Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the most common questions about our engraved house signs, including engraving, fixings, bespoke sizes, colours and care.

Questions About Engraved House Signs

What exactly is V-groove engraving?

We use a CNC router with a V-shaped engraving cutter to engrave deeply into our polished natural slate signs and white solid-surface signs. This method takes longer than surface engraving, but it creates a deep, clearly defined finish that you can both see and feel.

The engraving depth varies depending on the size of the letters or numbers and can range from around 2mm to 6.5mm. Larger house names and numbers allow for deeper engraving, while the maximum character size is limited to avoid weakening the plaque.

Once engraved, the text and numbers are finished with several coats of durable exterior paint and a UV-resistant protective lacquer.

Can I have hidden fixings on a sign?

We no longer offer or recommend hidden fixings. You can read more about the reasons in our guide to hidden fixings.

Can I have an engraved outside border?

We don't normally offer engraved outside borders on our V-grooved slate house signs. It can sometimes be done as a bespoke option, but creating an even engraved border around natural slate takes considerably more production time and may also require the house name or number to be made smaller to leave enough space around the edge. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a bespoke border.

How do I keep an engraved sign clean?

Most V-grooved house signs can simply be washed with warm soapy water to remove dirt, dust and general outdoor grime.

Our white engraved house signs require very little maintenance and can normally be kept clean with occasional washing.

Natural slate can gradually lose some of its original surface appearance outdoors. After cleaning, an occasional light treatment with a suitable slate or stone finish can help restore its darker appearance.

Can I have a bespoke size?

Yes. We can produce bespoke engraved plaques up to approximately 500mm wide by 300mm high, depending on the material and design. We normally base the price on the nearest standard size above the dimensions you require, as the plaque is usually cut down from a standard blank. Contact us if you need a particular size and we'll advise you on the best option.

Can I have a bespoke colour inlay?

Possibly. Our slate signs are available with three standard inlay colours, while our white engraved signs have a wider choice of engraving colours.

If you need a specific colour, such as a particular RAL shade, we may be able to source it as a bespoke option. Because we use durable exterior-grade paints, additional paint costs may apply. Please contact us with the colour you require and we'll let you know what is possible.