Non-Illuminated Blade Signs

Projecting signs in trim-cap and full-metal configurations.

Non-Illuminated Blade Signs are available with opaque acrylic faces retained by trim cap or as fully fabricated metal signs. Both systems project perpendicular to the building for strong pedestrian visibility and are engineered around artwork, viewing direction, cabinet depth, arm structure, wall construction, finish, and installation requirements.

Construction Options Trim-cap or full metal
Viewing Configuration One-face or two-face
Support Quote to production
Bold non-illuminated blade sign for high-traffic retail areas
Production Focus Designed for clean daytime visibility, durable exterior finishes, engineered wall plates and arms, accurate graphics, and installer-ready production documentation.
Built for project partners
Signage Companies
Design Firms
Franchise Owners
Corporate Accounts
Best Applications

Retail storefronts, hospitality districts, restaurants, pedestrian corridors, mixed-use developments, corporate campuses, wayfinding programs, and projecting identity signs where electrical service is unnecessary.

Visual Effect

The sign projects perpendicular to the building and presents opaque graphics from one or two directions. Trim-cap construction provides a framed acrylic-face appearance, while full-metal construction creates a seamless architectural profile.

What We Help Confirm

Construction system, viewing configuration, artwork, overall size, cabinet depth, acrylic or metal faces, graphics, cabinet and arm material, finish, wall structure, anchors, wind exposure, freight, and installation requirements.

Technical Specifications

Fabrication data for Non-Illuminated Blade Signs.

Review trim-cap acrylic-face and full-metal construction, viewing configuration, dimensional planning, projecting-arm structure, graphics, finishes, installation preparation, and quote requirements.

Final specificationConfirmed after artwork and site review
StyleNon-illuminated projecting sign
SystemsTrim-cap or full metal
ViewingOne-face or two-face
DepthProject-specific; commonly 3"-6"
MountingEngineered wall plate + arms
1 / Construction

Two non-illuminated Blade Sign systems.

Both options use an engineered projecting cabinet or panel assembly, fabricated wall plate and arms, durable graphics, and project-specific attachment to the building structure.

System 1

Non-Illuminated Trim-cap Blade Sign

Opaque sign-grade acrylic faces are retained within a fabricated metal cabinet using a defined trim-cap perimeter. The system can present one graphic face with a finished back or two opposing graphic faces.

FacesOpaque sign-grade acrylic
GraphicsVinyl or UV printing
RetentionServiceable trim-cap perimeter
System 2

Full-Metal Non-Illuminated Blade Sign

Faces, returns, cabinet structure, wall plate, and arms are fabricated from aluminum or 304 stainless steel for a fully metal architectural appearance.

BodyAluminum or 304 stainless steel
GraphicsPaint, vinyl, UV print, or applied elements
ProfileFabricated cabinet or plate-style system
Construction Details Primary components coordinated for a durable projecting non-illuminated sign.
1
Artwork & System ReviewTrim-cap or full-metal construction selected

Artwork, face count, size, depth, graphic method, finish, rear condition, arm location, and wall attachment are reviewed before engineering.

2
Cabinet or Panel FabricationAluminum or 304 stainless steel structure

Faces, returns, rear panels, internal reinforcement, wall plates, and arms are cut, formed, welded, fastened, and dressed to the approved specification.

3
Face & Graphic ProductionAcrylic-face or full-metal presentation

Opaque acrylic, metal faces, vinyl, UV printing, paint, dimensional overlays, and alignment are coordinated with the approved artwork.

4
Finish PreparationPowder coat, paint, or compatible metal finish

Surfaces, seams, edges, welds, grain direction, masking, color matching, and protective handling are completed before assembly.

5
Installation PreparationArms, anchors, patterns, and field instructions

Wall plate, fastener pattern, anchor requirements, access, sealing, lifting, packaging, and installer notes are finalized before shipment.

2 / Core Specs

Primary production specifications.

Final construction depends on the selected system, viewing configuration, artwork, cabinet depth, materials, face span, graphics, arm structure, wall construction, wind exposure, handling, and installation requirements.

Specification
Planning Standard
Production Notes
Product Style
Non-Illuminated Blade Sign
A projecting one-face or two-face sign built as a trim-cap acrylic-face cabinet or a full-metal fabricated system.
Construction Systems
Non-illuminated trim-cap or full metal
The system is selected around appearance, face material, depth, serviceability, graphics, weight, finish, and project requirements.
Viewing Configuration
One-face or two-face
One-face construction presents one graphic face with a finished back; two-face construction presents graphics to opposing directions.
Cabinet, Frame & Arms
Aluminum or 304 stainless steel
Material, wall plate, arm count, reinforcement, welds, fasteners, finish, and corrosion protection are selected around size, weight, projection, environment, and structural requirements.
Trim-cap Faces
Opaque sign-grade acrylic
Face thickness, color, span, trim profile, impact requirements, graphics, and replaceability are selected around the cabinet and environment.
Full-Metal Faces
Fabricated aluminum or 304 stainless steel
Face thickness, seams, return depth, reinforcement, removable access, edge treatment, and finish are coordinated with size and mounting.
Graphic Methods
Vinyl, UV printing, paint, or applied dimensional graphics
The method is selected around substrate, detail, color matching, texture, edge conditions, exterior durability, replacement needs, and brand standards.
Cabinet Depth
Project-specific; commonly approximately 3"-6" for fabricated cabinet systems
Final depth depends on the selected system, face span, return structure, wall plate, arm connection, internal reinforcement, visual proportion, and freight. Plate-style full-metal signs may be shallower.
Face Retention or Access
Trim-cap retention, removable face, or fixed fabricated construction
The selected method supports production, assembly, graphics replacement, fastener access, refinishing, mounting, and long-term service requirements.
Mounting
Engineered wall plate and projecting arms
Arms may attach from the side, top, or bottom depending on design. Quantity, length, plate, anchors, and reinforcement are project-specific.
Application
Interior or exterior
Exterior builds require project-specific corrosion protection, drainage or water management, sealed penetrations, compatible hardware, finish review, and structural coordination.
3 / Size & Depth

Cabinet profile, projection, and structural support are engineered together.

Industry fabricated non-lit blade-sign cabinets commonly fall within an approximately 3-inch to 6-inch depth range, but final dimensions are project-specific. Full-metal plate-style systems may use a shallower profile when structurally appropriate.

Critical Planning Rule Overall sign size, wall projection, face span, cabinet depth, arm location, wall plate, anchor loads, wind exposure, graphics, handling, and installation access must be coordinated before production.
Construction SystemTrim-cap cabinet or full-metal body

The selected appearance, face material, rear condition, service needs, and weight determine the dimensional approach.

Cabinet DepthCommonly approximately 3"-6"

Final depth is selected around face span, return rigidity, arm attachment, reinforcement, graphic presentation, wall conditions, and visual proportion.

Plate-Style Full MetalShallower profile where feasible

Flat or layered metal panels may reduce depth, but edge stiffness, wind loading, warping, fasteners, arm connection, and finish remain project-specific.

Overall Sign SizeCustom by project

Artwork, viewing distance, wall area, projection limits, structural loads, handling, freight, and site access are reviewed.

Face Span & ThicknessMaterial-specific engineering

Acrylic or metal thickness, face size, trim cap, return depth, reinforcement, graphic process, and environment are coordinated.

Projection from WallCode- and site-dependent

Arm length, wall plate, cabinet location, clearances, sight lines, public-way requirements, and local sign-code limits are reviewed.

Arm Quantity & SpacingOne or more arms by project

Sign size, weight, orientation, depth, wall plate, wind loads, architectural intent, and attachment access determine the support layout.

Wall Plate & AnchorsSubstrate-specific attachment

Plate dimensions, thickness, hole pattern, welds, anchors, backing, edge distance, concealed conditions, and installer requirements are coordinated.

Wind & Structural LoadsExterior projection reviewed

Cabinet area, arm moment, wall capacity, anchor loads, exposure, height, orientation, and jurisdictional requirements are evaluated.

Shipping & InstallationPackaging and access confirmed

Arm removability, sectional construction, face protection, lifting, delivery restrictions, storefront access, field assembly, and installation sequence are planned.

4 / Mounting

Projecting support engineered around the sign and building structure.

Wall plate, arm quantity, arm length, attachment orientation, anchors, backing, fasteners, welds, and installation access are selected around the sign size, weight, depth, projection, and site conditions.

Primary Mounting Systems Projecting-arm mount or plate-only attachment

A projecting arm assembly creates clearance between the wall and sign. A plate-only or direct plate configuration may be used where the cabinet geometry, appearance, and structural conditions permit.

Projecting ArmsSide, top, or bottom attachment

One or more arms connect the sign to the wall plate and are engineered around moment loads, alignment, weld access, finish, and architectural intent.

Plate-Only MountMinimal arm projection where suitable

The cabinet or panel attaches close to the mounting plate when structural capacity, fastener access, wall clearance, and appearance support the approach.

Wall ConstructionConcrete, masonry, wood, steel, or framed wall

Substrate, thickness, internal backing, sheathing, finish layers, concealed utilities, and access determine the attachment strategy.

Wall PlateEngineered dimensions and hole pattern

Plate height, width, thickness, welds, edge distances, fastener spacing, and finish are coordinated with the sign and wall.

Arm LengthProject-specific wall clearance

Clearance is selected around sign projection, façade details, sight lines, code limits, cleaning access, and architectural intent.

Arm QuantityOne or more supports

Sign height, width, weight, cabinet depth, wind exposure, attachment orientation, and arm moment determine the quantity.

Anchors & FastenersSubstrate- and load-specific

Mechanical anchors, through-bolts, structural screws, backing plates, welding, sealant, and corrosion compatibility are confirmed by the installer or engineer.

Installation PatternPlacement and drilling reference

Patterns or dimensioned drawings can identify sign outline, plate location, hole centers, baseline, orientation, and required clearances.

Water ManagementExterior penetrations sealed

Wall holes, fasteners, cabinet seams, trim interfaces, dissimilar metals, drainage paths, and sealant details are coordinated for exterior use.

Engineering & PermitsJurisdiction-specific review

Structural calculations, stamped drawings, wind criteria, projection limits, clearances, sign area, and permit requirements may be required.

5 / Materials & Finish

Materials selected around structure, graphics, durability, and brand standards.

Cabinet, faces, trim cap, arms, wall plate, graphics, finish, environment, mounting, weight, and handling are coordinated as one specification.

Aluminum StructureLightweight and fabrication-efficient

Suitable for cabinets, faces, returns, wall plates, arms, reinforcement, powder coating, custom paint, and compatible brushed or anodized treatments.

304 Stainless Steel StructurePremium architectural metal

Suitable for cabinets, faces, returns, wall plates, arms, brushed, polished, mirror, painted, plated, electroplated, or compatible PVD-style finishes.

Opaque Acrylic FacesTrim-cap system face material

Solid-color or custom-finished sign-grade acrylic is selected around face span, thickness, impact requirements, graphics, trim profile, environment, and replacement needs.

Trim CapDefined serviceable face perimeter

Profile, color, fastening, corner treatment, acrylic fit, weather resistance, graphic clearance, and removal method are coordinated with the cabinet.

Vinyl GraphicsCut, printed, or laminated film

Film series, color, adhesive, substrate preparation, edge sealing, laminate, exposure, removal, and replacement expectations are selected by project.

UV PrintingDirect multi-color graphic production

Ink system, primer, adhesion, white ink, clear coat, surface texture, edge conditions, color accuracy, and exterior durability require process approval.

Painted & Powder-Coated FinishesPantone/PMS or Sherwin-Williams matching

Color, gloss, texture, primer, pretreatment, masking, seam appearance, and environmental exposure are coordinated with the selected metal.

Applied Dimensional GraphicsRaised metal or acrylic elements

Logos, letters, plaques, or overlays can be mechanically fastened or bonded when weight, projection, attachment, finish, and handling support the design.

6 / Quote Prep

Information required for an accurate quote.

Supplying the core project details upfront helps confirm the construction system, viewing configuration, depth, materials, graphics, wall attachment, pricing, production requirements, freight, and lead time.

Best Starting Point Send the artwork and site photos.

Vector artwork and clear wall information let us review trim-cap versus full-metal construction, face count, size, depth, graphics, arm structure, wall plate, anchors, finishes, and installation access.

Start a Quote
ArtworkAI, EPS, SVG, or PDF

Vector files are preferred. Include separate front and back artwork when the two faces differ.

Construction SystemTrim-cap or full metal

Confirm the preferred appearance or provide reference images so the appropriate system can be recommended.

Viewing ConfigurationOne-face or two-face

Confirm the required viewing directions, sign orientation, pedestrian or traffic approach, and desired rear condition.

Overall Size & ProjectionWidth, height, depth, and wall clearance

Provide target dimensions, available wall area, clearance limitations, and known sign-code or landlord restrictions.

Materials & FinishAcrylic, aluminum, or 304 stainless steel

Provide preferred materials, paint or powder-coat colors, metallic finish references, gloss, texture, and physical samples when required.

GraphicsVinyl, UV print, paint, or applied elements

Provide brand colors, Pantone/PMS, Sherwin-Williams references, vector files, placement, front/back differences, and durability expectations.

Install LocationWall construction and site photos

Include interior or exterior use, substrate, internal backing, elevation, access, exposure, sign height, nearby utilities, and permit constraints.

Shipping & InstallationAccess, packaging, and sequence

Provide delivery restrictions, lift requirements, arm removability, field assembly, installer preferences, and special protection requirements.

Wall & StructureSubstrate, backing, and anchors

Provide wall assembly information, attachment access, concealed conditions, structural drawings, or engineer requirements when available.

Projection & ClearanceArm length and public-way limits

Confirm façade details, required clearances, local projection limits, orientation, sight lines, and adjacent architectural elements.

Code, Access & FreightPermit and installation constraints

Provide sign-area limits, wind criteria, lift access, delivery restrictions, installation sequence, and special packaging needs.