CHANNEL LETTER SIGNS
Distinguishing between all of the different types of channel letters could be its own college course. Luckily we’re experts at them! We’ve broken down the basics for you in the handy graphic below, but here is a little more detail on what sets each one apart.
Face-lit pan channel letters can be made from colored acrylics, vinyl graphics, digital prints and can have colored LEDS as well. All of these options make this type of channel letter a great option to match your branding or create something truly unique to your brand.
If you’re looking for a clean, sophisticated aesthetic, reverse pan channel letters can achieve just that with different lighting and paint colors to adjust the mood and feel.
If your brand has a vintage, old-school vibe, open-face/exposed channel letters are an excellent option. Open-face letters give customers a peek inside emphasizing the exposed neon as a feature. In contrast to the vintage look of open-face channel letters, trimless channel letters create a modern, minimalist feel. Unlike traditional channel letters, they do not have a visible border (or trim cap). This borderless feature creates a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.
Ready for a curve ball? There are also channel logos! If you have a text-centric logo or a unique shape incorporated into your logo, this is a great option to creatively display your unique branding elements.
Pricing for channel letters is dependent on their size and the number of letters you want. Kinda like a-la-carte pricing on the value menu. Many sign shops will price channel letters by the upright inch so the taller they are the more expensive they are, however channel letters are an economical solution that looks great.
When budgeting for channel letters, a great starting point is around $500 -$600 per letter at an 18” height.
4 CHANNEL LETTER TYPES
1- FACE-LIT PAN
CHANNEL LETTER
Internally lit letters with translucent faces.
2- REVERSE PAN
CHANNEL LETTER
Sometimes called Backlit Pan Channel Letters, they do not illuminate, but there is a translucent backing on them, which creates a halo effect around the letters.
3- FACE-LIT PAN
CHANNEL LETTER
Letters have an exposed neon or LED neon flex rope, creating a vintage look.
4- TRIMLESS
CHANNEL LETTER
Letters do not have a trim cap and illuminate on all 3 sides, so they are visually bold and modern.
