If you own your own business, it’s likely that you’ve put in some time thinking about making your own custom signs so that people know where you are and what you sell.
And, if you’re anything like me, I’m sure you thought, how hard can it be?
In reality, making your own outdoor business custom signs isn’t all that hard (just follow these 9 steps to the tee). But there are definitely some things you should know before you get started.
Step 1: Choose Your Sign Material
The first step to making your own outdoor business custom signs is choosing your sign material.
If you decide to buy premade wooden or metal letters, you have a lot of choices as far as materials go.
It’s good to keep in mind that some metals will rust and those different woods vary in weight and finish.
When it comes to wooden signs, cedar, pine, and fir are some of the most popular choices because they’re lightweight yet durable enough for use outdoors.
A word of caution: If you choose wood that isn’t meant for outdoor use, you might end up with a sign that begins falling apart after only a few months outside.
Step 2: Pick A Shape
Before you head to your local shop for a custom sign, know exactly what you want your new outdoor business sign to look like.
This is where it helps to have an idea of how big or small your final product will be.
For example, if you are looking for a custom sign that is big enough to put on your building’s wall.
Then you’ll need at least two feet by two feet of space in which to make it—and maybe more depending on how intricate and detailed you want it.
If you’re looking for something smaller that fits more snugly in a window display or tabletop, then less space will do just fine.
Step 3: Choose the Lettering Style
All custom signs will have a particular lettering style associated with them. The most common ones that you might see are:
1) an American style
2) A Gothic (or Cursive) style; and
3) A Roman style. Each of these styles has their own benefits, as well as their own drawbacks.
You need to choose which one suits your needs best based on your personal preferences.
But it’s also very important to keep in mind that certain styles go better with certain businesses and types of architecture.
If you want to be sure what you’re doing is right for your business, speak with an expert or do some research online before moving forward.
Step 4: Use A Scale Chart
After you sketch your sign design on paper, use a scale chart to make sure your lettering is consistent.
There are several tools that can help with lettering and spacing for custom signs, but one of the easiest ways to get it right on custom signs is by using a scale chart.
Simply print out our Free Scale Chart below and draw your letters from large to small. (Tip: Draw on tracing paper or something that will show pencil lines well.)
Then refer back to your plan as you work through each size so you don’t miss any details.
Keep in mind that many signs have lowercase letters because they are easier to read at larger sizes than uppercase letters, although you can include both if you choose.
Step 5: Use Permanent Markers or Pencils
Custom signs are great as long as you have your own tools to make them. If you’re buying pre-made custom signs, they probably already come with a marker or pen to use.
If not, purchase your own permanent markers or pencils and allow yourself enough time to complete each step in your project.
Although vinyl custom signs can be washed off easily with a rag and soap. They cannot be erased and will have to be replaced if they are smudged or drawn on with a non-permanent material.
You may also want to find out whether these kinds of custom signs will fit into your budget before purchasing materials for it so that you do not run over your original budget when making a purchase for supplies.
Step 6: Centre and Trace the Letters
With a pencil, trace over each letter so you can see how your custom sign will look before cutting it out.
Place it down in its final location and decide whether you want to move any of the letters.
It may look best to make all your letters different sizes. Or maybe they would be better aligned if they were identical. Either way, there are a few ways to do it.
The easiest is with a straight edge, like a piece of cardboard cut in half lengthwise (or even longer).
Use that as your guide and connect it with a pencil where you want your cut lines to be.
Another option is using different pencils (one sharpened and one not) to draw inside and outside of each letter, tracing through onto newspaper or drawing paper underneath for extra clarity.
Step 7: Cut Out the Letters
Using a utility knife, cut out your letters. This can be done outside or inside.
But if you’re going to be making a lot of custom signs it’s worth investing in a permanent cutting area that can be used over and over again.
You’ll need to do some prep work before you start cutting; for instance, all your letters should be facing in one direction or else it will take longer to assemble them.
Also, clean up any stray sawdust or debris as you go along so that it doesn’t accidentally get into your paint later on.
You may find it easier to first trace around each letter with a sharpie rather than trying to cut directly on top of them.
If that’s how you decide to proceed, just make sure not to draw on your newly painted surface!
Step 8: Create A Logo
One of my favorited parts of creating custom signs for my business is designing our logo. I created a very rough version, and took it to a designer to make it look more professional.
By using fonts that match your theme and color scheme, you can create a unique look for your company’s brand, something that will really stand out from your competitors.
Here are some tips on how to design your own custom sign:
And remember, once you have these steps figured out, start designing! These tips should help get you started.
Don’t be afraid to take chances or try new things. Sometimes what looks good in your head doesn’t translate well into real life (that happened with me). But that just means we need to try again until we get it right!
Step 9. Paint And Hang the Sign
You’re almost done. Now you just need to hang your sign. What kind of place is it? Do you need something long-lasting like outdoor vinyl, or can you make do with an acrylic poster?
Once you’ve decided on your material, take a break from lifting and driving for a few minutes.
Stand back and admire what you’ve done! Perfectionists may want to touch up their paint job once more, but if not then consider yourself finished!
Now all that’s left is to sit back and wait for people to notice your new custom signs . . .and remember: always use high quality material!