Channel letters are a type of commercial signage designed to capture passersby’s attention. Commonly illuminated using LED lighting, channel letters are popular choice among restaurants, retail stores, and businesses with late opening hours.
Signs made from aluminum are constructed to withstand fires. Acrylic or polycarbonate panels allow LED strip channels to dissipate heat.
Cost
Illuminated channel letters are an effective way to attract attention to your business. Not only are they easy to install and offer high visibility, but you can choose from a wide range of colors and designs to complement the storefront – they will even draw customers during both daytime and nighttime hours!
LEDs use significantly less electricity than neon tubes, meaning your sign will cost much less to operate and produce far less heat, helping both reduce energy costs and the risk of fire.
There are various factors that determine how long illuminated channel letter signs last, such as materials and placement. With proper care, these signs could last five years with regular maintenance.
Lifespan
Many factors affect the lifespan of illuminated channel letter signs, such as their materials of construction, location and maintenance requirements. To protect them against damage and prolong their longevity, the best strategy is using high-grade materials like aluminum which reduce the risk of corrosion while making sure they aren’t exposed to salt air can also extend its life span.
LEDs also boast low mercury contents compared to neon tubes, making them safer and simpler for handling in case a problem arises. Neon tubes contain mercury which is toxic if mishandled; thus if one breaks, proper measures must be taken and safely disposed of; unlike LEDs which don’t contain mercury; should it break, disposal should occur promptly and correctly.
Trimless channels feature an elegant and modern appearance and are suitable for front-lit as well as back-lit signage, eliminating shadows created by traditional frames and borders. These signs are ideal for businesses that wish to grab customers’ attention quickly while increasing brand recognition.
Design
Channel letters are three dimensional signs designed to catch passersby’s attention. Available in various sizes and illuminated by neon or light-emitting diode (LED) modules, channel letters are often custom painted before having their translucent acrylic face fitted with a translucent acrylic trim cap to complete its appearance.
Front lit channel letters are one of the most widely-used types of channel signage, featuring illuminated letters with front lit letters emitting illumination through their letter faces. Commonly attached to walls or raceways and sometimes installed with spacers to create an “halo effect,” front lit channel letters remain one of the most cost-effective signage solutions available today.
Optics-based LED modules that redirect the native beam angle of an LED can also be an economical solution to lighting thin letters evenly; this method may produce less expensive and more even illumination compared to neon, while still remaining cost effective and producing even illumination. Unfortunately, this approach can produce glare that detracts from its overall look of your sign.
Installation
Channel letter LED lights come in various shapes and sizes to fit the brand of any business, front- or backlit for optimal viewing in any environment. Channel letter lights can also help draw customers’ attention by standing out against competitors inside plazas and malls – they even help draw customers away from stores nearby!
Front lit signage is the most prevalent form of channel signage, featuring illuminated letter faces to draw customers’ attention day and night. Constructed from aluminum with acrylic faces in your desired color for high visibility and cost efficiency.
Reverse- or halo-lit channels offer another option, featuring backlighting with translucent acrylic faces installed with spacers for a “halo effect” that highlights each character shape. Ideal for storefronts and raceways alike, reverse or halo-lit channels from Citylight currently have LED channel lights on sale! Be sure to take a look!
