More Ways To Sell | Fox Design Services

Signage sells! And a sign that stands out sells 24/7! While lighted signs are catchy, a custom-made sandblasted sign has a unique look and will draw passersby's attention. These signs can be any shape or size, color, and background. They can incorporate your logo, your name, address, and any other essential information. Here are a few samples:

The “Harmony Healing Center” sign was reversed blasted. The borders were CNC carved, as were all the letters. We placed a mask on the sign's main body and sandblasted the letters with a wood grain finish… looks great!

Have you ever wondered how sandblasted signs are made?

Although it sounds easy, sandblasting a sign to show crisp, clear lettering takes time and talent! So what is sandblasting? It is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface or remove surface contaminants. In sign making, sandblasting enables one to create a woodgrain or "sand" pebbled background that allows the lettering to stand out. It gives you that crisp, clear look that will draw in customers.

"The View at Mt. Kremble" sign is an example of a "pebbled" background. It was CNC carved, then masked and blasted. Suggest a sandblasted sign to help apartments stand out!

What materials are used?

There are only a few choices of materials. Natural woods such as redwood and cedar and HDU (high-density urethane) sign foam. While redwood and cedar are beautiful, these materials can get soft and decay over time. This is where HDU is superior. It is lighter than wood; it will never rot, and insects have no interest in it. It withstands extreme heat or cold and does not warp or bow. And the finishes? As with any custom sign, the finishes vary according to each customer's needs. Signs can be blasted with a “pebble” or “wood grain” look, or if a customer wants, the background is left smooth. Signs can be carved and sandblasted, giving a sign a wood plank look. Options are endless! Size and color? The options are limitless.

This beautiful sign for "Gift House" was CNC carved to give it a "plank" look. It was then masked. and sandblasted with a woodgrain finish.

And now, the process… We start with your design and, every design is different. We evaluate each project and determine the best way to create your design. First, the verbiage, shapes, logo, etc... for every sign will be CNC carved. This provides a clean, clear, crisp look and makes the message, i.e., business names, address, etc... really pop! Once the HDU has been cut to the exact size specifications and carved, we cut a mask to cover the areas that will not be blasted. This way, the name, logo, etc... is smooth and will stand out!

Once the blasting is done, we remove the mask, clean the sign, and prepare it for painting. This takes time and, depending upon the sign, can be very labor-intensive. A steady hand and a good eye are definitely required! Here is a short video!

Sandblasted signs can be any size and shape. If you can use vector software to create files, you can design and offer sandblasted signs to your customers. Here are a few things to consider while you design your sign!

Size and font: Fine font is difficult to cut and blast…you may want to thicken it up!
Single or double-sided- Easy decision
Paint colors- Send us the names or PMS colors, and we will match the color.
Mounting requirements: Will the sign be mounted to a wall? Be hanging from chains? Be mounted between posts? Also, will the sign need an internal structure, a simple backer, or nothing at all?