Fascia Signs – Starting At the Top – Channel Lettering
Jan 19th 2010adminAdvertising & Business & Marketing & Signage
Channel Lettering – LED The Way to Go
There are several types of fascia signs (storefront signs) and some sub-categories, all of which have their place in the world of signs. The type of business you are in usually dictates the type of sign and the budget for that sign. High-end retail stores prefer top-of-the-line signage with big price tags. They are often large channel letters internally lit by LED’s. It’s not hard to see who’s raking in the money!
At the other end of the spectrum is a small industrial shop which must be identified but doesn’t need illumination or fancy designs. Here we can suggest a face and frame sign which is similar to an illuminated sign box but without the box. It’s a professional looking sign without the expense of a fabricated box or electrical components. At ICSigns, we can help you choose the right sign for your needs and your budget.
So, let’s start at the top of the scale – Channel letters. Usually 5-6” deep with an acrylic face and internally illuminated. These used to be predominantly lit by Neon tubes but the expense of keeping Neon working has soured many people on that product. Many manufacturers refuse to make Neon – lit signs any more because of the potential for damage before the sign is even installed. LED is so much more reliable, durable and economical. Like many things that are better for us, LD’s cost more to purchase but the cost savings in power and reduced maintenance costs far outweigh the additional up-front cost. Power requirements are low as all the energy is turned into light, not heat, as is the case in incandescent or, to a lesser extent, fluorescent and Neon.
Channel letter bodies are usually metal, formed around a template and welded to complete the outline of the letter. Then a back of metal or wood and a front of acrylic are applied to give it rigidity. As an added attraction, some channel letters allow light to shine through the back of the letter creating a halo effect on the wall behind. Another twist is the use of a translucent plastic body through which light shines to give another version of a halo effect. All of these have their place according to the requirements of the customer. As is usually the case, the fancier the lettering / lighting / layout, the more expensive the sign will be. However, I would consider channel letters to be one of the most effective signs for a fascia sign. The letters are bold and individually lit which makes for a most legible sign.
In future blogs, I’ll discuss other types of fascia signs. In the meantime, I’d love to get your feedback. What kind of sign do you find most compelling? Here on this blog, we offer comment luv. That’s great for all you bloggers out there. When you leave a comment, you can add a link back to your own Blog! That’s great for Search Engine Optimization. But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment. We want to hear from everyone!
Happy Signing,
Drew
