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Finished Take 5 Cafe storefront sign mounted above the entrance
SF Bay Signs crew installing a projecting blade sign on Polk Street in San Francisco
Gold dimensional letters installed above the windows of a Pilates storefront

Custom Storefront Signs

Exterior identification, dimensional letters, projecting signs, window graphics, and installation planned as one storefront—not a pile of unrelated parts.

  • One coordinated scope for the sign face, materials, mounting, graphics, and installation.
  • Options for fascia panels, dimensional letters, blade signs, window lettering, and temporary opening graphics.
  • Material recommendations based on viewing distance, weather, wall condition, and landlord requirements.
  • Bay Area site surveys and installation when the job needs field verification.
  • Clear separation between fabrication, installation, and any permit or engineering work that must be scoped separately.
The story One Facade, One Visual System Storefront planning note

The strongest storefronts rarely rely on one object. The main sign identifies the business from a distance, a blade sign catches pedestrians, and the window graphics handle hours, services, privacy, or a short-term promotion.

Treating those pieces as one system keeps materials, colors, scale, and placement consistent. It also makes the quote cleaner because fabrication and field conditions can be reviewed together.

If the building has a sign program, landlord criteria, historic restrictions, or a permit process, include that information at the start. We will identify what belongs in our scope and what needs outside approval.

Quick answer

Direct answer: A storefront-sign project usually combines one primary business-identification sign with supporting window or entry graphics. SF Bay Signs can help define the sign type, fabricate the pieces, coordinate mounting conditions, and install the completed package across the Bay Area.

Key takeaways

  • Start with photos of the full facade, rough dimensions, the installation address, and any landlord sign criteria.
  • Choose the sign type for the viewing distance: projecting signs help sidewalk traffic, while fascia signs and letters read from across the street.
  • Permits, stamped engineering, electrical work, and specialty access are confirmed during scoping rather than assumed.

Scope & Options

Typical scope

Primary signs
Fascia panels, dimensional letters and logos, projecting or blade signs
Supporting graphics
Window decals, vinyl lettering, hours, privacy film, opening graphics
Materials
Wood, acrylic, aluminum, aluminum composite, PVC, vinyl, and painted finishes as appropriate
Field work
Site survey, access planning, removal, and installation when included in the quote
Best starting files
Vector logo, facade photos, rough measurements, address, deadline, and landlord criteria

Choices to make

  • Flat panel, dimensional, projecting, window-based, or coordinated multi-sign package.
  • Painted, printed, cut-vinyl, natural-material, or layered dimensional finish.
  • Direct wall mount, raceway or backer panel, standoffs, brackets, or window application as conditions allow.
  • Fabrication only, installation only, or a combined fabrication-and-installation scope.
  • Temporary launch graphics alongside the permanent storefront sign.

Need artwork help? The Artwork Setup guide explains the files that keep proofing and production moving.

Budget & timing

Price and timing depend on size, quantity, material, artwork readiness, finishing, site access, installation, and deadline. Share those details for current pricing, any applicable minimums, and the earliest realistic production or installation window.

Good Fit For

  • New shops, restaurants, salons, studios, clinics, and offices preparing to open.
  • Businesses replacing a previous tenant sign or rebranding an existing facade.
  • Storefronts that need a pedestrian-facing blade sign plus street-facing identification.
  • Multi-piece packages combining permanent signage with window hours, privacy, or promotional graphics.
  • Property managers coordinating consistent tenant signs across a shared building.

How It Works

  1. 1) Show the facade

    Send wide and close photos, the address, rough dimensions, logo files, deadline, and any landlord or sign-program requirements.

  2. 2) Define the sign system

    We separate the primary identification sign from supporting graphics and recommend materials, scale, and mounting based on the site.

  3. 3) Confirm field conditions

    When needed, we survey mounting surfaces, access, power, removal needs, and installation timing before finalizing the scope.

  4. 4) Proof, fabricate, and install

    After artwork and scope approval, we produce the pieces and coordinate the Bay Area installation included in the quote.

FAQ

What kinds of storefront signs do you make?

Common storefront projects include fascia signs, dimensional letters and logos, projecting blade signs, window decals, vinyl lettering, hours, and temporary opening graphics. The right mix depends on the facade and how people approach the business.

Can you install a storefront sign that another company fabricated?

Often, yes. Use the installation page and send photos, drawings, dimensions, mounting hardware, the address, and the sign weight if known. We will confirm whether the access and mounting conditions fit our scope.

Do you handle storefront sign permits?

Permit requirements vary by city, property, sign type, and mounting method. Share any landlord criteria or city correspondence you already have. We will identify what can be included in the project and what requires a separate permit, engineering, electrical, or landlord process.

What do you need to quote a storefront sign?

Send the installation address, wide and close facade photos, rough sign dimensions, logo or artwork, preferred timing, and any building or landlord rules. Those details are usually enough to identify the next step.

Can storefront windows be part of the same project?

Yes. Window lettering, hours, privacy film, promotional decals, and other window graphics can be coordinated with the primary sign so the storefront reads as one system.

Bay Area Service Areas