Louisville, KY – Sign Making 101: Lighted Channel Letter Signs | Sign Store News

Businesses count on being seen to draw in customers, and lighted signs are one of the most successful ways to accomplish this. One of the best options available to businesses is channel latter signs.

What are Channel Letter Signs?

Channel letter signs are comprised of several individual three-dimensional letters or shapes. They each have an internal channel where lighting elements can be housed, and either a translucent panel in the front or an open back for the light to shine through.

How are Channel Letters Made?

Each channel letter has four main elements: the return, face, backing, and lighting element.

• The return is the side of the channel letter, and it gives the letter its shape.
• The face is a front panel typically made of either acrylic or metal depending on the type of lighting.
• The backing is what faces the building. It will either be acrylic or metal like the front panel depending on the lighting element.
• The lighting element is typically an LED blub as these are the brightest and most energy-efficient options.

Once the types of substrates (materials) to make the sign are decided, we use a CNC router to make the shapes for the sign. CNC or computer numerical control is the most precise way to cut the letter and ensure everything fits together properly.

Once the pieces have been cut out, the assembly begins. The aluminum returns are shaped into the desired letters and mounted to the raceway or building. The lighting element is placed inside, and the front or back panel is affixed.

Channel Letter Lighting

Front-lit channel letters are the most common type; they are illuminated by LEDs mounted inside the return of the letter. The light shines through the front panel illuminating it.

Back-lit or reverse-lit channel letters have LEDs mounted inside the return facing the building, allowing the light to shine on the building and cast a halo of light around the letters.

Double-lit channel letters are a combination of both front-lit and back-lit lighting.

Open-face channel letter signs are made entirely from clear acrylic. This makes the lighting elements inside the letter visible. In the past, open-face channel letter signs were made using neon inside the letters, but nowadays LED bulbs are more common. LED bulbs are the most popular choice because they are more energy efficient, burn brighter, and have a longer lifespan.

Mounting Options

Raceway Mounting: The most common type of mounting is via raceway. A raceway is a metal or plastic molding which runs behind the letters. The letters are affixed to the raceway and the raceway is mounted to the building. The raceway also houses the wiring for the LEDs..

Direct or Standoff Mounting: This method involves attaching the letter directly to the building. If the letters are backlit, then a standoff is required to allow space for the light to shine creating the halo look.. With this method, all the wiring is housed inside the building.

Backer Mounting: Like raceway mounting, the letters are affixed to a large box, which is visible behind the letters.

Contact us, FASTSIGNS® of Louisville, KY, today to get started on your next sign project.