FAQ

COMPANY & PRODUCTS

Back in 1991 Nick founded Ramsign with a simple philosophy; Don’t replace what already works, make more of it instead. Our mission is to revive the art of porcelain enamel sign making and make them available for everyone. So, for all you folks who love authenticity and recognize the quality workmanship we put into our signs: we build our house numbers and name plates for you.

Because porcelain enamel is a tried and tested material that is superior for making beautiful signs. Porcelain enamel signs are renowned for their vivid colors and extreme durability. Even in the harshest outdoor conditions they keep their glossy surface and vibrant colours year after year. This is down to the unique properties of porcelain enamel, which is essentially a glass substance that is melted onto a steel plate in a ceramic kiln. Unlike any other material, porcelain enamel will never peel, scratch, rot, corrode, fade, or degrade in any other way over time.    

Authentic design and good old craftmanship. A Ramsign house number is NOT the typical house number you buy down at the local department store. We construct our signs to last a lifetime. In fact, that’s how long we guarantee them to last. Unlike others, we handcraft our signs in the European Union using authentic designs, methods and materials, exactly like the old enamel signs has adorned our buildings for generations. In addition, each sign comes with a certified mounting kit that is tailored to its purpose.

We design, hand craft and test all our enamel signs in the European Union.

That’s the easy one. The signs last for more than a lifetime, guaranteed.

Yes, to create truly weatherproof products, we carefully coat both the front and the back of each sign with multiple layers of porcelain enamel, so that the metal is fully protected. Tiny burn marks can occasionally be found on the back where the sign has been resting inside the kiln. This is perfectly normal and does not compromise the durability of the sign.

The signs are crafted 100% by hand and start as a metal plate which are cut and shaped, then coated with a mixture of powdered glass, color pigment and water. After drying, the signs are fired in a kiln at up to 820 °C (1508 °F), melting the glass onto the metal. Additional layers of pigmented enamels are added and fired individually, resulting in a hard and glossy finish with vivid colors.

The signs are built to survive even the harshest environments. Thanks to their hard and glossy surface, they are maintenance free and resistant to rapid temperature changes, wet/salty climates, fire, UV radiation, solvents, and wear and tear.

Yes, the signs are made from steel, glass, and color pigments, all non-toxic, recyclable materials, that are abundant on earth, and they contain no paints, heavy metals, or other polluting agents. Only a little water and no solvents are used in production. Due to their longevity, they leave a very small footprint compared to lower quality signs that must be replaced frequently.

ORDERING & ORDER CONFIRMATION

Simply use the language/currency selector which can be found in the top right corner of the page.

Regardless of the shop currency, you will be charged in USD at the current currency rate in the cart. This is because the cart can only handle USD due to a limitation at Shopify which is hosting the shop.  

Simply follow this guide step-by-step:

  1. Go to www.ramsign.com
  2. In the main menu, choose ENAMEL SIGNS → CUSTOMIZED SIGNS
  3. Select the sign shape you want
  4. On the product page, choose size, mounting kit, production time and click the CUSTOMIZE button which takes you to the customization page
  5. Customize the sign. Click the “ADD TO CART button and check out.

Simply follow this guide step-by-step:

  1. Go to www.ramsign.com
  2. In the main menu, choose the style METROPOLITAN, HIGHLANDER or ENGELHARDT by clicking the SHOP button
  3. Choose STOCKED HOUSE NUMBERS
  4. Choose the number range you want
  5. Choose the specific number and mounting kit you want. Click the “ADD TO CART” button and check out.

Immediately after your order is placed an automated email is sent to you confirming your order has been received. Our team will immediately start working on your order and sends a manual order confirmation to you within 24 hours. If your order contains a custom sign the order confirmation will include a design proof for your approval.

If you haven’t received the order confirmation within 48 hours you can do the following: 

  • Check that the email account is the same as you used when you placed your order.
  • Check if the order confirmation is stuck in the SPAM-filter of your email account.
  • Request an order confirmation via the contact page. Please include as many details as possible to help us identify your order, hereunder the order date.

Simply reply to the order confirmation detailing what changes you wish to be made, and we will send a new proof for your approval.  

CHOOSING A STYLE

Style selection is a matter of the owner’s taste, so we have included some basic guidelines to help in your selection. Consider choosing a style which resonates with your setting. If for example your property includes historic buildings, consider a trim and typeface from that period. Likewise, if you live in a contemporary home, consider choosing a more modern style of sign. Also consider that choosing a contrasting color for your sign is a great way to make it stand out from the background and avoid color clashes. You can find more inspiration in our Style Guide.

A rule of thumb says, the longer the distance to the sign, the larger the sign must be. Indoor signs should be small since they are viewed close-up. The opposite can be said about outdoor signs. Visit the Size page to read more about how to choose the best size for your sign.

DIMENSIONS

Ramsign currently offers 88 standard sizes ranging from the tiny AALHOLM 7 x 4,5 cm (2¾″ x 1¾″) to the impressive SOPHIENBERG 70 x 37 cm (27½″ x 14½″). We like to think there is a size for everyone, but if you need a special size for your project, feel free to contact us via the contact page.

The largest sign we can squeeze into our kiln is 100 x 38 cm (39” x 15”). 

All signs are produced from 1 mm to 1,5 mm low carbon steel plate, and the finished signs has a thickness of 1,5 to 2 mm.

The diameter of the mounting holes is 4 mm.

The height of the characters is determined by the size of your sign and the number of characters it contains. If the height of the characters must meet a minimum height requirement you can note this in the shopping cart, and we will do our best to adjust the size accordingly. For all custom signs we provide a design proof so you can check the height of the characters.

STOCKED HOUSE NUMBERS

The following stocked house numbers are in stock and ship within 24 hours: 

  • The blue Metropolitan range of DANSBORG signs available here
  • The white Highlander range of DANSBORG signs available here
  • The black Engelhardt range of CHARLOTTELUND signs available here

Other house numbers can be custom made.

Product dimensions: W 14 cm, H 11 cm (W 5½” x H 4⅜”)

Digit height: 8 cm (3⅛″)

Mounting holes: 4 holes of 4 mm

Thickness: 1,5 to 2 mm

Weight: 154 g (5.43 oz)

Product dimensions: W 12,5 cm, H 12,5 cm (W 4⅞″ x H 4⅞″)

Digit height for numbers 1 - 9: 6,8 cm (2⅝″)

Digit height for numbers 10 - 99: 5,3 cm (2”)

Digit height for numbers 100 - 200: 4 cm (1⅝″)

Mounting holes: 3 holes of 4 mm

Thickness: 1,5 to 2 mm

Weight: 156 g (5.50 oz)

PRICES AND PAYMENTS

Yes, Ramsign is determined to offer the best value that money can buy. Cheaper porcelain enamel signs are available, but they don’t offer authentic design, premium quality, quick delivery, free worldwide shipping, free mounting materials, a money back guarantee, and a lifetime warranty, so at the end of the day you end up paying more for less.

Yes, all orders must be paid before they are shipped. If you are not 100% satisfied you can return the product within 60 days for a full refund. Check the money back guarantee page for more details.

We accept PayPal and all major international payment cards (American Express, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, and Visa Electron).

Simply download your invoice using the link in your order confirmation or reach out to us via the contact page and we will email the invoice to you.

TAX & CUSTOMS

No taxes are included in our prices. All shipments carry a customs declaration indicating the value of the goods. If the value exceeds the threshold of the destination country, import tax may be levied by the carrier. If you present the payment receipt to us, we will reimburse your costs.

All shipments carry a customs declaration. However, depending on the jurisdiction, shipments can sometimes be stuck in customs for several weeks. We recommend that you track your shipment with the tracking link included in the shipping confirmation. If you have not received your shipment within the expected delivery time you should make an inquiry at your local post office (bring the package number). It may be that they were unable to deliver the package, which will result in it being sent back to the sender if it is not collected within their deadline.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

Yes, we offer FREE worldwide shipping with tracking. Your shipment will be delivered to your door by your local postal service. Check the Delivery and Returns page for details.

All orders ship in a rigid cardboard sleeve. The shipment is delivered directly to your door, or mailbox, by your local postal service. If you choose express delivery, it will be delivered by courier (DHL/FedEX/UPS), and someone must be at the delivery address to sign for the delivery.

Your sign(s), mounting materials, and mounting instructions.

Stocked house numbers ship within 24 hours and are delivered within 1 week. Custom signs ship within 4 weeks and are delivered within 5 weeks. The delivery time depends on the destination and the local distribution conditions. Check the Delivery and Returns page for pricing and details.

In most cases it can be delivered within one week.

  1. Choose ‘Rush Production’ on the product page
  2. Choose “Expedited Shipping” in check-out (on the delivery page). 

Check the Delivery and Returns page for pricing and details.

Select “Rush Production” on the product page, and your order will be shipped within 3 days with DHL/FedEx/UPS, or a similar courier. Check the Delivery and Returns page for pricing and details.

Select “Express Delivery” in check-out, and your order will ship with DHL/FedEx/UPS, or a similar courier. The transportation time will be 1-3 days, depending on the destination. Check the Delivery and Returns page for pricing and details.

Yes, we will send a shipping confirmation via email including a tracking number and tracking link as soon as we have shipped your order.

You will find a tracking number and a tracking link in the shipping confirmation that is sent to you via e-mail you as soon as your order has shipped.

If you haven’t received a shipping confirmation via email within the expected timeframe you can do the following: 

  • Check that the email account you are using is the same as you used when you placed your order.
  • Check if the shipping confirmation is stuck in the SPAM filter of your email account.
  • Request a shipping confirmation via our contact page. Please enter as many details as possible to help us find your order.

Reach out to us via the contact page.

If your shipment hasn’t arrived within the expected timeframe you can do the following: 

  • Track the shipment with the tracking number in the shipping confirmation
  • Check that the delivery address is correct and that the address is well marked and easy to find by the local post service
  • Inquire at your local post office when the shipment will be delivered

Reach out to us via the contact page if you have not received your order within 6 weeks after the expected timeframe

MOUNTING YOUR SIGN

Washers are only included in the mounting kit for masonry which contain 4 long brass screws, 4 plugs and 4 nylon washers. The mounting kit for wood has no washers included as only 4 short brass screws are required.

Order the mounting kit for masonry & stone (on the product page) and follow the included mounting instructions or use our Mounting Guide here.

Order the mounting kit for wood & plaster (on the product page) and follow the included mounting instructions or use our Mounting Guide here.

Order the mounting kit for metal & glass (on the product page) and follow the included mounting instructions or use our Mounting Guide here.

Outdoor the screws will patinate naturally over time. However, it is possible to speed up the process using ammonia. 

1. Wash the screw with soap to make sure they are clean and free of grease

2. Place the screws in a glass, soak the screws in a few drops of ammonia and cover the top of the glass with a plate.

3. After 10-15 minutes the screws will be dark and ready to rinse in water and use.

Repeat the process for an even darker appearance.

CARING FOR YOUR SIGN

You can give your sign a quick wipe down using a spritz of window cleaner on a paper towel. Any solvent can be used, but never use acid or sanding materials on your sign as this can permanently damage the glossy surface.

If your sign has been vandalised using graffiti, you can use a cloth soaked in acetone to clean off the paint. As acetone is a hazardous flammable solvent, we recommend using it outside in the open. CAUTION: Acetone evaporates quickly. Avoid inhaling the vapor.

CLAIMS & RETURNS

Your satisfaction means everything to us. If you are not 100% satisfied, for any or no reason, you may return your sign to us within 60 days of receipt in exchange for a free replacement or a full refund. The item must be returned intact, unused, and in its original packaging. The money back guarantee exclusively covers items which are ordered in this web shop. Simply message us via the contact page and we will advice how to proceed.

The lifetime warranty is industry leading. This warranty covers defects due to faulty manufacturing, and it is valid for the lifetime of the customer. The warranty does not cover defects that is not caused by faulty manufacturing, such as rough handling or faulty mounting.

If your sign was damaged upon receipt, we will send you a free replacement providing that you notify us within 30 days. We may require you to return the damaged sign, but in many cases a few photos will suffice. Your shipping costs will be reimbursed should we require you to return the faulty sign.

As each detail is hand stencilled, the fine lines and characters of your enamel sign can never be 100% accurately reproduced as the digital design proof can. Due to the handmade nature of the signs, minor imperfections are normal and not considered a manufacturing defect.

Our craftsmen use powdered enamel which is produced in batches. Minor variations of the color occur between the batches. In addition, the environmental conditions at the time of firing also impact the result. If two or more signs must have identical colors, we recommend that they are ordered together so they are produced in the same batch.

Due to the handmade nature of the signs, and the high temperatures in the kiln, the enamel coating can be thinner, or missing, on the edges. Also, tiny burn marks can occasionally be found on the back where the sign has been resting inside the kiln. This is perfectly normal and does not compromise the quality of the sign. However, should any quality issues arise later, the sign is covered by the lifetime warranty. 

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please contact our friendly customer support via the contact page. They will be happy to assist you.

Check the SPAM folder of your email account to see if the email has landed there. If you still do not find the order confirmation, then please reach out to us via the contact form. Please include the date of your order for us to identify it.

The best way to contact us is to send a message via the contact page which gives us a little time to prepare a comprehensive reply. Please include as many details as possible in your enquiry. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

We welcome you to contact our CEO, Nick Brandt via our contact page for all press related questions as well as access to media approved content, including logos and images.

Our CEO, Nick Brandt is available for interviews upon request and our copywriter can provide copy on a range of topics including the Ramsign brand and the people behind it, and the production, the history and usage of the signs. In addition to written content, we offer high resolution and web ready images, as well as access to our logos and brand book.