Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Sign Design & Artistic Creations in Estes Park
Smith Sign Studio has been serving customers for 96 years, rooted in a family tradition of artistic craftsmanship spanning 240 years. Founded in 1928 by Howard F. Smith, the company specializes in custom sign design, fabrication, and artistic services, blending antique techniques like gold leaf gilding with modern technologies. Our offerings include dimensional signs, neon and electric signage, wayfinding systems, and personalized decorative items, all created in-house by multi-generational artisans. We serve both commercial and individual clients, providing tailored solutions from logo design to historic sign restoration.With expertise in regulatory compliance and a commitment to preserving traditional crafts, we combine historical research with innovative design. Our team includes third-generation leaders Kent and Judi Smith, who oversee operations, design, and financial management. We extend our craftsmanship to unique products like handcrafted rocking animals, etched glassware, and fine art jewelry. Our work has been recognized for quality and creativity, with clients praising our dedication to detail and customer service. As a family-owned business, we maintain a legacy of excellence while adapting to contemporary needs.
Services
Custom Sign Design
Gold Leaf Gilding
Neon Signage
Historic Restoration
Wayfinding Systems
Dimensional Lettering
Etched Glassware
Fine Art Jewelry
Rocking Animals
Murals & Panels
Details
- Year established: 1928
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for 96 years with 240 years of artistic heritage
- In-house fabrication by multi-generational artisans
- Specialize in historic sign restoration and gold leaf techniques
- Offer 100+ unique services from neon signs to personalized gifts
- Combine traditional craftsmanship with computer-aided production
What people say
Outstanding job
Perfect execution
Creative solutions
Timely delivery
Exceptional craftsmanship
Services
Custom Sign Design
We create custom signs for businesses and individuals, offering dimensional signs, electric cabinets, and wayfinding systems. Our process combines traditional craftsmanship with computer-aided design to produce unique solutions. Clients receive tailored options from historic replication to modern digital message centers.
Gold Leaf Gilding
Specializing in 23k gold leaf application, we restore antique signs and create new decorative pieces. Our expertise includes hand-lettering, faux finishing, and esoteric embellishments. This service preserves traditional techniques while meeting contemporary design needs for both commercial and residential projects.
Historic Sign Restoration
We restore and replicate vintage signs using period-accurate methods. Our team combines historical research with practical skills in marbling, glue-chipping, and mirror silvering. This service caters to preservation initiatives and clients seeking authentic retro aesthetics for their properties.
Personalized Gifts
We produce handcrafted gifts including etched glassware, fine art jewelry, and decorative cutting boards. Our customization extends to personalizing existing items like canes and safes. Each piece incorporates artistic elements from our 700+ design archive or client-provided concepts.
Neon Signage
Our neon services include custom design, installation, and restoration. We create both traditional and modern neon displays for commercial advertising and residential decoration. The team handles complete projects from tubing fabrication to electrical system integration.
People
Kent Smith
CEO
Third-generation sign artisan with 50+ years of experience. Specializes in gold leaf techniques and historic restoration. Leads design and production operations while maintaining traditional craftsmanship standards.
Judi Smith
CFO
Manages financial operations and marketing. Combines business strategy with creative vision from her father's artistic legacy. Oversees office management and client relations for the family enterprise.
Questions
What types of signs do you create?
We produce custom commercial signs including neon, electric cabinets, wayfinding systems, and historic replicas. Our services also cover dimensional lettering, regulatory signs, and personalized decorative signs for homes.
Can you restore antique signs?
Yes, we specialize in historic sign restoration using traditional methods like gold leaf application, marbling, and mirror silvering. Our team has extensive experience preserving period-accurate details while ensuring structural integrity.
Do you offer personalized gift options?
We create custom gifts like etched glassware, fine art jewelry, and decorative cutting boards. Our artisans can personalize existing items or design new pieces incorporating client-provided artwork or family heirlooms.
How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary by complexity. Standard sign installations typically take 2-4 weeks. Custom creations like rocking animals or historic restorations may require 6-8 weeks. We provide specific timelines during initial consultations.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Estes Park, Colorado, we serve clients throughout the Front Range and beyond. Our fabrication capabilities allow us to complete projects for locations nationwide through coordinated shipping and installation.
