What we do
Traditional Fabrication
Nothing in our shop is computer controlled, we bend, cut, and shape every piece of metal by hand. We take our time and make sure its done right, no short cuts. We take pride in knowing the signs we produce should out live us. We have the ability to work with both Aluminum and Steel. Aluminum is used for exterior projects where weather resistance or if weight is a concern. Steel is used for interior artisanal projects due to its greater ability to be finished with an aged patina.
Authentic neon
Real neon has a visual quality that can only be seen in person. It is our go to form of illumination on our signs. The light is created by passing a high voltage current through gas contained with a glass tube. The electricity excites the gas molecules creating light. We see a similar effect happen in the night sky with the Northern Lights. The colours are determined by choosing and combining various different gases and types of glass. Neon is no longer used frequently in commercial signage, but is seeing a resurgence of popularity in the art and interior design industries.
Hand lettering & Finishing
Before the days of vinyl almost all detail and lettering was painted by a human hand. Its easy to see why hand painting was so quickly abandoned by commercial sign shops with the advent of cut vinyl. Hand painting takes lots of pattern and surface preparation, knowledge of appropriate paints, a good technique with steady hands and a lot of patience. The brush strokes and slightly imperfect edges give a character to a sign that no computer can match.
Original Design & Creative Direction
We do NOT reproduce work that you find on Pinterest, or anywhere else for that matter. We only book projects in which an original concept is able to be developed. We get it, sometimes there are some really cool ideas that you stumble across, and want exactly that. Many shops would wouldn’t think twice, but we respect the creative rights of our fellow sign makers and refuse to infringe on those. If you give us a chance, we have some pretty great ideas of our own.
Project Consultation
Working on something that you need advice on? We’re happy to help out on your project as a creative or technical consultant. Some projects come along that we aren’t able to take on directly, but we can take some time to discuss scope and feasibility with you. While we specialize in neon illumination, sometimes its not the best option for every application. We help clients find what is going to work best for them. Our consultation fees start at $80/hr.
UL Canada Electrical Certification
Our signs are big, heavy and powerful so safety is our number one priority. All or our signs are built using UL or CSA certified parts. In addition to this we arrange special UL inspection on our signs to ensure they comply with Canadian Electrical Codes. This is one of the most expensive($650) aspects of each project, but in doing so you know that you are receiving a quality product, and in a worst case scenario would not have your insurance denied as you would if an uncertified electrical device was found to be at fault.
Specialized Techniques
We’re always looking for exciting projects and new ideas to pursue. We’re currently exploring another classic form of signage; thermoforming. This involves heating a sheet of plastic until it is formable then using a vacuum table to make it form over a mold. Many mass produced signs in the 1960’s and 1970’s used this technique. They have a unique charm and the creative possibilities with the technique are fun to think about.
HISTORIC REPRODUCTION
We do not preform repairs on broken neon signs. Doing so involves significant health risks to the neon bender as most coloured neon requires the tubes to also contain mercury to enhance its brightness. When repairing a tube this mercury residue can be vaporized and inhaled during the reheating of the glass. We can, however, accurately reproduce and replace broken neon, or rebuild an entire sign from scratch. Above is a reproduction of a historical sign that we completely reproduced for the Canadian Museum of History.
Collaboration
We have access to a great network of local sign professionals. If you have a project thats outside our wheelhouse, we can connect you with the right people. We also have connections to a wide variety of related designers & tradespeople. Graphic & Interior Designers, Electricians, Sign Installers, Plumbers, Welders, CNC/plasma/laser Cutting Operators, & Painters. We’d be happy to connect you.