather conditions like rain, snow, and intense sun. For example, a stainless steel sign for a café’s outdoor patio would hold up well against outdoor elements and retain its appearance over time.
- For indoor signs, materials can be less weather-resistant. For instance, a brushed aluminum sign placed inside an office may not need the same level of protection as an outdoor sign.
Maintenance is also key to prolonging the life of your sign. Outdoor signs, especially those with lights, may need occasional cleaning to prevent buildup or fading. If your sign includes illuminated letters, such as LED-lit signs, checking the wiring and replacing bulbs periodically is important to ensure it stays functional.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Corrosion-resistant, ideal for outdoor use | Minimal cleaning with mild detergent and a soft cloth. |
| Stainless Steel | Durable, rust-resistant | Occasional cleaning to prevent fingerprints or tarnish. |
| Copper | Develops a patina over time | Regular polishing is required if the shiny look is desired. |
| Brass | Tarnishes over time | Occasional polishing and protective coating. |
| Steel | Durable but prone to rust | Regular inspection and repainting or recoating, especially outdoors. |
In general, aluminum and stainless steel require minimal maintenance, just regular cleaning, while brass and copper may need more frequent cleaning and polishing to maintain their appearance. Steel, when used outdoors, requires particular attention to prevent rust. By considering brand needs, budget, and the expected environment of the sign, choosing the right metal material can help manage long-term maintenance costs effectively.
Cost and Budgeting
When ordering a custom metal sign, the cost will depend on several factors like material, size, and complexity. Aluminum signs are often more affordable compared to materials like brass or copper, which are premium options.
For example, a brass sign with a detailed logo may cost more than a simple aluminum directional sign due to the material’s higher cost and the complexity of the design.
Custom illuminated signs, such as backlit metal letters, can also increase the cost. The price will depend on the size of the letters, the type of lighting (LED, neon, etc.), and the intricacy of the design. While it’s tempting to choose a cheaper option, investing in quality materials, especially for illuminated signs, will ensure your sign looks professional and lasts longer.
Turnaround Time and Production Capability
These two factors influence how quickly you can receive your signs and whether the supplier can meet your specific requirements for your custom metal signage.
Depending on the complexity of the design, production times can vary. Standard orders may take less time to complete, while custom designs or large quantities might require additional processing time. It’s essential to discuss deadlines with the supplier to ensure your signs are delivered on time, especially for events or promotions.
Not all suppliers have the same production capacity. If you’re ordering a large quantity of signs or a highly detailed design, it’s important to verify that the supplier has the equipment and resources to handle your order. A supplier with advanced technology and sufficient production capacity will be able to deliver high-quality signs efficiently, even for larger or more complex process orders.
By addressing these two factors upfront, you can avoid delays and ensure that your custom metal signs are produced according to your needs.
Take Away
When considering custom metal signs, it’s essential to keep in mind factors like design, material, size, durability, and production capabilities. Each of these elements plays a significant role in ensuring that your sign serves its intended purpose effectively and maintains its appearance over time.
At FT Signage, we understand that choosing the right supplier is critical for bringing your vision to life. With years of experience, a range of high-quality materials, and advanced production capabilities, we are fully equipped to meet your needs. Our design team works closely with you to create a sign that reflects your brand’s identity, while our production team ensures that each sign is made to the highest quality standards.
We offer a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and brass, which are all durable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Whether you’re ordering a small batch or a large quantity, we have the resources and expertise to handle your project efficiently and on time.
Ready to get started? Contact FT Signage today to discuss your custom metal sign needs, and let us help you achieve the perfect signage solution for your business.
