Lobby Sign by Iconography Studios. A Big Shiny Sign For A Big Customer – San Dimas, CA
Our customer Brand Orbit is a marketing company and they needed a lobby sign for their customer Western Pacific Storage Solutions. The customer wanted to achieve a shiny 3D effect for the design of the sign. The way to achieve the 3D look at a cost effective price is to use different sizes for the dimensional letters and logo. For this sign we made the logo in 4” foam and the company name was 2” foams. We then used an acrylic face to make the sign shine!
It’s easy to design and build a sign to fit your lobby space and budget. With so many options for materials, the possibilities are almost endless. Your sign can be built with a sign-face backer like the one shown here. Using a sign backer allows you to easily relocate the sign when its time for larger office space. Sign backers can be made from glass, plexiglass, aluminum, wood, foam, and even concrete or rock. Graphic designs, logos and lettering can then be added to the sign backer in a combination of many materials including vinyls, digital prints, plastics, foams, metals…the list goes on and on.
What Materials Can Be Used for Lobby Signs?
Custom sign manufacturers use a variety of materials to create different looks, with common choices including metals (aluminum, stainless steel, brass) for prestige, acrylic for modern sleekness, wood for warmth, and lightweight options like PVC/foam for affordability and versatility, often combined with vinyl lettering, backlighting, or laminate finishes for customization.
Popular Materials & Their Feel
- Metal (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze): Conveys durability, reliability, and luxury; ideal for law firms, banks, or a strong corporate presence. Conveys a feeling of prestige. Often on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
- Solid Metal Dimensional Letters: Crafted from materials like solid brass, bronze, stainless steel, or aluminum, these are considered the most “upscale” option. They are durable, heavy, and convey a high level of professionalism and luxury.
- Stone: Natural materials like stone require specialized equipment and knowledge when it comes to manufacturing a sign from different types of stone. Offers a unique look and conveys the prestige associated with this more expensive option.
- Acrylic: Offers a modern, clear, or frosted look; can be dimensional and paired with backlighting. Combines a professional, sleek, and modern look with a lower price point than metal. Often used with standoff mounts (metal hardware that makes the sign “float” off the wall) to add a 3D effect without the cost of dimensional letters. Can be clear, frosted, or painted to match brand colors.
- Wood: Provides a natural, premium, or rustic feel, often used as a backer or with raised letters. Depending on the type of wood used, and the method used for crafting the sign, prices can vary widely when choosing this material.
- Mixed Media Signs with Lighting: Combining different materials (e.g., metal letters on an acrylic panel) with LED lighting offers a “very high” to “premium” visual impact, with costs reflecting the labor-intensive, multi-component construction.
- Foam (PVC/Gatorboard): Lightweight, cost-effective, and easily cut into shapes; can be painted or laminated.
- Vinyl: Inexpensive, versatile, and great for direct application on walls or acrylic panels for text and graphics.
Finishes & Effects
- Brushed/Polished Finishes: Common on metals for a sleek, contemporary look.
- Laminates: Imitate real metal for a sophisticated look at a lower cost.
- LED Backlighting: Adds dimension and eye-catching illumination to letters or logos.
Many similar looks can be achieved for a wide range of budgets. The 2 greatest factors in determining the cost of your sign are size, and materials used. Glass, metals and natural materials are generally much more expensive than plastics.
Interested in updating your lobby signage? Give the experts at Iconography Studios a call today at 562-424-4353!
