Architects and interior designers who contact us for the first time often have a clear visual idea of what they want but are uncertain about what to specify in a brief. This guide covers the decisions that matter most: material, fixing method, letter style, and lead time. It is written for professionals but is equally useful for anyone commissioning signage for a renovation or new build.

Material: brass or slate, and why the choice matters

Brass suits formal and traditional interiors, and any context where the signage will be touched regularly. Door plates, lift buttons, reception nameplates. Slate suits contemporary and natural material interiors, and any context where the signage will be viewed rather than touched. It is also the better choice for exterior applications in Portugal's climate. We do not recommend mixing the two materials within a single project unless there is a clear design reason to do so.

Fixing methods and what they require from the wall

Brass plates can be fixed with countersunk screws (we supply the fixings), with double-sided structural tape for smooth surfaces, or with standoff fixings for a floating effect. Slate is heavier and should always be fixed with screws or a specialist stone adhesive. We can advise on fixing method based on the wall material and the weight of the plate. For projects where the wall finish is not yet determined, we recommend specifying the fixing method before the wall is finished.

Letter style: what engraving can and cannot do

Engraving is a subtractive process: the tool removes material to create the letter. This means that very thin strokes, very small point sizes, and highly detailed logos can be difficult to achieve cleanly. As a general rule, we recommend a minimum engraved text height of 8 mm for brass and 10 mm for slate. Serif typefaces with significant stroke contrast can be challenging; we will advise if a requested typeface is likely to cause problems. We always send a proof before cutting.

Lead times for architectural projects

For projects of three to twelve plates, the typical lead time is ten to fourteen working days from layout approval. For larger projects, we discuss a production schedule at the briefing stage. We have completed projects of up to sixty units for a single site. We do not take on more than two large architectural projects simultaneously, which is worth knowing when planning a project timeline. Contact us early in the design process if the signage is on the critical path.

We are happy to meet with architects and designers at the studio or on site in Porto. For projects in Lisbon or elsewhere in Portugal, we can arrange a video call. Send an initial brief to studio@engraverefuge.com and we will respond within one working day.