Routed and Sandblasted Custom Exterior Office Signs in Tampa, FL
Routed/Sandblasted Sign for The Salt Room in Tampa, FL
Exterior Routed Signs for Your Business
At Signs Insight, we have been having fun by doing a great amount of work for office spaces that require exterior wall signs following HOA standards. Those signs are normally routed (or sandblasted), and painted with with basic background color plus gold.
We carve these signs out of a material called HDU (High Density Urethane), or what some refer to as “sign foam.” This is a specialty expanded material, great for outdoor use (not deforming or bending with temperature and humidity changes). It comes in different thicknesses, but the most commonly used is 1.5”.
Our Initial Design Process
First, we ask for our customers to provide us with their logo and additional information required to be added to the sign. Then, we design the sign based on specific HOA requirements. Typically, these sign are 3’ x 5’ in size with a curved top, painted black and gold (although we have seen some in blue and gold or green and gold).
After the design is approved by the customer, we submit it to the HOA (or property management) for their committee approval. Once we receive their OK, we more forward with production.
The Production Process
Using a special software for our CNC Router, we generate the routing file from the approved vector file. With this software, we determine the depth of the all the cuts in 3D and which tool will be used for each. For example, we use a large flat bit for carving out the background, then a small bit for carving all the details.
Routing on our CNC Router
After the above completed, we use a cutting bit for the external shape cut. Details are set per tool, such as cut speeds, overlapping for each pass, sequence of all cuts etc.
In certain cases, we may add some hand carving to the plaque to give it a different character. Then, we clean the custom sign with air pressure and get it ready for painting.
Painting the Material
Based on the paint type required, we start by adding primer with a paint gun to the HDU’s entire background. Over the primer. we then use a matt paint to create the base color, with a few paint gun coats. Once the paint is dry, we add gold over the logo and lettering, making it “pop.” The sign is then ready for the install.
Preparation for Routed/Sandblasted Sign for The Salt Room in Tampa, FL
Sign Installation Process
The installation process is simple. We mark the plaque’s position onto the wall, attach one corner and level the sign with the ground. Then, we mark the other corners and center hole, and drill them, finally attaching the sign. By using this process, we avoid the use of glue, so the sign can be easily removed if needed without damaging the wall.
Give us a call for a free consultation and to find out more about our capabilities. Let us know how we can assist you. At Signs Insight we are specialized in custom signs and graphics, servicing Tampa Bay and beyond. Reach us at 813-523-3128.
