Business owners are always looking for ways to attract new customers and effectively communicate their brand. Channel letter storefront signage is one of the most impactful ways to achieve these goals. Channel letter signs have remained a staple for businesses and major corporations for many years, and for good reason. These signs are both functional and visually appealing, making a bold statement to increase foot traffic to your business.
From traditional methods of crafting letters by hand, to the advent of LED illumination, today’s technological advancements make channel letter signs more eye-catching than ever. Let’s take a look at the innovation of modern channel letter signage: from neon to LED and beyond.
What are Channel Letters?
A channel letter sign is created by adding depth to letters, numbers, or characters for a 3-dimensional look. These signs are typically made using aluminum or plastic material. Channel letter signs are highly flexible and are available in a wide variety of fonts, sizes, and colors. Illumination and different lighting options add visual effects and enhance the visibility of channel letter storefront signage.
What are the Lighting Options for Channel Letter Signs?
Illuminated signs can provide visibility to your business 24/7 to attract consumers at all hours of the day. Most channel letter signs are lit with either LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or neon. Let’s take a closer look at each option:
LED Lights
The introduction of LED technology revolutionized the signage industry. Most modern channel letters are illuminated with LEDs. There are several advantages LEDs have over neon, including:
- Energy Efficiency – LED signs are known for their high efficiency, saving costs on monthly energy bills.
- Longer Lifespan – LED signs are very durable and can last up to a decade or more. Some LED lights last up to 100,000 hours!
- Versatility – LED modules are highly customizable, and are available in various colors, sizes, brightness levels, and even color-changing effects.
- Low Maintenance – LED channel letter signage requires little to no maintenance.
- Brightness – LEDs have a cool, bright aesthetic that can be seen from a long distance.
Neon Lights
In the early days of illuminated signage, neon signs dominated the industry. Traditional neon signs are made by filling glass tubes with various gasses to achieve different colors. With the advance of new technology and innovation, the popularity of neon lights began to decrease over time. However, they are making a comeback and many consumers enjoy the nostalgic glow of a classic neon sign. Today’s contemporary neon signs are different from those of several decades ago and it’s important to distinguish between traditional neon lights and newer alternatives. Modern signs offer many advantages over those of yesteryear, including:
- More Energy Efficient – Modern neon lights are designed with energy-saving components.
- Increased Safety – Traditional neon lights are very fragile and can be broken easily. Today’s neon signs are made from flexible silicone tubes instead of glass to prevent damage and breakage. One major safety concern in some types of neon lights is the presence of harmful substances, including mercury. Mercury is a toxic substance that can harm human health if mishandled. Today’s modern neon lights are free from harmful substances.
- Affordability – Thanks to new design materials and technological advancements, contemporary neon signs are more affordable than ever.
What are Some Other Future Trends for Channel Letter Signage?
The signage industry is continuing to evolve. Here are some trends we’re starting to see:
- Solar Power – Using solar panels to power signage reduces energy costs and environmental impact.
- Sustainable Materials – There is a growing demand among consumers for sustainable materials in signage construction.
- Dynamic Lighting – Using programmable lighting effects creates a dynamic and engaging display.
- Reverse Channel Letter – Reverse channel letters, or halo-lit channel letters, use spacers to raise the letters from the wall, allowing the lighting to project onto the building’s surface, creating a distinctive glow.
A bold, sophisticated channel letter sign is one of the easiest ways to capture the attention of your potential customers. Every lighted letter can be customized to represent your brand. Our team at National Neon handles all aspects of your signage project, from concept and design to installation. Contact us today!
