Channel letters are made of plastic or metal, typically aluminum, and are effective for exterior signage on commercial buildings. A channel letter is any number, letter, or character used in the sign. The key components of a channel letter sign are the face, return, back, and lighting element. Channel letter signs are available in an array of colors, fonts, and sizes. Because they are so versatile, durable, and visible, channel letter signs provide optimum signage for storefronts, office buildings, and other structures. Depending on the type of building you will need specific types of illumination and mounting in order to get the most out of your signage. Let’s take a closer look at how channel letter signs are lit and mounted.
How Are Channel Letter Signs Illuminated?
Channel letter signs can have face-illuminated channels by being front-lit. Front-lit letters allow light to shine through the opaque acrylic face, offering great visibility and attention-grabbing illumination at long distances and at different angles.
Another lighting option is halo-channel letters or back-lit signage. This illumination style creates the effect that the sign is floating. You can also use a combination of front and backlit letters. This allows your sign to have different colors creating contrast between the front of the sign and the halo effect behind it.
How Are Channel Letter Signs Mounted?
Mounting your sign is a critical aspect of your building’s signage. Depending on the shape, size, location, and style of your building, there are three main ways that channel letter signs can be installed. A direct or flush mount is used when the letters are mounted directly onto the façade with non-corrosive fasteners. Stand-off spacers can be used with direct mounting to create the halo effect mentioned above. The power source and wiring for this type of mount are installed and stored behind the façade of the building where the sign is mounted.
A raceway mount uses a metal box that contains all of the electrical and power components for the sign. Raceway mounts can minimize damage to the face of the structure as fewer holes are required. Once installed the raceway (metal box) can be painted to help the sign blend into the building.
A backer mount uses a metal panel that is larger than the letters, providing a stark background. The power source and wiring can be stored behind this mount or behind the building’s façade itself.
For over 20 years the sign experts at Latch-On Productions have been helping Baton Rouge area business owners find the solutions they need.