Channel Letter Signs – FAQ

A channel letter sign is a type of illumination that uses a three-dimensional construction of individual shapes to create words. In other words, channel letters signs are compromised of single character signs that are lined up to form a statement, such as your brand or business name. Every letter is constructed and attached to the edifice of the building or wall separately. Because of this, the design of channel letters is very flexible and can use a number of fonts, sizes, and colors.
Learn the basics of channel letter signs. From lighting options to mounting styles. 

Channel letter signs are incredibly versatile, so even if every other building around you is using them, you can still stick out of the crowd. After all, you don’t just have to use letters. You can include your business logo for added class and brand recognition.

You can even make channel letters of varying sizes. This is beneficial for businesses that want matching signs for their indoor space. For example, if you want easy to read directional signs, such as markers for a restroom, channel letter signs are ideal. Plus, you develop a uniform vibe without sacrificing the image of your business.

Get more information on the pros and cons of channel letter signs. 

Since channel letters can be lit or unlit and sized differently, you can get outdoor and indoor variations for your store. Channel letters also make for eye-catching directional signs for businesses. This also allows for keeping a consistent image, translating over to brand recognition

Find out more information about the advantages of channel letter signs.

Yes

When dirt and debris cause dysfunction with your channel sign, a regular set routine of cleaning and maintaining it is critical to keeping the sign in tip-top shape. You extend the life of your channel letter sign. Regular cleaning should also be part of any preventative maintenance routine, as it helps lengthen the life of your channel letter signs. Both dirt and debris can cause your sign to shut down, which requires repairs. You could even have malfunctions with the electrical and lighting equipment if you don’t clean your sign regularly. You need to think seriously about scheduling sign cleaning through a professional company, like Tupp Signs.

Take a deeper look into why maintenance is vital for channel letter signs.

A common type of channel letter Is the front lit style. This design features a light up display that is available day or night. These letters are best for shopping centers, business parks, or in other areas around businesses where you need enhanced visibility. The letters are called “front lit,” because they are internally lit with LED modules or neon tubing, and that glow is projected through the front of the letter. Front lit channel letters often have a clear or colored but transparent vinyl overlay so the light shines through.

Take a look at more types of channel letter signs for retail stores.

Although logo boxes are considered a channel letter by design, it is separate. A logo box is a contoured sign that is meant to display your logo. Sometimes, the tagline or branding statement is also included. Because the logo box is technically a “contoured channel letter,” it can be formed into almost any shape you can think of.

Learn more about a channel letter logo box, and how your business could use one. 

There are a couple of things that go into the visibility of your sign. Foremost would be the font. Depending on the font, the readability of the sign from near and far will change. Complex and stylized fonts, like cursive, will be difficult for people to read, and that can turn them away. You want to choose a bold font that is legible from over a distance.

Also, you want to consider how size plays into visibility. The letters and logo should be big enough to be seen clearly at least 300 feet away.

Here are some more points to help you design your perfect channel letter sign.

A halo lit channel letter is just like a conventional channel letter, except the lighting elements are exposed behind the letter. You will often hear this kind of channel letter called reverse lit or backlit, or halo lit, but all these terms mean the same thing. When the light is on, the illumination is seen around the edges of the letter, creating the “halo” effect.

The letters are often fabricated to have space between the letters and the wall and are given clear polycarbonate backing to ensure animals do not create nests back there or water does not affect the wiring.

Many municipalities around the country also prefer halo lit channel letters to internally lit cabinet signs or other kinds of lit signage. Halo lit channel letters are thought to reduce light pollution and look more sophisticated when compared to other options.

Learn more about halo lit channel letters.

The cabinet is most often made of aluminum, which is a much better choice than steel. Even if it is thickly coated, steel will rust before long. This means that you will have to do one of two things: Replace the sign or remove the rust. As rust removal is not exactly easy (even under the best of circumstances), it’s far better to avoid the old-fashioned steel cabinets.

It should be noted that some modern cabinets are made of plastics, which can be a great option for some. Although these plastic cabinets do not have the same level of durability as a metal box, they are much more resistant to water damage than any metal could ever match. They are easier to break, and their lighter weight makes them more vulnerable to wind damage, but their lower cost and long lifespan could make them worth getting.

Cabinets are usually shaped from sheet aluminum using heavy-duty industrial equipment. The raw material is cut to shape using a high-powered router. After that, a CNC machine bends and folds the pre-formed sheet into the desired shape. While you could shape this metal by hand, it would be a lot more time-consuming and, thus, more costly. Still, high-precision jobs might require hand shaping from time to time.

Take a closer look at the ways in which channel letter signs are manufactured.

When it comes down to making a selection, you should choose something that matches your business aesthetic and budget. Channel letter signs are durable, customizable, cost efficient, and most importantly they boost your brands image through captivating visibility. 

Here are reasons why you should consider a channel letter sign for your business.

Of course!

While certain problems may require some parts to be replaced or touch ups to be done, channel letter signs can be returned to their former glory. If your signs are cracked, discolored, or the lights are not operating correctly, don’t wait for the problem to disappear. Get those problem spots fixed by a professional.

Take a look at a few key points to keep in mind when you have to get a channel letter sign repaired.

The manufacturing of channel letter signs is a very technical process that requires a number of materials and devices. Aluminum and acrylic are cut to exact specifications, and other elements may be necessary depending on the design.

Find out more about the steps involved in creating a channel letter sign.

By definition, wholesale means “the business of selling goods in large quantities and at low prices, typically to be sold by retailers at a profit.” You might also think of wholesale as “merchandise sold in bulk.” If we are looking at this in the form of channel letters, it means that you are buying a lot of letters from a merchant at a reduced cost.

Here is a more in depth look at what your business needs to know about channel letters.

Ultimately, the design of your channel letter sign is going to be the main driver of cost. However, we believe that, if you use a professional sign company, channel lettering can be very affordable. Find a local company, like us, who sells, fabricates, and installs their signage. That way, you get a guaranteed warranty for all parts and labor.

But what about the factors affecting the cost? That comes down to your business location, illumination, sizing, and so on.

Bottom Line

Whether you decide on a wholesale model or want something fully customized, you are going to end up spending upwards of $2,000 easily. Be sure to buy from a reputable sign company that offers competitive pricing, and you will be able to find exactly what you need.

Follow this link for more information on the prices of channel letter signs.

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.

Learn more about reverse lit channel letters.

You are guaranteed to be noticed when you use channel letters for your interior spaces. Whether you use eye-catching LEDs or want to create a unique design, these signs can be seen from anywhere in your indoor spaces.

Along with that, they are cost-effective and energy-efficient options, making them ideal for your signage needs. Existing businesses or new companies can all benefit from investing in indoor channel letters. If you are searching for a way to make your brand stand out from the competition, then you cannot go wrong with a channel letter sign.

Learn more about indoor channel letter signs and why your business should invest in one.

You can use them on the exterior or interior of your organization, school, store, or local business. Your brand will become recognizable to everyone who passes by your buildings when you incorporate your logos, fonts, and colors. With these signs, you can cast your company into a positive light by increasing your visual approach and outreach. The 3D lettering options add plenty of dimension to your sign, and they offer better readability than traditional signs. Plus, there are so many ways that you can customize the design. The marketing possibilities are endless with these signs.

Learn about the different ways your business can make the most of your channel letter sign.

Yes! It is possible!

Signage is not meant to be boring; but sometimes, you want signage that is extraordinary. One of the more striking forms of business signage are halo lit channel letters. You add brilliance to your storefront easily, because halo-lit channel letters are fully customizable and unique, right down to the glow.

Find out exactly how you can create a stunning channel letter sign for your storefront. 

Yes!

You can custom design these signs in a wide range of colors and fonts. With that, you have the perfect way to introduce your branding colors into your signage. When customers see the sign, they will automatically think of your brand and company.

If your brand has custom colors, take a look here for tips on how to incorporate them into your channel letters.