FRONT LIT CHANNEL LETTERS
Front lit channels are the most common type of channel letter and they draw attention during the day or night.
Front lit channel letters use lights to illuminate the face of the letters. This is done with a translucent acrylic face and lights that shine from within the letter itself. These are the most common type of channel letters used these days.
Most front lit channel letters are three-dimensional and made of sheet metal cut to create the letter shape. The letters can be painted to the color of your choice and these are LED. Front lit channel letters can be seen from a distance and have several choices for customization.
REVERSE LIT CHANNEL LETTERS
Reverse channel letters are used by clients who want an impactful and classy look for their signage.
Often called “halo” or “backlit” letters, reverse lit channel letter signs are mounted away from the wall, causing the light to form a halo effect behind the sign. The distance from the sign to the wall they’re mounted on enables the halo of illumination around each individual character, helping the reverse lit channel letters to stand out.
Instead of acrylic, reverse channel letters have a metal face. They’re also fitted with aluminum letters. Reverse lit channel letters typically have clear Lexan or polycarbonate backs.
Some reverse lit channel letters can also be made of routed PVC material and some using metal/ Gemini letter which do not need aluminum returns but still has the “halo” lit behind the letters.
FRONT AND BACK (OPTION OF EDGE LIT) CHANNEL LETTERS
Front and back-lit channel letters create striking illumination for channel letter signage.
If your client is looking for a dramatic illumination on their sign, our front and back lit channel letter sign might be the perfect option. Rather than just being lit from the front or from the back, the effect is slightly different and more dramatic than illuminating from either side.
CHANNEL LETTER LOGO BOX
The visual impact of a channel letter logo box is much more dynamic to customers passing by, whether they’re walking or driving.
If your client is looking for a unique way to incorporate their logo into their signage, a channel letter logo box could be a great option. A channel letter logo box can increase brand awareness, reinforce brand recognition, and communicate what the product is — such as a burger, floral arrangement, or cake.
Sometimes known as a contoured channel letter or a contoured logo, a channel letter logo box is paired with typical channel letter signage, and it can even display a catchy tagline. Logo boxes can be contoured to any shape and are generally illuminated by LED lighting, giving your customer more options, possibilities, and punch.
HOW MUCH IS A CHANNEL LETTER SIGN?
Prices can vary widely and rely on a variety of factors, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 (or more). When setting a channel letter’s price, the following considerations must be made:
LOGOS AND CUSTOM DESIGNS
Your business’ visual recognition and brand presence can be aided by including your logo on your sign which raises the sign’s overall efficacy and worth. These have an impact on pricing due to the need to have multiple colors and maybe a large number of additional lights to illuminate. When requesting a pricing quote, be sure to keep in mind the costing of logos which is more complicated than the costing of letters.
DIMENSIONS
The size of your sign (height, width, and depth) is one of the most important factors to take into account. Larger letters are easier to read but their construction requires more raw materials like electrical wiring, more lights per letter, and perhaps extra power sources.
The total length is also taken into consideration. As the length increases, the mounting, longer raceways, additional insertion points into the wall, and structural reinforcing will be necessary to compensate for increased weight. You may also be subject to size restrictions imposed by your local sign codes and regulations.
CHANNEL LETTER BODY MATERIALS
The body of channel letters are often constructed of acrylic or polycarbonate, while the body is typically made of rust-resistant aluminum. Prices will increase if stainless steel or brass are used as the replacement metals. Utilizing materials with thicker gauges will increase their resilience and lifespan, converting the additional expense into an extended life.
You might also think about adding extra features, such as adding perforated vinyl to the letter faces. This will increase their visibility during the day while preserving their ability to provide light at night.
LIGHTING
Larger signs will require more realistic lighting and power sources, as was already mentioned, but there are other factors at play. As long as it complements your company’s aesthetic, neon (or LED lighting that simulates neon) lighting can be very effective.
The majority of people will choose LED lights because they are significantly more affordable, but there are still a few other options available. For illumination, you have the option of using LED strips or individual LED bulbs (approximately 20 per letter). Standard LEDs only provide white light, however RGB LED lights can produce a spectrum of nearly 16 million different colors.
You should think about looking for UL Certification for all electrical work. International safety standards are provided by Underwriter Laboratory (UL), giving you assurance that the materials are of a caliber to function as intended and withstand year-round exposure outside.
MOUNTING PROCESS
A “raceway” is frequently used for hanging channel letter signs since it requires the fewest number of attachment points into the building face. The raceway, a rail that also carries the electrical wiring and holds the various sign components in place, is where the letters are attached to.
You can choose flush mounting, in which each letter is fastened to the wall individually, for a cleaner appearance. The raceway will be removed in exchange for more materials and a trickier sign installation.
INSTALLATION HURDLES
Other expenses not included in the standard costs of installing a channel letter sign could further alter the cost. For instance, access will need to be provided by elevators in order to install a sign on a particularly tall building. Trees and other obstructions that prevent access to the building or sign post will increase the cost of the installation.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
There are more than a dozen steps in the process, from the initial contact to the completed installation, including the initial design, requesting permits, manufacture, and installation. Your approval is also essential to the project’s success. The timeline can so range from a few weeks to a few months.
AVERAGE COST
Basic channel letter signs typically cost between $4,000 and $6,000. Nevertheless, economic conditions are not as stable as they once were, and costs for raw materials can vary widely.
