Different Material Types to Fabricate Stunning Channel Letter Signs

Channel letter signs are amazing at grabbing one’s attention at a single glance. And most business owners focus on over-the-top design and vibrant lighting effects to make eye-catching signs. In fact, one of the most important elements in the design of dimensional letters is the material they are made of.

Metal, acrylic and vinyl all offer a distinct look and feel to the sign. Choose the material for your sign wisely and you can really make your design stand out. Find out what are some popular materials used in the construction of signs today.

Did you know we weatherproof our channel letters so they can stand up to the harshest of weather in Edmonton.

Metal channel letters

Metals such as stainless steel and aluminum are some of the most widely used in the construction of signage. They are durable, affordable (aluminum is less expensive than steel), and immensely customizable. Our shop fabricates all types of shapes with metals. However, aluminum remains the best material because it is lighter, yet able to withstand extreme cold weather.

Metallic signs also have a classy glow that really raises the profile of the establishment. It is why you will see these signs installed above commercial buildings in Edmonton, condominiums, and boutiques.

Acrylic

Clear face channel letter sign? That is probably not glass you are looking at it is acrylic. Acrylic is available in multiple quality and hardness grades, letting you personalize the visual appeal of the sign. Faces can also be designed with a durable polycarbonate called Lexan. It is perfect for situations when the sign will experience particularly strong winds. While you may be interested in using Lexan everywhere, note that it costs more than regular acrylic and should only be considered if the letters are big.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of the fabrication of stunning channel letter signs. Modern LED technology has revolutionized how signs can be illuminated. Flexible LED strips can be concealed neatly within the sign; changeable colors let you customize the sign nightly too. We also create neon-lit signs but fewer and fewer business owners are choosing them because neon is relatively less reliable and more expensive to run.

LED lighting is so energy efficient, that business owners are happy to illuminate their sign all day and night.

Vinyl Finishes

Channel signs cannot be made out of vinyl but it is used to give dimensional letters a more customized finish. Translucent pressure-treated vinyl is used to create different effects and to diffuse lighting.

Speak to 3Sixty Sign Solutions for custom channel signs for your business. We are one of the few full-service sign builders in the city – designing, building, installing, and maintaining signage in-house. Our fabricators are experienced at creating custom designs and finish signs to a high quality. We ensure our signage is affordable and long-lasting, helping you make the most of your investment. Contact us now to get started on your next signage project.

Source: https://www.3sixtysignsolutions.com/different-material-types-to-fabricate-stunning-channel-letter-signs/

Front Lit vs Reverse Lit Channel Letters: How to Make the Right Choice?

Is there really a right answer in the front-lit or reverse-lit channel letter signs debate? Perhaps the folly lies in the question itself. We get many customers asking if the front or rear-lit signs are more effective. Which sign is right for you depends on the design, where it is to be installed, and what kind of mood you want to evoke.

Describing Channel Letter Signs

Custom channel letters are a combination of dimensional letters and lighting setups incorporated within the sign itself. Letters are typically made of aluminum because it is soft enough to bend into small shapes, strong enough to withstand weather, and resilient to corrosion. Signs may also be made of plastic, though these are mostly suitable for indoor use. For front fascia, they may be open-faced (without any sort of covering) or have a glass/acrylic front.

Lighting is an important part of these signs. LED and neon are the most common lighting options for signs. Front-lit signs are those which have light shining through the front fascia of the sign. With reverse-lit signs, light is shone on the mounting surface to create a halo effect around the sign.

Types of lighted dimensional letters

• Front-lit
• Backlit/Reverse-lit/Halo-lit
• Front and reverse-lit
• Open-face lighting

Which is right for you: front or reverse-lit?

Both signs are equally ‘effective’ as advertising and promotional tools. To find which sign is right for you, consider these points.

Spacing

Reverse-lit signs require additional space behind the sign to create an adequate halo effect. Not every location has the space or the permission to create a sign that protrudes the few extra inches. If that’s the case for you then front-lit signs are the obvious choice.

Mood

Front-lit signs are universal and aesthetically appealing no matter where they are used. Reverse-lit signs exude a naturally upscale charm. It’s why you will find them above commercial buildings, jewelry stores, and the like. What kind of audience you want to advertise to will help you decide which sign is right.

Practical considerations

With front-lit signs the lighting setup is incorporated within the sign itself. It means little or no additional space needs to be allocated externally. This means front-lit signs are self-contained and relatively easier to maintain. Reverse-lit signs, on the other hand, require the right color and quality of mounting background. The halo effect may also require a backing plate. This may make for a visually appealing sign, but are more complex.

If you can’t decide whether you want a front-lit or a reverse-lit sign, don’t worry, you can do both!

Ask Yourself These Questions

If you are stuck trying to decide between lighting configurations, ask yourself these questions:

• Visualize the sign above your frontage. Which looks better?
• Will the sign be day and night, or just in the evening?
• Will the mounting wall behind the sign make a good background?
• Are there any legal/lease requirements that limit your signage options?

Whichever Sign You Choose…

3SixtySignSolution is the go-to sign shop for custom channel letter signs in Alberta. We work with all types of businesses on creative signs that will get you noticed. Speak to a representative to find out how we help customers design signs and figure out installation. We are a full-service sign company that takes care of design, construction, installation, and maintenance of the sign.

Source: https://www.3sixtysignsolutions.com/front-lit-vs-reverse-lit-channel-letters-how-to-make-the-right-choice/