Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Porcelain Enamel Products for Architectural and Commercial Use
Cherokee Porcelain has been a trusted leader in porcelain enamel manufacturing since 1946, specializing in custom metal fabrication and high-temperature glass coating for architectural, commercial, and artistic applications. Our process combines traditional European techniques with modern technology to produce durable, fade-resistant products that meet exacting design specifications. With decades of experience serving clients across the United States and Canada, we deliver innovative solutions for projects ranging from iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty to nationwide brand signage for Cracker Barrel restaurants.Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through compliance with Porcelain Enamel Institute standards and a track record of delivering maintenance-free, weather-resistant components that last the lifetime of any structure. Our team works closely with architects and designers to transform creative visions into reality using a virtually limitless color palette and advanced fabrication capabilities.
Services
Architectural Panels
Custom Signage
Porcelain Enamel Coating
Metal Fabrication
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 80 years of specialized expertise in porcelain enamel manufacturing
- Our custom fabrication capabilities support unique architectural and design projects
- Products meet Porcelain Enamel Institute durability and weather resistance standards
- Proven track record with iconic national landmarks and commercial clients
- We maintain a comprehensive quality control process from fabrication to final inspection
Services
Architectural Panels
Custom-fabricated porcelain enamel panels provide durable exterior cladding solutions that maintain aesthetic integrity for decades. These panels resist weathering, UV degradation, and industrial pollutants while offering design flexibility through color and texture options. Ideal for commercial buildings, transit systems, and public infrastructure projects requiring long-lasting architectural elements.
Custom Signage
Precision-crafted porcelain enamel signage delivers permanent, high-visibility solutions for commercial and public spaces. Our process supports complex graphics, multi-color designs, and dimensional lettering that maintains clarity and vibrancy under harsh environmental conditions. Widely used for transit systems, brand identity markers, and wayfinding applications requiring permanent identification solutions.
Metal Fabrication
Full-service metal shaping and assembly capabilities enable creation of complex steel substrates for porcelain enameling. Using heavy-gauge steel, we produce structural components, decorative elements, and functional parts that maintain dimensional accuracy during high-temperature processing. Supports architectural applications requiring both structural integrity and decorative finishes.
Porcelain Enamel Coating
High-temperature glass coating process bonds inorganic pigments to steel substrates, creating non-porous, maintenance-free surfaces. Our proprietary application methods ensure uniform coverage and color consistency across large production runs. Meets industry standards for chemical resistance, abrasion protection, and thermal expansion compatibility with steel substrates.
Design Consultation
Technical support services help translate design concepts into manufacturable porcelain enamel products. Our team assists with material selection, dimensional optimization, and compliance with architectural specifications throughout the project lifecycle. Provides value engineering solutions that balance aesthetic goals with production feasibility and cost efficiency.
People
Vicki Corum Helms
President & CEO
Leading Cherokee Porcelain since its founding in 1946, Vicki Corum Helms oversees strategic operations and maintains quality standards across all production processes.
Andy Wampler
Project Manager
Andy Wampler manages client projects from design consultation through delivery, ensuring technical specifications meet both customer requirements and industry standards.
Questions
What is porcelain enamel?
Porcelain enamel is a glass-like coating fused to steel at high temperatures, creating a durable, weather-resistant surface that maintains color integrity for decades.
What architectural applications do you support?
We manufacture custom architectural components including building panels, column covers, transit signage, and decorative elements for both interior and exterior use.
How durable are your products?
Our porcelain enamel products resist fading, peeling, and weather damage, with proven performance in extreme conditions including coastal environments and industrial areas.
Do you work with international clients?
While based in Tennessee, we serve clients across the United States and Canada, with completed projects in major metropolitan areas and regional markets.
What customization options exist?
We offer nearly limitless color choices and can create custom graphics, textures, and dimensional elements to meet specific design requirements for architectural and artistic projects.