Letters should be a minimum of .25(ish)” and lines should be minimum of .125″ width. Lines should should be slightly rounded or squared off. Due to our coating process, some distortion of extreme detail may occur in the finished product.
We love making signs and plaques uniquely yours, and we hate charging an arm and a leg to do it. We often receive artwork or ideas from clients who desire a personalized custom sign, but send artwork and files that we just cannot use. This is both disappointing and time consuming for all parties. There are two solutions for this. The option that no one likes is for our designers to totally recreate the submitted artwork in a file type that we can use. The downside to this is that we must charge $75 per hour, and impose a $75 minimum fee for this service. Firm quote will be given when you send artwork. The best option is for us to receive your ideas in a file format that we can use or convert. The following is a list of acceptable formats. They are: Adobe Illustrator (ai), EPS, or vectorized [...]
Yes. We can convert most any file type into a format that is usable to our equipment. Since each line is seen by our computer programs, the design and letters must be vectorized and made smooth. Additionally, we often need to adjust the letter kerning for a better look and to have a little separation between each, non-script, letter. Be aware that we often receive well-intentioned graphics that contain elements such as line over-laps, loops, or other issues that would not be a problem for printing, but are problematic for our equipment. We will do some graphic clean-up work for free, but will let you know if additional charges will be necessary to make the design work for a sign or plaque. Let us know what you are sending and we can work with you to get the look you desire. We can not use graphics, photographs, or elements that [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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.
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, [...]
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 [...]
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.
Matching T30 Screws thru face 3 inch length
Vinyl, Stucco, Wood Siding, Similar to the keyholes but the screws go through the face.
Eyelets for hanging stake / bracket
Hanging stake is a seperate purchase and not included in this option. 
48″ STRAIGHT ground stake-stake
Straight as an arrow! And 48 inches but we can cut to any size if you like. Please specify in the comments section the length you want.
48″ ANGLED ground stake-stake
30 degree angle, 48 inches BUT can cut to any size if you like. Please specify in the comments section the length you want.
Standoffs
Used for uneven surfaces. More than an inch in height difference from one screw location to the other. Most complicated option.
Ubolts for fence
Need to know is it a vertical or horizontal post? ALSO, post width, post depth and distance center to center of posts. Please leave information in comments section at checkout.
Standard Etched Metal
Cast Metal Options
Atlas Signs and Plaques Metal Finishes
Metal Coated HDU Options
Atlas Signs and Plaques Metal Finishes
Solid Wall Mount
Through hole mount. Screw heads are visible. Rosettes are provided to cover screw heads.
Hollow Wall Mount
Through hole mount. Screw heads are visible. Rosettes are provided to cover screw heads.
Wood Mount
Through hole mount. Screw heads are visible. Rosettes are provided to cover screw heads.
Blind Mount
Drilled and Tapped. No mounting hardware is visible.
Post Mount
Example of raised lettering
Example of recessed lettering
Some font choices for Atlas signs and plaques.
This list is not all inclusive so if you don’t see what you want it doesn’t mean I don’t have it.
A few decorative elements and arrows to choose from for your custom Atlas Sign or Plaque. Please note that the number is to the left of the desired element. And that arrows should be designated to the direction that they point. If you have something else in mind that tell me that too.
Here are some ideas for shapes when ordering a sign or plaque. If you have something else in mind, let us know.
