CHANNEL LETTER & CUSTOM SIGNS
WHAT IS CHANNEL LETTERING?
THE FUTURE OF ADVERTISING:
Channel letters are custom-made metal or plastic letters commonly used in exterior signage on public and commercial buildings and often internally illuminated. Unlit three-dimensional letters that are applied to sign panels or monuments are usually referred to as dimensional letters.
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BACK-LIT CHANNEL LETTERS:
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Back-lit channel letters are also called "reverse-lit" or "halo letters." The face of the letter is constructed from aluminum and the lighting is directed to the back. This light floods the wall that the letter is mounted to and creates a negative space at night. It is usually the most expensive form to manufacture. LEDs are installed to the inside back of the can, and the back is often fitted with a clear or translucent plastic back to diffuse the light and protect the lighting elements and wiring. The letters are typically mounted 1-1/2" from the wall so they are set off from the façade of the building. The inside of the can is often painted white to reflect light. The effect of the halo lighting allows for a variety of creative effects depending on the color, sheen, and texture of the building surface.
CHANNEL LETTER & CUSTOM SIGNS
BANNERS:
A sign or signage is any surface or structure with characters, letters, or illustrations used to express a message. Signs have been used for advertising products and services as early as 800 BC when ancient Egyptians and Greeks promoted their trades by carving symbols on stone, brick, wood, and even marble. Nowadays, the most common materials for making signs are vinyl, paper, and aluminum. Signs can also be displayed in different ways – staked on the ground, hung on a pole, mounted on a wall, and stuck on a window, among others.
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SIGNS:
A banner, on the other hand, is just one of the many forms of signage. A single banner can grab the attention of several people all at once because of its size. Although there are posters that come in large sizes, banners are made of more durable materials that are suitable for outdoor advertising.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE
It can be quite overwhelming to decide which style suits your exact needs and requirements since signs and banners come in different shapes and sizes. To help you narrow down your choices, you only need to answer these three questions:
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What is the sign or banner for?
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Will you display it indoors or outdoors?
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How much are you willing to spend?
Purpose. Before you start listing the pros and cons between a retractable banner and teardrop flag, you must identify what the signage will be used for. If your business or organization often participates in conferences and tradeshows, a lightweight signage that can be folded or rolled up is easier to transport and store.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
For events or activities held outdoors, signage made from fabric, such as teardrop flags or feather flags, will make you stand out in open areas. For intimate celebrations like birthdays and graduation parties, a yard sign will usually suffice. However, if you are planning to put a photo of the celebrant on your sign, consider a vinyl banner instead. You get more space since the size is customizable and the graphics will show up better since the material is opaque.
DIRECTIONS& LOCATIONS
If the signage will be used to give directions or identify locations, visibility and durability are the top priorities. An aluminum sign is your best bet – the material is commonly used in wayfinding signs such as route markers and site maps since it stays visible and lasts long regardless of the lighting and weather conditions. If the signage will double as decoration, consider decals or clings to dress up your interiors.
