Carved – Traditionally hand-carved from wood with incised or V-cut letters, today’s carved signs are frequently routed and made of high density urethane (HDU.) Carved signs tend to be traditional and elegant. Relief carving works well as an addition to a carved sign.
Gold-leaf/gild – A process using 23k gold. The gold leaf is used in the letters of carved and sandblasted signs or to enhance decorative elements.
Sandblasted – High density urethane is first masked and then sandblasted to leave an interesting textured, etched background with smooth letters and graphics. Can reflect a variety of styles. Gold leaf can add to the price.
Relief Carvings – hand carved of HDU, these design elements can be added to another sign to create additional emphasis or dimension, or used alone. Frequently hand “motif” painted or gold leafed. Interior and exterior application.
Cut-out letters & logos – precision cut letters and graphics from metal, plastic and wood. Cost efficient inhouse fabrication. Natural, painted or powder coated finishes available. Good for interior and exterior applications.
“Flat” Signs – Computer cut, premium vinyl on a substrate. Frequently used for large, temporary informational signs, but also can be effectively designed for store fronts and main identification signs.
Truck and Window Lettering – As above, no substrate!
High Density Urethane VS Wood – Until recently signs were generally made of wood. This was good except wood checks, warps, and eventually, no matter how well finished, rots. High density urethane, originally developed for the aeronautics industry, is now available to sign makers. It is light weight (compared to wood), and with proper finishing is extraordinarily durable. It also takes a beautiful finish and c an be precisely carved, cut-out and bent better than wood. The downside? It isn’t wood.