Channel Letter Signs

Apple Signs has been a leading Houston sign company since 1985 and offers a full range of outdoor sign options for our customers. We design and manufacture our channel letter signs in-house, allowing our team to provide you with faster service and customized results. From channel letter signs that announce your corporate presence to illuminated box signs for greater visibility, Apple Signs can deliver the right solutions for your commercial signage needs.

Check out more signs we produce in The Photo Gallery

Get a Channel Letter Sign Quote!

Channel letter signs are a type of exterior signage commonly used by businesses for their storefronts. These signs are three-dimensional and typically made from aluminum and/or acrylic, with individual letters or logos illuminated from the inside, creating a striking and eye-catching effect. Here are some key points about channel letter signs:

Types of Channel Letters

• Front-Lit Channel Letters:
  • The most common type.
  • Illuminated from the front, typically using LED or neon lights.
  • Faces are usually made of acrylic, while the backs and sides are aluminum.
• Reverse (Back-Lit) Channel Letters:
  • Also known as halo-lit channel letters.
  • Illuminated from the back, creating a halo effect around the letters.
  • Typically have metal faces and sides, with the back being transparent or semi-transparent to allow light to shine through.
• Combination Lit Channel Letters:
  • Combine front and back lighting for a more dynamic effect.
  • Offer both the bold visibility of front-lit letters and the stylish halo effect of back-lit letters.
• Open Face Channel Letters:
  • Do not have an acrylic face, allowing the neon or LED bulbs to be exposed.
  • Often used for a vintage or retro look.

Materials

• Acrylic: Used for the faces of front-lit channel letters due to its light-diffusing properties.
• Aluminum: Commonly used for the backs and sides of the letters because it’s lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust.

Illumination

• LED Lights: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in vast array of colors.
• Neon Lights: Provide a bright and classic look but consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan compared to LEDs.

Design Considerations

• Font and Size: The font and size of the letters should be chosen for readability and visibility from a distance.
• Color: Colors should align with the brand and be chosen for high contrast against the mounting surface.
• Mounting: Can be directly mounted to the building facade or on a raceway (a rectangular mounting structure that houses the electrical components).

Installation

• Installation requires a professional due to the need for electrical wiring and securing the letters to the building.
• Local regulations typically will require permits.  Apple Signs has the experience to navigate the permitting process from a local Property Owners Association through the City regulations.

Benefits

• Visibility: Channel letter signs are highly visible, especially at night.
• Branding: They provide a professional and polished look that enhances brand recognition.
• Customization: Highly customizable in terms of design, color, and lighting options.

Channel letter signs are a versatile and effective way for businesses to attract attention and enhance their storefront appeal. Apple Signs has installed a variety of options of Channel Letters, let us show you some examples and see if a particular style is right for you.