A hand-painted sign starts with more than a design. The wall, window, or door needs to be ready for paint, and your sign painter needs clear information about the space and how to reach it. A little preparation helps prevent avoidable delays and makes it easier to agree on the right size, placement, and finish. Use this checklist before commissioning a sign so you can share the details that matter and plan for the workday.
Check the Surface
Look closely at the area where the sign will go. Note peeling paint, loose render, cracks, damp patches, rust, grease, or flaking window film. Paint adheres best to a stable, clean surface, so tell the sign painter about any visible problems rather than assuming they can be covered.
Consider what the surface is made of: brick, render, timber, metal, or glass. If the shopfront has recently been painted or treated, share what you know about the product and timing. Take clear photos in daylight, including close-ups of damage, so the painter can assess the condition before visiting.
Measure the Sign Area
Measure the full width and height of the intended area, then note the usable space within it. Include fixed features such as window frames, lights, vents, awnings, doors, and security cameras. Leave room around the lettering so the design does not feel squeezed against an edge or interrupted by fittings.
Send measurements in inches or feet and label each one clearly. A straight-on photo with the dimensions written on it can help explain the layout. If the surface is uneven or the sign will cross multiple panels, say so; the painter may need additional measurements or an on-site check before confirming the design.
Plan Access and Timing
Explain how the painter can reach the sign area. Mention steps, narrow entrances, parking restrictions, busy pavements, indoor access requirements, or anything that could affect carrying equipment or setting up safely. For high signs, share the approximate height and any access limits so the painter can plan suitable equipment.
Choose a work window that fits your trading hours and the conditions the surface needs. Ask how long preparation and painting may take, whether the entrance or windows will be temporarily obstructed, and how weather could affect outdoor work. Confirm who will unlock the premises and who can answer questions on the day.
Gather Your Design Details
Write down the exact wording, including capitalization, punctuation, and any phone number or web address. Share your preferred placement, approximate size, and the main purpose of the sign, such as identifying the business, highlighting a service, or displaying opening information. Flag any details that must remain easy to read from the street.
Send reference images, brand colors, and existing logo files if you have them. Explain what you like about each reference rather than asking for an exact copy. Also mention any building rules, landlord approvals, conservation requirements, or restrictions on paint and signage. Mersey Letterworks can use these details to discuss a suitable approach before the design is finalized.
Before commissioning a hand-painted sign, prepare surface photos, labeled measurements, access notes, and the exact wording you want displayed. These details give your sign painter a clearer starting point and help identify practical issues early. Once your checklist is ready, share it with a local sign studio and ask what else they need to assess your shopfront.