Changing letters on entrance signs is a typical request at my sign shop in Waynesboro, Virginia, Augusta Sign Company. This particular week, I had a long-term care customer contact me to change the tag line letters on their sign from Senior Living Center to Assisted Living.
The existing letters were injection molded plastic characters with straight back edges. It’s important to order matching letters from a sign company that understands the various letter options, so your letters match when changing part of the wording. There are rounded formed letters, then there are solid, flat-cut out letters made on CNC routers, and each has it’s own visual characteristics. Colors and sheen are also important to match, but in this case, it was easy: matte black, Helvetica font. If you ordered the original lettering from a company that’s still in business, it makes the most sense to order any updates in the sign lettering from the same company. That way things should match, since most sign companies keep old project specifications for some time.
HOW MUCH DOES IT ALL COST?
How much does it cost to change lettering on existing signs? It depends on the size and type of lettering and the height off the ground. In this case, non-illuminated plastic letters stud-mounted to a low profile brick and concrete monument sign, the cost was under $1,000. Of course, illumination, size and quantity of letters, logos, etc., would add cost.
It was fairly simple to make the changeout in this case: first, I used a stiff putty knife to remove the old letters; next I used a paper pattern with stud holes marked to drill the holes for mounting; next I cleaned and painted the concrete background with a flat, white, self-priming paint that matched the existing paint color; next I installed the dimensional letters using clear silicone, taping the letters that needed help until the silicone adhesive cured in less than 30 minutes.
Mark Hackley is the owner and operator of Augusta Sign Company, Waynesboro, VA (former founder of Tree Street Signs of Crimora) 540-943-9818