Channel letters are three-dimensional metal signs, which can be illuminated. Custom shapes and designs allow these signs to meet branding standards for any character or logo symbol displayed.
Illuminated channel letters are made out of aluminum that has been bent or welded together into letters with can-shaped ends, then covered by trim cap that features quality anodizing or coating processes.
What is a Channel Letter?
Channel Letters are illuminated, metal letters or characters (such as logo symbols ) used as exterior signage on commercial buildings. Available in numerous fonts and sizes with many color and illumination options available for customization, channel letters are commonly utilized for exterior building signage purposes.
Face of Sign: Public-Facing Side The face, or public-facing side of any sign, should be made translucent with backlit or combination letters to create a halo effect. Returns, which comprise letter sides typically composed of aluminum material can be painted to match its sign color while acrylic faces attached by trim cap complete the look of this sign.
Letters are attached to buildings using non-corrosive fasteners in either flush mount, stud mount, or backer mount configurations. Backer mounts provide a more architectural look as they allow wiring and power supply components to be hidden behind an oversized backer panel or cabinet larger than the sign itself – thus creating a compact design which meets local zoning regulations.
The Channel
Channel letter signage gives your business 24-hour client awareness. Illuminated or not, channel letter displays attract customers day or night – often the most effective form of signage for retail businesses.
Illuminated channel letters come with four options for illumination: front lit, reverse-lit, front/back lit (duel lit) and open face. A standard channel letter typically comprises aluminum returns and acrylic faces which are internally illuminated using LED or neon lighting – though neon may also be an option.
Signs’ aluminum backs are cut using router, laser or water jet cutting machines using vector-based art files as input. Returns, or sides, of the sign are formed by bending a 3 to 6-in wide strip of aluminum around an aluminum back to form its sides.
Once the sign is finished, it is painted using durable exterior paint. Signs Manufacturing utilizes advanced paint technology such as SolarGuard UV coatings and Lumabrite optical brighteners that produce longer-lasting colors that remain vibrant for extended periods.
The Return
Channel letters are formed using aluminum and then given their final shape with polycarbonate or acrylic faces applied over them. These signs are typically front-lit so light shines directly through each character and creates an eye-catching display.
Aluminum backs are router cut on a table and letter “returns” formed to surround them – known as returns – before welding at seams to complete this can in the shape of a letter.
The front of each letter is constructed using either acrylic or polycarbonate inserts in any color (though this could reduce illumination). An edge trim cap may then be added – standard aluminum color or customized to meet your brand’s hue – with lighting provided either through neon gas tubes or energy efficient LED’s to complete your signage.
The Face
Channel letter signage offers businesses a high impact, attractive solution. Ideal for outdoor environments and helping businesses stand out from competition on busy city streets, commercial strips or shopping centers, channel letters can come illuminated or non-illuminated and are available in an assortment of fonts, styles and sizes to suit their brand identity.
Channel letters are made using flat sheets of aluminum in various thicknesses for their back. Their sides, known as returns, are then formed using computer-driven forming machines before being attached to their channel back and face for an aesthetic finish.
Front-Lit and Combination-Lit Channel Letters feature translucent acrylic or polycarbonate faces bonded to Returns, then painted before being equipped with any lighting components, such as neon gas tubes or more energy efficient LEDs. Finally, it can either be directly mounted to a building or flush mounted behind an oversized Backer Monument Cabinet sign to cover wall penetrations while housing its power supply.
