Although neon is an option for lighting channel letters, most are done using LED because this way is more energy efficient. The three types of illuminated channel letters Los Angeles used include:
- Front/back lit—this is also referred to as combination lit. This is when you want your channel letters to have an illuminated face but want to have a different color give it a halo effect. This type of signage will use acrylic for the faces. They will be mounted to the aluminum return with trim cap. The backs of the letters will have clear Lexan backs. The backs are customized by using translucent vinyl graphics to create the halo effect.
- Front-lit—this one is most commonly used. These channel letters will have a trim cap, an acrylic face with aluminum back. With this type of illumination, the signs can be customized in a variety of ways.
- Backlit—this form is also called reverse or halo and will give your signage a classy, unique look. Sometimes it is also called a combination lit. This look uses metal faces and aluminum returns with polycarbonate or Lexan back instead of the acrylic face. Also, the return is generally smaller. They will be mounted using a standoff so that when they are illuminated they will have a halo effect that surrounds the shape of each letter or character. The glow of these lights is from the LEDs bouncing off the back panel they are installed on or the wall.
When a business uses this type of channel letters, they are done in a three-dimensional text that is three to six inches deep. They can also be customized into a variety of sizes, colors, and fonts. They will be used primarily outside to bring in passersby from the road or adorn the storefront. The illumination is used to make them distinct and clear.
The channel letters are made from stainless steel or aluminum and have a vinyl facing so the light will permeate the surface. Sometimes this type of signage will be used to complement another stand-alone sign or a company’s logo. Some businesses will use them indoors but are used mostly outside.
Benefits
Channel letters backlit Los Angeles or illuminated any other can have many benefits. They:
- Are eye-catching and stand out in the light and the dark
- Are very customizable
- Can beautify any building
- Are lit using LED lights, which makes them economical, inexpensive, and long-lasting helping to fix the issues with neon that were always burning out or breaking. The LEDs have a life span of about fifty thousand hours and use about eighty-five percent less power.
- Save you money in the long run.