Thin Metal Plates and Signs
Thin Metal Plates offer unmatched versatility, precision, and durability across a wide range of applications. Crafted from ultra-thin sheets of stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or nickel silver, these signs combine premium materials with custom finishes and imprinting techniques — perfect for wayfinding, identification, branding, and large-volume production.
Each thin-gauge sign is engineered for long-term indoor or outdoor use and backed by our Lifetime Guarantee.
What Are Thin Gauge Metal Signs?
Thin-gauge metal signs are made from high-quality sheet metal ranging from 0.015 inch to 0.125 inch thick. Despite their slim profiles, they deliver exceptional strength, fine detail, and professional appearance.
Available sizes: from 1 inch × 1 inch up to 23 inches × 36 inches (maximum 5.75 sq ft / 828 sq in)
Available thicknesses: eleven options between 0.015 in and 0.125 in
Ideal uses:
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Wayfinding and room identification
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Sequential numbering and data plates
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Branding and product labeling
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High-volume architectural or industrial applications
Metal Material Options
Choose from five premium materials and a variety of alloys and finishes to suit your environment and design style.
Stainless Steel
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Alloys: 304, 316, and 430 (magnetic)
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Thickness options: 0.015″, 0.018″, 0.022″, 0.029″, 0.050″, 0.062″
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Finishes: Satin or bright (alloy-specific)
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Durability: Excellent for both interior and exterior use
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Notes: Alloy 304 and 316 available in satin only
Aluminum
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Alloys: 5005-H34 (Anodized), 3003, and 3105
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Thickness options: 0.020″, 0.025″, 0.040″, 0.050″, 0.063″, 0.125″
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Finishes: Satin or bright silver/gold, satin black, white opaque, or DuraLuxe™ gloss white
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Applications: Excellent print surface for sublimation, screen printing, or etching
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Durability: Indoor and outdoor (DuraLuxe for exterior)
Brass
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Alloys: 230 and 353
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Thickness options: 0.020″, 0.040″, 0.062″, 0.125″
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Finishes: Satin or bright gold/yellow
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Durability: Best for indoor applications; antique and etched finishes available
Copper
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Alloy: 110
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Thickness: 0.020″ (satin finish)
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Appearance: Rich, warm tone perfect for decorative interior applications
Nickel Silver
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Alloy: 792
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Thicknesses: 0.018″, 0.040″
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Finishes: Bright or satin
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Durability: Indoor decorative and limited outdoor applications
Corner and Shape Options
Thin-gauge plates can be customized with four standard corner shapes or custom-cut contours upon request. Corners can be rounded or chamfered to fit your design or mounting style.
Fonts, Artwork & Customization
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Custom text, logos, and graphics may be supplied in vector artwork (AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG).
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Text and artwork can be raised or recessed when etched.
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Small type, serial numbers, and intricate designs reproduce accurately due to the precision of the thin-metal process.
Finishes and Imprinting Techniques
Our thin-metal signs can be customized using a range of imprinting methods, each suited to specific aesthetics and environments.
Etched and Color-Filled
Chemical etching creates recessed designs that are filled with durable paint for contrast.
Available in etched and color-filled, etched and frosted, or etched and antiqued finishes.
Sublimated (Full-Color)
Sublimation permanently infuses inks into the metal surface, producing vibrant, photographic images.
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DynaSub™: Interior use only (satin silver or gloss white finish)
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DuraLuxe™: Exterior-grade sublimation — UV-resistant, scratch- and graffiti-proof
Screen Printed
Screen printing applies ink through a fine mesh stencil, one color at a time. This process yields vivid, colorfast, high-resolution graphics ideal for branding or product labeling.
Chemical Etching
Used on stainless steel, brass, and aluminum, this process etches the design into the surface using a photoresist and acid bath, creating a recessed, durable image. After etching, plates are painted, baked, and sealed for longevity.
Installation Environments
Thin-gauge metal signs are suitable for indoor and select outdoor installations depending on the metal type and finish.
| Metal / Finish | Recommended Environment |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel, Anodized Aluminum, DuraLuxe Aluminum | Indoor or Outdoor |
| Brass, Printed Aluminum, DynaSub™ | Indoor Only |
Mounting Options
Choose the mounting method that best fits your installation surface.
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Thru-Hole Mount: Two or four holes (1/16″, 1/8″, or 3/16″ diameter). Hardware sold separately.
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Double-Face Tape Mount: 2-mil industrial tape applied to the back. For interior use only.
Sublimation Process Overview
Sublimation is a heat-transfer process where solid ink transforms directly into gas, bonding permanently with the metal coating.
During production:
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Artwork is printed on sublimation paper.
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The paper and metal plate are pressed together under heat and pressure.
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The ink vaporizes and embeds into the coating, creating a durable, full-color image.
This process delivers unmatched image sharpness and fade resistance for both photographic and graphic applications.
Screen Printing Overview
Screen printing transfers ink through a mesh stencil using a squeegee. Each color requires a separate screen, allowing multi-color designs with excellent opacity and consistency.
Screen-printed signs offer bold color, excellent adhesion, and high resolution suitable for identification and branding.
Etching Process Overview
Chemical etching uses a printed resist to protect specific areas of the metal, exposing the rest to acid.
After etching, recessed areas can be paint-filled, antiqued, or left natural, then baked and sealed for a lasting finish.
Etched metal signs provide timeless beauty and durability, especially in stainless steel and brass.
Product Highlights
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Sizes from 1″ × 1″ to 23″ × 36″
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Thickness from 0.015″ to 0.125″
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Five metal types with multiple alloys and finishes
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Multiple imprinting and color options
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Indoor and outdoor suitability
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Lifetime Guarantee
