Old time metal signs

[Bill Jurasz]

Anybody ever frequent antique stores and see all those old vintage signs (many of which are reproductions of course) of oil companies, car companies, etc.? They are printed on metal and often have a nearly photographic quality to the color and detail. Muscle cars and gasoline brands are common themes. How are these done and can they be done at a reasonable cost in quantities of one or two? I know of places that can screen print onto metal but I don't think this is the same process or would deliver the same look. Thanks.

[Daniel Buck]

"tins" I believe they are called. Don't know where you would get them though, or how to print them.

[David Adolphus]

Many are screen printed, but the high end ones are porcelain (http://www.kvoindustries.com/vitratek.html). I'm sure that, as with anything else, resolution is a function of $. Didja Google it? Heck, Kinko's screen prints them.

[Bill Jurasz]

Thanks David. I did google it, but as with many searches, I got so many hits that it was of little value. Plus, I was not even sure what I was trying to search for. Did I want a screen print on metal? Some said they were embossed screens. Now I've heard about porcelain from you. Searches do little good if you don't know what you are searching for. A local sign maker will screen print on metal, but only in four square foot minimums. Etc.