Whether you’re opening up a new store or just looking to refresh the look of your existing business, channel letter signs are the perfect way to grab the attention of customers.
This guide will help first-time buyers understand what they need to know about channel letter signs so they can make an informed decision with confidence.
What Are Channel Letter Signs?
Chances are, you’ve seen these signs before—consisting of three-dimensional letters that spell out a business name or logo and are often illuminated with LED lighting for a more eye-catching effect. This type of sign is built from individual letters that are cut out of a sheet of metal or plastic and then mounted onto the wall.
Channel letter signs are highly customizable—you can choose different fonts, colors, and lighting effects to make them stand out in any setting. This makes them perfect for businesses looking for a great way to make their mark on the local landscape.
What Are Channel Letter Signs Made From?
These signs can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common are aluminum, acrylic, plastic, and metal. We’ll walk you through the details of each option:
- Acrylic: Acrylic is used for the faces of the letters and can be white or overlaid with a translucent vinyl for color.
- Metal: Non-lit or halo-lit channel letters use metal for the letter face. Other than this, metal is used for the back or “can” of the lettering.
- Formed Plastic: Plastic is a lightweight material that’s used for non-lit channel letters. However, this option is rarely used.
How To Mount Channel Letter Signs
Once you’ve chosen the material for your sign, it’s time to decide how you want to mount them. The most common ways are raceway mounting, direct mounting, and backer mounting. It is important to check for restrictions in your lease and for directions on how the sign can be attached. Often, the landlord will prohibit certain mounting methods.
Raceway Mounting
Raceway mounting is when the letters are mounted onto a rectangular metal structure called a “raceway.” This structure acts as a secure framework for the letters, which are then mounted on the face of the raceway.
Direct Mounting
This type of mounting is exactly what it sounds like—the letters are directly mounted onto the wall without the need for additional hardware. This is the most common method of installation and requires very little effort or maintenance.
Backer Mounting
Backer mounting involves the letters getting mounted onto a flat, lightweight board that’s then attached to the wall. This method is great for buildings with uneven surfaces and can provide extra stability.
No matter what material you choose, it’s important to hire a professional sign company to make sure your channel signs are installed correctly. This will ensure that they last as long as possible and look great for years to come!
The Difference Between Channel Signs and Dimensional Letter Signs
Channel letter signs are often confused with dimensional letter signs, but they’re actually quite different. Channel signs consist of individual letters or shapes with an open space inside, forming a “channel” that allows a lighting element to be used.
On the other hand, dimensional letter signs are solid, three-dimensional letters or shapes, typically made from materials like metal, acrylic, or foam. These signs are not internally illuminated and depend on external lighting.
For Quality Channel Signs, Call Landmark Sign Company
At Landmark Sign Company, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality signs and always take the time to ensure that every step of the process is done right.
From helping you choose the right materials and design to guiding you through the installation process, we will be there every step of the way to ensure that your sign is the perfect fit for your business.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can create an eye-catching sign that will help you stand out from the competition.
