Channel letter signs are one of the most popular and effective forms of business signage. They are three-dimensional, illuminated, and eye-catching, making them perfect for attracting customers and creating a strong brand image. However, designing impactful channel letter signs requires more than just putting your logo in a fancy font.
To make your sign stand out and communicate your message effectively, you need to consider various factors, from the size and shape of the letters to the color and placement of the lights. In this blog post, we’ll share some unique tips to help you design channel letter signs that make a lasting impression and drive business growth.
What Are Channel Letter Signs And Why Are They Important For Businesses?
Channel letter signs are three-dimensional signs that are custom-made with individual letters and illuminated with LED lighting. They are an important asset for businesses because they not only signify enthusiasm, commitment, and performance by the business below them, but they also catch the eye of potential customers.
There are four main components of a channel letter sign: the face, body or return, backing, and lighting. The face is the front part of the letter, while the body or return is the side of the letter that forms the channel. The backing is the structure behind the letters that keeps them secure, and the lighting is what illuminates the sign.
When it comes to lighting, there are two main options for channel letter signs: front-lit and back-lit. Front-lit channel letter signs have LED lights that are placed on the face of the letters, while back-lit channel letter signs have LED lights that are placed behind the letters, which creates a halo effect. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to advertise your business, channel letter signs might just be the solution you need.
Choosing The Right Font And Style
When it comes to designing channel letter signs, one of the most crucial elements to consider is the font and style. The font you choose will ultimately define the personality and tone of your brand, so it’s important to choose wisely.
First and foremost, it’s essential to opt for a clear typeface. Avoid crazy or overly decorative fonts that can make it difficult for viewers to read your sign from afar. Remember, readability should be your top priority.
When selecting the size of your channel letters, it’s helpful to look at similar signs in the area and take note of their letter sizes. This will give you an idea of what works and what doesn’t and help you avoid making any costly mistakes. Additionally, consider your building’s material and sign colors when selecting letter sizes to ensure optimal visibility.
Consider The Size And Spacing
Choosing the right size for your channel letters can be tricky, as it’s important to strike a balance between legibility and the available wall space.
Your sign should be easy to read from a distance, but small enough to have some wall space around it for contrast. To get a better idea of how big your sign should be, consider how far away your business is usually seen. You can also take photos of your building and compare them to other nearby signs to get an idea of what size will work best for your business.
Choosing a clear typeface for your channel letters will also contribute to readability. Bold, sans-serif fonts tend to work well for channel letter signs. Avoid using complicated scripts or decorative fonts, as they can be difficult to read from a distance.
Importance Of Proper Lighting Channel Letters
The type of lighting used in channel letter signs can have a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of the sign. There are several different types of mounting options available for channel letter signs, including raceway or signboard mounting, flush mounting, and floating or back-mounted signs.
Raceway or signboard mounting involves using a flat, painted box behind the letters to hold electrical parts and wiring. This is a popular option because it allows for easy installation and maintenance of the sign. Flush mounting, on the other hand, mounts channel letters directly to the building surface. This option is great for a more streamlined look and can be especially effective when used in combination with the right lighting.
Floating or back-mounted signs are raised off the surface and provide space for the light behind the sign. This can create a striking effect, especially when combined with backlit or halo-lit letters. The type of lighting used is crucial to creating the desired effect.
There are four main types of channel sign letters: front-lit, backlit, halo-lit, and combination-lit. Front-lit letters use LED lights inside the letter, shining out through a translucent front face. Backlit letters have LED lights inside the letter, but instead of shining out through the front, the light shines through the back of the letter, illuminating the wall behind it.
Halo-lit letters use LED signs and lights mounted behind the letter, creating a glowing halo effect around the letter. Combination-lit letters use a combination of front-lit and halo-lit lighting, allowing for more flexibility in design and impact.
Mounting Channel Letter Signs
Once you’ve settled on a design and size for your channel letter signs, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to mount them. Channel letter signs are typically made from durable, inexpensive materials such as lexan, acrylic, metal, and other tough materials. Depending on your preference, different mounting methods can be used.
The first option is raceway or signboard mounting. This involves mounting the channel letters onto a metal raceway, which is then attached to the building. This method is particularly useful for businesses that require several channel letters and want them to be installed uniformly.
The second option is flush mounting, which involves directly attaching the channel letters to the building’s surface. This method is perfect for businesses that want a clean and modern look, as the letters will appear as if they are a part of the building’s facade.
The third option is floating or back-mounted signs, where the channel letters are mounted on a backing that creates a shadow behind the letters. This method is great for creating a more dramatic effect and for businesses that want their signage to stand out more. This will help ensure that your channel letter signs have the greatest impact on potential customers.
