Etched Sign – Fabricated Metal 

An etched sign is created by removing a layer of material from the surface of the metal using a chemical process.

The chemical etching method of engraving uses high-pressure and high-temperature chemicals to precisely remove material from a metal surface and create an engraved look. 

First, a protective layer known as a mask or resist is applied to the metal surface. This mask shields some parts of the metal to prevent the chemical from etching them. Next, specific parts of the mask are selectively removed, exposing only the areas of metal that need to be engraved.

The exposed metal is then etched away by the chemical, while the covered areas remain intact. The result is a clean, precise engraving where the material is removed in the desired design. Using this method, the etching process creates depth and texture on the metal surface.

The key difference between Etched Signs – Flat Cut Metal and Fabricated Metal is the depth and metal construction.

Etched Signs – Flat Cut

• Construction: Cut from a solid sheet of material (like metal, acrylic, or wood) and often etched with a design, logo, or text.
• Dimensionality: Typically 2D, with minimal depth (depending on the material thickness).

Applications: Commonly used for plaques, directories, door signs, or other applications requiring a clean, professional look.

Etched Signs – Fabricated Metal

• Construction: Made by welding or assembling different components, often using materials like metal, acrylic, or plastic.
• Dimensionality: They are typically 3D, with hollow or solid structures that can have depth.
• Applications: Used for a striking, premium look on building exteriors, reception areas, or storefronts.

Yes, an etched sign can be filled with paint. This is a popular option for creating contrast and highlighting specific details.

This is commonly referred to as color fill or infill. After the etching process, paint can be applied to the recessed areas of the sign to enhance visibility and add a custom look. The paint is applied manually into the etched areas using brushes or squeegees, ensuring that it fills the recessed parts of the design. Custom color matching is also available by sending us the Pantone Color Code.

Yes. Etched fabricated signs also support color infill. 1 Pantone color is free for every order.

For additional colors, the cost is $20 per extra color for the entire order (not per quantity).

Example:
If you order 20 Etched Fabricated Signs and need 5 infill colors, you only pay for 4 extra colors → 4 × $20 = $80 total.

Enter your color choices in the Instant Quote form (e.g., “Pantone Black, Pantone 485 Red,” etc.).

Our Etched Signs – Fabricated Metal is a versatile signage for businesses and establishments. It’s a strong sign that can withstand various weather condition, making it a good choice for indoor or outdoor use. 

Here are some ways to use it:

Directional Signs:

• Guide visitors and customers to specific locations within a building or complex.
• Use it as for wayfinding information for outdoor spaces like campuses or parks.

Logo Signs:

• Display a company’s logo at entrances, lobbies, or other prominent locations.
• It’s also a great branding for specific areas or departments within a building.

Informational Signs:

• Convey important messages, such as safety instructions or emergency procedures.

Retail Signage:

• Promote products or services in stores or shopping centers.
• Create a strong sign using your branding colors or themes. 

Architectural Signage:

• Integrate the signage into the building’s design to enhance its overall appearance.
• Use it to provide information about the building’s history or purpose.

The standard etching depth is between 0.008″ and 0.012″ (0.2mm to 0.3mm), which works well for most signs. If you need a deeper etch for more definition or impact, that’s possible by extending the processing time. Note that further etching comes with an additional fee due to the extra work involved.

Take note, the etching styles are called “Recessed” (Standard/Default) and “Extra Recessed” (for further etching depth) in our Instant Quotes.

Here are some examples of etched signs:

NOTE: Polished currently not available

You can choose from a variety of finishes, including:

• Painted: Adds a solid color coating to the etched surface.
• Brushed Stainless Steel: Features a matte finish with fine brush strokes, providing a fingerprint-resistant look.
• Polished Stainless Steel: A shiny, mirror-like finish.
• Electroplated Gold Brushed: A soft gold tone with a brushed texture for a warm look.
• Electroplated Gold Polished: Bright, polished gold for a luxurious, reflective finish.
• Electroplated Bronze Brushed: Subtle bronze with a brushed effect.
• Electroplated Red Copper Brushed: Warm copper with a brushed texture.
• Electroplated Black Titanium Brushed: Dark, brushed black for a bold, modern look.
• Electroplated Black Titanium Polished: Shiny black titanium with a high-gloss finish.

Yes, etched signs are weather-resistant when made from durable metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. These materials can withstand exposure to various environmental conditions, including rain, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations.

Reverse Etching is a type of chemical etching where the background of the design is etched (or recessed), leaving the design or text raised. This creates a dimensional look where the lettering or logo stands out from the surface.

How is Reverse Etching different from Recessed Etching?

• In Reverse Etching, the background is recessed while the design remains raised.

• In Recessed Etching (our default), the design itself is etched into the metal, creating an indented or engraved appearance.

Do you offer Reverse Etching for Etched Signs?

Yes, we do! Reverse Etching is available upon request for all our etched signs—both Etched Signs – Flat cut and Fabricated metal.

If you prefer Reverse Etching instead of our standard Recessed Etching, simply leave a comment when placing your order.

The minimum stroke size indicates the level of detail that can be achieved in the etched design:

• Standard Etching (Recessed): 0.01″ (0.25mm)
• Reverse Etching: 0.03″ (0.75mm)

A finer stroke allows for higher resolution and finer details in the design. Please note that our etching process uses chemical etching, where metal is selectively dissolved to create detailed text and artwork.

Yes. Any Etched Sign – Flat Cut Metal or Etched Sign – Fabricated Metal that is larger than 43″ in width or height is considered oversized. Oversized pieces require a custom quote, which our sales team will provide after reviewing your specs.

SHIPPING 

By default, we do standard shipping but you may opt for expedited shipping upon request. Please note that we do not offer free shipping. 

LEAD TIME

The lead time for custom signage depends on the complexity of your request. Meanwhile, all our products come with a standard lead time of 2 business weeks. 

HOLIDAY SHIPPING

Due to increased seasonal demand, our shipping timelines may experience temporary delays every mid-December through the end of the year. Our team is minimizing any disruptions to your orders.

You may contact our customer support team if you have any specific concerns about pending or upcoming orders

WHERE WE SHIP

We only ship our products to Canada and the US. 

OUR HEADQUARTERS

A308 – 4899 Vanguard Road, Richmond, BC, V6X 0W5 Canada