Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why are most of your signs made from aluminum?

A. Whether we do special custom signs or simple stock signs, we want our signs to last. Aluminum that is factory painted can withstand the harsh weather and sun much better than wood signs. Aluminum signs will not rust. We use .080 aluminum in all our aluminum signs as this is the thickest available with a factory finish. This finish is important as all our graphics, whether painted or vinyl, need to adhere to the finish. The factory has a special bonding primer & process for aluminum that cannot be duplicated in small shops. 

Q. Can I use aluminum for a larger sign?

A. Aluminum signs can be used for larger applications if proper support is given. A 4' x 8' sign can be made from .080 aluminum with the help of a support frame. We use these frames to support all around the perimeter of the sign in back (refer to the Bel Air Vista sign in Custom Signs category to see an example). The frame is hidden behind the sign and we pop rivet the sign to the frame using aluminum pop rivets. This allows the sign and the frame to be removed and repainted when needed simply by drilling out the aluminum pop rivets that mount the sign to the frame.

Q. Why are some signs made from wood and not aluminum?

A. There are basically two types of wood signs. One is called MDO and is a panel similar to plywood only that MDO has a Medium Density Overlay on the face that makes it smooth as well as stronger. MDO signs are great for mounting on 2 posts where the strength of the material between is important. The second type of wood signs are used for sandblasting, carving & routering. Generally this is Redwood about 1.5" Thick that is planked (joined) together to form one larger sign. These signs usually have an 3-D artistic look to them and reflect a great deal of skilled labor in creating them. Both these type of signs hold their place for what they are used for. Both MDO and Redwood signs begin to peel and crack after a while (2-5 yrs) and require periodic repainting to keep them in like new condition. Aluminum signs can replace MDO signs if there is back support for it such as overlaying an existing damaged MDO or sandblasted sign, mounting on walls or mounting on a support frame between posts. Very nice graphics can be done on aluminum signs in 2-D to mimic effects of 3-D signs, but do not have the same feel as a sandblasted or carved wood signs as they lack the thickness and depth. We use wood signs for applications where we need strength without any back support (MDO signs) or when we want to give a dimensional effect such as Sandblasting or Carving (Redwood signs).

Q. What is Graffiti Film and how does it work?

A. We are based 60 miles outside of Los Angeles, California. We experience a lot of graffiti removal from signs. Most of the graffiti is spray paint, some is markers and some is scratched on surface. Graffiti film forms an ultra clear barrier between the sign and the graffiti that is resistant to most solvents. This allows both the lacquer spray paints and the marker type graffiti to be removed without damaging the protective graffiti film. This process can be done easily and repeatedly day after day if needed to battle graffiti vandalism to your sign. It does not protect against scratching type vandalism, even glass doesn't protect against scratching, but in our experience we don't find much graffiti other than paint & marker on signs (scratching doesn't show as well). We will instruct you on proper cleaning of this film so that you can clean graffiti from your Aluminum or MDO signs easily, safely and cost effectively. There is another important benefit to graffiti film and that is the UV filtering capability of the film. In the past we have seen some colors of paint and vinyl fade rather quickly in direct sunlight (maroon, red, purple). With the use of graffiti film we have seen colors lasting well over twice the amount of time as without the film. It's a win-win situation for your sign, keeping your business or property looking good for years to come.

Q. I have a unique sign need and I am not sure what to do?

A. Email us with your sign need, we have been making custom signs for over 30 years and have a lot of experience and knowledge and we are more than willing to help you get the right sign or give you technical advice.

Q. Why are you called stockcustomsigns?

A. We want to create an in between category of signs, a blend between a stock sign and a custom sign or as we call it a stock-custom sign. While stock signs will always have their place, we believe that a stock-custom sign is more effective and useful than a pure stock sign as it can be customized to fit variable needs. We have upgraded the layouts as well to give the signs a custom look. We add a little of what we do with our custom signs to our stock signs, but not costing as much as a custom sign. We have developed techniques and talents that are not available in most of todays instant sign shops. We use these to aid in the production of unique signs that might not otherwise be available without this blend of stock and custom methods.