class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘custom sign’
Signs Of Fall With Custom Signs
Notice The Signs Of Fall All Around You
While the leaves begin to change colour, that is not the only sign of the autumn season arriving. We have a few other tell-tale signs that the summer season is coming to an end. Take a look at how custom signs can hint at fall’s arrival.
Toronto International Film Festival Time
September brings a lot of buzz to Toronto, otherwise known as Hollywood North. The Toronto International Film Festival brings some of the biggest names in the film industry to the year festival. Last year we crafted a custom sign for Ivan Reitman’s Montecito Restaurant and this year the establishment is still a TIFF hotspot.
Fall Farm Markets Are Celebrating The Harvest
As the fall season starts, the harvesting time for many local farmers begins. This means many local farm markets will be celebrating Ontario Food Week with local Harvest Festivals. Read about the most recent Farm Market signs that we created for St. Jacobs.
Trade Shows Starting
Soon arenas and conference centres will be filled with the fall trade shows and seasonal consumer events. Make sure your booth stands out from your competitors by using custom signage.
Time To Close Up The Cottage
As the air begins to chill it means it is time to close the family cottage for the season. There are lots of steps to closing up a cottage, but when it comes to your custom cottage sign we suggest applying some spray turtle wax to protect your sign from the winter weather.
Get A Jump On The Christmas Shopping Season
While you still have time on your side, now is a great time to get your personalized sign orders in. They make great gifts and with many customized options you are sure to find a style that fits perfectly.
Looking for a fall refresh for your business? Be sure to visit our CONTACT US page. Our expert signmakers can assist you with your upcoming custom signage needs and get your prepared for the season.
Creative Custom Wood Cottage Signs
“How much does a custom cottage sign cost”? That is a question we regularly get asked. As you can see by all the factors below that price has a lot to do with your taste and style.
Ordering A Cottage Sign
Are you wondering how to order a custom wood cottage sign? We often receive inquiries about how to go about ordering a sign for a cottage.
We always say start with the size, text, colours, graphics and whether your cottage sign will be single or double sided. You will also need to know if your custom sign requires any hanging brackets or posts and if it requires onsite installation or just shipping. This gives the estimator a good idea of the work that would be involved in creating your wood sign.
Do you want to know the cost of a cottage sign? The price varies on the items listed above. It is a good idea to know your budget for the cottage sign. Start with base price listed below and figure out how many custom options you will want included on your sign.
Cottage Sign Examples
Below are just a few examples of cottage signs made by The Sign Depot.
Customization options are virtually endless when it comes to cottage signs., and as you can see creative custom wood cottage signs are our speciality! For more examples of the custom sign work created here at The Sign Depot be sure to visit our portfolio. After you find something that suits your cottage and its surroundings, head to the CONTACT US page and request your free quote. Make sure to include the details from the items listed above and we will have one of our sign designers contact you with the approximate cost of the sign. After approval you are on your way to receiving a creative custom designed wood cottage sign.
Custom Signs For Ontario Tourist Attractions
Ontario Tourist Attractions With A Custom Sign From The Sign Depot
Summer travel season is upon us. Whether you enjoy day trips, or multi-day road trips, there are lots of places to see the sites of Ontario. These destinations understand how important it is to be found by tourists and that is why they came to the expert signmakers at The Sign Depot for their custom sign.
Here in the Region of Waterloo the St Jacobs Farmers’ Market is stop for travellers and bus trip tourists. Learn more about the custom sign created them on our post about the new St Jacobs Market Building.
In addition to the landmark signs featured above, recently The Sign Depot created an indoor LED colour changing sign for the Grand Buffet located inside the Fallsview Casino Resort. Be sure to read more about the 3 dimension sign we created for Fallsview Casino Resort on our Grand Buffet post.
Exploring The Landmarks Of Ontario
We are fans of all kinds of landmark signs! We encourage you to visit Ontario landmarks and be sure to tweet us your pics with their custom signs! Who knows you may just end up on our Roadside Attraction Pinterest board!
Custom Cottage Signs And Address Markers
Cottage Signs That Stand Out From The Rest
Big or small, custom crafted cottage signs can prove to be great address markers. When your guests are looking to find your cottage or cabin, there are some important details to think about to ensure your sign is getting the job done. When the expert signmakers here at The Sign Depot created The SCHWANS sign in the image above, the following three items were considered.
Font Size
A large font is always a good choice. If the font is too small it will be difficult to read from a distance. When it comes to address markers for your cottage/cabin it is better to be seen and not passed by.
Colour Choice
When finishing a cottage sign, choosing colours that create contrast assist with increasing visibility. In this case, the bright letters stand out much better against the dark background. This is also important for wayfinding purposes.
Creating Dimesion
This wood sign was sandblasted. This means the wood was carved into to create the background leaving the letters raised and creating dimension in the sign, once again increasing visibility of your sign.
If the above three items are considered when designing a cottage sign and/or address marker, you are certain to find the results you are looking for. Plus you can rest easy knowing that your visitors will be able to find you.
There are lots of other ways to customize a cottage sign to your personal taste. When you choose to have a custom sign shop create your cottage sign possiblities are endless. Read more about it on our post about the Advantages Of Working With A Custom Sign Shop.
Heading to a cottage or cabin in the near future? Be sure to check out our list of the Best Campfire Recipes To Try Out At Your Cottage Or Cabin.
Incredibly Canadian Custom Signs
Being a Canadian Sign Company we thought we would pay tribute to Canada by showcasing our incredibly Canadian Custom Signs. We think these custom signs we have created represent some of the great signs and symbols of Canada.
14 Incredibly Canadian Custom Signs
1. Cottage Country
Canada has several destinations known as cottage country. To hear what our readers think when they hear the word cottage be sure to read our post Custom Wood Cottage Signs And Making Memories.
2. Canadian Beer
This Molson Canadian Brewhouse sign is a montage of Canada. Not only it it all about beer, the brew’s name is Canadian, and it is surrounded by a maple leaf and is situated in the Air Canada Centre.
3. Canadian Moose
One of the many recognized Canadian symbols is the moose. Because it is very recognizable this moose made a great landmark in terms of a findabilty and wayfinding sign.
4. Mounties
In Canada the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. otherwise known as the RCMP or the Mounties have always been a respected symbol of Canada.
5. The Great One
Wayne Gretzky is known as the Greatest NHL Player of all time, so this Dimensional Restaurant Sign pays homage to his jersey number 99
6. Canada Goose
Although Eddie Bauer is an American company, they choose to represent their outdoor apparel company with a Canada Goose.
7. Harvey’s Hamburger Chain
If you live in Canada then there is a good chance you have the slogan “Harvey’s Makes Your Hamburger A Beautiful Thing” in the back of your mind at all times.
8. The Beaver
As many of you are aware the beaver is a popular Canadian wildlife symbol. Enough said.
9. The Polar Bear
As another Canadian symbol, the polar bear represents The Great White North.
10. Tobogganing
While we are on the topic of snow, we love our outdoor winter activities here in Canada. Tobogganing is tops here at The Sign Depot.
11. Niagara Falls
A natural wonder located here in Canada, Niagara Falls Ontario is tourist destination. It’s a place where everyone is looking to have a Barrel Of Fun.
12. The Loon
The loon is another Canadian bird that symbolizes Canada. So much so that we have it on our Canadian dollar which is otherwise known as “the loonie”
13. Tim Horton
Whether it you are talking about the man, the hockey player, the coffee shop or the campgrounds, the name Tim Horton is known coast to coast.
14. The Maple Leaf
This sign located in The Sign Depot showroom is another combination of Canadian symbols. It is all about the Maple Leaf and Maple Syrup. Both items are definitely signs you are in Canada!
While these are custom signs are incredibly Canadian, we make so many other types as well. Need more information about aquiring a custom sign from The Sign Depot? Then visit our CONTACT US PAGE.
HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!
Brewing Up Some Artistic Signs For The 3 Brewers Restaurants
It’s A Beautiful Day In The 3 Brewers Neighbourhood
The 3 Brewers, also known as Les 3 Brasseurs, are Canadian microbrewerey restaurants. Each location is unique and has a dedicated beer for the neighbourhood that the restaurant is situated in. When they had a need for individual brand representation at each establishment, they came to The Sign Depot for a variety of custom artistic signs.
Artistic Signs As Demonstrative Drawings
While infographics are often used online, this demonstrative drawing serves as an step by step infographic of the brewing process perfected by The 3 Brewers.
As you can see from the image above, the graphics were hand drawn by the expert signmakers here at The Sign Depot. After completion the drawing was placed into a custom fabricated metal frame and cnc cut HDU replica bolt heads were affixed to the piece. The distress finish completed the vintage look of the artistic sign.
Custom Crafted Beer Deserves Custom Made Signs
As mentioned earlier in this post, each location of The 3 Brewers has a one of kind beer created for that restaurant. Naturally they wanted these specialty beers highlighted in each locale. That is when a custom sign shop can play a very important role. The signmakers crafted custom pieces for display and replication for each indivdual location. Below are just a few of the charcoal art pieces that were created for The 3 Brewers.
Raise A Glass To Those Who Value Custom Craftsmanship
While The 3 Brewers are Brewmasters, The Sign Depot has a lot in common with them.
We both
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Hand craft our products
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Create high quality items
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Take pride in our trade
We raise a glass to all those who take pride in their work and say CHEERS to all those that value custom craftsmanship!
Do you think these traits are important as well? Let us know in the comments what the word craftsmanship means to you!
How To Spring Clean Your Exterior Custom Signs
Curb Appeal
If you had a custom sign made, you want it to always look its best. Spring is a good time to walk across the street from your sign and see if it adds to the curb appeal. If there are some tweaks to be made be sure to give us a call.
What To Check When Evaluating Your Custom Sign
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Damage – Whether it be ice damage, wind damage, sun damage (fading) or vandalism, if your sign has been damaged in any way it is best to get it fixed before further damage occurs.
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Repair – If your lit sign has burnt out bulbs or malfunctioning LEDs then it is not serving it purpose to its full capacity. If you wood sign is showing checks (splits in the wood) then it requires immediate repair.
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Surroundings – Has the area where your sign has been place changed at all, example new buildings added or a new landscaping design. This could hinder your sign’s ability to stand out from its surroundings. This may be a good time to think about rebranding if you decide a new sign is in order.
How To Keep Your Custom Sign In Great Condition
By following these simple steps you can extend the life of your sign.
If you have a plastic/acrylic blade sign
Give it a once over with some window cleaner or mild soap and water to remove any debris. If it is lit have an electrician remove the sign from its casing first.
If you have a dimensional HDU foam sign
A light blasting from an air hose should blow off any dust buildup.
If you have a wood sign
- Twice a year wash and wax your sign. Use a mild dish soap and soft brissle brush (paint brush) to gently loosen surface dirt – follow with a though rinse with clean water. A light coat and buff with typical spray on car wax will help repell water and keep your sign looking good.
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Remove any weeds or vines that are crawling up your cedar sign posts. They may look interesting, but they can do quiet a bit of damage to the finish
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After about 7 years (depending on sun exposure) bring it into The Sign Depot workshop for refurbishing. It will leave looking brand new.
We also suggest refraining from using a power washer to clean any of your custom signs. The pressure could end up removing any paint or vinyl that is applied the to sign and could damage the sign material.
The Advantages Of A Custom Sign Shop
Working With A Custom Sign Shop
When it comes to creating custom signs, choosing to work with a custom sign shop has many advantages. Below we have many reasons why custom sign shops are a great choice when selecting a sign service. Here at The Sign Depot our expert designers and sign makers are here to help with all your signage needs.
The Top 10 Advantages Of Custom Sign Shops
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No Minimums – If you just need one sign made, we are happy to create a custom sign for you
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Mass Sign Lots – If you need several signs created we are thrilled to do that as well
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Designers On Site – Our sign designers can take your idea and design the sign around it
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Supplied Artwork – Already have your design ready? We can work with that too!
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Variety Of Materials – We can work with wood, metal, acrylic, and high density urethane. We work with the substrates that fit your needs and your budget.
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Various Finishes – Our custom finishes involve paint and vinyl with lots of colours to choose from
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Sign Permits – We are able to prepare the sign permit documents you require upon request
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Free Quotes – Supplying our clients with free quotes with different price points helps them know their signage costs upfront
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Refurbishing – Have a custom wood sign that needs sprucing up? We do that as well
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Located In Canada – If you have additional questions we can be reached by phone, email or in person at our office in Kitchener Ontario
Whether for commerical or residential, architectural or artistic, personalized or company branded, their are several advantages when you choose to work with a custom sign shop. Here at The Sign Depot we pride ourselves on being a full service sign provider, ready to assist you with all of your signage needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
How To Order A Custom Sign With INFOGRAPHIC
What Your Need To Know When Ordering A Custom Sign
There are a lot of steps involved when it comes to creating a custom sign for your business. We decided to break down some of the importanct factors required for making a custom sign for your company. These items will give you a basic idea of how timelines, materials, designs and budget factors into the custom sign making process.
The Path To Successful Signage
Now that we have set you on path towards a successful sign package, be sure to set a course for full brand awareness. Remember your sign is a 24 hour advertisement for your business. The items in the infographic were listed to give you some inspiration, but remember to get input from an expert sign maker to ensure your idea will fit your budget and the signage needs of your company.
Sculptural Signs – Taverna Mercatto Restaurant Toronto
Ornamental Exterior Sign
Next time you are between two Toronto landmarks, Rogers Centre (formerly known as Skydome) and the Air Canada Centre, be on the look out for our latest work at Taverna Mercatto. Working with the design firm Office Bureau the restaurant exterior signage was manufactured to replicate ornamental metal. Unlike the mystery tunnel builder in Toronto, we know that you require permission and permits before you can begin building anything.
After approval from the Toronto Sign Bylaw Unit, the sign design for Taverna Mercatto was finalized and manufacturing of this ornamental sign began. Sculptural signs are eye-catching for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic and it was decided that a free standing sign would be a great focal point for this high traffic area.
3 Dimensional Projection Sign
The Taverna Mercatto sign was finished in black with 23K gold leaf highlights on this 3 dimensional sign and LED lit so it would shine both day and night.
Projecting off a lamp post, it is a very unique sign on the street. Choosing sculptural signs as a way to differentiate a business from other companies is a great choice especially in an area where there are several restaurants to choose from. It is very inviting looking and that is important when attracting customers to a restaurant in a central tourist area.
Be On The Look Out For Additional Mercatto Signage
In addition the Taverna Mercatto sign we have been involved in other design elements for that location as well as some of their other locations.
Window graphics and interior signage upgrades are also part of their signage package, all with the artistic look to match their current architecture.
Choosing to work with a custom sign shop for both your interior and/or exterior signs allows for a lot of choice. From size to materials to paint colours your business signs are a great way to take your branding to the next level. For more information on how we can elevate your brand visit our CONTACT US page to connect with one of our expert signmakers.




































