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Channel Letters Signs are the most popular type of outdoor business signs in Tampa, FL. An outdoor business sign is an important aspect of your storefront business. Therefore, at Signs Insight we have created this mini-guide with everything you need to know about Channel Letters Signs. First of all we will explain what a Channel Letters Sign is and review it’s different elements. In the next blog, we will describe the different types of Channel Letters in more details. As your local sign company in Tampa we want to make sure you choose the right sign for your business.

What is a Channel Letters Sign?

A Channel Letter Sign is a three-dimensional fabricated sign, shaped into individual letters, numbers or logo’s. They can be fabricated out of plastic or aluminum, whereas aluminum is the most common in order to comply with local city codes in the Tampa Bay Area. Each individual letter (or number or logo) has its own LED illumination. A common misconception about Channel Letters Signs is that they are always illuminated. Although most often you will find Channel Letter Signs to be illuminated, you can also eliminate the LED’s. Making it a non-illuminated sign in case you don’t require the exposure at night.

Elements of Channel Letters Signs

To understand how a channel letter is fabricated and it’s potential in terms of design, we have broken down a channel letter into individual elements:

Face

A standard front-lit or front & backlit channel letter is fabricated with an acrylic face, which is routed into the shape of the letter, number of logo. Acrylic faces are available in standard colors, however they can be customized into any color with a translucent vinyl.

Trim Cap

The trim cap holds the face and the body of the letter together. It’s fabricated out of UV resistant plastic that is molded around the edges of the face.

Return

The returns of the channel letter are basically the sides of the letter. They are fabricated out of aluminum and available in different sizes, ranging from 3” to 8” depth. The returns can be painted into any custom color to match your company branding.

Back

The back of the channel letter is similar to the face of the letter, routed into the shape of the letter, number or logo. The back is usually fabricated out of aluminum, except for reverse channel letters and front & back lit channel letters. In this case they are fabricated out of clear acrylic in order for the illumination to shine through, creating a halo effect.

Light source

Although not all channel letters are illuminated, lighted channel letters do have a light source. Nowadays, at Signs Insight we almost exclusively work with LED modules as the light source. They are energy efficient and low maintenance.

Channel Letters Signs by Signs Insight

Now that you understand what a Channel Letter Sign is and from which elements it’s made, most likely you would like to know more about the different types of Channel Letters Signs. Stay tuned for our next blog to learn more and find out which is the right type of sign for your business. Meanwhile, do you have any questions about business signs for your company in Tampa? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a quote. At Signs Insight we are dedicated to deliver professional business signs to make you stand out!