If it happens to be dark out when you are reading this, take a moment to hop in your car and drive through a commercial area. Pay special attention to the signs that you see mounted on the different businesses. The chances are that the markers that stand out the most are channel letter signs. These signs are a favorite for organizations of all types because they are cost-effective and eye-catching. Fortunately, All Star Signs is one of the top suppliers of channel letter signs for Oceanside CA. Let’s look at what is possible.
Channel Letters for Every Style
The different styles of channel letter signs generally fall into the following categories:
- Standard Channel Letters – The classic channel letter design consists of a rust-resistant aluminum “can” frame shaped to the font of your choice. Within the frame is an illumination source, which shines through a polycarbonate face of whatever color you want.
- Halo Lit Channel Letters – A halo effect is produced by these letters when the light travels out of the open back of the letter and reflects off of the wall it is mounted to.
- Back Lit Channel Letters – You get back lit letters when you combine front lit and halo lit channel letters. In other words, light shines through the polycarbonate faces of the letters as well as out of the open back.
- Open Face Channel Letters – These letters are like the standard option only they have optically clear faces.
How Are Channel Letter Signs Illuminated?
Fluorescent or neon bulbs used to be the only illumination alternative for channel letters. Neon was the most common solution. With this option, the neon tube is shaped to match the letter, then a variety of gasses would give it a custom color. Neon has fallen out of favor because it generally requires more maintenance, consumes more energy, and grows dim in cold weather.
Today, most channel letters use LED technology because it provides beautiful lighting when connected in a series. Since LEDs require less maintenance and electricity than neon, they are quickly replacing neon in channel letters. In fact, we even offer retrofitting if you want to update your already existing channel letters to LED illumination.
How Are Channel Letters Installed?
Your channel letters can be individually mounted directly to the exterior of your building using an aptly-named process called direct mounting. The letters are wired to a power supply located in an interior cavity. Direct-mounted channel letters give off a cleaner appearance.
On the other hand, you can have your letter installed on a raceway, which is a long, narrow rectangular box. All of the electrical elements, including the wiring and power supply, are contained within the raceway. The entire sign is then installed on the exterior of your venue. Raceways are your best option when your lease, property management company, or landlord does not allow for the amount of drilling needed for direct mounting.
If you are interested in channel letter signs for Oceanside CA, contact the friendly professionals at All Star Signs today for a free estimate.
