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Channel Letters Sign: All Types + Bonuses

Channel Letters Sign: All Types + Bonuses

Channel letter signs are the most effective visual communication tool for a business. Fully customizable with your logo and fonts, these signs are indispensable for many well-known brands. Unlike other advertising and marketing products, these signs only emphasize what you want to highlight. Sometimes it’s your business name, sometimes a logo icon, and sometimes both.

Below, we examine the most popular types of channel letter signs and highlight unique designs that can differentiate your business. We’ve explained all types of channel letter signs and their areas of use with videos and photos. While reading our article, we’ve tried to give you plenty of ideas that will be useful for your business, and you’ll also see examples of brands that use these signs most effectively.

If you’re looking for more superficial information on this topic, take a look at our article titled understanding channel letter signs.

Summary: Most Popular Channel Letter Sign Types

Choosing the right sign for your business may not always be easy. That’s why we’ve compiled the 6 most preferred channel letter sign models for you here:

These types of letter signs can meet both your modern and classic design needs. But these are just the beginning! Continue reading our blog for more models and creative designs. Let’s discover the most suitable design for your business!

Lighting tips for illuminated channel letter signs

The color of the lighting in a space can affect how people feel. We have observed the effects of LEDs used in signs on customer experience. LEDs used in signs have different color temperatures in lighting. These can be distinguished by their Kelvin values. In the graph below, you can see the color tones of LEDs according to their Kelvin values.

Graph showing the temperature values ​​of LEDs used in channel letter signs.

As can be seen in the graph, as the Kelvin value decreases, we get a warmer lighting tone. Higher Kelvin values provide cooler but stronger lighting. So, should you prefer warm or cold lighting?

Of course, this varies from environment to environment. When deciding on the LED color of your sign, you should not stray too far from the general lighting colors of your business. For example, let’s say you have a business that is preferred for romantic dinners. The environment is probably illuminated with warm and dim lights. There may be candles and fireplace light in the environment. Using 10,000 K LEDs in a sign to be used in this restaurant will ruin the whole atmosphere. A sign illuminated with 2,000 K LEDs will completely fit into the environment and strengthen the brand identity of the business.

Check out this great article written by ideas.rl.studio about choosing color temperature in lighting.

All types of channel letters sign

With its classic, timeless and stylish stance, Channel Letter Signs have become the first choice of big brands in particular. Big brands such as Chanel, Dior and Versace have become immortal thanks to the Channel Letter Sign. Being made of stainless steel, having every color tone feature and easy assembly, the Channel Letter Sign is still one of the first sign types that come to mind today.

Take your brand one step forward with these signs that are immediately preferred when it comes to Business Signs. You will not be ignored with the Channel Letter Sign. It is a completely different advertising tool with its eye-catching, striking and modern atmosphere.

Backlit Channel Letters (Halo Lit Signs or Reverse Channel Letters)

Backlit signs are also known as halo-lit signs or reverse-lit signs. They offer a sophisticated look with LED lights placed behind the letters. This lighting creates a halo effect and gives your customers the feeling that they are in a distinguished business. When determining the material for backlit channel letters, you should consider your business needs. We recommend making these types of signs out of metal, but acrylic is also an option. Plastic signs such as acrylic and PVC are a cheaper option, but they are not as impressive as stainless steel and aluminum.

Stainless steel backlit signs are quite popular among brands that offer their customers premium products.

One of the brands that benefit from the sophisticated air of backlit signs is Moncler. The Moncler sign with warm white illuminated letters is quite successful in reflecting the brand’s style.

A backlit stainless steel Moncler sign hung in the storefront.

Features of Reverse lit signs (Backlit signs)

1. Reverse lit sign materials

SignsAtelier Backlit signs are manufactured from high quality stainless steel to provide an elegant and strong appearance. Many companies also choose acrylic, galvanized, aluminum and other metals. Stainless steel has a stylish and durable structure with its flawless appearance. This is the main reason why we prefer stainless steel. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, stainless steel signs are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. To ensure they remain in pristine condition, it’s important to know how to maintain stainless steel signs. Regular cleaning with mild soap and a soft cloth can help preserve their shine and protect them from environmental factors that may cause deterioration over time.

Lighting: Backlit Signs are illuminated with LEDs. This saves energy and provides a long-lasting lighting source. LEDs last for approximately 50,000 hours.

Acrylic back channel letters: White and frosted acrylic added to the back of the letters allows light to be softly diffused to create a halo effect.

Stainless steel backlit signs are quite popular among brands that offer their customers premium products.

One of the brands that benefit from the sophisticated air of backlit signs is Moncler. The Moncler sign with warm white illuminated letters is quite successful in reflecting the brand’s style.

2. Backlit sign advantages

Backlit signs has a few more advantages, apart from its sophisticated appearance and the premium perception created by the light emitted from behind your brand.

  • Night Visibility: Changes the atmosphere of businesses, especially at night, with the halo effect.
  • Brand prestige: Backlit signs create a quality and premium brand perception..
  • Durability: High-quality materials are resistant to adverse weather conditions.
  • Energy Efficiency: Provides low energy consumption thanks to LED lights. So leaving your sign on day and night will not increase your electricity bill.

3. Backlit signs usage areas

It is often preferred for a prestigious display window for boutiques and luxury stores. Hotels and restaurants also prefer these signs to create the perception that they provide premium service. Art galleries and museums prefer reverse lit signs that blend in with the environment with a halo effect instead of keeping the focus of visitors on an intensely illuminated sign.

4. Disadvantages of backlit signs

High Cost: It can be more expensive than other types of signs due to the materials and workmanship used.

Installation and Maintenance: Although LED systems are quite easy to install, if you have no experience in this area, you may need to get help from an expert. You may need to hire an electrician near you from websites like Yelp and Yellowpages.

Limited to Certain Designs: Minimal designs work well for backlit signs. It is necessary to stay within certain limits for multi-colored and complex designs.

5. Design options of reverse lit sign
  • Different Color Lights: Customize with LED lights that match your brand’s color palette.
  • Material Coating: Enriched with metallic, brushed or glossy surfaces.
  • 3D Effects: Letters are designed in various sizes to create a sense of depth.

We can completely customize your sign for you. Backlit signs stand out with their aesthetic design that increases brand perception. It is a great sign solution for your business to display a luxurious and professional image.

Front Lit (or Face Lit Sign)

Front lit channel letter signs, also known as face lit signs, are the most common signage option for store fronts. These signs are illuminated from the front, providing visibility both during the day and at night. They are a popular type of channel letter for businesses looking to maximize the impact of their store fronts. One of the brands that uses front lit signs is Apple.

This image, which is an example of frontlit signs, shows a facelit sign of the Apple logo.

Apple prefers to use front-lit signs in its stores due to its minimalist design and technology-focused brand identity. Such signs perfectly reflect Apple’s user-friendly approach.

The most prominent features of front lit channel letter signs

1. Front lit Sign Materials

Front lit signs are produced by combining acrylic and metal to provide durability and aesthetics. Using aluminum with its lightweight and durable structure is the first choice for many sign shops. Aluminum is resistant to rust and can be customized in your brand colors with electrostatic paint. Those looking for a bright look can also prefer stainless steel for these signs.

A light-transparent material is used on the front surface to ensure that the lighting is visible. Acrylic or polycarbonate is usually used. SignsAtelier prefers acrylic because it distributes the light evenly and provides clear lighting.

As in many signs, energy-saving and long-lasting LEDs are used in front lit channel letters for lighting. High-angle LEDs should be used for front lit signs. This prevents light bursts from forming on the front surface of these letters. You can understand the problem of face lit letters created with narrow-angle LEDs with a single visual below. If you look closely at the sign in the visual, you can even count the LEDs inside. The only reason for light bursts and shadowy lighting is the use of narrow-angle LEDs.

An example of a sign with shadows created due to incorrect LED selection is red channel letters.
2. Face lit channel letters advantages
  • The front surface of the letters is illuminated, making them easily noticeable day and night. Pedestrians and people driving their vehicles can easily notice your sign.
  • Light on the illuminated acrylic surface provides a professional and aesthetic appearance and puts you one step ahead of your competitors.
  • LED lights reduce operating costs by saving energy.
  • Materials such as aluminum and acrylic are resistant to all weather conditions and are long-lasting.
  • You can customize details such as color, size, font and light intensity according to your needs.

3. Front lit signs usage areas

Using it on store fronts allows the brand to be easily noticed in high traffic areas. You will not be duller than other stores in shopping malls and you will clearly show your business to visitors.

4. Front lit signs disadvantages

Although it offers many advantages, it should not be forgotten that front lit signs require regular maintenance. LED lights may need to be replaced or cleaned over time.

Front lit signs are a type of sign that offers high visibility, durability and aesthetics. With its many other features, it is ideal for increasing the awareness of your business and creating a professional image.

Edge Lit Sign (or Side Lit Sign)

Edge lit signs are also called Side Lit Signs. They provide soft illumination along the edges of the letters. They are ideal for those looking for an innovative sign.

There are several reasons why Prada prefers the Edge Lit Signs model. These signs perfectly reflect the brand’s modern and stylish image. Prada values its elegant designs to create a high-quality and sophisticated aesthetic, and Edge Lit Signs support this design emphasis. The light emitted from the edges is in line with the brand’s elegant and luxurious identity, ensuring that its windows and stores attract attention. The glossy coating on the front surface continues to shine during the day.

A photo of the Prada brand's side lit channel letters sign.

Edge-lit signs create a striking effect with their clean, sharp lines and glowing edges. This type of signage is particularly effective in creating a high-tech, futuristic feel for brands looking to showcase their modern and innovative identities.

Edge Lit Channel Letter Signs Features

1. Edge lit signs materials

Edge lit signs are also produced with acrylic, stainless steel and LEDs like face lit signs. The only difference with edge lit channel letters is the use of stainless steel on the front surface and acrylic on the edges. The lighting color of side lit letters can be changed with RGB LEDs or colored acrylics.

2. Side lit channel letters advantages
  • It has a sophisticated look thanks to the light emitted from the edges.
  • The light emitted from the edges of the letters creates a stylish glow, which creates an extraordinary effect on your sign.
  • The aluminum frame and acrylic surfaces are resistant to outdoor conditions and are long-lasting.
  • You can customize the lighting color and the materials to be used on the front and back surfaces according to your brand’s needs.

3. Side lit signs Usage Areas

It is frequently preferred by jewelry stores and clothing boutiques because it provides a stylish look and eye-catching aesthetics.

4. Side lit signs disadvantages

Edge lit signs can be less visible, especially during the day, which can make them less visible in some cases. They also require regular maintenance and cleaning. However, the sleek, modern look they provide usually makes up for these disadvantages.

Framed Front-Lit Sign

Framed front lit signs combine the bright illumination of simply front lit signs with the durable construction of an aluminium frame. These types of signs are particularly suitable for outdoor installations where additional stability and a polished appearance are important.

This image, which is the main image of Channel Letters Sign: All Types + 5 Bonuses, features Omega's front-lit channel letters sign. The sign has gold details and an acrylic surface.

One of the brands that prefers Framed Front-Lit Sign is Omega. Take a look at how strong and elegant the Omega sign looks in the photo above. The frame surrounding the letters gives this sign type a strong and elegant look, reflecting Omega’s timeless and luxurious design approach. The frame makes the sign both eye-catching and recognizable, while strengthening the brand’s prestige and perception of quality. The combination of minimalist lighting and an elegant frame visually supports Omega’s attention to detail. In addition, this type of sign allows the brand to offer a premium experience to its customers and creates an elegant focal point on store facades. The Framed Front-Lit Sign is a choice that perfectly expresses Omega’s sophisticated brand identity.

In the image below, you can see an example of CHANEL’s Framed Front-Lit Sign. All the details we mentioned above are also valid for this sign.

Photo of the framed frontlit channel letters sign used by Chanel in the storefront.

Features of Framed Front-Lit Signs

1. Framed Front-Lit Sign materials used
  • Aluminum frame; Provides long-lasting use with its lightweight, durable and stainless features.
  • Acrylic front face ensures perfect light distribution.
  • LED lights provide energy efficiency and are indispensable for outdoor signs with their durability.

2. Framed channel letters advantages

Its stylish appearance and strong structure are the prominent advantages of this sign.

3. Framed front lit signs usage areas

Ideal for prestigious businesses such as luxury brands, spa, salon and boutiques.

Full Lit Sign

Full lit channel letters are one of the most commonly used outdoor sign types. These signs consist of fully illuminated letters and logos. We use light-transparent materials such as acrylic in production to spread the light well. Full lit channel letters are designed for maximum brightness and visibility. They are indispensable for businesses that want to attract attention in any environment.

Full lit channel letter signs make your brand visible even on the busiest streets. One of the brands that use fully illuminated signs is McDonald’s, which knows the importance of bright and bold letters to attract customers.

In the image below, you can see how bright and flashy the McDonald’s sign is.

Photo of the full lit channel letters sign used by the Mc Donalds brand in the storefront.

Full Lit Channel Letter Signs Features

Full lit channel letter signs are typically produced in acrylic and illuminated with LEDs.

1. Fully lit signs advantages
  • Fully illuminated letters are easily visible day and night and attract attention in high traffic areas.
  • Its cost is quite low compared to its effect
  • It allows brands to create a strong visual identity.

2. Fully lit letters usage areas

You can see these types of signs in large stores and retail areas. These signs provide high visibility to your business and make it easy to spot in large areas. Additionally, choosing the right type of sign can significantly impact customer attraction and brand recognition. From illuminated signs to banner displays, each business sign type offers unique advantages suited for different locations and marketing strategies. For further insights, consider exploring various options as ‘business sign types explained‘ can guide you in making the best choice for your establishment.

It is the choice of all businesses that aim to reach potential customers, especially in the evening hours, such as Fast Food Chains.

3. Fully lit letters disadvantages

Full lit signs are one of the signs that require constant maintenance. Due to the intense light it emits, it attracts flies and sometimes flies can even get inside the letters. You should clean your sign at least once a year to keep it as bright as the first day.

Non-Lit Channel Letters

Non-illuminated channel letter signs are also known as non lit letter signs. They do not have any lighting components. These signs focus on the design to create a strong visual presence. Non-illuminated letters are a frequently preferred advertising tool for businesses looking for a classic look. Although they do not shine at night, they are ideal for businesses that prioritize minimal design thanks to their high-quality materials and designs.

Their simple designs can be easily adapted to fit the brand’s identity and stand out during the day without the need for lighting.

Non-Lit Channel Letter Signs Features

Non-lit signs are made of the following materials:

  • Aluminum, which is a lightweight and durable material, can be your first choice for non-lit signs, especially for outdoor use.
  • Acrylic letters can also be an alternative to aluminum due to their flawless and shiny letter surfaces and affordable cost.
  • It is the first choice of businesses looking for a metallic and stylish look. It is much more expensive than acrylic, but almost the same price as aluminum.
  • Vinyl is used for color customization in non-lit signs.

1. Non-Lit Signs Advantages
  • It creates a stylish visual effect even without lighting.
  • Since it does not have any light components, it is easy to maintain and has a long life.
  • Customization options are more flexible than many sign types.
  • Since it does not use a light source, it does not consume energy and is an environmentally friendly choice.
  • All businesses can use these signs in all environments.

2. Non-Lit Signs Dezavantajları

Non-lit signs are limited in terms of visibility at night. Since there is no light source, they may not be noticeable in low-light environments. For this reason, they are not preferred outdoors by businesses that are active at night.

Light Bulb Letters

You can add a nostalgic and trendy atmosphere to your space with light bulb sign letters. Combining vintage charm with modern technology, these signs are illuminated by light bulbs. They are perfect for businesses that want to create a bold or fun statement. Depending on the font and design you choose, it can create different feelings in people. For example, a vintage look was achieved with an old school style font used in the light bulb sign letters below.

Photo of the light bulb channel letters sign used by the Cosmopolitan brand in the storefront.

Light Bulb Channel Letter Signs Key Features

Light bulb channel letter signs are made of aluminum and illuminated with light bulbs. Ideal for businesses looking for custom designs. You can achieve a natural look with traditional bulbs instead of LEDs on your sign.

Bulb lighted letter sign advantages
  • It is perfect for retro or vintage designs with its nostalgic appearance.
  • It is quite eye-catching and unusual thanks to its bulb lights.
  • Color, light placement and font can be customized according to your brand.
  • It can be used as a decor for cinemas, theaters, events, cafes and bars.

Bonuses: SignsAtelier’s Unique Channel Letter Sign Types

What sets SignsAtelier apart from many signboard makers is its specially designed channel letter signs. We aim to take your brand image to the next level by producing unique and eye-catching designs that will set your business apart from your competitors. We offer special solutions to businesses that want to make a difference with signboard types that you cannot find everywhere.

You can achieve a nostalgic look with Perforated Channel Letters and glowing effect letters or neon channel letters. While diamond channel letters emphasize prestige for luxury brands, you can add an environmentally friendly and creative atmosphere to your business with grass-covered channel letters and flower-covered channel letters.

The only advantage of choosing these signs is not to make your office and shop visible. You can also prefer these signs as a powerful tool that tells the story of your brand. As SignsAtelier, we design innovative signs that understand the needs of our customers and turn their dreams into reality.

If you want to save your business from the ordinary, the rest of the article will attract your attention more than what you have read up to this point. If you have a creative signboard idea and are looking for a manufacturer, you can contact us!

Let’s take a look at what we have done so far as SignsAtelier.

Perforated Channel Letters

We produce Perforated Channel Letters signs by laser drilling stainless steel. The light filtered through the holes opened on the sides and front of the letters makes your sign shine like a jewel. Jewelers, boutiques and beauty salons are the main businesses that prefer perforated letters.

Perforated letters sign advantages
  • Modern and stylish appearance
  • Even distribution of light
  • Creative and eye-catching designs

Perforated channel letters are an excellent choice for businesses looking for elegant and original designs.

Neon Channel Letters

We make neon channel letter signs from stainless steel with neon lights on the front surface. With this technique, we have combined the wonderful lighting of neon signs and the strong stance of stainless steel letters. This sign model has become the new favorite of everyone who loves neon signs. Because channel letters create a resistance that will support the weak appearance of neon letters. These signs are especially popular in bars, cafes and organization companies that want to create an energetic atmosphere.

Neon channel letters sign for PAUL on a restaurant wall. The sign is on a white wall and is lit with yellow neon.
Neon channel letters advantages
  • Energy saving is achieved while creating a neon image with vibrant and eye-catching neon LEDs.
  • The combination of stainless steel letters and neon light creates a warm atmosphere

Diamond Channel Letters

Diamond channel letter signs are luxury signs that we create with small diamond-shaped pieces inside the letters. You can achieve different effects by lighting these signs with LEDs in the colors you want. These signs are usually preferred by brands that want to create a luxury image. With their striking appearance, diamond channel letters directly convey the premium brand perception to your visitors.

In the video below you can see an example of a Rolex sign with diamond channel letters.

Turf Encased Channel Letters

Turf encased channel letters feature grass-filled letters. Grass encased letters create a unique and eco-friendly look for your office. Typically used indoors as office signage. They are the ideal choice for eco-friendly businesses, outdoor-oriented companies, or any company with a garden theme.

Photograph of grass-covered channel letters used as indoor signage on a grey wall.
Turf encased letters features
  • Provides a natural and innovative look while highlighting your brand
  • Creates the perception that you are an environmentally friendly brand.

Grass-covered channel letters, every detail of which we meticulously process, are the primary choice of businesses looking for designs that are compatible with nature.

The channel letters on the Raceway are red and white. The sign is front lit, but since it is daytime, the lighting is not working.

Channel letters on raceway

Channel Letters on Raceway are a popular and practical signage solution for businesses. It is difficult to hide the unsightly appearance of cables on individual letter signs. Raceway offers a perfect solution for hiding cables. This allows you to mount your sign without having to run cables through the wall.

Channel letters mounted directly to the raceway have a clean look. Raceway is usually made of aluminum. You can make the letters more eye-catching by painting them in colors that match your venue’s design. This type of signage is often preferred due to its durability, functionality and easy installation.

Flowers Encased Channel Letters

Flower-covered channel letter signs consist of stainless steel letters that we fill with artificial flowers instead of grass. These signs are most preferred by florists, organizers and businesses that want to create a sense of beauty. These signs are ideal for businesses looking for a cheerful and lively shop/office decor with their colorful design. Flower-covered channel letter signs are a decorative product that will reflect your brand identity.

Photo of flower-covered channel letters used as indoor signage on a grey wall.

Combinations of All Types of Signs

At SignsAtelier, we can create customized signs by combining the distinct features of several different channel letters. For example, pairing backlit signs with frontlit channel letters can create a layered lighting look. You can also use different colored LEDs on the front and back. For an extreme example, we can add neon LEDs to your flower-covered letters and create a diamond-edged sign with neon lights streaming through the flowers.

The Gutti sign with white side lighting, red back lighting and a black acrylic surface is an example of a simple and stylish sign combination. You can see how stylish it looks in the video below.

Wrap up

From custom channel letters to illuminated channel letters to unique designs like grass-covered channel letters, the options are endless. Choose the one that best suits your business and take your brand to the next level.

Choose the style that aligns with your vision and let SignsAtelier bring it to life with high-quality, custom signage solutions. Contact SignsAtelier today for innovative channel letter signs tailored to your needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your signage project meets the highest standards of quality and creativity. From design conceptualization to the final touches, we adhere to sign installation best practices to guarantee a smooth and effective setup. Let us help you make a lasting impression with signage that not only captures attention but also reflects your brand’s unique identity.

For more content on all signs, check out our Guides and Resources page.

FAQ About Channel Letters Sign

What are 3D letters called?

3D Letters are also known as channel letters or dimension letters.

What is a channel letter sign?

Channel letter signage is a type of three-dimensional, customizable signage consisting of individual letters or logos, usually illuminated with LEDs and commonly used on building exteriors.

What is the difference between channel letters and dimensional letters?

You can see the main differences between channel letters and dimensional letters in the table below.
Feature Channel Letters Dimensional Letters
Illumination Internally illuminated Not internally illuminated
Hollow/ Solid Hollow to house lighting components Solid construction
Primary Use Outdoor, visible at night Indoor or outdoor; often decorative
Lighting Style LED (front-lit, back-lit, etc.) External lighting only
Material Variety Aluminum, acrylic Metal, acrylic, wood, PVC

How deep is a channel letter?

Channel letters can be made from 1.2 to 3 inches thick, depending on the size of the letters. The thickness that allows the light to spread perfectly is considered the best.

Visit our FAQ page for all frequently asked questions.

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