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Custom House Sign Cut Types Explained: In-depth, Raised, Flush & No Base
Custom House Sign Cut Types Explained: In-depth, Raised, Flush & No Base -
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Custom House Sign Cut Types Explained: In-depth, Raised, Flush & No Base
When you customise a Dagood acrylic sign, the cut type controls how the text and design are built — not just how the sign is shaped. It affects the depth, shadowing, and overall visual finish from the street.
This guide breaks down the four cut types we offer for acrylic signs: In-depth, Raised, Flush, and No Base — including how each one looks, how it’s assembled, and what to consider before you choose.
Quick overview
- In-depth: the face layer is cut out to reveal the colour layer behind, creating a recessed, integrated look
- Raised: layered acrylic with the face layer sitting proud above the base for depth and shadow
- Flush: layered acrylic where the face and base finish level for a clean, seamless appearance
- No Base: cut letters/numbers only (no backing panel) for a floating, minimal look
1) In-depth
In-depth creates a refined, integrated look by recessing the lettering into the sign face itself. Instead of letters sitting on top, the front panel is precisely cut to reveal the address colour layer positioned behind it.
The result is a cleaner, more architectural finish, with crisp edges, subtle depth, and controlled shadowing — giving the sign a built-in appearance rather than a layered one.
How it’s made
- The front panel (face layer) is laser cut with the lettering or design removed
- A contrasting acrylic layer is positioned behind the cut-out face
- The address sits at a recessed level, visible through the front panel
- The overall surface appears flatter and more unified than a standard raised sign
Best for
- Modern homes seeking a premium, integrated look
- Designs where subtle depth is preferred over bold 3D contrast
- Applications where a clean, architectural finish matters
What it looks like on the wall
- Recessed lettering with crisp internal edges
- Minimal protrusion from the surface
- Tight, controlled shadow lines
2) Raised
Raised is the classic layered acrylic style. The lettering or design sits on top of the base panel, creating a visible step and natural shadowing that adds depth and contrast.
How it’s made
- A base panel is cut to size
- The face layer (letters or design) is cut separately
- The face layer is mounted on top of the base, sitting proud
Best for
- High-visibility street-facing signs
- Bold numbers and strong typography
- Customers wanting a clearly defined 3D effect
What it looks like on the wall
- Noticeable depth and layering
- Strong shadowing in natural light
- Clear separation between base and lettering
3) Flush
Flush offers a clean, modern finish where the face layer sits level with the base. Although the sign is still built from layered acrylic, the front surface reads as a single, smooth plane.
How it’s made
- The base panel is prepared to accept the face layer
- The face layer is fitted so it finishes even with the base surface
- The result is a seamless front face with minimal stepping
Best for
- Minimalist or contemporary facades
- Designs that prioritise subtlety over depth
- Customers wanting a refined, understated look
What it looks like on the wall
- Smooth, unified front face
- Very minimal shadowing
- Clean, precise finish
4) No Base
No Base means there is no backing panel — only the individual cut letters, numbers, or design elements. This creates a true floating effect, with the wall, fence, or letterbox surface acting as the background.
How it’s made
- Letters and numbers are cut individually from acrylic
- No backing panel is used
- A placement stencil is supplied to ensure accurate spacing and alignment during installation
Best for
- Very clean, uncluttered facades
- Large numbers or simple address layouts
- Customers wanting the most minimal, design-led option
Important considerations
- Surface matters: the mounting surface becomes the visual background
- Installation accuracy: while a stencil is provided, careful positioning is still required
- Readability: complex layouts may be clearer with a base-backed option
Which cut type should you choose?
- Choose Raised for bold depth and strong street presence
- Choose Flush for a seamless, modern finish
- Choose In-depth for a premium, integrated, architectural look
- Choose No Base for a minimal floating appearance on clean surfaces
How cut type affects mounting
Cut type doesn’t restrict your mounting method, but it does influence installation ease and visual outcome:
- Raised / Flush / In-depth signs are more forgiving to install as alignment is built into the panel
- No Base installations rely on accurate positioning, assisted by the supplied stencil
- Layered signs generally present the cleanest side profile when mounted with standoffs
FAQs
Do these cut types change the sign size?
The overall size is determined by the base panel (for base-backed signs) or the layout dimensions (for No Base). Cut type mainly affects construction and visual depth.
Which cut type looks most 3D?
Raised has the strongest 3D effect. In-depth and Flush are more controlled and refined. No Base appears floating rather than layered.
Which option is easiest to install?
Base-backed signs (Raised, Flush, In-depth) are the simplest. No Base requires more care but includes a stencil to assist with alignment.
Which cut type is best for readability from the street?
Raised typically offers the strongest contrast. For longer address lines or smaller text, a base-backed option is generally clearer than No Base.
Can I choose cut type during customisation?
Yes — cut type is selected in the product customiser, with a live preview shown before checkout.
