Channel letters are illuminated signage that can be used indoors or outdoors. Constructed of aluminum with acrylic faces and metal returns, channel letters may either be illuminated or non-illuminated depending on your application.
Attractive channel letter signs can draw customers in. But before making a purchase decision, there are a few factors you must keep in mind before purchasing one.
Cost
Channel letter lighting can be an economical and time-saving way to draw customers’ attention to your storefront both day and night. Custom fabricated to your specifications, these lights include dynamic features like programmable LED pixels and flexible strip lights – plus easy installation saving both money and time! However, in certain jurisdictions permitting or zoning approval may be required prior to implementation.
Front lit channel letters, also known as standard channel letters, are the most prevalent type of channel letter signage. Constructed from aluminum returns that have been bent and shaped using computerized machines, their cans are custom painted to match each letter or number and come complete with LED light modules that project onto acrylic faces of signs.
Another alternative for channel letter illumination is an optical-based LED module. These units take advantage of native LED beam angle and redirect it in order to produce more uniform beam patterns; this may help reduce breakage that often occurs with early LED modules.
Durability
Channel letters can make a powerful first impression for businesses both day and night, offering front or back-lit signs with various colors to make an impressionful first impression on customers and helping your business expand. Plus, these signs are durable and easy to maintain – helping bring customers in while helping it remain competitive!
Aluminum signs typically feature backs and sides formed using computer-driven bending and shaping machines, and range in depth from 3-8 inches deep for dimensioning purposes and LED lighting needs. Their sides, known as returns, may come standard color or can even be custom painted to complement your brand logo or brand’s colors.
These signs are made to last and use less electricity than neon or fluorescent signs, lowering electricity bills significantly. Furthermore, their LED lighting uses less power than traditional bulbs – with proper care they could even outlive traditional bulbs and last 10+ years!
Energy efficiency
Channel letter signs are one of the most sought-after types of dimensional signage, due to their highly noticeable 3D letters and shapes which draw in customers day and night. Not only are these 3D letters easily noticeable from any angle day or night, they’re also available in an assortment of sizes, fonts, colors and combinations; plus power-saving LED lighting components make them both ecologically and economically smarter than neon.
Standard front-lit channels are composed of aluminum backing and sides (returns), which are covered with an acrylic face that displays your company name in vivid color and light. They’re an excellent way for businesses operating around the clock or wanting to stand out in busy areas to advertise themselves effectively.
The back of a sign is usually constructed of aluminum or clear acrylic for an eye-catching “halo” effect, and then routed to match the letter shapes before being illuminated using LED modules to reduce breakage and energy costs. A transformer converts line voltage to 12V or 24V for safe operation of these lights.
Appearance
Channel letters are an iconic form of signage used to illuminate storefronts and shopping malls after dark. Available in various colors and customizable to meet branding standards, channel letters offer businesses a cost-effective solution that draws customer interest while drawing them into their establishments.
Standard front-lit channel letters are made up of aluminum backing with sides capped in polycarbonate or acrylic and illuminated by LEDs to spell out your business name or logo. Commonly found at storefronts or mall entrances, front-lit channel letters can also be integrated with monument or pylon signs for maximum impact.
Back lit or reverse halo channel letters provide a more elegant alternative to front-lit signs. Illumination comes from behind each letter creating a “halo effect”, creating an overall brighter appearance and ideal for tall buildings or storefronts wishing to stand out from their competition. They are often found used on tall buildings or storefronts as an effective marketing strategy that sets businesses apart.
