Flat-Cut Metal Letters, Stud-Mounted or Flush-Fixed

• Office entrances and reception walls
• Retail and restaurant fascias that do not need lighting
• Schools, clinics and professional practices
• Interior feature walls and corridors
• Residential complex walls; see residential complex entrance signs
• Industrial units wanting a sturdy, simple name sign

Choose flat-cut when you want a refined look with minimal complexity. If you want the sign to glow, move to a lit or fabricated type.

• Thickness: thin for small, delicate lettering, thicker for large letters with a more solid appearance.
• Stud-mounted: letters stand slightly off the wall, giving a shadow gap. Studs are fixed via a template.
• Flush-fixed: letters sit tight against smooth surfaces for a more architectural effect.
• Layered: two layers of different colour or metal for more depth.
• Logos: multi-part logos cut as separate pieces and assembled on the wall.

• Aluminium is light and paintable in brand colours.
• Stainless steel offers brushed or polished metal.
• Brass and copper give warm, natural tones.
• Mild steel: painted or coated, for strong, economical signs.
• Corten: weathering steel for outdoor, rust-toned looks; see corten steel signs.

Edges are cleaned after cutting, and faces are brushed, polished or coated as agreed.

Flat-cut letters do not carry internal lighting because they are solid. Visibility at night comes from:

• Spotlights or wall-washers aimed at the letters
• Street, car park or building lighting that already covers the wall
• Lit backing panels behind the letters
• A move to halo-lit or front-lit fabricated letters if you want them to glow

If lighting is added, electrical access and approvals are checked at survey.

• Fabricated 3D letters have depth and can be lit; flat-cut is simpler, usually lighter and easier to fix.
• Laser-cut panels are one piece with openings; flat-cut letters are separate pieces on the wall.
• Aluminium letters can be flat-cut or fabricated; this page covers the flat-cut route for all metals.
• Engraved plaques suit detailed wording better than large letters.

• Viewing distance: as a rough guide, many designers allow around 25 mm of letter height per 10 m of viewing distance. We confirm on site.
• Wall surface: face brick, plaster, cladding and glass each need a different fixing. We confirm at survey.
• Spacing: a drilling template keeps spacing accurate on site.
• Contrast: choose metal and wall colours that separate clearly.
• Thin strokes: very thin letters can bend; thickness is selected to suit.
• Approvals: structural, landlord, body corporate and municipal approvals are checked during survey and design.

• Metal type and plate thickness
• Letter height and count
• Complexity of font or logo
• Finish and colour
• Fixing type and wall surface
• Access equipment and any lighting

Wash with water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads. Periodically check studs and sealant. Individual letters can be refreshed or replaced; see signage cleaning and maintenance and signage removal and replacement.

Surveys and installation are by appointment from our Rivonia base. Flat-cut letters are popular in Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria, Midrand, Centurion and light-industrial areas like Kempton Park.