How Sandblasted Signs Are Made - Correctly >

There are many steps taken in the fabrication of custom sandblasted signs. Once you have completed the design process and approved the layout, the fabrication begins. Here is how it is done.

Constructing the Sign Blank
A 'Sign Blank' is the basic shape of a sign before the sandblasting process.

WOODEN SIGNS are made from clear grade lumber. The lumber is treated under extreme conditions to prevent warping and checking. Only a few select boards make it through the intense kiln conditions.

HDU FOAM SIGNS are fabricated from open celled high density urethane (HDU). HDU SignFoam III is extremely versatile. For projects that require a wood texture, we offer a simulated wood grain that is predictable and realistic. Keep in mind that many textures and finishes can be reproduced in SignFoam III.

Masking the Sign Blank
The dimensional effect in sandblasted signs is created by blasting a sign blank covered by a rubber mask. A rubber mask is cut from the digital design. The sections of the sign which are to be sandblasted are removed from the mask, protecting the raised areas and exposing the areas to be sandblasted.

The Sandblasting Process
Sandblasting is an art form of its own. Cool, dry air is collected in a tank of sand at extreme pressure. The air and sand mixture is then forced through a ceramic nozzle, stripping away everything in its path.

The rubber mask protects areas of the sign blank by not permitting exposure to the blast mixture, which simply bounces off. The exposed areas are eaten away, leaving beautiful natural patterns in wood, and sand textured surfaces in foam. After sandblasting the sign blank, it is cleaned and prepared for the priming and finishing processes.

Priming the Blasted Sign Blank
Blasted sign blanks are primed according to their application. All sign applications have different finishing requirements. To ensure years of use, each of our products is treated accordingly. Raw sandblasted signs are rough and require several coats of primer to create a proper seal. Each layer is applied thin, allowed to dry, and sanded smooth. This process builds up a layer of primer that creates a strong barrier against weather elements.

Keep in mind that not all signs need to be primed. Natural wooden signs are beautiful and rich in detail. We offer a variety of natural finishes and stains.

Commercial Finishes
Proper signage is an investment that should last. We realize the finishing stage is crucial in producing a sign that is maintenance free and will endure years of use. In addition to commercial grade enamels, we also have a wide variety of stains and clear coats.

Sign Enamel Color Charts >

1Shot! Commercial Sign Enamels
We are an Authorized Distributor for 1Shot! Sign Enamels, named as you paint with them once and you are done. These are the finest sign paints in the Industry.

1Shot! sign enamels are rich in color, and the ideal finishing solution for your signage investment. These durable, high gloss commercial grade sign enamels are guaranteed for 7 years against fading, chipping, and loss of color (although we have signs up 10+ years that still look great). For more information, Click on the 1Shot! Logo to the right to visit their site.

To see a list of available colors, please visit our 1Shot! Color Chart, or ask your sales representative to make suggestions on color combinations that work well together.

Other Paint & Stains
We are Authorized Distributors for the following Paint and Stain Manufacturers:

Note: We can custom mix ANY Paint Manufacturer Color Code in our Commercial Sign Enamels

Over the years, we have received an overwhelming request for turn-key structural sign systems. By combining our knowledge in the construction industry with our graphic design talents, we have developed the perfect solution for both commercial and residential applications. Our stucco sign monuments are designed to tailor any need - changeable tenant panels, reader boards, you name it!

Over a decade of experience has fine tuned the process from start to finish. We have examples in every climate imaginable, and are already set up as approved vendors in City Planning & Development Departments nationally, making Permitting a breeze. We are in fact the ONLY sign manufacturer that has yet to lose a single sign monument in ANY Gulf Coastal community in the past decades' hurricanes.