Custom Glass Signs: Your Name in Lights!

Sans Soucie specializes in custom made, etched and carved glass signs that are engraved through sandblasting the letters and/or logo onto the glass.  The letters and logo can be either etched on the surface of the glass, or they can be 3-dimensionally carved into the glass, or engraved, which creates a look of the lettering and logo literally “floating” in the glass.

Notable Custom Glass Sign Projects

Undoubtedly our most “famous custom glass sign” is the Presidential Seal Glass we carved for the aircraft carrier, The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), in 2008.  This gorgeous seal is a 3-dimensionally sculpture carved on crystal clear, Starphire® glass, and is edge lit for brilliant illumination.  Read the complete story about the project on our web site!

Explore Custom Glass Sign Designs

Visit our Custom Glass Signs Gallery and see dozens of examples of glass signs of all different styles and configurations.  In addition to the U.S. Presidential Seal, we’ve done a number of notable logos, such as Applebee’s Restaurant.

Adding Color and Illumination to Glass Signs

Color can also be incorporated into the glass sign.  Any custom color can be added to the carved glass surface.  The glass signs must be carved in order to be able to add color, because the carved surface allows for a surface that the paint can adhere to. 

Sometimes solid or metallic colors are added, but most often, a transparent color is selected, so that light can pass through the glass signs, creating lettering and logos that are not only 3-dimensional, but now have illuminated color.

Custom Sizes, Styles, and Mounting Options

Any size, shape or color can be custom designed onto the glass signs to showcase your logo. We’re showing a number of examples in this article, from a very basic plaque type of sign, to carved and painted glass logo signs.  The most popular form or custom glass signs made by Sans Soucie, are the type that hang on a wall, mounted with stand-off posts.

Where to Use Custom Glass Signs in Your Space

Office and Commercial Interiors

Custom glass signs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings, both residential and commercial. In business environments, they are most commonly featured as an office sign in reception areas, lobby walls, conference rooms, and office entrances, where they create a polished and professional first impression. Mounted to a wall surface using precision mounting hardware, each glass panel appears to float, adding depth while allowing light to pass through beautifully.

Retail, Hospitality, and Wayfinding

In retail stores, restaurants, and hospitality spaces, a custom sign featuring your business name helps establish your brand while creating a lasting impression. These signs are also suitable for wayfinding, including room numbers, or as decorative features that incorporate elegant patterns and dimensional detailing.

Residential Applications

For residential use, custom frosted glass signs can be incorporated throughout the house, from home offices and entryways to wine rooms and feature walls. They can be designed to match your interior style, with the ability to customize everything from size and shape to finish and detail. Whether the artwork and designs are engraved or etched onto the mirrors or clear glass, the result is a sleek and stunning addition to any space.

Choosing the Right Background for Maximum Contrast

The optimum wall color choice, behind the hanging sign, will vary, depending on how the lettering and logo are executed.  If we only etch or carve the lettering or logo (which turns the glass white), the best wall color choice will be a dark surface, so that the lettering and logo will really stand out. 

The darker the better, but so long as it’s in the darker hues, any color will do, you just need enough to create a contrast through the glass signs.  If the lettering and logo are to be carved with color applied to the glass signs, then a lighter wall color will be fine. 

Again, there’s just a need for contrast, so you select an opposite wall color, from the colors in the glass signs.  The City of Palm Desert sign shown in this blog is a great example of when carving and painting the logo and lettering in a darker color, a neutral wall color works just fine.

Other Ways to Use Custom Glass Signs

Of course there are many other types and forms of custom glass signs .. even as simple as etching your logo on to door glass or window glass.  Glass partitions are another familiar form, where a company logo is applied, either exterior or interior, as seen on the PT Industries divider glass.

There’s a huge advantage of sandblasting the glass signs with lettering and logos, verses just using vinyl sign lettering in that the sandblasted surface will never peel up, chip, fade or disintegrate.  And of course, there’s no comparison between vinyl lettering and the look and feel or 3-dimensionally carved and painted glass that’s illuminated!

Custom Glass Signs for Business Branding

Creating a Strong First Impression

Custom glass signs are a powerful branding tool that communicates professionalism, quality, and attention to detail. Displaying your business name in etched glass instantly reinforces your brand while creating a strong, professional presence.

Enhancing Interior Spaces with Brand Identity

In corporate offices, a custom office sign mounted to a feature wall becomes a focal point that leaves a lasting impression on clients and visitors. The clean lines, dimensional depth, and sleek appearance of glass signage help convey trust and sophistication.

Fully Customizable to Match Your Brand

Because each custom sign is made to order, businesses have the ability to fully customize their design to match their branding—from logo proportions and layout to color accents and finishes. Whether incorporating subtle patterns, refined textures, or bold dimensional carving, the result is a cohesive and elevated representation of your company.

A Permanent Investment in Your Brand

Unlike temporary signage, custom etched glass signs are a permanent architectural feature. Built with durable materials and expert craftsmanship, etched glass are suitable for long-term use and continue to represent your brand with clarity and impact for years to come.

Benefits of Custom Glass Signs

Durability and Long-Term Value

Custom glass signs offer a combination of beauty, durability, and long-term value that sets them apart from traditional signage options. Because the design is permanent—sandblasted directly into the glass—the lettering and imagery will never peel, fade, or deteriorate over time. This makes each custom sign a dependable and low-maintenance solution.

High-End Aesthetic and Craftsmanship

Aesthetically, glass signage delivers a sleek, modern look with exceptional depth and clarity. Details like polished edges and refined finishes elevate the overall presentation. Optional accents such as silver or other metal tones can also enhance the design. The ability to incorporate intricate patterns, dimensional carving, and color creates a truly custom result that feels both artistic and architectural.

Light-Enhancing Visual Impact

One of the most unique advantages is how glass interacts with light. The translucent nature of a glass panel allows light to pass through, enhancing the design. It creates a luminous effect that brings the sign to life. This interplay of light and texture results in a stunning visual impact that elevates any environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Glass Signs

How durable are custom glass signs for commercial use?

Custom etched glass signs made with sandblasting and carving are extremely durable and ideal for both interior and exterior commercial environments. Unlike surface-applied graphics, the design is permanently etched into the glass, making it resistant to wear, moisture, and daily cleaning.

Can custom glass signs be installed outdoors?

Yes. With the right glass type and installation method, custom glass signs can be used outdoors. For exterior applications, tempered glass or laminated safety glass is typically recommended to ensure strength, weather resistance, and long-term performance.

What type of glass is best for custom signage?

The most popular choice is low-iron glass (such as Starphire®), which offers exceptional clarity and allows designs to appear brighter and more vibrant. Standard clear glass can also be used, but it has a slight green tint that may affect the final look.

Can lighting be added to enhance a glass sign?

Absolutely. LED edge lighting or backlighting can dramatically enhance the appearance of a glass sign by illuminating etched or carved areas. This creates a striking visual effect, especially in low-light environments like offices, lobbies, or restaurants.

How are custom glass signs mounted or installed?

Most wall-mounted glass signs are installed using stand-off posts, which hold the glass slightly away from the wall for a modern, dimensional look. Depending on the design, signs can also be recessed, framed, or suspended from ceilings.

Can I use my existing logo or artwork for a glass sign?

Yes. Custom glass signs are typically created using your provided logo or artwork. High-resolution vector files (such as AI, EPS, or PDF) are preferred to ensure crisp, accurate detailing during the sandblasting and carving process.

How long does it take to create a custom glass sign?

Production time can vary depending on the complexity of the design, size, and finish. Generally, custom glass signs take several weeks from design approval to completion, especially for detailed carved or painted work.

Are custom glass signs easy to clean and maintain?

Yes. Glass signs are very low maintenance and can be cleaned with standard glass cleaners and a soft cloth. Because the design is permanently etched into the surface, there’s no risk of peeling or fading over time.

What industries commonly use custom glass signs?

Custom glass signs are widely used across industries, including offices, corporate headquarters, restaurants, hotels, medical facilities, retail stores, and spas. They’re also popular in residential settings for personalized décor or home office branding.

Can custom glass signs be used for privacy as well as branding?

Yes. Frosted or etched glass signs can serve a dual purpose by displaying a logo while also providing privacy. This makes them ideal for conference rooms, office partitions, and entryways where both branding and discretion are important.

Is it possible to match brand colors exactly on glass?

Yes. Custom paint can be color-matched to your brand using industry-standard color systems like Pantone. This ensures consistency with your existing branding while maintaining the unique look of carved and illuminated glass.

What makes custom glass signs a premium choice compared to other signage?

Custom glass signs offer a level of craftsmanship, depth, and permanence that other materials simply can’t match. The combination of sandblasting, carving, and optional color or lighting creates a high-end, architectural feature that elevates any space.