Hand-blown glass neon signs with porcelain enamel faces and heavy steel cans....
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Authentic porcelain enamel signs made on heavy-gauge steel. Kiln-fired like the originals,...
Porcelain enamel signs have been used for over a century because they were built to last. Long before vinyl prints and thin aluminum signs existed, brands relied on porcelain because it could withstand weather, time, and daily use without fading or peeling.
Today, many signs marketed as “metal” or “vintage-style” are simply printed aluminum or steel with a clear coat. This page explains what real porcelain enamel signs are, how they’re made, and how to tell the difference between authentic porcelain construction and modern shortcuts.
A true porcelain enamel sign is made by fusing powdered glass to steel at extremely high temperatures. The process permanently bonds the color to the metal surface, creating a finish that is glossy, deep, and exceptionally durable.
Unlike paint or ink, porcelain enamel:
This is why original gas station, soda, automotive, and roadside signs from the early–mid 1900s still exist today.
Traditional porcelain signs are created through a multi-step process:
This layered firing process is labor-intensive, but it’s what gives porcelain signs their depth, weight, and durability.
Many modern signs use terms like metal sign, tin sign, or vintage metal. These are not porcelain.
Porcelain signs were originally designed for:
That’s why so many original porcelain signs still exist today. The materials and construction weren’t chosen for cost savings — they were chosen for performance and longevity.
This durability is also why original porcelain signs are highly sought after by collectors and often command significant prices at auction.
Not all porcelain reproductions are equal. Common shortcuts include:
Authentic porcelain enamel signs will clearly state:
Vague language is often intentional.
Porcelain signs don’t just look different — they feel different.
The weight, gloss, and depth create a visual presence that printed signs can’t replicate. Light reflects naturally off the glass surface, giving porcelain signs a richness that enhances garages, shops, showrooms, and designed interiors.
Even viewers who don’t consciously recognize the difference tend to respond to it emotionally.
Porcelain enamel signs are ideal when:
They are especially well-suited for garages, barbershops, restaurants, museums, and collector spaces.
Porcelain enamel signs aren’t just metal signs with a glossy finish. They are a specific product, built using a process that has changed very little in over a century.
Understanding the difference helps set expectations — and ensures you’re choosing a sign that matches your space, your intent, and how long you expect it to last.
Shop our Collection of Porcelain Enamel Signs
Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, not mass-produced overseas. Quality like this doesn’t come off an assembly line.
You won’t find acrylic, stickers, or fake glow here. This is real neon—heavy, durable, and made to last a lifetime.
These neon cans aren’t for lighting up a dorm room—they’re made for guys who know the difference between real and replica.
Try it out. If it’s not what you expected, send it back. We cover return shipping—no questions asked.
Our signs are crafted using real porcelain enamel on heavy-gauge steel, kiln-fired layer-by-layer - Just like the originals. No stickers. No cheap shortcuts.
Yes! Unlike most reproductions, our signs are made with real porcelain enamel, which means they won't fade, peel, or scratch like printed metal signs or acrylic.
All our signs are proudly made in the USA using traditional methods that honor the craftsmanship of the past.
We stand behind our work. If you're not 100% happy, just send it back for a full refund. No questions asked.
I just want to say thank you. No outside funding, no backup plan—just long nights, hard work, and hope. So when you place an order or share what we do, it’s not just another sale. It’s the reason we get to keep going. And that means more than I can ever explain.
