Brush script is a casual, flowing style of lettering that mimics the strokes of a sign painter’s brush. Its varied line weights and connected letters give a name a custom, hand-made feel that standard fonts can’t match. That’s why it’s a favorite for boat names. At our shop in Edgewater, Maryland, we letter brush script by hand in gold leaf and cut it in premium cast vinyl. For background, see this overview of script typefaces.
Brush Script in Gold Leaf
On a classic wooden transom, a hand-lettered script in genuine 23 karat gold leaf is hard to beat. First, we lay out the name to fit the curve of the boat. Then we gild the letters by hand. Finally, a painted outline or drop shadow makes the gold stand out against the varnish. For example, the name on Bessy shows how rich the result can be.
Brush Script in Vinyl
For fiberglass hulls, durable cast vinyl keeps the classic painted look at a lower cost. Designs often include a second color or a floating shadow, which copies the layered look of traditional hand-painted lettering. For instance, Moon Shadow uses two colors of premium cast vinyl. Likewise, Sedona Blue pairs a blue script with a sprayed color fade. Premium cast vinyl holds up for years in marine weather, and it peels off cleanly when it’s time for a change.
Caring for Brush Script Lettering
Script letters have thin, delicate strokes. So wash the lettering gently with a soft sponge and mild soap, and avoid stiff brushes that could catch the edges. With a little care, the name will keep looking sharp season after season.
See the Work
- Gold leaf name for Bessy
- Two-color name for Moon Shadow
- Sprayed fade for Sedona Blue
- Script quarterboards for Mystic Lady
- Florentine swirl gold leaf for Mimi
Browse our gold leaf boat names and vinyl boat names. Our What We Do page shows everything we build.
Contact Designs & Signs
Want a brush script name for your boat? Send us a message through our contact form, or call (410) 798-5115.