Our signs have three types of edges:
Framed Edge, Routed Edge, and Painted Edge:
Our framed edge signs are reminiscent of old British & Irish pub signs.
Framed signs use real milled poplar that is hand bent and cut to fit the sign.
They also have a light stain applied to give them a more aged look.
A routed edge has a small groove routed into it, to which goldstriping is applied.
This gives the sign a more classic look.
A painted edge sign has a cleaner, more modern look.
The edges are rounded, but there is no goldstripe.
Our Manufacturing Process:
Signs are all made by hand and made to order. We start with a blank made from MDF (medium density fiberboard).
We use MDF because of its durability, its smooth flat surface, and its ease in shaping the edges.
This blank is then cut to size & shape. If it is a routed or painted edge sign, the edges will be shaped at this point.
The blank is then sent to the spray booth to get a coat of paint applied.
Once the paint is dry, the sign is silkscreened the old-fashioned way - by hand.
If the sign is personalized, it will go to our personalization department where a vinyl stencil is cut and applied.
Some signs will have the personalization accented by hand.
The routed-edge signs will then have goldstriping applied by hand to the groove in the routed edge.
A keyhole that is cut in the back for easy hanging.
Framed signs, use real milled poplar for all of the frames.
For signs with curved shapes, the frame is first steamed and bent to shape, or it is hand kerfed,
which is the process of cutting slits into one edge of the frame to crate an arched shape.
After the frame is applied to the sign, it is sanded, painted, and goldstriped by hand.
All framed signs are finished with a hand rubbed stain to mellow the colors and give the sign more of an aged appearance.
Some signs get a three-dimensional resin relief painted gold. These reliefs are first sculpted from clay.
Then a mold is made and it is reproduced in durable resin and hand painted.