What Are Channel Letters and How Do I Choose Which Type of Channel Letter?

Channel letters or pan channel letters are large individual letters. They are commonly used as exterior signage on businesses, churches, and in shopping centers. There are three basic types of channel letters with a fourth type a combination of two types. The major point of differentiation between types of channel letters is in how they are illuminated.

Channel letters are aluminum or plastic “cans” or “pans” shaped into letter forms. The term “return” refers to the sides of the can and “face” means the surface seen by the viewer. The cans are most commonly made from aluminum but Gemini Incorporated, one of the largest dimensional letter manufacturers in the world, makes a molded polymer (plastic) can that is recyclable, flame-retardant, and resistant to salts, acids, and oils – they guarantee them for the life of the business.  Channel letters are mounted either individually on the wall or are mounted to a “raceway” which is mounted to the wall.

Open-face channel letters used to be very common. They are quite simply an aluminum can shaped as a letter with the open side of the can the face of the sign with neon tubing exposed. However, sign ordinances are moving towards controlling “light pollution” by requiring a more diffused type of illumination so new open-face channel letters are becoming less common.

Internally lit channel letters are sometimes called front lit channel letters. The cans have the open side facing the viewer as does the open-face channel letter but the face has a colored acrylic face so none of the electrical workings show. The lighting inside the can is diffused and lights up the face of each letter evenly.  

Reverse lit channel letters, reverse pan channel letters, back lit and halo lit channel letters are all the same thing. The “reverse pan” refers to the fact that the open side of the can faces the wall. The viewer sees a solid face which can be any color. Reverse channels can be used without any illumination. Reverse lit, back lit, and halo lit refer to the illumination coming from behind the letter rather than from the face of the letter. The channel letters are mounted off the wall with studs or a raceway so the lights inside the can cast a glow around each letter from the back.

Front / back lit channel letters combine internally lit with back lit illumination. They create a very striking illuminated sign.

It will help to drive around at night and look at the different types of channel letters. Seeing pictures online is helpful but not as good as seeing illuminated signs in real life. Consider whether or not you need an illuminated sign. A restaurant or bar might go for the extra expense of a front/lit sign because much of their business is done during dark hours. A retail store that may only need a few hours of illumination in the winter would go with something simpler. A manufacturer who is not drawing in passersby may opt for no illumination.

Whatever style works best for your business you’ll need a professional to design, build and install channel letters. Depending on local sign codes, the letters may require UL Listing and, more than likely a licensed contractor to install them. Be wary of low-ball estimates for manufacture or installation of channel letters.

Spot-On Signs & Graphics is here to help guide you through selecting the right sign for your business. Contact us at (530) 295-8285, info@spot-on-signs.com or visit our website www.spot-on-signs.com to request a quote or view our gallery.