What are channel letter signs?
As a traditional form of signage, channel letter signs are everywhere. It’s probable you’ve seen them time and time again, but didn’t know they had a specific name.
Visible by day and luminous at night, channel letters are customizable. In sum, they are individual letters, numbers, and other graphics each with their own structure and separate illumination.
Here’s an example:
As you can see, each letter is free-standing, and when combined with the others, creates a complete signage presentation.
Channel letter sign production
Although one set of channel letters is different than the next, they all contain the same basic parts:
- Face: Made from acrylic, channel letter faces can be any color. The acrylic can be translucent (see-through) or perforated. The face is cut to its final shape via a CNC router machine.
- Trim Cap: A durable plastic material that is attached to the face by way of welding.
- Return: The side of the channel letter, made from aluminum.
- Back: Also made from aluminum, and cut to the appropriate shape with a CNC router.
- Illumination: Channel letters can be non-lit or lit using LED.
(Check out our blog on the importance of LED lighting and how it can benefit you.)
Each individual letter is created when all parts are fastened together. However, there is so much more to channel letters than what meets the eye.
What kinds of lighted looks are available?
The way that the lighting is placed gives off a different look for each set of letters:
- Front-Lit: As the most common and traditional, front-lit channel letter signage combines all the parts listed. The lighted component is located on the back and shines through the front of the face, such as this set of letters:
- Reverse/Halo-Lit: The lighted component is placed on an aluminum standoff, giving the effect of light shining both through the face and out the back, like a halo. Our sign at Classic Sign Services is a great example:
A combination of the two types is also available, further demonstrating the point that channel letter signs are extremely customizable!
Channel letter sign installation
As there are differing ways to light a channel letter sign, so too are there differing ways to install them. The type of install can depend on city and landlord ordinances, or be a free choice for businesses and organizations.
- Raceway: Basically metal boxes holding the electrical components, raceway installs reduce the amount of holes in the building’s front. They are painted to match either the channel letters themselves or the building.
- Flush/Direct: As the name implies, flush or direct mount channel letter signs are installed directly onto the storefront. The electric is placed behind the wall, leaving a clean appearance.
- Backer: In this case, the channel letters are fastened to a metal backer that is similar to the overall shape of the signage. It highlights and complements the brand colors.
What are the benefits?
As stated previously, channel letters are custom to you. No two sets of channel letters are the same. They are catered to your brand and messaging.
With numerous combinations of style, lighting, and installation practices, there’s no doubt that you’ll find what you want. And, with the help of Classic Sign Services’ in-house team of sign experts, you’ll have help every step of the way.
We’ll be by your side through the entire process, from ideation, design and production to installation and maintenance. There’s no better time to promote your brand!
Now that you know (probably more than) five facts about channel letter signs, it’s time to get started with your own. Contact us today to get the ball rolling!
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