Traditional Signwriting

Sign painting remains a popular permanent signage choice. Our skilled signwriters paint imagery and branding and are also trained in gold and silver leaf application. Ideal for listed or heritage buildings, traditional signwriting is ideal for hospitality venues and on uneven surfaces.

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Business branding that speaks volumes

Traditional signwriting is a technique of creating signs and lettering using paint, brushes, and other tools by hand. This technique was commonly used before the introduction of digital sign-making techniques and vinyl cutting machines. Despite the rise of digital sign-making techniques, traditional signwriting continues to be used today. It is often preferred for its authenticity and handcrafted look, and can be seen on the signs of many small businesses and shops around the world. Wise Studios still places great importance on providing these techniques and extensively trains its staff in these signage methods. Our artisanal approach helps to confer tried and tested and methodical values to the brands that use our sign writing services.

A signage business with an eye to the past as well as the future

Traditional signwriting involves the use of a variety of materials, including oil-based or water-based paints, gilding materials, and brushes of various sizes and shapes. The signwriter begins by sketching the design onto the surface using chalk or pencil. They then use the brush to carefully fill in the design, building up the layers of paint to create a smooth, vibrant finish. Traditional signwriting requires a high level of skill and precision. At Wise Studios, our sign writers have a good eye for detail, an understanding of typography, and the ability to work with various materials and tools. They are also able to work quickly and efficiently, as most signwriting jobs have tight deadlines.

Many businesses, particularly those that value craftsmanship, authenticity, and a handmade aesthetic, still opt for traditional signwriting over digital signage. This is especially true for small businesses such as independent cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, who often rely on traditional signwriting to convey a sense of charm, character, and individuality. We can help with all aspects including implementation, installation (where necessary) and maintenance for whatever scheme you have in mind.

Retro vehicle graphics

This can be particularly useful for their application to your fleet if you wish to convey individuality or an established brand or quality products. Our clients value how we can provide detailed digital mock-ups of what the final produced design will look like. We have the experience and size to scale your design across your entire fleet, no matter how many vehicles you have. We can arrange to obtain your vehicles when it’s most convenient so you have down time minimized and because we cover the Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington region we’re never that far away from you.

Sign writing for office and workplaces

Sign painting is a versatile and effective way to create wall art for businesses, and can help them to create a distinctive look and feel that sets them apart from competitors. In addition to creating custom designs, our sign painters can also recreate vintage or retro signage styles, which can be especially popular for businesses that want to convey a sense of nostalgia or history.

Sign painting techniques can be used to create wall art for businesses. In fact, sign painting and mural painting have a long history of overlapping, and our sign painters are also skilled muralists. Using traditional sign painting techniques to create wall art can result in a unique and authentic look that can help businesses stand out and create a memorable impression on customers. Our sign painters can create custom designs that incorporate a business’s branding, logo, or other elements, and can work with a variety of materials and surfaces, including walls, windows, and even floors.

Sign writing’s eco-credentials

Traditional signs can be more environmentally friendly than modern digital signage, depending on how they are made and used. One of the main advantages of traditional signs is that they are typically made from natural materials such as wood, metal, or stone, which are biodegradable and renewable. This means that when the sign has reached the end of its useful life, it can be easily recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

In contrast, digital signs are typically made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastics and metals, which can take many years to decompose and can contribute to environmental pollution if not properly disposed of. In addition, traditional signs do not require electricity to operate, which means that they do not consume energy or produce carbon emissions like digital signs do. This can make them a more environmentally friendly option for businesses that are concerned about their carbon footprint.

However, it’s worth noting that traditional sign-making techniques can also have environmental drawbacks, particularly if they involve the use of toxic materials such as lead-based paints or harsh solvents. To minimize these environmental impacts, it’s important for sign makers to use eco-friendly materials and techniques whenever possible, and to properly dispose of any hazardous materials they do use.

Contact our team today. We can provide you with expert advice and a free no obligation quote.

Traditional signwriting FAQs

  • What is traditional signwriting?

    Traditional signwriting is a technique of creating signs and lettering by hand using paint, brushes, and other tools, predating digital sign-making techniques and vinyl cutting machines.

  • What materials are used in traditional signwriting?

    Traditional signwriting involves the use of materials such as oil-based or water-based paints, gilding materials, and brushes of various sizes and shapes.

  • What skills are required for traditional signwriting?

    Traditional signwriters need a good eye for detail, an understanding of typography, and the ability to work with various materials and tools. They also need to work quickly and efficiently to meet tight deadlines.

  • Why is traditional signwriting still used today?

    Traditional signwriting is preferred for its authenticity and handcrafted look. Many businesses, particularly small ones like cafes and boutique shops, choose traditional signwriting to convey charm, character, and individuality.

  • Can traditional sign painting be used for wall art?

    Yes, sign painting techniques can be used to create wall art for businesses. Sign painters can create custom designs that incorporate branding elements and work on various surfaces like walls, windows, and floors.

  • What are the advantages of traditional signs in terms of the environment?

    Traditional signs are often made from natural materials like wood, metal, or stone, which are biodegradable and renewable. They don’t require electricity to operate, making them more environmentally friendly compared to digital signs.

  • Are there any environmental concerns with traditional sign-making techniques?

    Some traditional sign-making techniques may involve the use of toxic materials like lead-based paints or harsh solvents. To minimize environmental impacts, it’s important for sign makers to use eco-friendly materials and techniques and properly dispose of any hazardous materials.

  • How can traditional signs help businesses stand out?

    Traditional signs offer a unique and authentic look that can help businesses create a memorable impression. They can incorporate custom designs, branding elements, and even recreate vintage or retro styles.

  • Are traditional signs more sustainable than digital signage?

    Traditional signs can be more environmentally friendly depending on their materials and usage. They are often made from biodegradable and renewable materials, don’t require electricity, and can be easily recycled or disposed of. Digital signage, on the other hand, is typically made from non-biodegradable materials and consumes energy.

  • Can traditional sign painters create custom designs?

    Yes, traditional sign painters can create custom designs that reflect a business’s branding, logo, or other elements. They are skilled in typography, hand-painting techniques, and working with various materials.