Shop Sign Lettering: 4 Gold Options
Gold leaf shop sign lettering in Lewes, East Sussex
In the world of hand crafted signs there’s more than one way to go for gold!
When choosing your shop sign lettering, going for gold can be a great way to stand out but it isn’t just as simple as asking for a gold sign, there are an overwhelming amount of options, especially here at Small Type Studio where all the signs are handcrafted.
Each of these options will achieve different looks and offer differing durability and price points, so it’s important to pick the right one for your business.
To help you choose, I've broken down the four gold options for your shop sign lettering, where they work best, and given you some tips on how to make the most of each of them…
Metallic Gold Paint- good looking but can be quick to fade
Weatherproofed metallic paint on 3D letters on a cafe sign in Lewes, East Sussex
I often get asked if gold paint is a good choice for shop signs, as a substitute for gold leaf. While it seems to give something close to that true gold look at an affordable price, it's not always the best option—especially for exterior signs.
After a few months in the rain, that once-glimmering gold can start to lose its shine and you will be left with a much flatter finish.
Of course, this worn look might work for some styles, but if you’re after a long-lasting, high-shine appearance, it’s something to keep in mind!
If you decide that metallic gold paint is the best choice for your shop sign lettering you can protect it by covering it with multiple layers of varnish.
Follow these tips for the best results with metallic gold paint:
Make sure to extend the varnish over the edges of the lettering.
Apply three coats of varnish to be sure no spots have been missed and that you have sealed the gold paint in.
Use a signwriters, UV varnish like ‘Frog Juice’ for the best results, easy application and durability.
When done properly, this will give you a great many years of shine out of your gold lettering, but be aware that eventually, the water may get in, especially if you’re exposed to the elements.
Metallic gold paint can be a great solution indoors:
If you're creating an indoor gold sign, metallic gold paint can be an excellent, budget-friendly option. Since there's no exposure to water, the paint's shine remains intact without the need for varnish. It’s worth noting however, that achieving good coverage may require several coats, which can increase the overall cost compared to, say, a hand-painted golden sign.
Which leads me to…
2. Golden Paint- for long-lasting shop sign lettering
Shop sign lettering painted in a golden colour in Brighton, East Sussex
Golden paint is a great option for exterior signs when gold leaf isn’t within your budget. Mixing a flat golden colour that captures the warm color of gold, without the metallic sheen.
One of its biggest advantages is its durability. When you use signwriter’s enamels to paint your golden lettering, the letters can last for over 30 years! This is much longer than the metallic paint, which as we’ve learnt, without varnish deteriorates very quickly.
Long-lasting & affordable:
Golden paint is great for shop sign lettering where you want a gold sign but where the shine of the real gold is not necessary.
In my sign studio, I often use golden paint for pubs, antique stores and cafe's and it also works really well for honour boards, as it's much easier to apply than gold leaf or metallic paint, reducing the time it takes to apply.
3. Vinyl- not as affordable as it seems
I'll be honest—vinyl isn't my favorite for signage. It doesn’t last, it's not great for the environment (hello, plastic waste!), and it tends to age poorly. Plus, vinyl signs can sometimes look rushed or cheap if they’re not designed well.
But, if you really need to use vinyl, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Invest in quality vinyl- Cheap vinyl will only last a short time before it starts to peel or fade.
Work with a skilled sign maker- Many sign shops simply type out some letters in a basic font, with no attention to the spacing, informational hierarchy or colour, whereas a good sign maker or graphic designer will consider all these things to help create something that is more beautiful, as well as functional.
To me the only reason to settle for vinyl is when money or time is short, as a professionally hand crafted sign is more effective and lasts longer.
When you factor in the cost of a designer and quality vinyl, is it really worth cutting corners just to save a bit of money? Sometimes, investing a bit more upfront can pay off in the long run.
4. Gold Leaf - the ultimate in beauty and durability
Gold leaf shop sign lettering, glowing in the sun in Lewes, East Sussex
Gold leaf is the ultimate option for shop sign lettering. Gold leaf is made from real gold that has been bashed into a very fine sheet, these sheets can then be applied to a sign or shopfront by a traditional signwriter.
This is a delicate process but has surprisingly durable results and is the longest lasting gold shop sign lettering option, outliving paint and vinyl; when applied correctly outdoor signs can last in excess of 40 years outdoors and centuries indoors!
How to make sure your gold leaf shop sign lettering lasts:
Make sure you use 23.75kt gold leaf or higher. Anything lower than this will tarnish in the elements.
Hire an experienced signwriter who knows how to apply the gold leaf in the most lasting way outdoors.
Do not cover the finished lettering in varnish, varnish fails much quicker than gold leaf and will only shorten the life span of your sign.
There’s a good reason that gold was used so much before illuminated signs, as well as being extremely durable, when light hits it gives a glowing quality to the letters. For this reason it can be a great idea to consider your lighting options alongside commissioning a gold leaf sign.
Gold leaf shop sign lettering is a great option for high-end, luxury businesses, traditional pub signs and can be used to add details to modern signs for that extra bit of flair at a reasonably low cost!
So there you have it, 4 options for your gold leaf shop sign lettering. We’ve looked at gold metallic paint, golden paint, vinyl and gold leaf, discussed their limitations and strengths and shared a few tips to make the most of all for of them.
Hopefully, you are now a bit clearer on the option that is most suited to your shop but if you need any more information, you can drop me a line via email or send me a message on Instagram, I’m always happy to talk signs!
I offer shop signwriting services on-site in East Sussex, Kent, London and the surrounding area, as well as a range of signs that can be built and painted in my studio and sent anywhere in the UK.
If you are looking for a beautiful hand-crafted sign, head to my Sign Studio to find out more about the range of signs I make, any of which are available in gold, or if you are itching to get started, head straight to my enquiry form to get an idea of the cost of your new sign and my current availability.