Dimensional signs are one of our most popular custom products, because they bring brands to life with depth and visual appeal. The “dimensional” aspects of these signs are created by the layers. Let’s take a look at how we create these beautiful signs!
This beautiful dimensional sign was created using colored acrylic shapes and brushed aluminum on a clear acrylic panel.
To begin the design process, we ask our customers several questions, including:
- Can you tell us what the sign needs to do? And how it will function in your space?
- Will it be used inside or outside?
- Where will the sign be displayed? And against what surface?
- What size are you planning for this sign to be?
- What material would you like to use?
- How much is your budget for this project?
- Can you show us examples of other signs that you like that are similar? What attracts you to them?
Once we have an understanding of what our client is trying to achieve with their sign project, next comes the design and fabrication process. That’s where the fun comes in!
When creating the design, we must first select the appropriate material (or substrate.) The most popular substrates we use for custom signage are acrylic, metal, wood, and PVC. Here are some beautiful custom signs we’ve fabricated using these materials:
Acrylic
Acrylic is an extremely popular material for custom signage, because it’s lightweight, durable, and comes in a variety of thicknesses and colors. It’s easy to cut with precision using flatbed and laser cutters, and can be polished, engraved and bevel-edged. We can also install optional LED backlighting to acrylic signs to add another layer of dimension.
To create color in acrylic signage, we most often use standard colored acrylic. We can also create color by adding vinyl, paint or digitally printed graphics to the acrylic surface. To learn more about creating color in acrylic signage, read our blog article: 4 Options for Creating the Perfect Colors in Acrylic Signage.
We used different techniques to create each of these eye-catching dimensional acrylic signs.
Clear or frosted acrylic panels are also popular for dimensional signage. Clients often select panel signs, because the backer panel can be cut into various shapes, which makes these signs easy to install and remove.
The frosted acrylic tree was router cut to create this gorgeous sign.
Metal
When a more sophisticated look is desired, metal is always a great choice! We create custom signs using aluminum, copper, stainless steel, brass and bronze. Many metal signs consist of individually cut letters and shapes which are individually installed. Metal signs can also be polished, painted, brushed, or even allowed to rust! The elegant metal signs in the images below show plaques accompanying three-dimensional letters.
The sign for Russ Cook & Associates in the top image was fabricated using copper. We used aluminum letters and a beautiful custom plaque to create the Franklin Christian Academy dimensional sign.
We love the look of copper in this dimensional sign!
Wood
Looking for a material that provides a warm, welcoming feeling? Look no further than wood! We create unique dimensional signage from a variety of wood grains. However, the most popular choices are birch, cedar and redwood.
We use our flatbed and laser cutter to cut letters and shapes for wood signs. The effect is different for each type of cut. We especially like the effect from laser cutting. It leaves a charred, darkened edge, which looks really cool on a custom sign!
The tree and letters in this wood sign were laser cut to achieve a charred effect. The background was also stained a dark walnut color to create a more attractive, dimensional look.
Wood can also be accented with other materials. Here’s a great example of router cut wood letters adhered to a frosted acrylic panel.
We adhered router cut wood letters to a frosted acrylic panel to create this unique design for Jones Design Studio!
PVC
If you’re looking for a fun plastic material that will stand the test of time, then PVC may be your best option. This material looks great when used for retro (80’s style) or child-themed signs. Its matte texture is durable enough to continue looking great for many years. One of the greatest advantages to PVC is its washability, so sticky little hands won’t be a problem! Here’s a fun PVC sign we created for Rolling Video Games.
This fun sign was fabricated using layered PVC. It’s a great material choice for a child-themed business sign!
As you can see, there are a variety of materials and methods that can be used when fabricating dimensional signs. If you have questions about your custom sign project, give us a call at (615) 595-6564 or come visit our shop anytime Monday thru Friday, 8-5. Our consultations and estimates are always free!
In addition to custom signage, we also specialize in vehicle wraps, wall murals, architectural displays, custom projects, and environmental branding. We provide services to all of Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Lebanon, and even parts of Kentucky and Alabama. We can also ship our custom products to almost any address in the United States or Canada. We look forward to working with you!
