Vintage metal signage brings together the warmth of traditional materials with the character of hand-applied patinas, making it a popular choice across retail, hospitality and interior design. At Metal Sheets Ltd, we manufacture genuine vintage-style signs in brass, copper, zinc and Corten steel — crafted to order with engraved details, laser-cut lettering and custom aged finishes. Whether you’re refreshing a shopfront, branding a restaurant, or creating feature panels for residential interiors, our aged metals offer depth, authenticity and long-lasting visual impact. This guide explores the most popular materials, finish options and real project examples to help you choose the right vintage signage for your space.

Why Vintage Metal Signs Still Matter

Vintage metal signs continue to grow in popularity across retail, hospitality and interior design, thanks to their warm patinas, tactile finishes and timeless character. At Metal Sheets Ltd, we specialise in crafting authentic aged metal signage using real brass, copper, zinc and Corten steel – not printed replicas. This guide explores materials, finishes and real projects to help designers, shopfitters and homeowners choose the right vintage style for their scheme.

Every piece we produce is made to order, whether you need a single aged brass plaque for a boutique doorway or a full set of vintage-inspired signs for a bar, restaurant or hotel. Finishes are hand-applied in our Liverpool workshop, allowing you to specify the exact balance of ageing, patina and readability to suit your brand.

Brass Vintage Signs

Aged brass signs remain one of the most popular choices for vintage-style branding. The warm golden tone of brass takes patina beautifully, ranging from gently aged satin finishes through to deep, antique effects with darker lowlights. Combined with rotary engraving and enamel infill, brass delivers both character and clarity in one material.

For shopfronts, reception areas and lift lobbies, brass plaques can be sized to suit the architecture, with options for bevelled edges, drilled fixing holes and hidden fixings. Logos, borders and decorative frames can all be engraved into the surface, then highlighted with black, white or coloured enamel infill.

If you’re exploring brass vintage signage, see our dedicated Brass Plaques page for more information on materials, sizing and engraving styles.

Copper Vintage Signs

Copper signs offer a richer, redder tone that develops dramatic patinas over time. In their natural state, copper panels start bright and gradually darken through browns and russets; with our hand-applied patinas, we can accelerate this process to create vintage copper signage that looks instantly established.

Copper is particularly effective in hospitality spaces, where the metal complements timber, leather and exposed brickwork. Deep engraved lettering with dark infill maintains legibility against the richer background, while surface textures and patina variations add visual depth. For more on copper signage, visit our Copper Signs page.

Zinc Vintage Signs

Zinc signage has a more understated, industrial character. Natural zinc weathers to soft grey tones, while our custom patinas can introduce cloudy, mottled effects that feel quietly aged rather than heavily distressed. This makes zinc a strong choice for contemporary interiors seeking a subtle vintage edge.

Zinc vintage signs work well for wayfinding, menu boards and branded wall panels, particularly when paired with simple typography and clean layouts. The material also suits larger panels and cladding details, where the evolving patina becomes part of the overall interior story. Explore options on our Zinc Signage page.

Corten & Rusted Steel Vintage Signs

For exterior branding and statement features, Corten steel signs deliver a bold, weathered look. Corten develops a stable, rusted surface layer that protects the metal beneath, giving a rich orange-brown tone associated with industrial architecture and sculptural work.

We can supply Corten signs either as solid engraved plaques or as laser-cut panels with stencil-style lettering and logos. When backlit or mounted against lighter surfaces, the rusted finish provides strong contrast and a distinct vintage-industrial feel. Visit our Corten Steel Signs page for more examples.

Vintage Lettering & Corporate Branding

Vintage metal signage isn’t limited to flat plaques. Individually cut brass and copper letters can be produced in a wide range of typefaces and sizes, then aged, brushed or polished to suit your project. These letters can be mounted directly to walls, timber panels or backing plates to create layered logo features.

Raised lettering is especially effective in reception areas, restaurants and retail spaces where you want the brand to stand proud from the background surface. For more on this style of work, see our Brass & Copper Letters page.

Choosing the Right Vintage Metal for Your Sign

• Brass – Warm, classic and highly versatile. Ideal for plaques, corporate signage and hospitality interiors.
• Copper – Richer colour and dramatic patina. Great for bars, restaurants and statement residential pieces.
• Zinc – Subtle, industrial greys with a softer vintage feel. Works well for wayfinding and contemporary schemes.
• Corten steel – Strong rusted aesthetic for exterior branding, landscaping and architectural features.

In all cases, we can supply sample photos or physical swatches to help you match the finish to your brand or interior palette. Patinas can be sealed with clear lacquer to stabilise the colour, or left to evolve naturally over time where appropriate.

Working With Metal Sheets Ltd

Every vintage sign we produce is made to order in our Liverpool workshop. We work closely with designers, architects, signmakers and brand owners to translate artwork into durable, visually striking metal signage.

• Design support – Send us your logo, sketches or reference images and we’ll advise on materials, thicknesses and fixing methods.
• Finish samples – Brass, copper, zinc and Corten finishes are available as samples to help you specify patina and sheen levels.
• Engraving & cutting – Rotary engraving, laser engraving and laser cutting available for plaques and individual letters.
• Large-format capability – Oversized plaques and panels up to 3 metres long can be produced for feature walls and façades.
• UK-wide supply – Signs are shipped nationwide, carefully packed and ready for installation by your chosen fitter.

To discuss a project, email sales@metalsheets.co.uk or call 0151 526 4777. We’ll help you choose the best combination of metal, finish and engraving style for your vintage signage.

Vintage Metal Signage – Quick Answers

What makes a sign look genuinely vintage?

A true vintage metal sign combines the right base metal (brass, copper, zinc or Corten) with a carefully controlled patina, plus appropriately styled typography and borders. Hand-applied ageing and engraved details give a much more authentic result than printed “vintage effect” graphics.

Can you match an existing sign or brand style?

Yes. We can work from photos, existing plaques or brand guidelines to match fonts, layouts and patina levels as closely as possible. Sample images or test pieces can be produced on request.

Are vintage metal signs suitable for exterior use?

Absolutely. Brass, copper, zinc and Corten steel are all suitable for outdoor signage when correctly specified. We’ll recommend thicknesses, fixings and lacquer options based on the location and exposure.

Do you only supply finished signs, or can you make blanks for signwriters?

We do both. We can supply fully finished engraved signs, or provide blank aged panels for traditional signwriters and screen printers to add lettering and artwork.

If you’re planning a project and would like guidance on materials, finishes or artwork, our team is happy to help you turn your vintage signage concept into a finished piece.