FAQs
The Sign Maker

1. High-Quality Craftsmanship

At The Sign Maker, we take pride in creating beautifully crafted, high-quality signs, wheel covers and memorials. Every piece is carefully designed and made with attention to detail, ensuring quailty and a professional finish. We have a comprehensive production team capable of handling a wide range of materials and techniques, including carpentry, stonemasonry, blacksmithing, vinyl application, sandblasting, painting, engraving, metalwork, and sewing (wheel covers).

2. We Make Them The Way You Want Them

We offer an extensive selection of materials, fonts, images and designs to suit all styles and budgets. Whether you need a traditional engraved plaque, a modern business sign, or a custom wheel cover, we can bring your vision to life.

3. Sustainability Commitment

We care about the environment and we continuously work to reduce our carbon footprint with the help of our wind turbine and large array of solar panels. We are pleased to say we have achieved Scope 2 carbon neutrality. Choosing The Sign Maker means supporting a business that prioritises sustainability.  See also how we are helping our local environmemt.

4. Expert Advice & Customer Service

Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always on hand to help you choose the perfect sign. Whether you need guidance on materials, fonts, images, sign size, or overall design, we’re here to ensure you get exactly what you need.

5. UK-Based with Worldwide Shipping

Located in the beautiful North Devon countryside, we are a family-run business that has been running for over 25 years. Our team proudly manufacture all our products with great care and we ship them worldwide, so no matter where you are, you can enjoy our expertly crafted signs, memorials and wheel covers.

There are quite a few options.

• You can just send us an email - sales@sign-maker.net - describing what you are looking for.

• Fill out the Enquiry Form. 

• Order from our Online Shop

• Give us a call - 01769 561355

The Credit cards accepted are VISA, MASTERCARD, VISA DELTA AND SOLO 
You can call us with card details - 01769 561355
Alternatively you can pay using our Secure Payment Line - Ask us for the link.

Please find the bank details below to enable you to pay by BACS.
Please quote number,  name or invoice number so we can track the payment to your account.

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC
Account Name: The Sign Maker
Sort Code: 30-90-49       Account Number: 5375 3768

For overseas payments:
IBAN:  GB50LOYD30904953753768
BIC:  LOYDGB21290

If you prefer you can send us a cheque to
The Sign Maker, Yelland Farm, High Bickington, Umberleigh, Devon EX37 9BX.

Absolutely! Our online design tool allows you to create how you want your sign or memorial to look.

For more complex designs, or if you need assistance, our design team is happy to help.

You can tell us what you want on an email or even send in a simple sketch and our designer use it to create the design.

Choosing the right letter height and sign size can be tricky. If you already know the size you want for your sign or plaque, great! Just let our designers handle the rest.

But if you have a specific letter height in mind, or if the sign needs to be readable from a certain distance, picking the right size can be more challenging.

To make it easier, start by figuring out the distance from which the sign needs to be seen.

Here's a handy rule of thumb: divide the viewing distance (in meters) by 0.4. That gives you the approximate letter height (in millimeters) for a sign that's easily readable.

See our Letter Height & Sign Size Page

You most certainly can - an image on a sign or memorial makes it far more personal.

We have a huge collection of standard images at £12.50. Alternatively, ask our designers to find you something appropriate for an extra cost of £12

You can also send in your own image at a cost of £34.50 which includes vectorising.

We prefer vector files such as AI, EPS, and SVG.

High-resolution raster images like JPG and PNG may also be acceptable especially for printed work.

If you are not sure, don't worry send us your best image and our designers will work their magic.

We aim for precision, but it's not always possible to perfectly match every colour due to the different ways colours are created. Think of it like this:

• Your Brand Colour: It has most likely to have been designed with Pantone colours - think of them like a pre-mixed, specialty paint colours.
   
• Full Colour Printing uses CMYK: This is like using markers – you layer cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to create different colours (CMYK colours)
   
• Our Painted Signs use RAL colours: This is like having another paint set with its own pre-mixed colours (RAL).
   

If you can please ask your graphic designer for the best match CMYK colour for printing or the best match RAL colour for painted or powder coated signs.  

If this is not possible, then provide us with the Pantone number or a physical sample and we will find the closest match.

While a perfect match isn't always guaranteed, we're committed to getting the best possible result.

That is not a problem at all - we often create heart shape memorials.

Have a look at the Sign Shapes page for the standard shapes but we can cut most materials, apart from stone, to almost any shape you might want.

Yes, we can provide proofs for all custom orders before production begins. This allows you to review the design, layout, and any other details to ensure it meets your expectations.

Production will not begin until the proof has been approved.

Production times vary based on the complexity and type of sign. We do have a page showing Standard Production Times It is also possible to Fastrack an order at a cost of £12.50 which reduces the production time usually by 5 working days.

If you need something really urgently - just ask - we will help if we can.

Our painted signs are created using a highly durable, two-part polyurethane paint. This paint is mixed with a hardener before spraying to ensure a long-lasting finish. It's also used for lettering on engraved wood and sandblasted stone.

For standard lettering and backgrounds, we offer a choice of white, black, grey (F&B Purbeck Stone), and green (F&B Lichen). However, we also have a wide selection of other colours available.

In addition to our standard paints, we offer specialised paints for metal and PVC signs, as well as metallic silver and gold options for memorials.

The "best" material for an engraved plaque depends on a few factors, including the desired aesthetic, budget, and longevity requirements. Here's a breakdown of some popular choices and their pros and cons:

• Brass: A classic choice, brass offers a beautiful, elegant look with a warm, golden tone. It is durable will tarnish over time, so requires occasional polishing to maintain its shine. It's also a more expensive option.  

• Stainless Steel: Known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, stainless steel is an excellent choice for outdoor plaques or in harsh environments. It has a modern, sleek appearance and requires minimal maintenance. It can be more expensive than some other options.  

• Acrylic: A versatile, UV restistant and cost-effective material, acrylic comes in a variety of colours. It's suitable for intricate engravings including small text and line drawings. While less durable than metal options, it's still relatively robust. 

• Corian: Although not actually stone,  stone-like corian is a perfect material for engraved plaques. It can be used for house signs, large and small, nameplates as well as detailed memorial plaques. It also has the advantage of being virtually maintenance free. Available in many stone colours along with white and black

• Anodised Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, anodised aluminum is a good option for both indoor and outdoor plaques. Anodising creates a durable, coloured surface, most often black, that can be engraved to reveal the natural metal underneath. It's often more affordable than brass or stainless steel.  

• Paperstone: An eco-friendly material that is weatherproof and made with natural resins.

For more information and ideas check out our main Engraved Plaques Page

Choosing the perfect house sign involves considering your personal style, the sign's durability, and how it complements your property. At The Sign Maker, we offer a diverse range of bespoke house signs to suit various preferences and needs. We have created below a brief summary of the ten most popular.

• Wooden Signs: Classic and warm, wooden house signs offer a timeless appeal, but does need some maintenance
• Slate Signs: Elegant and durable, slate signs can look modern or traditional depending on the design. They can withstand the elements.
• Engraved Brass Nameplates: A very traditional townhouse sign but it must be polished regularly to look its best
• Granite House Signs: Natural and prestigious, stone signs, like granite, convey a sense of permanence and grandeur. Very durable and low maintenance
• Good Value House Signs: Made from aluminium composite - smart, durable and perfect for a good-value, long-lasting, and low-maintenance metal house sign
• Cast Bronze House Signs: The ultimate in prestige top qulity house signs. They are traditional, timeless, and virtually maintenance-free.
• Painted Wooden Signs: We are experiencing a revival in our painted wood signs which blend traditional craftsmanship with modern look.
• Engraved Stone-Like Corian: Corian, a durable and stylish material resembling natural stone. The lettering is deep engraved and painted. Low-maintenance and long-lasting.
• Modern Cast Polyurethane: This is an extremely tough hard wearing material which is solid, rigid and does not corrode. The lettering is crisper than metal and the motifs can be much more intricate.
• Traditional Cast Brass: These have been around for years but are still popular. They are not suitable within a 20 mile radius of coastal areas as the salty air can cause them to corrode.

Have a look at our main House Signs Page for more information even more ideas along with photos of signs we have made.

The best timber for house signs and wooden plaques depends on the look, durability, and maintenance level you prefer. Here are some top choices:

1. Oak – Timeless & Durable

Oak is one of the most popular choices for wooden signs due to its strength, beautiful grain, and traditional appearance. It’s ideal for outdoor use when properly treated, though regular maintenance with oil or varnish is recommended to keep it looking its best.

2. Cedar – Naturally Weather-Resistant

Cedar is a fantastic option for outdoor signage as it contains natural oils that make it resistant to decay and insect damage. It has a warm, rich colour that weathers beautifully to a silver-grey if left untreated.

3. Iroko – Low Maintenance & Long-Lasting

Iroko is a hardwood, similar to Teak, known for its durability and resistance to the elements. It requires minimal maintenance and naturally weathers well, making it a great choice for outdoor plaques and signs.

4. Sapele – Rich Colour & Hardwearing

Sapele is a strong and reasonably durable hardwood with a rich reddish-brown colour, similar to Mahogany. It provides a classic and elegant finish, making it a great alternative to oak.

5. Chestnut – Traditional & Characterful

Chestnut is a durable and naturally rot-resistant wood with a warm golden-brown tone. It has a similar appearance to oak but is lighter in weight. Over time, it weathers beautifully, making it a great option for rustic and traditional-style signs.

Click Here for More Information About These and Other Timbers

We're proud to craft our wooden signs from FSC-certified timber, sourced from responsibly managed forests. This Forest Stewardship Council certification ensures sustainable practices, protecting forests, wildlife, and livelihoods. Choosing FSC-certified wood means your beautiful sign is made with respect for nature and future generations.

• Slate: A classic choice, slate is known for its durability, fine grain, and rich, dark color. It's highly weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use. Engravings on slate stand out beautifully. It offers a timeless and elegant look. Within slate, you'll often find specific varieties like Welsh Slate, renowned for its distinct blue-grey hue and exceptional quality, and Green Lakeland Slate, prized for its unique green tones and rugged texture.

• Granite: Extremely hard and durable, granite is resistant to scratches, weathering, and fading. It's available in a variety of colours and patterns, offering versatility in design. Granite is a popular choice for memorials due to its longevity.

• Purbeck Stone: We have found that many of our customers now prefer to have their stone house sign or memorial made with stone quarried in the UK, rather than one which has been imported from Brazil or India. Purbeck stone is a very durable and hard wearing stone quarried in Dorset. 

• Limestone: A sedimentary rock with a more subtle and natural look than granite. It's often used for house signs and can be quite durable, though perhaps not as robust as granite or slate. It can weather over time, developing a unique patina.

Check out Stone Signs or Stone Memorials

We certainly do and in a wide selection of styles

You can find them all on our Sign Fittings Page

Wheel Covers: Custom-Made On-Site

All our wheel covers are crafted on-site, allowing for complete customisation and variations.

Semi-Rigid Wheel Covers:

These covers feature a durable hard centre disk combined with a flexible vinyl skirt.

Standard options include a black disk and skirt, but alternative skirt colours and disk wrapping are available.

Personalisation Options:

Cut Vinyl Lettering: Offers exceptional durability, using one or two solid vinyl colours for lettering and graphics.

Full-Colour Print: A laminated print is applied to the flat centre disk.

Full Wrap: The entire disk is wrapped with a printed vinyl design before the fabric skirt is attached.

Soft Wheel Covers:

Our soft wheel and tyre covers are custom-made to fit any spare tyre, from small trailers to large trucks.

Provide your tyre size, and we'll create a perfectly fitted cover.

Choose from a plain design or personalise it with text, graphics, or a photo.

Eight colour options are available for plain designs and skirts.

Canvas Wheel Covers:

Our heavy-duty woven polyester canvas is ideal for rugged use and is available in Olive Green or Sand.

Options include plain covers or those featuring the Land Rover logo.

Cut vinyl lettering is a type of self-adhesive lettering made from high-quality vinyl. Unlike printed vinyl, where designs are printed onto a surface, cut vinyl lettering is precisely cut from solid-coloured vinyl, leaving only the letters or shapes without a background.

Key Benefits of Cut Vinyl Lettering:

• No Background: Only the letters or shapes remain, creating a clean and professional look.

• Longer-Lasting Than Printed Vinyl: Since the colour is embedded in the material rather than printed on the surface, cut vinyl lettering is more durable and resistant to fading, peeling, and weather damage.

• Weatherproof & Durable: Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, withstanding exposure to UV rays, rain, and general wear.

• Versatile Application: Suitable for windows, walls, vehicles, shopfronts, and signage.

• Customisable: Available in various colours, fonts, and finishes to match your specific design needs.

At The Sign Maker, we offer high-quality cut vinyl lettering that can be customised to your specifications. Whether for business signage, vehicle branding, or home decor, our vinyl lettering provides a professional and long-lasting solution.

Cut Vinyl Lettering Colours

Yes, we offer discounts on bulk orders. Contact us for a customised quote

We offer shipping across the UK, with costs varying based on size and weight. [Click here to view our pricing.]

Worldwide shipping is also available, though costs may vary significantly. Contact us for a personalised quote.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes. Once production has begun, changes may not be possible

If your sign, memorial or wheel cover arrives damaged, please contact us immediately with photos of the damage. We will work quickly to resolve the issue

Yes, we do! Every month we feature a special offer,

Plus we have other one-off special offers which may be of interest.

Check out our Special Offers Page 

While experience is invaluable when determining post hole depth, especially with varying site conditions, we offer helpful guidelines on our "Hole Depth for Sign Posts " page.

Points to note before you start:-

Vinyl  should be applied in a wind free environment at room temperature.
It will not adhere if it is too cold or it may stick but will lift off easily.

Make sure the surface is clean and dust free
The surface must be free of dust, dirt, wax and other contaminants. Multisolve is an excellent solvent to prepare the surface.

Do not touch the adhesive backing
The oils from your skin may prevent the vinyl from sticking.

Do not apply to fresh paint
Fresh paint must be left to cure for at least 3 weeks before applying words or graphics

Your Vinyl Lettering arrives to you in three layers
1. The top layer is the application tape.
2. The middle layer is the vinyl lettering or graphic.
3. The bottom layer is the backing paper.

There are two methods of applying the vinyl:-

Dry application is quicker, but does not allow for mistakes.
Wet application can be easier for beginners in that you have the chance to reposition the sign

Click Here for Full Instructions for both these methods

To keep your polished brass plaque looking brand new, regular maintenance is key. This involves polishing it with a standard brass cleaner, such as Brasso, and carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. Consistent polishing will help preserve its shine and prevent excessive tarnishing.

To prolong the periods between polishing, consider applying a light coating of Vaseline or olive oil to the exposed brass. This creates a protective barrier that slows down the tarnishing process without detracting from the plaque's appearance. It's a simple step that can significantly extend the time your plaque retains its luster.

If you find yourself without Brasso, or if your plaque is heavily tarnished, a homemade cleaning solution can be effective. Mix equal parts table salt and lemon juice until the salt completely dissolves. Gently rub this mixture, or a lemon half dipped in salt, onto the tarnished brass for approximately ten minutes, ensuring even coverage. Once the brass is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water. However, exercise caution when using this method. Brass is a soft metal, and excessive scrubbing can lead to scratches and marks on the surface. More Information on Cleaning Brass

Wood is a naturally beautiful material for signs and, with proper maintenance, will last for many years. The required upkeep varies based on the type of timber and its exposure to the elements. Timbers with a high oil content, such as Iroko, Red Cedar, and Opepe, generally require less frequent care.

To ensure longevity, regularly inspect your wooden sign. At the first sign of water ingress, promptly re-treat it to prevent damage.

For details on available treatment options, visit our wood treatment page.

Additionally, The Sign Maker provides a refurbishment service for signs in need of restoration.