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The A, B, C’s of Channel Letters

 – A – The Architecture of channels letters and what
makes them so Attractive to Add to your sign family

channel letters sign

According to Wikipedia, channel letters are standard three-dimensional graphic sign elements with their own separate lighting components.  Its channel is fabricated from sheet metal, most often aluminum since it will not rust. The sides of the letter are known as returns and are formed by bending the metal around an aluminum back and then welding at the seam and the letter is painted and fitted with any lighting components such as neon gas tubes or more energy-efficient LEDs.  A translucent plastic face usually of 316 in thick sheet acrylic fiber or polycarbonate is cut to fit the open face of the letter can. A trim cap border is applied to its edges which gives the letter face a finished appearance and creates a fastening surface to attach it to the letter can.

Simply put, channel letters are illuminated individual letters mounted onto the exterior of buildings. Channel letters are one of the most familiar types of signage, appreciated by businesses, large and small.

 What makes dimensional letters so Appealing?

  • Channel letters demand ATTENTION! They are highly visible – day and night – and from a distance.
  • Channel letters come in an array of colors, shapes, fonts, sizes, and combinations. That means your sign can be as unique as your business.
  • Channel letters work round the clock, identifying your location and touting your brand.
  • Channel letters can be outfitted with power-saving LED components making them both ecologically and economically a smart choice.
  • Channel letters can be integrated with Lightcloud technology, allowing you to control your sign using a smart device, tablet or computer!
  • And, channel letters are durable and low maintenance.
Huntington Bank Exterior channel letters sign

Because of their visual depth, size and illumination, channel letters have that WOW factor! If your business is located in the back corner of a retail center, along a stretch of highway or even a busy cityscape, channel letters can give your location that POP to help you stand out.

 – B – Back to Basics – Channel letters fall into four Basic types:

Wegmans Exterior Signs

Standard Front-Lit
Spell it out with standard front-lit channel letters! The most common type – standard front-lit channel letters – are built with aluminum backing and sides (returns). Letters are finished with a polycarbonate or acrylic face. Front-lit letters are illuminated using LEDs or neon. The face of each letter is lit from within spelling out your business’s name in vivid color and light. Channel letters can be used for logos, as well.

Aarons-sign

Reverse Channel Letters or Halos
What’s that glow? Reverse channel letters or halo letters are made from similar materials as standard channel letters. But, halo-lit (reverse channel letters) use spacers. This raises the letters from the wall, allowing the internal lighting to project onto the building’s surface. The light cast gives the letters their distinctive and sophisticated glow or halo.

PSFS-neon-sign

Raceway Mount
Letters are attached to a metal raceway, designed to house the wiring and power supply. Raceways are popular with landlords, building, and property management companies as installation require less drilling into the building surface. Raceways are often painted to blend seamlessly with the exterior of the building.

PSFS-neon-sign

Open Face Lit Channel Letters
Channel letters from Philadelphia Sign are versatile and impactful. There’s no denying the pizzaz of neon or the illusion of neon. Open face lit channel letters employ the same aluminum backs and returns as other channel signs. But, the letters are either open or have a clear face to expose the “neon” elements inside. Open face channels bring the flash and the fun to your location.

 – C – Complete the Channel Letters with Installation and Integrations to Control your signage in a secured environment

Wegmans Exterior Signs

Direct (Flush Mount)
Letters are attached directly to the exterior wall of the building. Electrical and power components are then installed behind the wall or building façade. Direct mount is a more complex installation requiring access to the space behind the exterior but results in the most polished and clean appearance. Reverse lit letters are often flush mounted to accommodate the needed spacers.

Adient Exterior Signage

Backer Mount
Letters are attached to a backer panel – essentially a metal cabinet – that contains all of the wiring and power supply. The cabinet, which is larger than the letters themselves, can be installed onto the wall or behind the building façade.

Johnson Controls Illuminated Channel Letters

Raceway Mount
Letters are attached to a metal raceway, designed to house the wiring and power supply. Raceways are popular with landlords, building, and property management companies as installation requires less drilling into the building surface. Raceways are often painted to blend seamlessly with the exterior of the building.

Regions Highrise

Lightcloud Technology
Imagine controlling your sign with your mobile device! Lightcloud technology can be integrated with your channel letters, allowing you easy control of the brightness and energy level of your sign. A secure network and your smart phone, computer or tablet is all that’s needed to make adjustments with just a touch. Ask a Philadelphia Sign representative about Lightcloud for your channel letters.

Philadelphia Sign Channel Letters Spell More Business for you!

Talk to a sign expert about sign and mounting options. The installation of your channel letters is as important as the signs themselves. Channel letters from Philadelphia Sign are versatile and impactful. Find out how channel letters can spell more business for you!