Basic Guidance About Channel Letter Signs
Choosing the right signage for your business is essential to attracting attention and building a strong brand identity. With countless signage options to choose from, making a decision can be overwhelming. This article will provide an in-depth overview and benefits of the most popular and prominent illuminated signage types - halo illuminated channel letters, focusing on their eye-catching appeal, functionality, and customization options.
First, let's get started with the basics of Types of Channel Letter Signage
1. What are channel letter signs?
Channel letters are made of plastic or metal and used as exterior signage on commercial or public buildings. They are usually illuminated from the inside. Non-illuminated 3D letters are also applied to panels, known as 3D letters. A channel letter is any number, letter, or character used in a sign. The main parts of a channel letter are the front, swivel, back, and illuminated element. The return or letter side is made of aluminum. The front and back are usually acrylic, but can also be aluminum. Because of their high degree of flexibility, channel letter signs are available in a variety of colors, fonts, and sizes.
2. What are the types of channel letters?
1. Backlit or Halo Lit or Reverse Lit - This eye-catching illuminated option outlines your name or logo when lit. Stainless steel letters are welded and available in either polished or brushed finishes. Letters are available with or without backing and in a variety of metallic, electroplated colors. You can also choose to paint your letters in any Pantone color. LED modules run the length of the letters, so you can fully outline the letters in the lighting color of your Halo Illuminated Channel Letter Signs can be made in a variety of materials including acrylic, metal, and even translucent surfaces. This material flexibility opens up endless possibilities for creating unique and visually engaging signs that truly represent your business identity.
Difference between Deluxe Backlit Metal Sign & Classic Backlit Metal Sign:
Similarities: Both Deluxe Backlit Metal Letters and Classic Backlit Metal Letters are made of 3D metal letter shell, stainless steel, which can be painted powder coated, mirror polished, brushed and electroplated. Internal LED is the light source.
Differences: Some acrylic back panels of Deluxe Backlit Metal Letters are exposed from the letter shell. This model of backlit letter signs does not need to be enclosed by a wall, and people can see the lighting directly from the visible acrylic back panel. The brightness is very good. The acrylic back panel in the letter shell of the Classic Backlit Metal Letters is used for uniform lighting. This model of backlit letters must be enclosed in the back wall so that the light can pass through the acrylic back panel and reflect to people who can see in front of the back wall. Considering the reflectivity of the wall, the brightness and halo effect of this model are good, but worse than the Deluxe model. We recommend that this type of backlit letters be pasted about 10mm~20mm (0.4"~0.8") from the wall to achieve the best halo effect.
3D Backlit signage make great value to businesses & organizations:
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Universally suitable for product promotion
- High visibility even at night
- Readability at long distances
- Vivid colors attract the eye
- Compatible with short-term or long-term displays
- Continuous brand message promotion
- High return on promotional investment
Why most people choose halo-lit channel letters instead of frontlit sign?
People choose halo lighting or reverse channel letters for business over face-lit signage because they feel it looks more beautiful during the day and at night. During the day, it looks like a thick, dark aluminum channel letter with a metallic finish on it. At night, the sign comes alive with the glow from behind.
2. Front-lit or Face lit signage - The most common type of channel lettering illuminates your company name with LED lighting. These letters are designed with a stainless steel backflow and acrylic front, allowing the LEDs to evenly illuminate your letters. The light shines through the translucent acrylic surface inside the letters, which attracts attention during the day or night, providing good visibility at a distance and easy to read Front & Backlit – For maximum visual impact, you can choose to have your letters both front-lit and back-lit. This design combines a stainless steel frame with an acrylic front and an open back, allowing LED lighting to outline your letters. These innovative displays are ideal for indoor facilities such as malls, trade show events, airport displays and kiosks, but their construction also allows them to be effectively used in numerous outdoor applications such as architectural signage, billboards and bus stops.
3. Front & Sidelit Sign – Another popular option is to light your sign from both the front and side. For this option, small holes are drilled into the sidewalls of the channel letters, allowing light to create a unique and exciting visual effect.
4. Front & Backlit Letter Sign– For those who really want to make a statement with their sign, combination halo illuminated signs use both front-lit and halo channel letters. This type of sign allows you to use different colors to show the contrast between front and back lighting, creating a glow on the front and a halo effect on the back.
5. Non-illuminated 3D Channel Letter - Non-illuminated signs are characterized by the absence of built-in or auxiliary lighting. The construction of this type of sign is very similar to signs that include lighting, and can be used in very similar applications. Non-illuminated signs are a great choice for business, with low cost and high effectiveness, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is recommended to be installed in well-lit areas.
6. Fully Illuminated or Whole-lit Acrylic Signage -3D iluminated full lit acrylic channel letters and signs are three dimensional, they are high visible at night to catch your customer's attention. The whole illumination sign can not only face-lit, but also sides light signage. Full lit 3D signage can be used both indoors and outdoors, but are most popular for outdoor use.
You don't have to sacrifice style for durability. At LumenLegend, we care not only about high-quality products and competitive prices. We also care about durability. All of our products are made from the highest quality, most durable materials and are rigorously tested before they go on the market. This guarantees that our customers will enjoy using them for many years to come, which means our signs will last longer than any other sign company!
3. What materials do a 3D channel letters used?
The loops on 3D letters are typically 10% of the overall cap height of the letter, making them superior to traditional 2D designs. There are several 3D letter options available: no frame, frame and loops, halo and cabochon – in all cases, the illuminated sign always creates a stunning effect.
Painted Aluminum
Least expensive, with a standard thickness of 2.5mm or 3mm, but other thicknesses are also available.
Acrylic
Range of thicknesses (3mm, 5mm, 10mm – other thicknesses available on request). Suitable for both interior and exterior use. A cheaper option is to paint the already coloured material. We only use brand name acrylic for the best quality
Brass or Copper
Trade Only Signs cuts copper using a CNC router; brass is cut with a laser (fibre laser only). Standard thickness: brass 3mm; copper 1mm. We recommend weekly maintenance to prevent the application of protective lacquer or the natural oxidation process on the finished product.
Stainless Steel Rust Removal
Customers will choose painted stainless steel over painted aluminum because the former looks sleeker and more premium. We use 304 steel as standard, and 316 steel on request. All steel is laser cut and the standard thickness is 2mm or 3mm, but other thicknesses are available. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Stainless Steel Mirror Chrome
Available in gold, bronze and black. 304 grade stainless steel, always laser cut. Standard thicknesses are 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, 3mm. Polished stainless steel is extremely corrosion resistant and will last much longer than any other non-alloy product. Steel shop sign letters can be used for internal office signs as well as external signs. Polished stainless steel is a weatherproof product that gives you a tough, sturdy surface, but it still requires regular cleaning for best results.
Stainless Steel Brushed
204 steel is used as standard; all steel is laser cut. Stainless steel is extremely corrosion resistant and will last much longer than any other non-alloy product. Steel is a weatherproof product that gives you a strong and durable surface. Standard thickness is 2mm or 3mm, but different thicknesses are available. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Other Alternatives
Bronze
Mild Steel
Rusted Finish
Brushed Matt Finish
Chrome
4. How Long Will Illuminated Channel Letter Signs Last? Does LED signs use a lot of electricity?
We do care about the energy efficiency which is an important consideration for the general public in today's environmentally conscious world. Compared to other traditional signage options, illuminated channel letter signs provide an energy-efficient lighting solution. LED lights are often used in halo-lit signs due to their low energy consumption and long life. LED technology consumes much less electricity than traditional lighting options, thereby reducing a business' energy costs. In addition, LEDs emit almost no heat, reducing the burden on cooling systems and further improving energy efficiency. Halo-lit channel letter signs can withstand various weather conditions and are highly resistant to fading, chipping or cracking. The materials used in LumenLegend Halo-lit Channel Letter Signs are specifically selected for durability.
5. How to install the channel letters?
Choose the appropriate mounting method - flush mount, rail mount, or individual mount - based on your preference and building structure.
Direct or flush mount: When letters are mounted to the facade using a pattern, this is called a flush mount or direct mount channel sign. They are attached using non-corrosive fasteners. This option is popular with reverse channel letters, where direct mounting with bracket spacers allows for unique lighting effects. In this method, letters are fixed directly to the building surface, creating a stylish and integrated look. Flush mounting is ideal for modern, minimalist looks that enhance the overall aesthetic.
Rail mount: Rails are metal boxes that house electrical components and wiring. Wireways are usually painted to match the building facade to minimize distractions. The way acrylic channel letters are mounted on rails is popular in commercial buildings, where property managers require channel letters to be mounted on wireways, which reduces the impact of the sign on the wall because fewer holes need to be made in the wall. This method simplifies maintenance and is usually the preferred method for large sign installations.
Individually mounted: Each letter is mounted individually, allowing for design and spacing flexibility. Individual mounting provides a unique, eye-catching effect for businesses seeking a more dynamic and personalized visual effect.
If using a rail or flush mount, secure the mounting hardware to the building surface. For individual mounting, attach the mounting bracket to the back of each letter. If using individual mounting, secure each letter with a screw through the mounting bracket. Wipe off excess adhesive and ensure the surface is clean.
6. Does a channel letters sign really promote business and increase sales?
If someone asked me, "What is the best feature of custom channel letter signs?" I would easily be able to answer. I would definitely say it is their marketing power. Signs don't rest, their brand image is always there, and they promote your business day and night. Illuminated channel letter signs are designed to maximize visibility and legibility, even at a distance or in low light conditions. The illuminated letter effect ensures that your business name or message is easy to read, effectively attracting attention and guiding potential customers to your location. The soft glow around the letters contrasts with the background, enhancing readability and ensuring your sign stands out day and night.
Custom business signs are designed to be visible to everyone who passes by your building. Each sign type has a specific target audience. Tower signs and building signs, such as LED illuminated letter sets, target traffic that travels farther away and often at higher speeds. Monument signs are easily visible to local traffic as well as pedestrians and cyclists. LED illuminated signs are always there for you. It displays your brand with a clear and consistent message, day or night. This is especially important for hospitals, clinics, urgent cares, and emergency rooms. Patients and visitors alike count on being able to identify their destination in a timely manner. And visibility during the day and at night is essential to achieving this goal.
Signs are more than just letters on a wall. People use them to identify entrances, provide information, and create a unified consumer experience across different locations. When they are used as a marketing tool, their impact is widespread. If you are looking for a custom business sign to make an impact on your marketing, email us today!
Create Your Own Custom Channel Letter Sign
Whatever type of channel light box you need, LumenLegend will customize it to suit the needs of different project types and unique spaces. They are available in different finishes, making it easy for you to get a product that meets your unique branding or promotional needs. Shop and custom now→