In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about channel letters. We’ll start by explaining what they are and how they work. Then we’ll proceed to show you examples of channel letters utilized by various businesses in thier indoor and outdoor design. There are many ways to show a building’s name or company name these days–billboards, sign spinners, highway signage, but nothing quite beats the drama of a channel letters spelling out a building’s name.
I. Components of Channel Letters
- Face
The upper portion of channel letters is known as the face. It is the first thing people notice when they glance at your sign. The face can be modified to match the colors or logo of your company and is often made of metal or acrylic.
- Return
The return creates the enclosed channel, and it also determines how deep the letter will be.
- Trim Cap
The portion of a channel letter known as the trim cap secures the letter’s face to the return. Trim caps come in a variety of sizes and forms and are usually constructed of either metal or plastic.
- Lighting
The light source is what gives channel lettering their illumination. LED, incandescent, or a variety of other lamping systems can serve as the light source.
- Backing
The component that supports and secures the channel letter’s front is known as the backing. Plastic, wood, and metal are just a few of the materials that can be used to create it.
II. Types of Channel Letters
The lettering are illuminated by the lights, making the display for the company more colorful and noticeable.
Reverse/Back Lit Channel Letters
Backlit channel letters are also known as backlit acrylic or backlit plastic signs. The materials allow for bright illumination through the use of LEDs or neon tubes inside the sign itself; this allows it to be seen clearly even during daylight hours when the sun is shining brightly overhead.
Front & Back Lit Channel Letters
Front & Back Lit Channel Letters are lit from the front and back so that your message can be seen from all angles. Front & back lit channel letters are typically used for building identification, as well as in retail, advertising and trade show displays.
Open Face Lit Channel Letters
An open channel letter is used in a particular kind of sign to display an image, known as open face illuminated channel letters. Similar to a regular channel letter, the open channel letter lacks a face plate. As a result, you can display a graphic on your sign’s complete face rather than just text.
Day & Night Channel Letters are the perfect choice for businesses that need to have a different message at night than they do during the day. These channel letters have one color during the daytime and another during the nighttime, allowing you to direct customers to your business or event with ease.
Non-Illuminated Channel Letters
Non-illuminated channel letters are a type of sign that is made out of metal or plastic. Some non-illuminated channel letters are curved while others are straight and thin. They can be made out of aluminum, stainless steel, plastic or other materials depending on what kind of look you want for your sign.
III. Channel Letter Mounting Choices
Raceway Mount
The most straightforward and popular technique to mount a letter is with a raceway mount. The letter is affixed to a metal raceway, which is subsequently fastened to the wall.
Flush Mount
Flush mount channel letters are attached to the surface of a wall or sign using fasteners or studs. The letters are not recessed into the wall, but instead sit flush with the surface.
Backer Mount
It has some kind of backing, usually made of wood or metal, that fastens to the wall. Plastic or other materials may also be used to make it. There are various types of mounting hardware available to affix the letter to the backing.
IV. Choosing the Right Channel Letters
- Visibility — Channel letters are typically used for exterior signage, so it is important to choose letters that are visible from a distance and in all lighting conditions. Consider the size of the letters and the color contrast with the background.
- Design — The channel letters’ design should complement your company’s overall branding. A font and style that go well with your logo and other marketing materials should be used.
- Materials — A number of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, acrylic, and PVC, can be used to create channel letters. Each material has advantages and disadvantages unique to it in terms of cost, durability, and look.
- Lighting — Channel letters can be lit from the front or back, or both. Front-lit letters are more traditional, while back-lit letters provide a more modern look. Consider the brightness of the lighting and the energy efficiency of the lighting system.
- Local Regulations — Before installing channel letters, be sure to check with your local government to ensure that your signage complies with any zoning or building codes.
- Installation — Consider the location where the channel letters will be installed and whether they will be mounted flush to the building or on a raceway. Factor in the cost of installation and any ongoing maintenance requirements.
V. Why Channel Lettering is a Must-Have for Businesses?
A business can use channel lettering to differentiate itself from rivals and build strong brand identification. Investing in channel lettering for your company has a number of benefits, some of which are listed below:
- Increased Visibility: One of the biggest benefits of channel lettering is increased visibility. The more visible your business is, the more likely people will be to come and visit. Increased traffic can lead to increased sales in your business.
- Customization: You may create a distinctive appearance that people will remember. The letters can be altered to reflect either the color scheme of your company or the hues of your products. Additionally, they could be created as 3D letters that project from the wall. As a result, an efficient technique to garner interest and boost sales is created.
- Professionalism: Channel lettering is a popular choice for any company owner since it gives your storefront the chance to offer a distinctive appearance and feel. You can give yourself a polished appearance that will entice clients to do business with you by adding channel letters.
- Durability and Low Maintenance: A durable and low-maintenance choice for your company is channel lettering. It won’t rust or degrade because it is built of sturdy materials. It also offers a simple application procedure, allowing you to rapidly start using your new signs.
- Energy Efficient: Energy efficiency is an important consideration for any business. Businesses that use channel letters for their signage and advertising can cut their energy costs by as much as 50% by using LED technology. This can be a huge cost savings over time.
VI. Channel Letters Materials Options
Some of the most popular materials for channel letters are listed below:
Aluminum
For businesses that need a more contemporary appearance, aluminum letters are a fantastic solution. They are enduring and have a long lifespan. The advantages of aluminum letters include their light weight and simplicity of installation. To match any design, it can also be painted or powder-coated.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular material for sign posts and channel letters. This is due to the fact that it is strong and resilient to extreme weather. Because it can maintain its color, stainless steel won’t corrode or fade with time. It is therefore a fantastic choice for any outdoor exhibit that does not require regular upkeep.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a strong, light substance that can resist years of use and abuse. The outdoors and other settings where you need to shield the letter from the elements are ideal for it. Acrylic letters are simple to personalize with your own color scheme because they may be painted or left clear.
PVC
PVC is a strong, long-lasting material that works well in most climates. It is very stain-resistant and simple to clean. PVC is recyclable and won’t rust or break down over time. PVC is a fantastic material for environmentally aware businesses because it is also recyclable. You may design your sign to match the look and feel of your company using this material, which comes in a wide range of colors and finishes.
VII. Factors Affecting the Cost of Channel Letters
- Size — The larger your letters are, the more expensive they will be. The size and number of lines in your message can also impact the costs, as well as whether or not you choose to include graphics and images with your sign.
- Installation — Installation costs are a major factor when estimating the cost of your channel letters. The size and weight of the letters will influence how much it will cost to install them. For example, larger letters made with heavier materials like aluminum may require special equipment and more time to install than smaller plastic letters.
- Illumination — Illumination is one of the most important factors affecting channel letter signs cost. The more lights that are used in a sign, the greater the cost. Most companies use LED lights to reduce their costs while still providing a bright, colorful display.
- Materials — Depending on the size of the sign and how much weight it needs to carry, you can choose from a variety of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, plastic and acrylic.