A wise person once said that you cannot stand out by blending in. If you want to rise above the competition, you need to light the way for potential customers and clients to find your business. The only way you can do that is with decent signage. That is why we proudly recommend halo lit (also know as back lit or reverse lit) channel letters. The halo effect created by the LED or neon backlighting creates a breathtaking light display that adds both character and color to your storefront.
Let’s go into more detail about what halo lit channel letters are and how they can help your business prosper.
What Are Halo Lit Channel Letters?
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.
How To Create Effective Reverse Lit Channel Letters
Now, you know that halo lit channel letters look stunning and can add a lot of brilliance to the front of your store. But how do you make the best possible design out there? Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when thinking up the kind of signage you want:
Color
Most people think that a white halo is the only color available, but they are mistaken. You can choose any color you desire. That said, you also want to choose a tasteful, appealing color that accents your brand instead of subtracting from it. Also, not every letter has to be the same color, so if your brand or logo has a few colors, you can use that to your advantage.
Consider for a moment the effects of various colors. An orange lit sign will embody warmth and friendliness. Restaurants often use orange halo lit channel letters since the color is associated with the comforts of home and hearth.
Greens and blues work for sophisticated businesses but also for spas and yoga studios. White, on the other hand, is seen as clean and precise. A business that favors punctuality and presentation, like a top-rated hotel, might use this kind of sign.
Brightness
Illumination does not always have to be bright to catch attention, but if the sign is not bright enough, it won’t be seen. So, how do you choose the right brightness without going overboard? When you are designing the signage, you will have a site survey that considers the environment where the channel letters are going to be placed. A professional design team will ensure that the letters are spaced well and are also mounted to the wall to create an illumination bed, where every letter is fully outlined.
An illumination bed refers to the number of LED modules or neon required to brighten the entire sign. Sometimes, when halo lit channel letters are lacking power, it is because modules may have dimmed or burned out or the letters have been placed correctly.
If the material where the letters are going to be mounted could cause dimness, there are paints available that can reflect the light by bouncing back the glow. This can also increase the evenness of light distribution.
One thing you want to keep in mind is that a dim halo lit channel letter sign is worse than no sign at all. Signage is a first impression, so anything that looks improperly maintained will be a strike against you!
Width
Did you know that the width of the halo can also be manipulated? The “fanning out” of the colors can be changed to subdue or amplify the effect. Sometimes, a thin halo that clings to the letters is best, while other signs look superb with a much broader glow. However, the most common halo is one that is created by letters mounted about 1.5-2.0 inches away from the wall, since this creates a crisp outline that doesn’t fan out too much.
It’s Time To Shine
In conclusion, halo lit channel letters are the dramatic impact you have yet to tap into. Night or day, halo lit channel letters will wow the passerby and announce your presence to the world. Just keep in mind that the color, brightness, and width of the letters and the glow will play into how good a job the signage does.
If you are looking for halo lit channel letters that stand out from the crowd, you have come to the right place. Our team has decades of experience where we perfected the fabrication process and use only the most superior materials to create stunning designs that wow both you and your clients for years to come.
Get in touch with us today and learn more about what we can do for you by filling out the contact form.