Over 35 years of experience producing custom
identification signs!
At this time, we are only servicing local and existing sign customers. If you would like to reach out to us, you can submit an email to support@dovelightgraphics.com. Thank you for your interest!
SANDBLASTED SIGNS * CARVED SIGNS * GILDED SIGNS
Sign above is 10' wide by 10 1/2' high made from sandblasted HDU (signfoam) with carved and gilded letters and finials.
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Who we are
Dovelight Graphics has produced original logo designs and beautiful custom identification signs since 1983.* Our signs are primarily exterior identification signs, built to withstand the rugged Wisconsin Northwoods environment. At this time, internet services are limited to custom carved
and sandblasted signs and logo designs. In addition, we offer trade show displays, vehicle and window lettering, hand-painted and premium vinyl signs, formed plastic & aluminum letters, illuminated sign faces, and installation services to local businesses in Northern Wisconsin and nearby communities. Be sure to visit Photo Gallery 1 for examples of carved and sandblasted signs and Photo Gallery 2 for these and additional sign services that may be available to local clients.
* designed and created by the owner and head craftsperson
and sandblasted signs and logo designs. In addition, we offer trade show displays, vehicle and window lettering, hand-painted and premium vinyl signs, formed plastic & aluminum letters, illuminated sign faces, and installation services to local businesses in Northern Wisconsin and nearby communities. Be sure to visit Photo Gallery 1 for examples of carved and sandblasted signs and Photo Gallery 2 for these and additional sign services that may be available to local clients.
* designed and created by the owner and head craftsperson
Design services
The reason we have so many satisfied customers over the years can largely be attributed to thoughtful and innovative sign and logo designs. You are welcome to provide your own layout and color scheme for the signs that you order, or for a nominal fee we can utilize our years of expertise and success in order to create a design with lasting appeal. Please fill out the contact form found at the top of this page or email us at support@dovelightgraphics.com for more information. Photos are helpful for determining the right sign layout and color scheme for your building or business location. Examples of our logo designs can be found on the Design Services page.
How our signs are made
We use only the highest quality materials in fabricating our signs, primed and finished with multiple coats of sign-grade enamels or premium acrylic latex paints in order for you to receive years of maintenance-free service from your signs. At this time we offer two options for the substrate of your sign: High-density Urethane (i.e. Signfoam, Precision Board, Design Board) and clear cedar. High-density urethane, or HDU, is an ideal media for dimensional signage for the following reasons: manufacturers claim that is will not rot, split or crack, it is impervious to moisture and lightweight, and it comes in sheet form and does not require lamination as with wood. An example of a sandblasted sign using a grain frame to give it the appearance of sandblasted wood is shown on the left. If it is sandblasted without such a device, the result is an attractive stucco-like appearance as shown in Debby's Farm Market sign of our photo gallery. If you require a natural wood-grain texture, you may prefer a cedar sign. We carefully select clear cedar boards that are relatively free from knots and imperfections and align them for optimal appearance. Larger wood signs must be constructed from boards which are doweled and glued with exterior adhesives. Although we have had great success in the durability of our cedar signs, any wood substrate is subject over time to cracking, warping, or absorbing moisture if the paint finish is compromised by accident or vandalism.
Carved Signs
All of our signs are carefully hand-crafted with journeyman precision for optimal appearance and function. Incise-carved letters (as shown on the left) are generally carved with gouges and chisels in the old-world style, and routers and other power tools are also used when suitable to the project at hand. The letters are then sanded and carefully finished with exterior paints to provide you with a beautiful and lasting product. Dimensional signs are either incise-carved (where the letters are cut into the sign background) or relief-carved (when the letters or designs are raised above the background) as with a cameo. We use both techniques in many of our projects. HDU is the preferred substrate for a carved sign since it has no grain pattern like wood and is less likely to crack or split. A carved and sandblasted sign has a unique appeal that can increase its advertising value for your business.
Gilded Signs
Many of our carved signs are enhanced with the distinguishing look of gold leaf. Gilding is a process of applying 23+ karat gold in sheet form to carved letters, designs, and finials of a sign. Since this is actual gold, it does not tarnish and provides an irresistible radiant glow to your sign in the presence of sunlight. Gilded signs can only be truly appreciated when seen in person. A photo of a carved and gilded letter is provided on the left. After a sign is carved and painted, a size (comparable to a slow-drying varnish) is carefully painted in the letters or design to which the gold will adhere. We generally use a slow drying size because of its durability over time. The gold leaf is then meticulously applied to the surface with pressure (in the case of patent size) or with a gilder's tip, a special brush used with gold leaf. After the size has a chance to set sufficiently, the letters or design are burnished with soft cotton and the process is repeated in order to catch any "holidays" or spots where the gold may not have sufficiently adhered. Despite the additional costs of professional labor and materials, all of our customers who have purchased gilded signs have found them to be well worth the investment