SIGNS & MORE, INC. BLOG - Sign, Banner & Vehicle Graphics Facts & Information

Channel letters are the most used method of overhead signs for store front businesses. The lettering is very versatile, easily applied and seen at a distance. Many companies without a particular logo use the channel letters to simply indicate what their business does, such as Hair Dresser or Shoe Repair.

Channel Letters on Raceway

The channel letter can be very diverse in how it is used.  For example, virtually any font can be replicated with channel letters.  The size of lettering is only determined by local code and developer allowances.  The rule of thumb for sizing the letters for visibility is 1” tall per 30’ of visibility.  So, if you want your sign to be seen at a 300’ distance the lettering should be at least 10” tall.

There are four methods for designing channel letters:

Front Lit:  This allows the light to shine through the face of the letter with the use of a translucent acrylic face with a 1” trim.  The channel box is usually 5” deep.  This can be lit with either neon lamps or LED lighting.  Due to their efficiency and low maintenance, LED lights are currently used most frequently.

Channel Letters Individually Mounted

Reverse:  A Reverse channel letter has a face that is opaque, usually painted aluminum, and a back side enclosed with a clear polycarbonate.  The box of the letter is usually 3 ½” deep.  The letter is offset from the side of the building face or substrate with 1 ½” standoffs.  This allows the light to hit behind the letter creating a halo effect.

Open Faced:  An Open Faced letter is when the aluminum body has the face open to the public and is lighted with an exposed neon lamp. This creates a nice glow inside the channel and is colored according to the neon lamp color.  Sometimes these letters will have a clear acrylic face.

Front/Back Lit:  A channel letter that is both lit on the front and back.  This is where the face is a translucent acrylic and the back is a clear polycarbonate. Using the 1 ½” standoffs allows the halo effect while the whole sign is lit up as well.

The different methods of designing channel letters allow great room for creativity.  Signs & More, Inc (770-383-8808) would like to invite you to our showroom and work shop to discuss how we may create the lettering your business deserves.