Tips & Tricks: A background outline adds to the 3D effect

Flat letters and graphics look great on CNC carved or textured backgrounds but adding CNC cut letters over the base letter can really add a lot to the look. By adding an outline to the base letter, though, you can heighten the 3D effect even more. Tim and Emily Bauman [All Signs and Graphics, Atascadero, California] put this effect to work often on their signs, with great results.

You can leave the outline the same color as the background for a more subtle effect or paint it a contrasting color to punch it up—which comes in handy when there’s not a strong contrast between the color of the letters and the background. Either way, it’s an easy effect to take advantage of and add even more appeal to a sign.