FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions:
Winsor Fireform designs and manufactures custom porcelain enamel panels, graphic tile systems, and structural framing
solutions for architectural and public environments. We specialize in large format, full color, kiln fired graphics engineered
for decades of exterior performance
Winsor Fireform was founded in 1983 and has been refining high resolution porcelain enamel manufacturing for over four
decades. Our processes and capabilities have evolved continuously to support large format, permanent architectural
graphics.
Porcelain enamel is a kiln fired, glass fused surface engineered to resist UV exposure, moisture, abrasion, and chemical
cleaning for decades. It eliminates common failure points such as fading, peeling, and delamination, making it ideal for high
traffic and long term public environments
No. Porcelain enamel uses inorganic mineral pigments that are fused into glass and fired at high temperature, making the
surface inherently UV stable. Winsor Fireform backs its full color panels with a 25 year warranty against fading, discoloration,
and gloss reduction.
Porcelain enamel outperforms painted, powder coated, and laminated signage because the glass surface is fused to steel
rather than applied as a coating. It resists UV degradation, moisture, abrasion, and chemical cleaning for decades, while most alternative materials fade, peel, or delaminate over time.
Winsor Fireform products are fully custom and adaptable to a wide range of architectural and public applications. We
produce large format panels up to 10 feet in length, curved and formed graphics, modular tile murals, and engineered frame
or stand systems to support wall mounted or freestanding installations.
Winsor Fireform provides a 25 year warranty against fading, discoloration, and gloss reduction due to ultraviolet exposure,
along with a five year warranty against manufacturing defects. Our warranty reflects the long term durability of kiln fired
porcelain enamel in exterior and high traffic environments.
Porcelain enamel on steel is widely considered one of the most durable materials for outdoor signage because the glass surface
is fused to steel at high temperature. It resists UV fading, moisture, corrosion, abrasion, and chemical cleaning for decades
without peeling or delaminating.
Kiln fired porcelain enamel panels typically last significantly longer than painted, laminated, or powder coated signage. When
properly engineered and installed, porcelain enamel graphics can maintain color and surface integrity for 25 years or more in
exterior environments.
For permanent public art and architectural murals, porcelain enamel graphic tile or large format steel panels provide long term
color stability and vandal resistance. The non porous, UV stable surface preserves photographic detail and bold color in high
traffic civic spaces.
Porcelain enamel on steel is commonly specified for interpretive signs in parks because it withstands sun exposure, moisture,
graffiti removal, and temperature fluctuations. It is ideal for freestanding installations when paired with engineered frame and
stand systems.
Unlike aluminum panels with applied graphics or high pressure laminate, porcelain enamel is not a film or coating that can peel
or fade. The glass surface is permanently fused to steel, providing superior resistance to UV exposure, delamination, and long
term weathering.
Production Questions:
Typical lead time for custom porcelain enamel panels or tile systems is approximately 8 to 12 weeks from final art approval and
submittal sign off. Timeline can vary based on project size, complexity, fabrication requirements, and mounting system
coordination.
Winsor Fireform can manufacture porcelain enamel panels up to 10 feet in length using large format tooling. Larger
installations are achieved through engineered panel systems designed to maintain graphic continuity and structural integrity.
Yes. Porcelain enamel on steel panels can be fabricated into custom geometries and formed into curved shapes while
maintaining graphic fidelity, and graphic tile can be precision cut into complex profiles using waterjet technology.
No project is too large or too complex, and we welcome challenging installations that push the boundaries of porcelain enamel.
From single interpretive panels to expansive architectural programs, we partner with our clients to execute ambitious designs
with precision and permanence.
Yes. We produce physical color and graphic samples for review and approval prior to full fabrication to ensure alignment with
design intent and performance expectations.
Yes. The non porous glass surface resists staining and allows repeated cleaning with solvents or graffiti removal products
without degrading the finish.
Yes. All Winsor Fireform products are manufactured in our facility in Washington State with full in house fabrication control.
Yes. Porcelain enamel resists salt air exposure and corrosion when properly engineered, making it suitable for marine and
coastal installations.
Sales Questions:
We aim to provide a detailed quote within three business days of receiving complete project information. Complex or highly
customized projects may require additional coordination to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Porcelain enamel signage is fully custom, so pricing depends on panel size, quantity, graphic complexity, color requirements,
fabrication details, and mounting systems. Because these variables significantly affect production, we provide project specific
quotes rather than standard per square foot pricing.
We work with transit authorities, parks, museums, universities, public art programs, architects, and institutional clients
requiring permanent architectural graphics.
Art & Design Questions:
Yes. We offer full graphics and illustration capabilities in house and provide technical support to architects, designers, and
artists throughout the project. Our team can assist with concept development, artwork refinement, and production ready file
preparation to ensure successful porcelain enamel execution.
We accept vector artwork and high resolution digital files suitable for large format production, as outlined in our Art
Department Specifications and Guidelines. Our team will review your files at no charge and can advise on any adjustments
needed to ensure optimal porcelain enamel reproduction.
No. Winsor Fireform offers extensive custom color matching through our in house color lab, including PMS and other specified
brand colors. We can reproduce a wide range of hues with high accuracy while maintaining long term color stability in porcelain
enamel.
Installation Questions:
Winsor Fireform offers engineered backers, concealed and exposed frame systems, and freestanding stand options
depending on your site conditions and design intent. Our team coordinates mounting details during the fabrication process
to ensure structural stability and long term performance.
If you select one of our engineered frame or stand systems, it will be fabricated and supplied as part of your project. While
Winsor Fireform does not perform field installation, we provide detailed guidance and coordination to support your contractor
and ensure proper installation.
Safety Questions:
Our frame and mounting systems are engineered to support long term exterior performance when installed in accordance with
local building and sign codes. We provide project specific mounting details and material recommendations so your contractor
can achieve a secure installation that accounts for wind load and site conditions.
No. All panel faces and edges are coated in porcelain enamel, resulting in a smooth, finished surface without exposed sharp
metal edges. Panels are fabricated to ensure safe handling and installation when used as intended.
Yes. Porcelain enamel is a glass surface fused to steel and is inherently non combustible, making it suitable for exterior and high
occupancy environments.
Yes. Porcelain enamel is fired at temperatures exceeding 1400°F and remains stable in extreme heat, cold, and freeze thaw
conditions without surface degradation.
ART DEPARTMENT SPECS & GUIDELINES
Please Note: Flat panels that are to be installed in a frame need to have the graphics adjusted to allow for a 3/4” overlap of the frame on to the panel face.
Please Also Note: Flanged panels curve slightly at the edges, so please adjust the graphics to allow for a 3/16” margin on the inside of the panel face.
Accepted File Format:
- Adobe Illustrator (preferred), best for designs with text, images, and vector graphics.
- Adobe InDesign, good for simpler designs with text and images.
- Adobe Photoshop, best for image-only based designs
- * PDFs are not ideal for our prepress and printing processes, please provide your file in one of the above native file formats if possible. (e.g., ai, eps, indd, psd, psb)
File Preparation:
- All files should be designed at actual size (100% scale).
- Avoid embedding graphics in Illustrator and InDesign and keep Photoshop layers when possible.
- Outline all text (or) provide the necessary font files.
- If you need assistance preparing your files, let us know, we can help!
Formatting Linked Images:
- PSD, TIFF, EPS, or PSB for large file formats are preferred. J PGs with minimal compression workable.
- PNG and GIF are not recommended for print production.
- 300 dpi image resolution is optimal, 150 dpi is acceptable, 72 dpi is too low.
- Bitmap images should be saved at 600 dpi
- Color images in CMYK (not RGB), BW images in Grayscale
- Duotones, Tritones, and Quadtones saved as Photoshop PSD
Important Design Considerations:
- Flat Panels with Frames: If the panel will be installed in one of Winsor Fireform's standard frames, adjust the graphics to account for the 3/4" frame overalp on all four edges to ensure important graphics are not covered by the frame.
- Flanged Panels: Flanged panles have a 3/16" inner margin on all sides where graphic elements will be cropped. However, solid spot colors can be applied to this area as well as the flanged edge.
File Submission
Use the File –> “Package” command within Illustrator and InDesign to automatically gather linked graphics and fonts into a single folder. Compress the folder into a Zip file for transfer. Submit your designs using a file sharing service (we are happy to send you an upload link if helpful). We can also accept flash drives by mail. Files less than 15 MB can be emailed.
Color Matching and the Ceramic Gamut
Winsor Fireform is a world leader in ceramic color matching and color range. Winsor Fireform maintains a growing color
library of 20,000+ unique colors, formulated over the course of 40+ years. Most colors can be matched and reproduced;
however, bright magentas, extreme purples, and colors approaching neon can be challenging due to the restrictive nature of
the natural rare-earth oxides used to create ceramic pigments. We are continually researching ceramic pigment sources
worldwide to ensure our color library remains the best in the industry.
Spot Colors
Color matching systems like Pantone Coated (preferred) or Benjamin Moore should be used for colors that Winsor Fireform
custom formulates. Please specifiy Pantone numbers within the digital file whenever possible. Physical swatches and/or
objects can be mailed to Winsor Fireform for matching.
Additional Design Services
Artwork digitizing, scanning, and tracing is available upon request