
Frequently asked questions
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Type of sign wanted (i.e. painted directly on wall, A-frame, etc.)
Sign dimensions
Single or double-sided
The exact text or copy
Number of colors we need to match (you can provide examples or we try our best to match)
Font name (if you need us to match a particular font)
If you want effects on fonts (such as shadows or outlines).
If you want a logo (a .jpg logo file or even a crude drawing helps)
If we are painting directly on a wall, then we need to know the wall surface (i.e. smooth drywall or rough stucco). We may have to visit the location to determine "how rough" unless you can provide detailed photos.
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We give an estimate based on an hourly rate plus materials and transportation costs. We estimate our time for painting, design, construction, client interaction, and how many colors we need to match if any. We then figure up material costs and travel if the job requires to be on site.
The amount of detail is typically more important than the size. Single color letters with no effects are the quickest to paint. Drop shadows usually take about half as much time as painting the original letters, and outlines about the same amount of time as a drop shadow. Put simply, a line of text with an hour long paint time would take 1.5 hours with a drop shadow or 2 hours with an outline.
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Yes, we actually prefer to work within budgets, especially if we are designing. So if someone wants to spend $400 versus someone who wants to spend $1,600 we can design accordingly, although it should be noted that every sign typically has a base price starting at the simplest design possible.
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Oftentimes yes. You can reference the Pantone coated chart or physical examples such as paint chips you provide. We mix by hand and eye and can get very close to Pantone color choices, but we cannot promise an exact scientific match every time.
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You can bring visual references to us in person or email us digital files of designs or styles you like. Patience is very important as the back and forth design process can take time. We will do all we can to encourage you to describe to us exactly what you want your sign to look like so we can try to achieve your potential vision to the best of our ability.
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Any signage that is not direct to object (such as a vehicle or wall) is typically painted on and constructed from MDO.
MDO is a plywood made for outdoor use sign-boards bound with marine grade adhesives and epoxy-sealed paper faces. The edges are sealed if the plywood is cut. For double-sided signs and A-frames I use 3/4" MDO and for single sided signs I use 1/2" MDO.
We can also paint on almost anything you want, from walls to trucks to nearly any inanimate object you might think of.
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We rarely source out reclaimed wood but can definitely paint on it. Please keep in mind that if the wood is raw, we will have to seal underneath the lettering with a layer of primer and if the wood surface is rough, painting takes longer than on smooth MDO. We will take these factors into consideration when providing an estimate.
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Depending on how full our schedule is, typically around 3-4 weeks. We are usually booked anywhere from 2-5 weeks in advance, then actual sign production for most signs takes roughly a week. If you need a sign sooner, please ask and we may be able to move our schedule around, although this sometimes will require a rush fee.
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Yes, we can ship you a sign. We will box it up and charge you a small box & handling charge in addition to the most affordable shipping charge available.