Channel letters transform two-dimensional names into striking three-dimensional brand statements that stand out even in low lighting conditions, making them an excellent option for storefront signage.
Channel letter signs are made from aluminum and illuminated internally using LED modules, transformers, and whips. There are various styles available such as front lit, reverse lit, or dual lit designs.
Customization
Your business has many options when selecting the perfect Channel Letter sign. Whatever your specific business requirements or location may be, there’s sure to be something available that meets them all.
Front-Lit signs, commonly referred to as Standard or Face-Lit signs, are among the most frequently seen channel letter signs. These sign styles feature transparent acrylic faces with trim caps and aluminum returns; often internally illuminated with LED lighting.
Formed Channel Letters offer a more dimensional appearance than flat cut or cast letters, and can either Front-Lit or Back-Lit. Customizable options include metal faces or translucent plastic molded covers known as prismatic faces which allow light through during the day and provide an illuminated outline at night.
Reverse channel letters, also known as Halo Illuminated or Back-Lit signs, feature metal faces with aluminum returns made of Lexan or poly-carbonate transparent backs that allow LED illumination from within to shine through and illuminate their faces, creating a halo effect around its face and drawing passersby’s attention to it.
Design
Channel letter signs are customizable metal or plastic letters typically found outside storefronts, strip malls, and public buildings as exterior signage. Though typically illuminated, channel letter designs from IDS allow businesses to reflect their brand style while making an eye-catching statement that stands out.
Formed channel letters feature a plastic backer with a raised lip as their foundation, while their cover, often called the face, is comprised of translucent light-diffusing colored plastic that diffuses light evenly across its surface. Furthermore, custom cut vinyl can be added onto its face for additional effects or halo effects.
Popular choices of channel letter lighting include combination-lit channel letters, which combine front illumination with back-lit halo lighting for increased day and nighttime visibility. Other choices may include front or face illumination only and mounting methods like flush mount, raceway or pan.
Material
Channel letters are illuminated metal or plastic signs designed to attract customers and draw their attention towards your business. You have options of front lighting, back lighting or even halo illumination and they can even be customized by molding, shaping and cutting for unique shapes that stand out. Plus there’s the variety of colors and font styles you can select!
Lumous options may include LED “string” modules inserted inside of the base of the channel. While this method might work for shallow channels (less than five inches deep), it does not wash effectively across the face and may create an unattractive uneven appearance.
Other luminous options for signage include pan channel letters with aluminum faces and backs that can be painted any color, and reverse-lit channels – which combine aluminum in front with transparent acrylic backs to produce a halo effect around lettering – reverse lit channels can also be mounted flush mount, raceway mount or backer panel; backer panels offer more contemporary looks by eliminating trim caps while providing cleaner aesthetics than other sign mounts.
Installation
Channel letters are illuminated signage constructed from metal with translucent acrylic that are installed externally on buildings. They come in an assortment of fonts, colors and sizes and may be mounted using various methods; flush mount is typically preferred but raceway or pan mountings may also work.
Based on your business needs, you may choose between Front-Lit or Back-Lit channel letters for illumination. While Front-Lit allows for day and night visibility, Back-Lit provides more sophisticated illumination using transparent acrylic backs and aluminum returns to create an halo effect around each letter.
Apart from lighting options, other variables that affect cost include letter count and size; larger letters require more components and materials as well as time and labor to assemble them. Furthermore, mounting method has an impactful influence.
