Metal Letters Signs
Metal Letters Signs
Show off your business or event with affordable plastic letters
Show off your business or event with affordable plastic letters
Table of Contents
Why Metal Letters Signs?
There is just something about metal that draws the eye. More than wood, even more than plastic or acrylic, the gleaming shine of metal catches the eye. That is why our metal letters signs add a certain kind of ‘class’ to your business or company. The metallic sheen that many other type of letters try to emulate, glimmer authentically with our metal letters. Any substitute (such as a metallic finish) is just not as good as the real thing, which is why our slightly higher-cost metal letters are worth their price.
Our metal letters signs are made from a variety of materials including aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, steel, or stainless steel. The metals are corrosive, tarnish, and scratch resistant, making them incredibly durable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The metal letters signs come in a wide range of sizes. Letter heights range from as small as ½” to 100”+, depending on what materials and type of letter you choose. Your choice of size, finish, and style of letters will determine the overall cost (see our Channel Letters page for a recommended size chart for visibility). Self-installation is surprisingly easy, with no need to hire a sign company. We have a range of solutions, from plastic mounts or adhesive glue or tape, depending on your specific use case. Your sales rep will discuss the best options for your situation. There are also instructional videos provided on how to install the letters when we ship them. At Whiteclouds, we are dedicated to making the process as painless for you as we can. For displays that are meant to be large, free standing letters rather than mounted letters, check out our custom large 3D letters or even our custom large 3D metal letters.
Metal Letters Signs: Pros and Cons
PROS:
- Can withstand all weather conditions.
- Great for indoor and outdoor use
- Wide variety of sizes
- Lifetime guarantee on all letters
CONS:
- More expensive than other letters
- Heavier than other letters
How to Order
To place your order, you’ll need to know: letters, colors, letter sizes, mounting requirements, and font. Fill out the form below, call 385-206-8700 or email [email protected] for a custom quote. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about our product or placing an order.
Types of Metal Letters Signs
Metal letters signs can be fabricated with different materials using a variety of methods (such as flat cut, cast metal, and fabricated metal) and can also include lighting elements to create illuminated letters. Some types of metals are better than others in specific situations. If you are looking for extra large metal letters that are not meant to be mounted to a flat surface, check out our custom large metal letters page.
Flat Cut Letters
Flat cut letters are a great option for both logos and signs. They offer thinner strokes and have fewer design limitations than some of our other metal letters signs. Just as the name says, these letters are made by cutting letters and shapes out of a flat sheet of metal.
PROS:
- Crisp clean, sharp edges
- Countless fonts and logo designs are available
- 6 different metal options
CONS:
- Doesn’t offer as much dimension as our other letter options
- Smallest return depth (up to 1″)
Types of Letters:
Flat cut letters are available in aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, or steel. Metals can come in a variety of alloys and finishes that are described in greater detail below.
Mounting Types:
Plain mount, stud mount, welded stud mount, single rail mount, double rail mount, bottom & top rail mount, bottom & top stud mount, double face tape mount, bottom angle bracket.
Best usage:
Best for custom fonts and logos. Our machines can cut to any size you need up to 36”. Can be used for indoor and outdoor use.
Pricing:
Lowest priced letter starts at $15.50+
Cast Metal Letters
We produce hand-finished cast aluminum or bronze letters and logos of the highest quality with a variety of finish options including polished, oxidized, and anodized. Our cast letters are manufactured in our all-electric, pollution-free furnaces by pouring metal into a mold, and our customizable cast products are made from earth-friendly alloys free of lead and mercury.
PROS:
- Standard, round, prismatic, and custom faces available
- Added depth and dimension to sides
- Lighting options available
CONS:
- Potentially more expensive due to added cost of the mold
- Smallest size range compared to other metal letter types (max. 64″ x 64″)
Types of Letters:
Cast metal letters are available in aluminum or bronze materials. Metals can come in a variety of alloys and finishes that are described in greater detail below.
Mounting Types:
Stud (Standard), Double Rail Mount, Bottom & top rail mount, Bottom or Top Stud, Bottom Back Angle Bracket Mount, Bottom Stud w/ Back.
Best usage:
Large letters and logos. Can be used outdoors and indoors.
Pricing:
Lowest priced letter starts at $19.00+
Fabricated Metal Letters
Our fabricated metal letters help you bring all of your sign, letter, and logo ideas to life. These letters are made-to-order out of the best materials in a range of heights from 2” up to 120”. They are made from 20%-40% recycled materials, with 100% of the trim and scrap recycled again at the end of the process. The letters are hollow with the face and return welded together, making them lightweight but durable.
PROS:
- Lightweight metal letters
- Lighting options available
- Largest height and depth maximums
CONS:
- Not the greatest option if you are wanting a logo
Types of Letters:
Fabricated metal letters are available in aluminum or stainless steel. Metals can come in a variety of alloys and finishes that are described in greater detail below. Fabricated metal letters also come with lighting options.
Mounting Types:
Stud Mount (Standard), Bottom or Top Stud No Back, Bottom or Top Stud w/ back, Bottom or Top Stud w/ Thick Back, Double Rail Mount.
Best usage:
Indoor and outdoor displays. They make for sturdy signs and logos.
Pricing:
Lowest priced letter starts at $64+
Illuminated Metal Letters
If you are looking for an option to make your letters stand out even more than our metal letters signs, we offer illuminated signage and logos. Illuminated letters are most commonly used to light up a display when the sun is down. This can be for both attention-grabbing purposes and to help a consumer find your business along a busy road. They can be used indoors to help spotlight and add class to a display. Like other large letters, illuminated letters help highlight and call attention to your event or business.
Illuminated letters come in a variety of materials, lighting styles, and finishes which make it possible for us to fulfill your exact needs depending on your desired style or price range. See our page on illuminated letters for style and pricing guides.
Metal Letters Signs Technology and Finishes
Although our metal letters signs come in a variety of materials, we offer even more ways of customizing our metals. Each metal comes with a range of optional alloys and finishes. These ensure that you have the best quality of letters depending on their use, location, and overall purpose.
See our channel letters page for our standardized color options.
Aluminum
For flat cut/fabricated (Alloy 5052): Comes in brushed, random arc, and orbital finishes (see top gallery).
For cast metal (Alloy 514): Comes in brushed, random arc, orbital, and rust powdercoat finishes (see top gallery).
Anodized: Anodizing hardens aluminum, allowing it to be colorized through an electrochemical process. Other benefits include: a glossy finish, increased hardness and durability, no cracks or peeling, resistance to scratches, unaffected by harsh weather elements, and is environmentally friendly. It is important to note that anodization is not a just a coating, but becomes part of the finished letter.
- Comes in clear, champagne, polished, gold, bronze, and black finishes (see bottom gallery).
Polishing (for flat cut metal letters only): Requires a minimum of .5″ stroke at 1/8″ thick (stud weld required). Restrictions may apply on letters/logos over 24″ (see bottom gallery).
Anodized Clear
Anodized Champagne
Anodized Gold
Anodized Light Bronze
Anodized Bronze
Anodized Dark Bronze
Anodized Black
Polished Aluminum
Polished Clear Anodized
Polished Champagne Anodized
Polished Gold Anodized
Polished Light Bronze Anodized
Polished Bronze Anodized
Polished Dark Bronze Anodized
Polished Black Anodized
Stainless Steel
Alloy C304: This is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel well-known for its corrosion resistant properties (see top gallery). Harsh chemicals may cause permanent damage. When cleaning, use traditional methods such as glass cleaner or warm, soapy water. If the metal letters signs will be placed in a salt water rich environment, Alloy 316 is recommended.
Alloy 316: This alloy is recommended for areas within 50 miles on the coast. It also offers better overall corrosion-resistance properties than 304 and reduces the likelihood of holes or rifts appearing in your letters due to the harsh chloride environment (see top gallery).
- Comes in brushed and polished finishes. Alloy 304 can also be coated with titanium (options for titanium coating include gold, copper, bronze, and black in brushed and polished finishes; see bottom gallery for titanium).
Polishing: Requires a minimum of .5″ stroke at 1/8″ thick (stud weld required). Restrictions may apply on letters/logos over 24″.
Cor-Ten®: This protective rust layer is created by mixing copper, chromium, and nickel. This steel cannot be painted or clear coated since the top layer is meant to corrode to protect the steel underneath. Since the rust layer bleeds onto the surface, it is not recommended to mount any lettering with this finish on a surface that could be stained (see top gallery).
- 1/8″ and 1/4″ thick only
Bronze
1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ thick. Comes in brushed, polished, oxidized, and Patina finishes (Alloy C22000).
Patina: All patinas will vary from letter to letter and order to order. These finishes will change over time depending on contact with moisture and temperature. Patinas can “bleed” onto the installation surface when installed outside.
Oxidized: Color matching of existing oxidized letters is available with a customer supplied sample.
Polishing: Requires a minimum of .5″ stroke at 1/8″ thick (stud weld required). Restrictions may apply on letters/logos over 24″.
Copper
1/8″, 1/4″, and 3/8″ thick. Comes in brushed, polished, and oxidized finishes (Alloy C11000).
Oxidized: Color matching of existing oxidized letters is available with a customer supplied sample.
Polishing: Requires a minimum of .5″ stroke at 1/8″ thick (stud weld required). Restrictions may apply on letters/logos over 24″.
Brass
1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″ thick. Comes in brushed, polished, and oxidized finishes (Alloy C46400).
Oxidized: Color matching of existing oxidized letters is available with a customer supplied sample.
Polishing: Requires a minimum of .5″ stroke at 1/8″ thick (stud weld required). Restrictions may apply on letters/logos over 24″.
Comparing Metal Letters Signs
| Flat Cut Letters | Cast Metal Letters | Fabricated Metal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $15.50+ | $19.00+ | $64+ |
| Colors | 46 standard with customization available | 46 standard with customization available | 46 standard with customization available |
| Production Time | 3 to 4 days | 7 to 10 days | 10 Day Production |
| Height | ½”- 95” | 4”-64” | 2”-100”+ |
| Thickness | ⅛, ¼, ⅜, ½, ¾, and 1” based on letter height and alloy | Custom Depths can be specified: ¼” up to 3” | ⅜”- 6” based on letter height and stroke |
| Durability | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Mounting Options | 8 | 10 | 6+ |
| Lighting Types | Custom | Custom | Custom |
| Custom Colors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sample Pricing
Estimate pricing for a basic order of ten, 16” tall, aluminum letters at the thinnest depth possible for each option, with a brushed vertical finish and cheapest mounting option. Prices are for capitalized letters. Price does not include shipping costs.
***Keep in mind that any customizations such as thickness, finishes, curved edging, lighting, or material choices add to the price.
| Flat Cut Metal | Cast Metal | Fabricated Metal |
|---|---|---|
| $1,050 | $1,496 | $1,562 |
Metal vs Plastic Letters
While plastic and metal letters signs differ in materials and their finishing options, plastic letters are the more affordable option. If you are on a tight budget, plastic letters are a great option. Despite being lower-priced, plastic letters are still durable and suitable for outdoor or indoor uses. If budget is not an issue, metal letters are beneficial due to their sharp design and sophisticated look. They are most commonly used in banks or high-end establishments.
| Plastic | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Methods | Laser cut acrylic | Flat cut metal |
| Formed Plastic | Cast Metal | |
| Injected molded plastic | Fabricated metal | |
| Cost | Lowest priced option | Higher entry-level cost |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Yes | Yes |
| Lighting options | Yes | Yes |
Mounting Options Explained
When ordering our letters, you will also need to consider how they need to be mounted. Will they be mounted outside onto brick or inside onto drywall? We have a range of mounting options, from plastic mounts or adhesive glue or tape, depending on where your letters will be installed.
Mounting is an additional cost to your basic order, but keep in mind that if you do not install using an approved method, your warranty may not apply. Required pieces such as screws, pads, plastic blocks, stand-offs, adhesives, strips, nuts, and studs are included in our mounting packages. Additionally, we send instructional videos and templates on how to install the letters along with your order. Self-installation is surprisingly easy. In fact, in most cases you will not need to hire a sign company or a contractor. Our sales rep will discuss the best options for your situation and we are available to help you with your mounting questions and concerns.
Some mounting options include:
Plain mount:
Letters and logos are supplied with no mounting holes or hardware. Most metal finishes require processing holes on letter backs – even with plain mounts.
- Back can be finished or unfinished
- Customer supplied install material
- Aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, corten
- 1/2″ high and larger, based on metal and gauge
Stud mounts:
Backs of letters and logos, at least 1/4″ thick, are drilled and tapped to receive threaded studs for mounting to the wall. Optional alignment for brick, block, or rails.
- Typical stud length 2″ beyond back of letter
- Minimum 1/4″ thick.
- Optional spacer sleeves
- Aluminum studs with aluminum letters, stainless steel studs for other metal types
Welded stud mount:
Backs of 1/8″ thick letters and logos are supplied with welded stud bosses (to receive studs) or 1′ long welded studs for mounting to wall.
- Optional spacer for studs
- aluminum stud boss for aluminum letters
- stainless steel for stainless letters, copper base boss on red metals.
- Letters or logos, standard or custom
Single rail mount:
Add 35% to brushed letter price. Includes one flat 1/4′ painted rail. Letters are pre-assembled to rail. Typical with 4″-8″ letters. C-channel and anodized finish optional.
- Minimum 1/4″ thick letters (optional gauge based on metal type)
- Optional- back finished or unfinished
- Min. 2 screws per letter
- Metal Rails are designed to be mounted to load bearing structures, holes and
location to be determined by installer (rail mounting hardware and holes not included)
Double rail mount:
Add 35% to brushed rail mount. Includes 2 flat 1/4″ painted rails. Letters pre-assembled to rails. Typical with 4″-24″ letters. C-channel and anodized finish optional. Letters are mounted by word with maximum 96″ length.
- Minimum 4 screws per letter (2 screws per rail)
- Letters mounted by word, rails pre-assembled for fit, larger letters may ship loose
- Metal rails are designed to be mounted to load bearing structures, holes and location
to be determined by installer (rail mounting hardware & holes not included)
Bottom and top rail mount:
Add 35% to brushed letter price. Letters 4″-30″, minimum 3/8″ thick includes painted or anodized aluminum rail. Letters over 8″ may require tie-back (not supplied).
- Letters pre-assembled to rails to ensure fit.
- Optional- finished or unfinished backs.
- Min. 2 screws per letter, 3 screws (if possible) for letters 8″ high or larger
Bottom and top stud mount:
Add 15% to brushed letter price. Letters 4″-30″, minimum 3/8″ thick. Letters over 8″ may require tie-back (not supplied)
- Typical stud length 2″
- Optional: Sanded Tops and bottoms of round letters such as (G, O, S, U, C, J, Q)
Bottom back angle bracket mount:
A 90º angle bracket measuring 2″ x 2″ x 1/4″ is secured to bottom stud locations of letters. Tie-backs recommended for letters over 8″ (not supplied). Letters are mounted by word. Maximum 96″ length.
- Letters are pre-assembled to rails to ensure fit. Min. 2 screws per letter – Larger letters shipped loose.
- Round letter bottoms or sanded flat bottoms are optional
- Tie-backs recommended on letters over 12″ high (not supplied)
Bottom stud with back:
Letters 4″-24″, minimum 3/8″ thick includes painted or anodized 1/8″ thick aluminum back. Letters over 8″ may require tie back (not supplied). Can be full cover or inset for flush edge.
- Typical stud length 3 – 4″ beyond bottom of letter
- Round letters (O, C, G, J, Q, S, U) sanded flat on bottom are optional
- 3/8 – 1/2″ deep, 4 – 6″ high, 10-24 stainless steel studs
- Over 1/2″ deep, or over 6″ high, 1/4-20 stainless steel studs are typical
Bottom or top stud no back:
Top and bottom returns of letters and logos, at least 3/8″ thick, are drilled and tapped to receive threaded studs for mounting to the wall or rails.
- Tie back required (not supplied) on letters >8″ high
- Round letters (O, C, G, J, Q, S, U) sanded flat on bottom are optional
- Optional spacer sleeve
- Stainless steel stud (type and size varies)
Top stud with thick back:
Top stud mount is available on letters at least 4″–24″, minimum 3/8″ thick. Letters are drilled and tapped on the top returns. Typical 3/16″–1/4″ wall thickness on hollow back letters/logos.
- Back Options: Clear Lexan: 6-12″ high – 0.118 thick
– Light diffused Lexan: 0.177″ thick
– Stainless steel – same gauge as face - Material options: Standard – 304 prefinished stainless steel
Optional – 316 prefinished stainless steel (more corrosion resistant)
– 304 prefinished stainless with titanium coating
Cut out face with insert- back- bottom angle mount:
Fabricated angle mount letters are available up to 36” high for halo lit, and 48” high for others dependent on the thickness of the back. Available for both aluminum and stainless steel, this mounting allows for easy installation on raceways or canopy tops.
- Tie backs required (not supplied) on letters over 8″ high.
- Material options: Standard- 304 Stainless steel Optional- 316 Stainless Steel (More corrotion resistant) -304 Prefinished stainless steel with titanium
- Removable back
Double face tape mount:
Some letters or logos 8″ or smaller can have full coverage, 20 mil. clear double face tape. Other larger letters and logos can have strips of the same tape applied. Email for quote.
Metal Letters Signs: FAQs
- How durable are metal letters?
Metal letters will last as long as you need them to last. They are constructed of durable metal materials designed to last indefinitely. The letters can survive all weather types including intense heat and rain. There are multiple metal finishes that you can choose from to add extra protection to your metal letters. - Are logos available?
While we offer a long list of fonts, logos are also available. Email us to obtain a quote and to start the process of creating a custom logo product. - Can I order illuminated letters?
Yes. We have a series of illuminated metal letters available. Aluminum and stainless steel letters in Halo Lit and Face Lit styles are offered. - Are plastic letters available?
Yes, we provide plastic letters. They are made from other materials than the metal letters, but they are a more affordable option. - Are custom letters available?
If you cannot find standardized plastic letters that suit your intentions, we can produce extra large custom letters. WhiteClouds can fabricate any type of letters at any size. Learn more about our custom large letters and large metal letters fabrication services. - Do letters come with a warranty?
Letters are covered if letters fail, but our warranty does not cover costs for removal, re-installation, or additional work. Standard wear and tear is also not covered. Please review our full warranty, return policy, and guarantee before installing the letters. If you have questions, please ask us. - Are metal letters suitable for inside and outside use?
Yes, we can help you choose the correct material for the environment you will be installing the letters in. - What letter sizes are available?
Letters are available as small as 1/2 inch up to 100″+ depending on customization. We can help you select the proper size for your intended use (see our Channel Letters page for a recommended size chart for visibility). Various depths or thickness of the letters are available. We offer large metal letters if you are needing something on a much larger scale. - What shipping options are available?
Most orders are shipped via UPS. Since you cover the freight costs, you can choose another shipping option if desired. Larger letters may need to be shipped via truck freight. - Do I need to pay a down deposit?
In most situations, you’ll need to pay 50 percent upfront. - How much do metal letters weigh?
Weight varies greatly depending on size and materials used. You’ll want to make sure you select the best mounting options for the weight of your letters. Additionally, large letters may require specialized shipping methods. - How long does it take to receive my order?
How long an order takes to process depends on several factors including the type of project and resources available. Once orders are approved, they may begin to be produced in as soon as four days. More complex orders may take longer.
Worldwide Delivery
WhiteClouds has delivered models around the world.