Oakland, CA – Acrylic and Metal Dimensional Lettering, Understanding the Options

The beauty and versatility of dimensional letters is what make them an easy choice for both exterior building signs and lobby’s.  SignWorks  generally uses Gemini for most of our dimensional letters because the letters carry a life-time pass through warranty.  This is very important to our customers.  Gemini is one of the leading supplier’s to many sign shops and their products range from molded plastic logos and letters, to flat cut Acrylic and metal logos and letters.  As we have done in the past we are doing a mini tutorial on the topic of acrylic and metal dimensional letters since they have become so popular with our clients and always seem to be in high demand. Dimensional letters can be used both in and outdoors, with the exception of laminate letters mounted to foam or acrylic.   These lettering types are restricted to indoor use only.

Dimensional letters can be flat cut acrylic, formed plastic or made from a variety of metals (flat cut or cast) that include aluminum, stainless Steel, Cooper and Brass.  And, there are a variety of depths starting as small as 1/8” thick.  For flat cut metal signs, by type, their respective depths and the overall height of the letters are as follows:

• Aluminum: ⅛”–1” deep, ½”–46” high
• Bronze: ⅛”–1/2” deep, ½”–46” high
• Brass: ⅛”–3/4” deep, ½”–46” high
• Copper: ⅛”–3/8” deep, ½”–40” high
• Steel: ⅛”–1/2” deep, ½”–46” high

Standard lettering for cast metal range from 2” to 24” tall.   The custom ones, made as a single piece, can be as large as 48” X 48” with depths of up to 3”.  Even larger pieces can be fabricated by combining multiple sections.  Metal letters fabricated in stainless steel or aluminum can be from ½” to 3” thick. And, dependent on the depth, the letters can be illuminated using LED bulbs to create illuminated channel letter signs.

Laser cut flat acrylic letters and logo options are a great choice.  They are available in even more sizes as referenced below:

• 1/8″ thick, sizes from 1″ – 24″
• 3/16″ thick, sizes 1″ – 30″
• 1/4″ thick, 1″ – 48″
• 3/8″ thick, 1″ – 72″
• 1/2″ thick, 2″ – 72″
• 3/4″ thick, 2″ – 72″
• 1″ thick, 2″ – 72″
• 1-1/2″ thick, 2″ – 72″

Rounding out the selection on lettering is formed plastic, injection molded and laminated metals mounted to acrylic or foam.  We see less demand for these generally, so we will discuss them in more detail at a later date.

Besides dimensional letters, Gemini also supplies a variety of metal plaques in raised or recessed styles, as well as precision laser etched ones.  Each is offered in a variety of metal finishes and carries the same lifetime warranty.  The company is easy to work with and extremely professional.  Plus, their website is rich with product information such that we often send customer’s there if they need to compare product types or need some guidance regarding available standard fonts, etc.  Custom and specialty fonts are also available.

If you are considering a dimensional letter or logo project for your building or thinking about an interior lobby sign, just give us a call.  We can be reached at (510) 357-2000.   We will offer you the guidance and expertise needed to select from all the various options.  And, we can also help with design, including installing the letters/logo at your facility!   For more information about SignWorks please visit our website to view our project photos and blog posts.