Tin Signs: Today's Unique Decor
Thinking back to a pop song in the 1970's by the Five Man Electrical Band called "Signs" where the chorus line is "signs, signs, everywhere signs...", they message was clear. There are too many signs in our modern world. True the number of signs has increased in the past 100 years, but businesses have been handing signs from wood signs to neon, in all shapes, sizes and price tags. The first neon sign was in 1923 and cost in the thousands. It was also around this time that tin signs became the most popular product ad sign that businesses display indoors and out.
Before neon in the early 1900's tin signs was the most popular advertisement. Today, tin signs are used less in advertising and more as an inexpensive decor item. Local diner lead the way in hanging a retro signs on the wall as it captures the atmosphere of good food & coffee from the past. Think of it a the ideal complement to the comfort food served with "comfort decor". World War II created a shortage of metals and people were asked to discard old metal signs for the cause and thus created a shortage of true original vintage tin signs that have become collectors items.
Vintage Signs v.s. Reproductions
Before you start decorating with decorating with tin signs, just a quick history lesson for how they became popular. Initially to be protected from the harsh outdoor elements these signs were not made of tin, but steel instead and were coated with a thick porcelain enamel finish. This technique started in Germany and was imported into the U.S in the early 1900's. It didn't take long for this to become the staple of outdoor advertising as more bold colors and graphics were used on the signs. Not requiring electricity and very durable to the weather, advertising with tin signs took off with signs for cigarettes, diners, beer and to farm equipment. You name it, there was a sign for that. The porcelain enamel coating is the most costly part of the sign and in time costs were reduce by changing to a tin base and silk screening printing on that surface.
Original vintage tin signs are not cheap. Tin signs have become a collectors item and the demand increased from the limited supply, prices have risen over time. Finding an antique original porcelain enamel signs in excellent condition is rare and collectors will pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars for the right sign. Advertising signs for businesses no longer in business or unique slogans have the highest value.
Affordable Reproduction Metal Signs
As you start decorating with tin signs it important to understand that "vintage signs" and "tin signs" was used interchangeability. Many companies are selling distressed reproductions of tin signs that are made to look old and are often referred to as "vintage signs". There is nothing wrong with the products they are selling or illegal, just beware they are reproductions and not the original. Don't make plans for a visit to the Antique Roadshow with reproduction vintage sign, thinking you might pull a fast one. The big advantage of a reproduction tin signs is they cost under twenty dollars and still have the old fashioned look.
If you budget and time doesn't warrant requiring hanging original vintage signs on the walls, then reproductions are the next best thing. There a lots of choices and themes for any room in the house or business. From bathroom, kitchen to even the Man cave there any many tin signs to choose. Since reproduction tin signs don't really cost that much you can have all kinds of decorating fun.
Vintage Signs Decorating Tips
Here are just a few ideas or tips when decorating with tin signs or original vintages signs
- Always keep a current assessed value of all of your original signs for insurance records in case of damage or theft. Coke may not go out of business in the near future, but when other companies fail your sign value will increase.
- Match a tin sign to a theme with their old slogans or brand. Its quite interesting to see how in the past certain slogans or stereotypes will look out of place today or comical
- A single sign is a lonely sign. Create a wall decor of a mix of large and small signs of all shapes
- Use signs as backdrops to other collector items. They add some nice accent just about any collectors items.
Vintage signs are easy to find in all shapes, sizes and colors today. They are easy to hang and rather inexpensive to purchase. From the garage to the living room tin signs can add a unique decor tough to any room.
More about Shopping for Tin Signs:
There are many websites on Internet that make shopping for tin signs easy with a wide selection. This one website RetroPlanet.com also offers a gallery of design suggestions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Rustici
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Collecting Vintage Signs
People collect all kinds of things these days. From cars to salt and pepper shakers, there seems to be a collector for everything. Vintage signs are no exception, they have been collected by people for decades and there is a huge market these days for vintage signs. There are many factors in signs that people collect, some people collect specific company brand signs and some collect only iron, tin or wooden signs. Some have large collections that consist of nothing but vintage road signs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to vintage signs. Years ago it was the only way to advertise products. This article includes a brief overview of the history of signage then follows with some tips on acquiring vintage signs for your self.
In North America, most outdoor signs made between 1890 and 1950 were made out of porcelain enamel. This involved a base of heavily rolled iron, die cut to the desired shape, coated with many layers of powdered glass and then kiln fired. Obviously this process made the outdoor signs durable and weather resistant. This process originated in Germany and was brought over to North America in the later 19th century. North Americans experimented with bright, bold colors and interesting new designs for advertising. Early designs were stenciled; however they switched to silkscreen designs and changed the iron base to tin for price and ease of production. It is almost impossible to find a porcelain enamel sign in good condition these days. Finding one could cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Their rareness is caused by many factors; many were vandalized, discarded or melted down for the metal during the Second World War
After which signs were made of tin and other materials and painted with enamel paint. You come across these vintage types of signs frequently today but will be hard pressed to find one which isn't rusted, scratched or distressed. Collectors should be aware of distressed reproductions. Vintage signs are stamped with the date they were manufactured, but research and information on vintage signs is always best to discern between real and forgery. So go to your local library, get on the internet or go to bookstores. As with anything collected, you will be better off knowing exactly what you are looking for and what you are not.
Tips for new collectors
1- One of the best resources for obtaining a wide selection of vintage signs is shopping online. Whether it is an auction on EBay, or directly from an antique store, you are sure to find a varied selection for your tastes at the click of a mouse.
2- Garage sales can be a goldmine of vintage signs. There still exist people out there who do not know what the values of their signs are. Alternately, second hand and thrift stores are also a great place to find some treasures. These places are usually a bit savvier, so be on your toes and know what the prices are before going in to barter.
3- Last but certainly not least, go to a roadside diner, old fashioned soda fountain or restaurant when traveling by car. Even if there is no price on the old signs hanging on the wall for décor, you can always ask and make an offer. You would be surprised to find that they might sell it.
About the Author
The author recommends
http://riverbendsigns
for original
business signs
and beautiful
cottage signs
. Also see
weaving instruction
for helpful ideas.