Boise, ID – Lighted Signs 101: Channel Letters & Lightboxes | Sign Company News

There are many types of signs to choose from when promoting a business. But likely the most popular – and effective – are lighted signs.

Channel Letter Signs

Channel letters are individual three-dimensional letters often used to spell out the name of a business.

Construction

Channel letter signs are made by first making a template of the letter. Then, the letter is cut from an aluminum sheet with a computer-controlled router. The letters are then formed into three-dimensional shapes and welded together. Once the letters are welded, they are sanded and painted.

Installation

During installation, a lighting element is added inside each letter. This is done in a few different ways. The most common method is to use LEDs, which are low-voltage and highly energy-efficient. Other options include fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.

The letters are installed on a raceway, flush against the building, or with standoffs.

Lighting Options

Channel letters are designed to have options for illumination through the front and/or the back. Front-lit signs have front-facing translucent panels which allow the lighting element to shine through. Backlit signs have a solid panel on the front, forcing the light to shine only through the back, making a “halo” effect. For a more dramatic effect, combination lighting can be used.

Lightboxes

Lightboxes are flat signs with a light source shining through a panel with graphics and text such as a business name and other information.

Construction

Lightboxes are made by first constructing a frame from aluminum or steel. Then, the frame is covered with a translucent panel made from various materials, including acrylic and polycarbonate. The panel is then sealed to the frame with silicone.

Installation

Lightboxes are installed by suspending them from the ceiling, mounting them to the wall, and attaching them to a pole which juts out from the building.

Lighting Options

The light source for a lightbox is typically either fluorescent or LED.

Benefits of Lighted Signs

• Highly visible: Adding lighting to a sign makes it many times more visible, day and night, and from a great distance. This makes them perfect for businesses on busy streets in high-traffic areas.
• Attention-grabbing: Lighted signs are very eye-catching, which makes them more likely to get noticed by potential customers.
• Customizable: Lighted signs can be customized in many ways to fit the needs of the business. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

At FASTSIGNS® of Boise, ID, we offer a wide variety of lighted sign options, including channel letters and lightboxes. Contact us today to learn more!