Channel letters are an effective way of increasing visibility of your business at night. Highly visible from a distance, channel letters come in various sizes, fonts and colors that match up perfectly with any branding needs you may have.
Halo illuminated signs are an attractive combination of front-lit channel letters with white halo illumination from behind. This sign type is typically utilized for applications requiring more distinguished or classy looks.
Illumination
Illuminated signage is essential to effective channel letter installations. A non-illuminated sign quickly loses its impactful appeal on passersby.
LED’s are becoming an increasingly popular choice for illuminated signs, as they last longer and consume less power than neon signs while producing minimal heat emissions. LEDs also come in various colors to add visual interest on any sign type.
Front-lit channel letters are one of the most widely-used forms of illuminated channel letters, featuring translucent acrylic faces that contrast against a halo backlight and provide great eye-catching signage options for upscale retail storefronts. Front lit letters can often be seen from far away and during daytime hours; they’re an effective way to draw customers in. Front lit letters typically utilize plastic trim caps to hold them in place.
Design
Channel letters are three dimensional lettering that can accommodate light sources, making them a popular storefront signage choice that draws attention day or night due to its visible illumination. Channel letters help your business create an iconic brand image that lasts and increases customer retention.
A standard front-lit channel sign utilizes LEDs to illuminate each letter on polycarbonate or acrylic panels. Additionally, these signs can include logos or graphics as well as custom bases; raceway mounting options or backer mount options can be used.
Rear-lit channel signs (also referred to as “halo lit signs”) utilize clear or translucent acrylic sheets in order to form a “halo” around each character of their sign, creating an elegant or high-end appearance and can even be used outdoors if lighting pollution is an issue. Front/back lit or combination-lit signs use aluminum faces with transparent acrylic in between for lighting purposes.
Materials
3D channel letters have become an effective branding tool, often employed for corporate use. As tridimensional signage they draw the eye and are frequently found on storefronts and building facades; available in numerous fonts and colors they make an effective addition to business marketing plans.
Channel letters can either be front lit or back lit and consist of an aluminum frame holding clear plastic faces illuminated by LED bulbs. Their returns (sides) are typically constructed of coil aluminum sheeting which has been custom painted to complement their company’s brand color scheme.
Modern front-lit channels use LEDs to illuminate each character, with aluminum trim caps or, increasingly, advanced manufacturing techniques providing secure solutions. LEDs provide energy-efficient illumination at minimal heat emission – meaning a lasting and high-quality product!
Installation
Cost estimates for channel letter signs will depend on which type and style are selected and whether they require illumination, as well as how the sign will be mounted to your building. Generally speaking, larger signs with more components typically cost more than ones without illumination; flush mounts require less holes to mount to buildings that do not contain cracks, peeling paint, or other structural defects; raceway mounting requires separate boxes (raceways/wireways) that house power supplies and wiring for your signs.
Pan channels consist of plastic or metal pan enclosures in the shape of letters that house lighting and electrical components, attached to a building’s fascia for easy mounting and providing protection from weather, debris, and animals. A popular variation is back-lit versions which offer increased visibility at night; this style of pan channel letter can also be known as reverse or halo channels.
