hdu Page 3 of 3 | Atlas Signs and Plaques

How many times can I have you make design changes? When do you charge for design work?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T10:35:22-06:00November 18th, 2019|cast, hdu, questions|

If you desire a plaque, sign, or address numbers, simply start by selecting from one of our online choices. It is best to have us customize an existing example in our online catalog to speed the design process so you can receive your plaque sooner. If one of our existing plaques is close and only needs a couple of minor changes, let us know and we will get you a proof with a couple of variations from which to choose. You choose and your creation will go to our shop for production. If you want something that we have not yet created, we are thrilled to work with you so you can have it your way. Our designers will take your idea and give you a number of different ideas from which to choose. Our prices are kept reasonable because we control our expenses and overhead. We do not have a [...]

I want a plaque in a vertical rather than horizontal format. Will it cost the same?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T09:30:43-06:00November 18th, 2019|cast, hdu, questions|

No, It will likely be larger and cost more. Vertical signs get larger because letters and numbers, in virtually every font, are taller than they are wide. When our designers actually design the custom vertical plaque, they almost always end up larger. It is just a fact of life! We really try to quantify all of the variables in our price structure to give our clients the very best value for their purchase price. Some changes or modifications to our existing catalog of plaques just add more expense to our cost structure than might not be apparent to our clients. We do make every attempt to maintain sanity to our prices, and will not take advantage of your request to gouge your wallet.

I just want it a little bigger, why does it cost so much more?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T09:30:43-06:00November 18th, 2019|cast, hdu, questions|

It is just the way math works. Examples to follow. We price our signs and plaques using some math and some magic. Two signs of equal size are not normally the same price. Our pricing is dependent upon not only size, but on the font used (we often spend a lot of money for the rights to use a particular font), complexity of design, amount of hand finishing required, and other secret stuff that we won’t divulge. Back to the math. Whether a rectangle or a circle, increasing the size by, let’s say, 10%, actually increases the area, and therefore the amount of materials we use by 21%. A plaque that is originally 10 inches square would be 100 square inches. Increasing that size by 10% makes a sign that is 11 x 11 inches. Do the math and the new size is 121 square inches. Or 21% greater in [...]

Can I get a discount because I (We) are a ……(Fill in the Blank)

Karie Farr2020-09-04T09:30:43-06:00November 18th, 2019|cast, hdu, questions|

No. Discounts for some mean that others are paying more. We are often asked to discount our already low prices because the purchaser is a non-profit, church, or just nice people that would like to pay less. The real question that we all want to know when we ask for a discount is: Is someone going to pay less than I am? At Atlas the answer is “no”. Everybody pays the same – just like a can of corn or a gallon of gas. It is the most fair method we can think of.

Why are your prices for HDU plaques and signs so much less than others?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T10:38:04-06:00November 18th, 2019|hdu, questions|

Three reasons for this. 1) Our signs and plaques have a high-density-urethane (HDU) base. HDU was developed for the aerospace industry and has been used for signs for forty years. Most exterior signs that look like wood, and many that look like solid cast metal, are actually HDU which is very cost effective. 2) We coat the HDU base material with real metal which gives the look and feel of foundry piece without the weight. 3) We keep our overhead low by producing everything ourselves. We don’t have commissioned salespersons or a dealer network that would have to be supported with high prices. What you do get at our terrific price is a hand-crafted creation made just for you. The process of making your sign or plaque only begins when your order is placed. What you don’t get is something that is “massed produced” in bulk, stocked on a shelf, [...]

How close will my sign look to the ones pictured in your online catalog?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T09:30:43-06:00November 18th, 2019|cast, hdu, questions|

Pretty close, but not exactly. There are several reasons for this. One, the materials that we receive from our suppliers vary from lot to lot. Two, our process is as much art as science. Each artisan that works on your plaque has a slightly different “hand” which affects the final outcome. Three, temperature, humidity, and we think, the position of the planets influences the finished product. Four, we change our materials and techniques over time. These changes result in an improved product, but may slightly change the look of the sign or plaque. Five, there are variables in the rendition of the image you see on your computer screen. This starts at our end with photo lighting, the camera used, and how we see the plaque photograph on our own computer screen. On your end, every computer renders color differently. This is normal for uncalibrated home and business computers. Bottom [...]

Will my sign require any maintenance to keep its original color and surface?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T10:38:48-06:00November 18th, 2019|hdu, questions|

We complete all plaques with multiple coats of a quality, marine grade finish. (See the preceding two questions for additional insight.) You should expect some changes, especially with the Verdi and Iron Rust finishes. Although it is not necessary, and not recommended by Atlas, you can apply a quality wax finish periodically. If you do, you are on your own and need be careful with the amount so you don’t get a buildup in the corners, use only soft application and polishing brushes/cloths, and take care not to knock the plaque off the wall.

What is a “Living Finish”?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T10:38:56-06:00November 18th, 2019|hdu, questions|

Metal, regardless of how well protected is a “living finish”. Meaning that you may notice slow changes over time, even though the metal is protected with a clearcoat. They are indeed alive, and become more beautiful and interesting with age. Our “Verdi” and “Iron Rust” finishes are more alive than the others. We specifically hurry the natural aging process on these finishes rather than asking you to wait years for the natural aged patina look to develop. Even our high quality clearcoats won’t completely halt the aging process. The result is that you may notice some staining to your mounting surface or below the sign.

Why doesn’t the real metal corrode or oxidize?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T10:39:30-06:00November 18th, 2019|hdu, questions|

The answers are “it would, except”, and “it does anyhow”. The metal coating will change, oxidize, or patina with time unless shielded from the atmosphere and elements by a protective coating. We use an extremely high-quality, marine grade, clear lacquer coating on every sign or plaque. “Marine Grade” means that the coating is designed to stand up to harsh coastal salt spray environments. The lacquer is specifically designed to protect metal surfaces in extreme exterior environments. The manufacturer states that it “should give satisfactory exterior protection for at least ten years under normal conditions. Considerably longer life is expected.” Our experience has been very favorable with this fine and expensive product.

What is the “real metal” you use?

Karie Farr2020-09-04T10:39:08-06:00November 18th, 2019|hdu, questions|

We use a proven cold applied spray that is up to seventy-five percent real metal. After application, it has all the properties of cast or sheet metal. The metal, when professionally applied is reliable, and extremely durable, and is used all over the world for interior and exterior projects.

hdu

November 2019