HDU Signs

HDU (high density urethane) is a composite material that is an alternative to wood. It can be carved with as much or more detail than wood. They can be used indoor or out. They can be hand carved or done with our CNC router.

A Better Alternative to Wood Signs

Introduction:

In the world of signage, the desire for the timeless charm of wood signs often clashes with the practical challenges they pose. Enter high-density urethane, the unsung hero of the signage industry, offering a superior alternative to traditional wood signs. Our company takes pride in crafting top-tier 3D signs from high density urethane (HDU), providing a solution that not only replicates the aesthetic appeal of real wood but surpasses it in durability and longevity.

Embracing the Faux Wood Aesthetic

Our faux wood signs stand out as a testament to the artistry of our craftsmen. Meticulously carved and expertly painted, these signs exude the warmth and authenticity of real wood. We understand the allure of classic wood signs, and our commitment is to offer a compelling alternative that not only captures the essence of wood but enhances it through advanced materials and techniques.

Native American style artistic carved wood piece

Better Than Wood: The Longevity Advantage

One of the significant drawbacks of traditional wood signs is their susceptibility to warping and cracking over time. Our high-density urethane signs, however, boast exceptional resistance to the elements. They remain unaffected by moisture, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental factors that cause wood signs to deteriorate. Choose longevity without compromising on aesthetics—our signs provide the perfect balance.

Black and white sign with wood grain texture

Unveiling the Beauty of Fake Wood

While the term “fake wood” might sound like a compromise, our 3D signs redefine expectations. These signs go beyond mere imitation, embodying the timeless beauty of wood without its inherent vulnerabilities. Imagine a sign that retains its flawless appearance year after year, unaffected by the elements. Our faux wood signs deliver on this promise, providing a low-maintenance, high-impact solution for those seeking enduring beauty.

A sign that looks like wood being made in a sign shop

The Smart Choice for Discerning Clients

For those in search of a better-than-wood sign that combines aesthetics with practicality, our high-density urethane 3D signs present the ideal solution. Say goodbye to the worries of warping and cracking, and welcome a sign that not only looks the part but outperforms traditional wood in every aspect. Elevate your signage game with our faux wood signs—a smart choice for the discerning client who demands durability without compromising on style.

Sign that looks like wood with raised letters

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our high-density urethane 3D signs are the epitome of craftsmanship and innovation and we aim to resonate with individuals seeking an alternative to traditional wood signs. By highlighting the lasting durability and aesthetic appeal of our signs, we position our company as the go-to choice for those who want the best of both worlds: the timeless charm of wood and the longevity of advanced materials.

View award winning HDU signs here.

Unlocking the Power of High Density Urethane: The Ultimate Choice for Outdoor Signs

Introduction:

In today’s competitive marketplace, businesses strive to capture attention and leave a lasting impression on potential customers. Outdoor signs play a pivotal role in achieving this objective, acting as ambassadors for brands and establishments. To ensure the success of your signage endeavors, it is crucial to select the right material. Among the numerous options available, one material stands out as a champion in terms of durability, versatility, and visual appeal: high density urethane (HDU). In this article, we will delve into the remarkable qualities that make HDU the unparalleled choice for crafting outdoor signs that leave a lasting impact.

1. Unrivaled Durability

The harsh outdoor elements pose a significant challenge for any material used in signage construction. HDU rises above this challenge with its exceptional durability. Unlike wood, HDU is impervious to moisture, rot, and termites, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use. Its closed-cell structure prevents water infiltration, ensuring the sign remains intact even in extreme weather conditions. With HDU, you can bid farewell to worries about warping, cracking, or fading, as it maintains its structural integrity and vibrant appearance over time.

2. Lightweight Versatility:

3. Endless Design Possibilities:

A captivating sign design has the power to captivate the imagination and pique the interest of passersby. HDU embraces creativity with its versatile nature, enabling the realization of intricate and visually stunning designs. This material can be carved, routed, and molded into a wide array of shapes, sizes, and textures, bringing your branding vision to life with unparalleled precision. HDU’s smooth surface allows for flawless painting, showcasing vibrant colors that remain vibrant and eye-catching for years to come.

4. Environmentally Conscious Choice:

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, making sustainable choices is crucial. HDU emerges as a responsible alternative to traditional signage materials due to its eco-friendly qualities. It is manufactured using non-toxic, water-based processes that minimize environmental impact. Additionally, HDU is a recyclable material, allowing for responsible disposal or repurposing at the end of its lifecycle. By opting for HDU, you not only invest in a high-quality sign but also contribute to a greener future.

Conclusion:

When it comes to crafting impactful outdoor signs, high density urethane reigns supreme. Its unrivaled durability, lightweight versatility, endless design possibilities, and eco-friendly attributes make HDU the material of choice for businesses seeking to create a lasting impression. By embracing HDU, you unlock a world of creative opportunities while ensuring your signs endure the test of time. Join the ranks of industry leaders who have harnessed the power of high density urethane and watch as your signage becomes an influential and visually striking ambassador for your brand.

View award winning HDU signs here.

3D Company Logo Sign

Many companies and organizations want a sign incorporating their own logo. A 3D company logo sign will draw the attention of the passerby and gains visibility for the company brand.

Why consider a 3D company logo sign?

Good signage provides customers and potential customers with subtle, but important, communication cues and increases brand awareness. What better way to do this than with an eye-catching 3D logo sign. The shape, shadows and shading of 3D letters, logos and graphics attract attention like no two-dimensional flat sign can.

How to turn a logo into a 3D sign?

3D logo signs can be made from high density urethane (HDU), wood, PVC, ACM and other substrates. Depending on the design, the sign can be carved with raised letters and graphics in one piece. Or different elements carved separately and applied to the sign in multiple layers.
To do this, a designer will require a company’s vectored logo file to be able to re-size and edit for signage purposes. If no vectored logo file is available, the designer will need to recreate the design in vector format.
The vectored sign design will then be used to create the files necessary to carve the sign on a CNC router. The router will carve and cut the substrate to the design’s specs.
The sign will then be assembled and painted to match the company’s logo colors.

3D Sculpted Signs

3D Sculpted Signs feature three dimensional letters and graphics hand sculpted and carved with sculpting putty or concrete and then hand painted.

3D sculpted signs are distinctive and imaginative. Not only is it a sign announcing a business or other location, but also a piece of captivating artwork.

Krampus Kave - 3D hand sculpted with epoxy sculpting putty

Sculpted elements may be added to a multimedia sign to accent certain pieces.

Jubilee - MDO plywood with hand sculpted earth

A 3D Sculpted Sign is an investment in originality. These signs are remembered; offering one more advertising element to your business or location.

View award winning sculpted sign here.

3D Leaf - sculpted and painted with an internal armature

Nutcracker Museum - 3D sign with hand sculpted boarder

Ornate Sign Brackets

Ornate sign brackets can be as eye-catching and unique as the sign itself.

As well as impactful, ornate sign brackets should be rigid and hold up in strong winds. Most are made of steel or aluminum. Common finishes include glossy or matte spray paint, layered or textured paint effects, or powder coating.

ornate sign bracket and wood carved sign copy

Consider an ornate sign bracket when brainstorming ideas for your sign. An ornate bracket gives an impression of professionalism and elegance. You will be pleased with the results.

Metal Sign with scroll details and prismatic gold leaf letters.

What Are HDU Signs?

HDU signs are signs made from a dense durable foam called high-density urethane (HDU). It is one of the most versatile, cost-effective, and eco-friendly sign material options available. It is highly prized in the sign industry for its carving ability and longevity.

HDU, such as Corafoam by Duna, is a polyurethane substrate which is baked, pressed, and cut into sheets. Those sheets come in a variety of thicknesses and densities and are able to be carved, sanded, and painted with ease.

Why consider an HDU sign?

HDU signs are valued for their quality, physical characteristics, and exceptional strength. HDU can be cut with typical wood working tools or can be carved with a CNC router to create texture to closely resemble wood, stone and other materials.

Are HDU signs better than wood?

Sign shops and customers tend to prefer HDU signs over wood signs for the following reasons:

HDU signs will not warp like wood.
HDU won’t crack or split. Wood signs dry out and crack over time if not maintained regularly.
HDU’s closed cell formula makes it waterproof. Wood can rot over time.
HDU is knot-free, grain-free, strong, and rigid.
HDU is available in a variety of sizes and densities.

Signs can be made entirely out of HDU, or they can be made from multiple layers of various substrates. HDU elements, such as letters & graphics, can be applied to other substrates or surfaces such as wood, plastic, metal, or stucco. It can be used in conjunction with other sculpting mediums as well.

Black, white and red sign with 3D letters

View award winning HDU signs here.

Signs with Gold Leaf

Signs with gold leaf add distinction, flair, and value to your design. Gold leaf is gold that has been hammered into thin sheets and has been used for centuries. It shines brightly in the sunshine and continues to gleam for many years in exterior conditions. Signs with gold leaf typically highlight letters and graphics where you might otherwise use gold paint. It can be added to wood, HDU and metal signs. Since gold is immune to most chemicals and weather conditions, it will last much longer than paint. Obviously, it costs more than paint but the results can add professionalism, dimension and longevity to a sign that may far exceed the price.

Andreas-Keller---carved-cedar-circle,-HDU-scroll-with-gold-leafed-lettering

Faux Wood Signs

Faux wood signs are actually better than real wood in many ways.

Our faux wood signs are made from HDU (High Density Urethane) because it can be carved like wood but is lighter and more durable. There’s something nostalgic about a wood sign. So it really should not be surprising that people want to have signs that appear to be made out of wood but without the drawbacks—rotting, warping, or deteriorating. We also don’t have to worry about running into knots! Using a CNC router, we carve textures into the HDU to simulate chiseling and wood grain. And the letters and graphics can be raised or carved down into the HDU.

3D carved HDU round sign with chisel texture

Carved HDU Sign with textured background

Carved HDU sign with chisel background with hand painted scenery

Prismatic Letters

Custom prismatic letters & symbols truly make for a striking three dimensional sign. The various beveled angles create a beautiful play of light and shadow making prismatic letters very appealing to the eye.

What are prismatic letters?

Prismatic letters are three dimensional letters that have a multi-angle surface usually consisting of a peak at the top and bevels down each side. The light source, from wherever it originates, will catch and reflect the angled surfaces with a different amount of intensity, and the steeper the prismatic effect the more dramatic the light and shadow difference will be. Prismatic elements such as letters, symbols or logos can be added directly to walls or added to a sign panel creating a nice 3D effect.

Prismatic letters can have shallow or steep angles at the peaks, and their edges can be sharp or rounded. The surfaces can be smooth or textured, painted solid or gradated, or they can be gilded with precious metal leaf. Gold and silver leaf are extremely reflective making them a popular choice for prismatic lettering on signs. The possibilities are endless!

Prismatic letters & symbols are most often carved from a thick flat sheet of material such as foam, plastic or wood. We often use HDU (High Density Urethane) and our CNC router to carve prismatic letters. This combination of materials & tools allows for precision and durability. Each element is then finished by hand.

The elegant details of their logo & business name lends well to prismatic letters applied to a custom metal bracket and frame. (Patty O’s Cafe, Washington, VA)

Go Fish – Hooks & Lures: The copper and gold letters stand off the carved HDU. (North America Sign Invitational, Gibbs Graphics Leavenworth, WA)

3D sign featuring a frog hanging on the wall.

Prismatic, textured Q sign hanging on the wall.

A comparison of a sign with v-carved letters next to a sign with prismatic lettering

3D sign saying Greatness Made Here with sculpted woman holding a paint brush and pencil.

Directional Signs

Directional signs will help guide vehicle or pedestrian traffic by pointing them in the right direction.

Directional signs at your entry points and place of business help customers locate you. Your sign can be shaped like an arrow pointing toward the destination. It can be a directory of each business in a building or down a driveway. Wood, HDU, aluminum composite, PVC are some of the materials used for directional signs. Your design can be elaborate with sculpted figures and unique elements or it can be something simple. Making it easy for your customers and guests by giving them directions as they arrive, will always provide a positive lasting impression.

wooden signs hang from a rustic structure