How do I add text to a 3D object in unity?

I'm a little new to Unity and am currently working on a game. Ive been wanting to make a sign I used two cubes on skinny one for the sign stand and another cube for the actual sign. I want to add text on it so the player can read it. I tried adding a text mesh component but when I start my game I can see the text from a mile away, I want to be able to see it from a reasonable distance. Also i can see the text through the back of the object and I dont want that. Please help!