The creation of channel letter signs is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail, creativity, and technical skill. At North Coast Signs, we specialize in transforming your ideas into vibrant, effective signs that capture your brand’s essence and attract customers.
Understanding Your Vision
The journey begins with understanding your vision. Our team engages with you to grasp your brand, message, and the ambiance you wish to create through your sign. This initial consultation is crucial for setting the right direction for the project.
Design and Approval
Once we understand your requirements, our designers get to work creating a visual representation of your channel letter sign. We use advanced software to bring your ideas to life, providing mock-ups that allow you to visualize the final product.
Material Selection and Fabrication
Once the design is approved, we move to select materials that best fit the intended use and location of your channel letter sign. For outdoor signs, we often use aluminum for its durability and rust resistance, while acrylic is chosen for the face for its color vibrancy and clarity.
In the fabrication stage, our team cuts, molds, and assembles the components. Aluminum sheets are cut and formed into the backs and returns of the letters, providing structure and depth. The returns, typically 3 to 6 inches deep, help encase the lighting components. Acrylic faces are then cut to fit each letter, creating a clean, visible front that will display your brand’s colors accurately.
For the face of the letters, we cut acrylic sheets to fit the exact shape of each letter. The acrylic faces are then affixed to the returns, creating a sealed unit. This is where your sign starts to come to life, as the face of the letter will be what’s most visible to your audience.
Lighting is an integral part of channel letter signs, especially for businesses looking to capture attention during nighttime or in low-light conditions. Depending on the chosen type, the lighting can vary significantly:
- Front-Lit Channel Letters: The most common type, where the face of the letters is illuminated. LED modules are installed inside the channel, directing light forward through the acrylic face, creating a bright and inviting glow.
- Halo-Lit (Backlit) Channel Letters: In this elegant variation, the LEDs are installed at the back of the letters, casting a soft halo of light onto the mounting surface. This is achieved by ensuring the back of the letters is spaced away from the wall, allowing the light to outline each letter subtly.
- Combination Lit Channel Letters: Combining the first two types, these letters have LEDs that light up both the front and the back of the letters, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect.
Installation and Final Touches
The final step is installing your channel letter sign at your chosen location. Our installation team carefully mounts the sign, ensuring it is secure and positioned for optimal visibility. We also handle any final adjustments to make sure the sign looks perfect in its new home.
Contact North Coast Signs today to start your channel letter sign project in Carlsbad, CA.
