Dimensional Lettering

Dimensional Lettering can be done in various substrates and applicatons. Whether it is applying the letters directly to a wall or implementing them in a layered sign feature there are 3 main key concepts to keep in mind: DEPTH, MATERIAL, and FINISH.

How to Choose your DEPTH

Flat cut materials normally range in depth between 1⁄8″ to 1″. It’s best to choose your lettering depth based on the size of the lettering and how they’re going to be used. For example, thinner letters mounted flush with the wall work better for high traffic areas like desks and hallways. Thinner letters have a lower profile and don’t get in the way of the thru traffic. Less frequented areas like walls behind reception desks are more protected and can allow for individually cut lettering raised off the wall on stand offs for an additional floating effect to bring more attention to the imprint. Interior verus exterior applications will also determine the thickness or finishes needed to structurally make your signage adeqaute.

1/4” Depth

Ideal if you are on a budget or for subheadings and secondary information. These letters usually are moutned with DS Sign tape to be easily adhered to the wall.

1/2” Depth

Our most popular depth for 3D raised letters. This Depth can be raised on spacers (small rod mounts) for an additional floating effect or directly to the wall on double sided tape. The spacers can be painted to match your letters or facade finish to provide a sleek continous look and not have your spacers stick out and cause a distraction from the actual sign feature displayed. SEe mounting options image below to see options for various applications.

3/4” Depth & 1” Depth

Excellent for when you need a thicker or bolder look. Also may need to be implemented for alrger letters over 20"in height/. We also implement this depth if the signage is being installed on an exterior wall that may require a more involved installation into a masonry or steel facade so during installation the letters can be handled without damaging them.

This depth is largest we will implement in an Acrylic material, if you prefer a thicker letter we now revert to a HDU, formed plastic or PVC material.

Mounting Options

Why Choose a Stud/ Spacer mount?

In most cases, we raise our signs off the wall on 1⁄2″ -1" spacers. Raising the individually cut letters gives them an added floating or hovering effect that makes them appear more 3 dimensional.

Depending on your lighting, raising your sign on 1⁄2″ mounts will also cast a shadow. The shadow effect can add a more aesthetically pleasing look to your imprint.

The average spacer depth is 1⁄2″, but we can also accommodate requests for custom spacer depths such as 1⁄4″, 3⁄4″, 2″, 5″ or any other depth.

Certain wall types, such as masonry or irregular patterned walls may require the dimensional letters to be raised at various depths. In this case we usually include threaded rods with no set spacer depth and the height of the letters off the wall can be adjusted manually, ensuring the letters are level. ( See the Proclinix picture in our Gallery)

Finishes

You can have any of our flat cut acrylic lettering painted to your custom paint color with our Matthew's Paint System. We can match any corporate color on site and provide sample chips for review prior to fabrication. Besides paint, there are many overlay options as well. You can choose to have a metal orplastic overlay applied to the face of your flat cut lettering. Finishes include, but not limited to, Brushed, Polished, hammered, and satin in copper, gold, aluminum, or stainless metals.

Various Style Types other than Flat Cut Acrylic

There are many other options besides flat cut acrylic if you are looking for a more unique dimensional letter application. These options are explained in more detail on our Custom Dimensional Lettering Tab.