What are Reverse Channel Letters?
Channel letters are a type of sign that involves individually cut pieces that come together to form a business name, for example. Most often, channel letter signs are lit up internally with LED bulbs. Standard channel letters are front-lit, meaning the lights are visible through the sign face.
Reverse channel letters (also called back lit, halo lit, rear illuminated, or reverse pan channel letters) are the opposite. The light shines out the back. This means that they are mounted slightly away from the wall of the building so that the light can shine through and illuminated around the letters, creating a halo of light.
What are the Specifications of Reverse Lit Channel Letters?
If you plan on commissioning reverse lit channel letters, you should know a little about how they are fabricated and what the measurements are of a traditional sign. That will help you better discuss your design.
A lot goes into a reverse lit channel letter. Here are some of the components and their specifications:
- Face: Typically uses 0.080 aluminum and can be painted any color you want. Customization can be increased by using things like a routed face, which uses acrylic push-through. Talk to your trusted sign company to learn more about what they offer.
- Return: Basically another way of saying “the sides of the channel letter.” A reverse illuminated channel letter typically runs around 3-5” deep and is constructed of 0.063 aluminum. Returns are welded to the face then painted to either match the face color or whatever color you desire.
- LED Light: All reverse lit letters have illumination. LED bulbs come in a wide array of colors, but most often we use white to truly make letters and graphics pop. Colors can also be applied to lights by adding a vinyl film to the back of the letter, where the light shines through.
- Power Supply: This is what powers all the little LED bulbs in each letter. You can choose a variety of options, including a remote power supply or wiring through the raceway mount, if applicable.
- Inside: The inside of the channel letter is painted white to increase the reflective surfaces.
- Back: In the case of reverse lit channel letters, the back is clear. Most companies use some kind of clear plastic, like Lexan. Vinyl films can be applied to color the plastic.
Reverse Lit Channel Letter Benefits
Why should you choose reverse lit channel letters for your business? Well, the truth is that they look cool. They also have a couple of benefits that outweighs the competition:
- Reverse lit channel letters are extremely lightweight, making installation a breeze.
- The materials are durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting.
- Perfect for both outdoor and indoor use.
- LED lights are sustainable and energy-efficient.
- Your business gets more visibility throughout the day and is easier to find at night.
- Channel letters can be customized hundreds of ways. Choose the size, color, font, mount, and light effect that suits your business the best.
- The halo effect of reverse lit channel letters is pleasing to the eye and creates a classy, warm ambiance.
Reverse lit channel letters can be used for any kind of business, whether you own a bar, a bank, a hotel, a salon, a gym, a restaurant, or something in between. We have seen them on grocery stores, warehouses, and even put on monument signs for industrial park entrances. Feel free to get creative.
Since they are customizable, you can alter the sizing of the letters, making them large enough to be seen across greater distances. All of the signs we fabricate at Tupp Signs are guaranteed to be structurally strong and beautifully designed, so if you want to make a statement, you can do that with reverse lit channel letters.
Interested in Getting Reverse Channel Letters for Your Business?
Hopefully, you know a little more about reverse channel letter signs and how they can be applied to your business. Reverse lit channel letters can be used for any kind of business, so why not consider this kind of sign for yours? It may just be the edge you need against the competition.
If you are interested in reverse lit channel letter signs, give us a call or fill out the contact form. Tupp Signs is a trusted name in signage, and we know a lot about channel letters. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have.