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This is a beginner's guide to the basics of casting concrete For specific details, search online for how to create concrete casting forms.To cast concrete with lettering and a logo if desired, you need a form, concrete and letters.The form can be on a flat surface, into which you can pour your concrete, or the form can be erect with a bottom, sides, a front and a back. Be sure to mix sufficient smooth concrete so that a spill or leak won't scuttle your casting pour. Stir and poke the concrete to reduce incidence of air pockets.For the sake of simplicity, this article focuses on using a flat form or pan for making pavers.After deciding on the form or pan shape and size, follow the basic preparation instructions. Reverse-cast metal letters with a 7-degree draft for casting If you're casting pavers, especially those with a pattern, design or wording combination, you'll likely want to have a reusable form with multiple-use letters.Letters made to be reused are generally made of either rubber or metal. Rubber letters are flexible, and so can be compressed to remove from cured (hardened) concrete, and metal letters are made with a 7° draft, which allows them to be removed from the concrete. The draft (slightly sloped sides of the letters) allows the hardened concrete to release the letters, as the fit is a very slight bit wider at the base of the letter as viewed from the side. Regardless of which you use, you will want to oil the letters once you're ready to pour concrete. The rubber and metal letters are made in reverse like a rubber stamp so that the resulting imprint in the concrete reads correctly. See below for using single-use foam letters.                              GET A COST ESTIMATEWhat is the difference in how the letters work?As far as the concrete is concerned, there's little discernible difference to the naked eye. The rubber letters are generally 1/8" to 1/4" [3.18mm to 6.35mm] deep, and so the resulting impression is not very deep. This is best for flat pavers, as water and dirt will not make a deep 'pool' on the surface. For a deeper casting, the metal letters we make are an average 3/4" to 1.5" [19mm-38mm] deep, depending on the letter height. These may be better for vertical concrete casting and deeper cast letter effects. Foam (single-use) letters can be 1/2" to 1-2" thick. Large-cell beaded foam is the most economical but leaves a texture. What if I only need one imprint cast?For a single casting (one side of one sign) it's not very cost-effective to buy letters made to be reused. You can use our very economical large beaded foam letters if the resulting letter "texture" is not a problem, or our smoother smooth-cell foam and gator foam materials. Letters in foam materials are removed or dissolved when removing from hardened concrete, and so are single use.So if you were planning on a mixed-media sign like the one above, we would help you by determining what you need to cast it in concrete (the letters spelling "Sunflower" are embedded in concrete and the panel beneath is made of dimensional letters mounted to a panel shape, which in turn is mounted to the sign face) and to assemble your sign.We have all the D.I.Y. products you need, made to order.   For pricing on the foam letters, send your project details here. Be sure to include your own contact information, along with: Form for a hollow-center columnar cast. Exact wording with the Size of letters (measured by letter height), The desired thickness of letters, Kind of material (foam, metal, rubber) Typestyle if any, otherwise a bold block like the letter "E" above will be used,  and any size or space limitations if there are limits, like a 120-foot width and 40" overall sign height. For example, if your casting area is 24 by 60 inches and you have to make the letters fit, tell us the maximum width and height that the letters must fit within. We can walk you through this- After the first time, it's all common sense. Did I miss something? Leave a comment below.   Fill in the cost estimate form to tell us what you want us to price for you, or send this to a friend who will be considering this project.  We're here to help.   Questions or comments are welcome.                                              GET A COST ESTIMATE Article author Joe Giral is the founder and creative director of LetterBank and My DIY Signs. Your comments are welcome. 

Where can I order custom frames for signs on the sides of buses and trollies? Here are a few resources.

Concrete casting basics   First we'll cover what concrete casting is in the most basic terms, then we're going to look at how you can cast concrete with your custom mold. What exactly is concrete casting? Concrete casting is a process which involves creating or using a mold or form to contain and shape freshly mixed concrete. Once the form is ready and the concrete mixed, the concrete mixture is poured into the form and left to cure in a controlled environment. After the concrete 'sets', it may be transported to the construction or final site and lifted into place, or if cast in place, the form is removed, leaving the cast piece for any additional finishing detail. Larger forms are commonly cast "in place" where they will be ultimately be set permanently as they would become to unwieldy, heavy or fragile to move. If the form is for popular concrete pavers, there are several options available. For casting forms, contractors and crafters usually use single-use foam letters which are custom made for the project. If multiple copies will be made, ordering enough copies of the foam or ordering reusable metal or plastic letters (which cost a lot more than foam but are designed to be used over and over) may be the best bet.Project quote request What's the advantage of using foam letters? Foam letters are relatively inexpensive when compared to reusable special metal or plastic letters. The foam letters are typically spot glued in place easily and "cast" into the concrete. That means that the smooth concrete is carefully poured into the custom form with the letters already glued inside. 'Tamping' and agitating the concrete helps to assure that the amount of air bubbles from the por are minimized. The letters must subsequently be dissolved out with a solvent (orange-based solvents are recommended) after the concrete sets. What is the advantage of reusable letters? As the name implies, reusable letters can be set into a form and used repeatedly. Can we 'spec' our own typestyle? You can have a custom special plastic made with all the details of your graphics line art in almost any size up to 48" wide. This allows for very large permanent monument displays which can be painted for extra impact. So once I have determined the best materials for casting, what is the casting process? Decide on the size of the layout and create a rough sketch. This is the time to measure out the area where the final product or resulting cast forms will be placed. Concrete can be heavy and have sharp corners, so measure it out first. To your layout, add any text or ornamentation you like. Mold letters may be found for purchase online or through letterbank.com. Professionals use reverse cast metal letters, and often the newest cast plastic letters, which are a little less costly. Measure the text size and create or order letters. Remember, the letters will be indented into the finished concrete, and so must be reversed to read correctly. Place and secure the letters and shapes to your form, or place and pour a wet solution of concrete over the letters. Avoid rocks and very coarse gravel, as this will cause pockets or gaps in the finished product. Once the concrete sets (usually overnight at least), remove the letterforms carefully. Allow the concrete to cure for an additional 5-7 days before placing in the desired location. Made with custom mold for multiple uses Be creative! Concrete is fairly inexpensive and will last a long time. As CAB plastic letters remain a little flexible, they can be pulled away from the set concrete by moving them around a little by pulling on the edges. As metal letters are relatively inflexible, we make them with a 7° draft (slightly sloping sides) to allow them to pull away from the set concrete. Special plastic reusable letters shown Links: About concrete forms: Click hereConcrete casting products, click here.1/2" to 3" metal letters, click here.4" to 12" letters go here.Economy foam letters are here.For a quote on our popular custom foam letters, just ask.   NOTE: We reply by email. Other requests may take longer. Please include an email in any quote request.

Spread the Love, Not the Germs Here's a few helpful links.Keep customers and staff informed and safe with custom face masks, shields, signage and stickers. Call attention to local and state mask regulations with items such as Custom Decals, Window Clings, Inexpensive Coroplast Signs, Barrier Shield Banners and Banners. As we all learn and adapt with the new norms, posting reminders is important for any business. Face mask signage is most commonly used in high traffic areas like grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other public areas.Shields may be effective barriers in gyms, offices and reception areas when used with other cleaning and filtration devices. Keep your customers and patients up to date with fast-service banners and with our line up bulletin boards for lobbies and walls.

Basics for sign design: A checklist for testing your ads and signs    The primary purposes of a Sign or Ad: To attract, to inform, identify or (as an Ad) to motivate.See our free review details below.Does your sign pass these eight simple checks?If you're shopping for a sign or to have someone design an effective sign for you, use this to check the design before purchase. Let's get started!   The Squint Test: Hold the sign or layout before you and squint. Can you make out what the sign says when you squint at it through your almost-shut eyelids? If not, your choice of colors and/or typestyles needs to be reconsidered, or there's just too much going on to be easily understood. Fancy does not equal readable. Squeezing a lot into a limited space makes it easy to ignore. The Meaning Test: Is there one clear, easily understood message in the sign, or is it "cute" or unclear as to its purpose? Does the sign try to cover many, many points or products? Be succinct; be colloquial K.I.S.S. Keep it simple and just get to the point, fast. See why below.   The Spew Test:  Does the person overseeing or designing the sign know exactly what they want the sign to accomplish? Common amateur mistake: Trying to put too much information or a cluster of photos on a sign, because "it fits", and because "there's still some space available", without thought to the function of the sign, or its purpose. But how much is too much? The prevailing thought is, "Heck, I paid for it; I'll put my great-aunt's recipe on it if I want to."  Do you have a crystal clear idea of the purpose of the sign?The 3-Second Test: The ultimate goal of making a sign is to have it easily understood within 3 seconds. That's the average attention span of an American adult and it's falling rapidly, according to recent studies. 3 seconds (count off three seconds now- it's not a whole lot!) means that you need to clearly identify what you are selling, quickly. The company name should be second in importance, even if you're Pepsi. (no one is immune to script signs) The Colors Test: Are the color values too close together (see Squint test)? For instance, a red letter with a royal blue outline (a very common and easy to remedy error) may appear fancy on the computer screen, in your email or at arms length, but IRL will be virtually unreadable from a distance or at street driving speeds. Colors that are too close together in value should not be used as outlines or backgrounds as that makes it more difficult to understand. If you look at the colors above and squint, many of the colors may blur together because they're too close in value. See it? The VanGogh Test: (above)Is the sign too artsy/busy to be readable? Most people don't think twice about avoiding complicated things. Why bother?Some "sign artists" pride themselves on how fancy and detailed their layouts are: Oooh, gilded gold 3D swash-y textured or outlined letters on a smalt glass background and curlycues up the yingyang in ten different typestyles with holographic foil and a cool theatric wash-out.Cool. But can you read it from a distance? Or is it "art"?The Shout Test: This is practically the antithesis of "arty" or "florid". It's usually ALL CAPITAL LETTERS BECAUSE THE PERSON TYPING OUT THE SIGN CAN'T BE BOTHERED. Don't waste your time or money. The Scan Test: Assuming you have several layouts for the same sign, put them side by side on your desktop. Now stand back and scan the signs, or ask a friend to scan them without telling them why. A better layout may stand out more, or be more readable, or certainly have that eye-catching quality.Can you understand the roadway sign above in 3 seconds?Try it!Looking for good sign design? There are perhaps thousands of qualified professional sign shops and designers. At LetterBank | MyDIYsigns We have a trained and experienced art staff ourselves and we're also glad to review your art for free. That's free.Email us with your sign photo or for more information and the kind of sign it will be. See examples of the kinds of signs below. Then write us and send a file, photo or sketch.  Comments? We love 'em. What are your thoughts? Did I leave anything out that you want to know more about?Experienced? We welcome your expertise and sharing. Chime in with your thoughts and any comments you may have.   Popular sign types by category:BannersWindowYard SignsSigns with FramesDecalsSign PrintingEngraved/Sand BlastedReplacement Sign PartsMagnetic Signs  

National Park Service SignsWhat are NPS signs? The signs we make are digital high-pressure laminate signs (dHPL) and porcelain fired enamel signs. Both are rated for prolonged outdoor sun exposure and are popular at parks, zoos, airports, civic venues, museums and increasingly as semi-permanent architectural component signage and walls. So how are they different? The dHPL signs are digitally printed and laminated onto multiple layers of a substrate that is made to be vandal-resistant and weather-resistant. Based on the elaborateness of the designs, it's usually less costly to create a dHPL sign. The porcelain enamel signs often last longer but are prohibitively expensive for most short-term signage (signs which are easier to replace) needs or projects when a budget must be adhered to. Signs shown with optional double-post mount frame and special shape cut for permanent outdoor exhibition   When the sign location will be in an unsupervised area like a campground, park or is designed for permanent (40-50-year) installations, the porcelain enamel signs are best. The porcelain signs do not fare as well in marine environs unless the sign is made with sealed edges and back to belay rusting and oxidation. Signs shown with optional mounting hardware and special angle curved, stepped frames for permanent outdoor exhibition   In marine applications, the dHPL signs are superior in that they do not contain metals and are not subject to rusting, although they too require special treatment at the time of manufacture to offset the marine environment with a highly saline content. Signs shown with optional angle frames for permanent outdoor exhibition   Price differences: This is difficult to state without acknowledging the fundamental differences in printing.dHPL is a full-color digital print, laminated into a weather-resistant resin substrate and backing and is priced by the overall size, how many signs alike there will be and the overall thickness of the sign, from 1/8" to 1" thick, depending on whether the signs will be used wall-mounted, indoors or with a metal backing frame.The Porcelain fired enamel signs are made differently, using old-fashioned photographic film sheets and one different sheet is required for each color in the sign (background, text color and any line-art graphic). There is additionally four (or more) film sheets required for full-color process photographs, as each color requires printing onto the color background enamel, then firing in a kiln-like industrial oven between each printed color and photo layer. This can take a tremendous amount of resources and labor to create but the finished effect will last for upwards of five decades.Also impacting the final price is the overall size of the panel, any additions (cut shape, finished enameled edges, welded-on studs for mounting) and the quantity alike. Most costly is making one print, as all the same labor of creating multiple prints alike is involved in a single print. The enameled steel (porcelain) signs are made on 16ga steel. Signs shown with optional stepped background architectural frames for permanent outdoor exhibition   Which is best for your project? We're glad to look at your layout or idea and price these for you. As every little change in design, size, thickness, finish and quantity will affect the cost, let's work together to get this as 'finished' as possible to save the day or two in time it usually takes to get a quote put together.Have a finished file you want to discuss or get quoted?That's why we're here. What kind of file do we need to send?  Use this form to send artwork.We may be able to save you some cash by suggesting other options once we know the scope of your project. Let us hear from you. Signs shown with optional angle frames for permanent outdoor exhibition   Subway signs too If you're like us, you've run into some of these signs in you travels around the USA and other countries. Chances are we made the signs.   Contact us for more information or to set up a free email consultation.   @letterbank #PorcelainSigns #dHPLsigns #PermanentSigns #SubwaySigns 

Bus Advertising Signs There are three categories of sign types listed here. Look up which one most closely resembles what you seek or contact us for an estimate for your bus signs printing project.  [1] Rigid Metal SignsPopular for bus stop pole signs, these are usually printed on a coated reflective substrate like aluminum or alumicore (aluminum over a plastic core sandwich). Reflective finishes for nighttime illumination from headlights, is available in three grades ranging from Engineer to High Intensity and Diamond grades, with Diamond [DG] being the most reflective and Engineer being the least reflective.3M has a short video on the differences in reflective film on highway signs. [2] Printed Metal and plastic substrates for temporary exterior bus signageThese are screenprinted and digitally printed signs available in small quantities (as few as one print) which generally are used in the snap-open frames mounted to the sides of buses and mounted on bus stop waiting areas for information and ads. The rigid signs may have holes placed for mounting without a frame as well. There are also applications for the slide-in frames that were popular 30-40 years ago and may still be in service. See our article on the pros and cons of self-adhesive signs versus sign frames here. See more on sign frames here. [3] Signs made on self-adhesive vinyls for direct bus side applicationPopular for many styles of buses where a frame is not desirable or possible, the self-adhesive printed materials are very popular. Request the cost for one or more printed self-adhesive films here.The films generally require accurate first-time application on a clean surface with some help and should not be installed if it's windy, as contaminants, leaves, dirt or other material can get trapped on the adhesive and it's not easy to clean once the adhesive is exposed. Unlike sign frames, the material has to be applied skillfully the first time. Here's a link to get a price quote or estimate. 

Promote safe business practices. We're open for your design, sign printing and fulfillment service needs.No one can know how long we'll be working in a world with COVID-19 restrictions. Best bet is to imagine that we're all needing to educate and remind people to use caution when they do business with us (without scaring them away). Our materials and signs are all custom printed and available quickly from our design or yours, shipping from our Los Angeles CA plant usually within a couple of days.  Take a look at some of the more popular orders:Sign-i-Cade Curb Sign with Prints $129More curb signs here See-Through Perforated Window Ads $130 for 4x5 footMore window signs here Window Static Cling Signs $70 for 2x4 foot 'Pillowcase' Banner Stands $199.95 36x90" Vinyl Banner full color $119.50 3x10 feetMore banner types here For artwork and design, send us your layout or artwork for a price quote. Stay safe!

What are the different kinds of Replacement Sign Faces? Read about "How to install" below.Sign faces are the plastic or fiberglass sign panels that usually have track and letters for a changeable or permanent message board. Some may have graphics or photos as well. The sign faces can be replaced by almost anyone with simple tools, a ladder and average aptitude or skills (and sometimes a 'cherry picker' truck for hard-to-access locations)Is there anything I need to know before replacing a worn or broken sign face by myself? Can I do this myself?We're glad to help you step-by-step. Here are the things we need to know to help you find a good replacement (and how to do it further below):[1] Identify the kind of sign face and sign cabinet you have (read on), [2] measure the height and width of the sign and [3] Send photos! (a detail closeup of the sign face corner, a medium and a photo that shows the entire 'face' on the sign).What kind is my sign face?Send detailed photos for quick identification if you're not sure which sign face you have to replace.Above: v3 fiberglass (L) and flat-face molded polycarbonate (R) or acrylic faces.Not shown: Sta-Tuf ridged sign faces and OSA polycarbonate faces, no longer made. Which is the kind of sign face I need to replace?There are a few popular kinds:For portable signs:This is the kind you see by the side of the road on stands, some with an arrow on top. There is no permanent structure adjacent to the sign.   (V3 shown above right) can use the v3 fiberglass as well, with an adaptor. (Note: OSA-series signs require a separate adaptor to use with the v3 fiberglass faces. The flat fluted faces [photo at right] are no longer commercially available).             Permanent signs? These often have rigid sign faces that are flat, pan formed or wavy and are made of acrylic or polycarbonate plastics. At left is a v5 'planked' face with track. The green top sign is a custom combination with a flat tracked bottom and pan formed top. Storefront?Some store front signs have painted or decorated flat plastic sign faces. Just send us a photo, a ready to print file, the exact size you need and how many alike if more than one.It's that simple. We make 'em. What sizes are available?Popular sizes on portable signs with fiberglass faces are 48x96", 40x96", 40x72". See them here. In the flat faces commonly seen on permanently mounted signs, popular size is 48x96" see it here. Almost any custom size is available.Custom sizes are available by special quote.Above: Before and after with new LetterBank v3 Fiberglass FacesPermanent signs can be almost any size from 6 feet to 120 feet wide. Let us know what you need.Have questions? We're glad to help. Contact us now with your photos and plans. HOW to replace your sign face yourself?Most common signs have a formed steel sign cabinet that have screws for removal on one side. More upscale sign cabinets may have snap-open frames which pull open to allow an easy exchange from old to new. Send us a photo and we'll help to identify your sign.Parts + Tools needed to make your own sign faces:Sign face material, plastic made of fiberglass, acrylic and polycarbonate.Track (flexible track for flex letters and rigid track for rigid inflexible letters).Letter sets, storage/sorting letter cabinets and more options.Rivet gun or acrylic cement, rivets.Ruler, tape measure, patience! Watch for our guide coming soon!Need a cover-up until your new sign is ready?Easy peasy.We can make a special banner that fits over your lighted or regular sign until your replacement is ready. Order an opaque vinyl banner and tie it to the frame on all sides. Sign up for many time and money-saving tips at MyDIYsigns.com.See one of our replacement sign face collections here

Making Easy D.I.Y. Professional Entrance Signs with Lifetime Warranty Letters There are countless options to creating a memorable, professional looking entrance sign.  about the project for your complex, building, entrance drive and development for HOA improvements within any budget. See the simple guide below to determine the best options by budget if that's your primary concern. Note that regardless of how much your team may have allocated, the letters all have a Lifetime Limited Warranty if they crack, discolor or break once professionally installed. Details on our warranty available upon request.Cost by kind of letters: In the first set of images from least to most cost is Formed CAB Plastic, Flat CAB Plastic and Injection Molded CAB Plastic. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB plastic) is a recyclable plastic that’s made from wood and cotton-fiber material that’s reportedly completely recyclable.  Letter pricing is based on the following factors:Size of letter, kind of letters (see choices throughout this article) and any custom finish or lighting you may want to add. The next kind of letters available are indeed the most popular kind since the 1930s, almost 90 years ago. However today's manufactured flat and cast metal letters are made for durability and good looks. Cost by kind of letters: In the second set of images from least to most costly is as follows: Flat metal (depending on the thickness and finish), cast metal and fabricated metals. The distinctive advantages of fabricated metal is that the letters may be individually equipped with LED lights for a "halo glow" lighting effect at extra cost and provide a much "thicker", deeper letter side that might add to the appearance attractiveness in certain applications. All our different types of letters provide a worry-free solution for semi-permanent and permanent residential and commercial installations with a Lifetime Warranty.12" and 8" flat aluminum letters in Copperplate font shown with with custom mounting bars. Injection molded Times Roma font in 15" and 4" sizes in white and blue. Smash burger below is in custom painted and gold finish stainless steel with custom LED lighting. For pricing and questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a few lines describing your project! Be sure to include any relevant details including the surface or kind of wall you will be mounting onto, any budgetary limits you may want to meet, sizes or distance you want the wording to be readable from and of course, a photo of the project area is always helpful!  The Oakmont residential entrance is  SIZE: 12” and 6” COLOR: Dark Bronze Anodized Aluminum STYLE: Optima font. All of our custom made letters now come with a paper alignment and pre-drilling template as well for 100% easier installation. You provide the manpower and tool (we recommend an impact drill for stone or concrete and a conventional drill for other wall types. Simple silicone cement or caulk may be used for installation. Leave a comment below or write us with details of your project.Request a cost estimate Thanks for your interest!