Brass letters, for names meant to outlast the building.
Brass is chosen when a sign has to look older and more permanent than everything around it. We cut it from solid sheet — never brass-plated steel, which looks the same for a year and then peels.
Solid brass versus brass plating
Most “brass” signage sold cheaply in India is steel with a thin brass electroplate. It photographs well and fails within a year or two — the plating lifts at the edges and the steel underneath rusts through. Solid sheet brass has no layer to peel, and it can be re-polished decades later.
We work in 2 mm and 3 mm solid sheet. Every quote states which one, so you can compare like with like when someone else quotes lower.
Finish options
- Mirror polished and lacquered — bright gold, sealed against oxidation. Needs no upkeep for years indoors.
- Satin brushed — a softer, less showy finish for law chambers, clinics and offices.
- Antique / oxidised — chemically darkened, then relieved on the high points. Standard for heritage properties and temples.
- Left unlacquered — brass darkens naturally over years into a deep patina. Some architects specify this deliberately; it should be a decision, not a surprise.
What we make in brass
Fabricated and flat-cut letters
Cut from solid sheet, edges filed square, mounted on studs so the letter stands clear of the wall and throws a shadow line.
Etched nameplates and plaques
The text is chemically etched into the plate to about 0.3 mm and colour-filled with enamel. Because the letters sit below the surface, they cannot be scratched off. This is the correct build for door plates, foundation stones and directory boards.
Engraved plates
Machine engraved for fine text — professional details, registration numbers, long addresses — where etching would be more than the job needs.
Where brass belongs
- Hotels, resorts and heritage restorations
- Advocates, doctors, chartered accountants — door and gate plates
- Temples, trusts and memorial plaques
- Bungalow and farmhouse name boards
- Foundation and inauguration stones
Looking after it
Lacquered brass needs nothing but a dry cloth. Never use Brasso or any metal polish on it — that strips the lacquer and the brass then oxidises unevenly, which looks far worse than an even patina. Unlacquered brass can be polished whenever you want it bright again.
Common questions
How much do brass letters cost compared to steel?
Brass sheet costs noticeably more than stainless per square foot, so expect a brass letter to run above an equivalent SS 304 one. The gap is largest on big letters, where material dominates, and smallest on small nameplates, where labour dominates.
Will brass letters turn black?
Unlacquered brass will darken over months into a patina — many clients want exactly that. Lacquered brass stays bright for years indoors. Outdoors the lacquer eventually breaks down and needs recoating.
Can you make brass letters in Hindi, Marathi or Gujarati?
Yes. We regularly cut Devanagari and Gujarati letterforms. Send the text and the font, or a photograph of the design, and we will set it out before cutting.
What is the smallest brass nameplate you make?
Standard door plates start around 6 × 3 inches. Below that, engraving is a better process than etching because the strokes get too fine to fill cleanly.
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Get a costed estimate today
Send the sign width, the material you have in mind and a photograph of the wall. That is usually enough for us to quote.