What are the types of illuminated letter signs?

Sign lettering is an important aspect of any business's visual identity. There are a few main types of lit up sign lettering with the most popular of them being face lit, edge lit, and halo lit. Understanding the differences between all types of sign lettering will help you choose the best option for your business.

Face Illuminated Letters 

Face lit letters, or so-called channel letters are one of the most popular lit up sign lettering options. They are built with LED modules being stuck to the back tray of each letter illuminating the face of it and illuminating in white or yellow light colour. This, however, can be changed by using coloured acrylic to design the letter face or simply applying sign vinyl onto it. Face Illuminated letters can be designed with rims - 10mm aluminium border that holds the acrylic face in place, or rimless making the acrylic letter shape the only visible element at the front of the letter, which is more suitable for smaller designs. Face lit letters are the most popular solution used at the airports, shopping centres or restaurant fascias. 

Edge Lit Letters 

Another type of illuminated lettering is edge lit lettering. They are designed with a non illuminated face blocking off the light transmission  and translucent acrylic returns that diffuse the light around the edges, creating a bright glow effect all around them. Edge Illuminated sign lettering is often used for signs in high-end buildings, retail stores, and other locations where a sleek and stylish look is desired.

Face & Edge Lit Letters

Face & edge illuminated lettering are designed with a solid backtray and translucent acrylic built up face diffusing the LED light. Face and edge lit lettering is a great option for a bold and bright lettering option for a shop front located on a busy High Street.

Halo Illuminated Letters

Halo lit sign letters are the second most popular option, often used in shopping centres, offices and corporate locations with high-end interior design. Backlit lettering offers a contemporary and sleek finish as it is designed with a powder coated aluminium face with solid returns and translucent acrylic backtray that diffuses the LED light creating a halo effect behind the lettering. The important thing to consider when ordering halo lit lettering is the colour of the wall which will always determine what would be the colour and brightness of the light reflected off its surface.

Face & Halo Illuminated Letters

Finally, face and backlit lettering - our favourite option that works perfectly almost everywhere - office signage, wall logos, shop fronts and restaurant fascias. Face and halo illuminated are made of aluminium return creating the edge of the sign, two opal acrylic panels cut to the shape of the letter that are mounted at the back and the front. The LED modules can be mounted either on the returns or backtray to create a strong face and subtle halo illumination. Similarly to the halo illuminated lettering, it is important to consider the colour of the wall behind the sign as it will also determine what would be the colour of the light reflected off its surface.

Choosing the right type of sign lettering for your business will depend on your visual identity and the overall look you want to achieve. Consider your branding and location when making your decision, and choose the type of sign lettering that best suits your needs.