A.J Wells & Sons Ltd was founded in 1972 and is a privately owned, family controlled, British company. From shop and road signage, wayfinding signage in towns across the country, to helping navigate the London Underground, we have a proud heritage of collaborating on some truly iconic projects.

We are vitreous enamel specialists, which is a perfect material for signage due to its durability and weather resistance. It is chemical and abrasion resistant and far less vulnerable to vandalism than other materials. The expected lifespan is at least four times that of any other material and maintenance is minimal, meaning it is cost-effective. The elements that are used to produce enamel are fully recyclable making it an environmentally friendly signage solution.

Block screen-printing, enamel photographic transfer technology, as well as illumination, can all be used to create colour rich and accurate signage. Our in-house design team and colour matching specialists are able to embrace your organisation’s branding. Vitreous enamel benefits from being colour-fast meaning colours, text and imagery will never fade. We also offer a range of framing and mount solutions in aluminium, stainless steel, wood and stone.

AJ Wells has the largest enamel facility in the UK, with a full range of in-house capabilities. Our team has a range of material and signage options available, to provide you the perfect signage solution for your project.

What are enamel signs made of?

Enamel signs are made from vitreous enamel, which starts as small pieces of glass called frit that’s mixed with coloured oxide compounds and water. This is sprayed onto a metal substrate then fused at temperatures over 800°C. Screen printing and vinyl decals are used to apply texts and graphics.

Do they still make enamel signs?

Enamel signs continue to be fabricated and used in areas where fire safety is of particular concern such as the London Underground. Their weather-resistant qualities also make them ideal for many outdoor signage solutions. They are retained in many historical areas due to their heritage aesthetic.

Enamel signs were ubiquitous from the late 1800s to the 1950s being used for advertising and street signage. One of the most famous street signs in the world, the ‘Abbey Road’ sign, is still made from vitreous (aka porcelain) enamel and fabricated by A.J Wells and Sons. Beyond its many useful qualities, vitreous enamel signage is part of the London Aesthetic. Areas such as the Theatreland district continue to request vitreous enamel signage to maintain the look and feel of the area for locals and tourists.

Why use Vitreous Enamel Signage?

Vitreous Enamel signage is weather, temperature and graffiti-resistant while also colour–fast, meaning colours and graphics do not fade. Ideal for permanent signage solutions exposed to harsh elements, highly populated urban areas and places with an increased fire risk like the London Underground.

With a life span that can exceed 25 years and still look as new, it is an economical choice over the long term. Capable of retaining stunning colouration and graphics it is ideal for artists making a variety of artworks. Likewise, along with the heritage aesthetic, it is an ideal branding solution that aligns particularly well with businesses focused on delivering a premium product or service.

Benefits of using Vitreous Enamel Signage

1/ Weather-proof

Enamel is resistant to all the elements be it rain, sun, snow or hail it will not fade or corrode.

2/ Graffiti-proof

Enamel is resistant to virtually all alkali, acids, organic solvents & detergents. Therefore, removing graffiti is a straightforward process.

3/ Fade resistant (colour-fast)

Once the enamel surface has been fired and cured, the colours, graphics, pattern and text is locked into place. It will never fade, even after years of exposure to the elements – looking as good as the day it was installed for decades to come.

4/ Temperature and fire-resistant

Resistant to temperature differentials of -40°C to 650°C.

5/ Resistance to Abrasion

The hard surface of enamel resists shock abrasion and scratching.

6/ Longevity Durability

Enamel lasts up to 4 times longer than standard powder coated panelling and with many of our projects looking as good as new for several decades.

7/ Low maintenance     

Enamel requires very simple and only periodic maintenance and is easy to clean.

8/ Vitreous Enamel Signs are Eco Friendly

The elements that are used to produce enamel are fully recyclable.

9/ Cost-effective

When considering the longevity of the sign and the lack of maintenance required, it becomes a highly cost-effective option.

What are the different types of Vitreous Enamel Signage?

Architectural Signage

Architectural signage is often bold and large enough in scale to grab attention from a distance and to clearly define a building or structure. Equally, architectural signage can be smaller directional signage that helps navigate a building complex more easily. Most importantly, it needs to create the right first impression and communicate the values and identity of the business or organisation. It must fit the character of the building and company it represents, communicating the architecture and bringing it to life. Find out more…

Interpretation Panels

Interpretation panels function to give those reading them a greater understanding of their surroundings. That could be inside a museum or art gallery or outside on a nature trail or historic site. A successful interpretation panel will do more than simply convey information easily. Using a carefully curated combination of text and images, they can be used to bring your site to life and tell its unique story. Find out more…

Monoliths and Totem Signs

Monoliths and totem signs maximise the visual impact of your business or organisation. They are incredibly versatile and not limited by location or the size of a building or shop front. They can be installed in specific contexts and where they will be seen most. Their vertical shape means they can be seen from distance, while they also benefit from being multisided allowing viewing from all directions. Find out more…

Projecting Signs

Projecting signs are most often double-sided and extend from the side of a building’s exterior. They’re viewable from at least 2 directions, making them an exceptionally efficient way of communicating your brand.

We manufacture a range of robust options, keeping sign visibility and safety at the forefront. Our site survey team will establish suitability including factoring in wind loads and other environmental influences. Find out more…

Railway Signs

AJ Wells & Sons Ltd has been the official supplier of Transport for London (TFL) railway signs and cladding for nearly 3 decades.

They are produced in vitreous enamel a traditional process that involves fusing glass particles to sheet metal by firing it at temperatures in excess of 800°C. The finish has a unique depth and vibrance and has been specified by rail operators for many years. The result is colourfast and weather-proof with exceptional durability, meaning colours, text and images will never fade. Enamel signs are ideal for indoor or outdoor and require very little maintenance. Find out more…

Street Signs

A.J Wells & Sons Ltd have been official suppliers of street signs and cladding for Transport for London for almost 30 years. A.J Wells fabricate steel tray panels before enameling and screen-printing the new signage. Vitreous enamel street signage offers excellent durability and low maintenance that cannot be matched when using powder coated or vinyl signage. Find out more…

Wayfinding Signage

AJ Wells are experienced manufacturers of exterior wayfinding signage solutions. Each project starts with extensive research to develop the optimum system for wayfinding in the client’s location. A range of information including street signs and printed maps are used to convey clear, concise information that is accessible to everyone.

We offer a complete service including site survey, design, manufacture, on-site installation and ongoing maintenance. Find out more…

LED Illuminated Signage

LED illuminated signage which are made from a range of materials, including coated metal, glass, acrylic, and electronics. LED modules can be used to create back-lit illuminated signs or illuminated signage letters and shapes of all sizes. LED strips can also be used around the edges of signs and internal displays to produce a neon–style result. Find out more…

---

To find out more you can check out our extensive portfolio or please contact our team to discuss your project.