To get started, type in the letters, numbers and punctuation, exactly as you want it to read when you make your sign. For multiple line signs, there are 3 other lines that will become available. What you type is what you will get. If lower case letters typed and the size is too small or lower case is not available in the chosen font, those letters will automatically convert to upper case and should convert back again when you change the height or size to something that has availability. What you type here will display in the area below with correct real world dimensions when you leave the text box.
Molded and Cast letters come in set sizes. This is because they are created from molds in fixed sizes. The only way to get a different size in a given font is for custom molds to be made which adds a 2 or 3 times the cost. Every font set has its own sizes and for each font you choose, the size box here will be repopulated. Only one size can be on one line so if you want large capitals followed by small capitals, you would have to use 2 lines.
Cast metal finishes for aluminum will be either a satin face with bead blasted returns, or in the case of round and bevel faced styles, totally bead blasted. Aluminum can be anodized which is a chemical process that hardens the top layer of the aluminum and can impart a coloring such as gold or bronze. Anodized finishes do not require further protection from clear coats to be used outdoors. Alternatly, baked enamel paints can be applied at no extra charge. There are many colors available and painted colors have superior UV protection and will not fade, peel or crack no matter what the climate. Metallic colors have metal flakes in the paint and cannot be made matte.Custom color matching for PPG, Sherwin-Williams and Pantone can be done at $30 per color plus the standard 30% per letter paint fee.
The Matte checkbox will only be available when a painted finish is chosen. It is also not available when a metallic color is chosen. Matte paint modifiers add 30% to an order.
With Cast Letters, only the fonts shown in the sizes listed are available for the price shown. All fonts are priced differently to each other which is why we provide a sort function so that you can list the fonts in order of price on a given size. Custom fonts can be done in cast metal but they cost 2 to 3 times more than a standard font. See the menu for estimators to price custom fonts and logos. Lastly and importantly, the font chosen will control the width of a given line of text. For shorter lengths choose a condensed type font.
Aligns the display output below either left, right or center justified. TIP: You can also indent display view text by using spaces before the text to move the line text to the right.
The backgrounds allow you to see how your chosen letter color might look against a chosen background color. This is helpful for determining the correct color letter to apply to your wall color. No backgrounds are included with actual order. We do not make finished signs. All letters are individual unless specified otherwise.
Which mounting hardware best suits your project requires an understanding of the various mounts available for different types of letters. If you are not sure what kind of mounts to get, we strongly recommend reviewing our installation page with helpful videos explaining many of the mounting methods and their uses. A link to the page can be found on the site menu.
Standard stud length is the same as no preference. The factory will decide what lengths to include based on the type of letter, its height and depth. Unless you have a specific need for a specific length, this setting can be left at standard.
Stand off is where you want your letters to stand slightly away from the mounting surface for effect. Spacers are pre cut hollow tubes the slip over studs to provide a space between the letter and wall. On Vacuum Formed and Injection Molded letters, a combination all mount replaces the sleeve type mount with adjustable pads that can provide multiple depths by screwing the pad in or out along its stud.
A mounting pattern is a full size drawing of the letters you order, laid out with proper spacing and alignment. A pattern is critical for stud type mounts and shows you where to drill for the studs. NOTE: Gemini products require multiple patterns for multiple sets of letters. Without it, you will not get a good result and spend much time and frustration. For other types of mounts, a full size pounce pattern with inked letters that are perforated on their outlines, allows you to rub chalk through leaving an impression on the wall.