What are channel letter signs?

Channel letters are custom-made metal or plastic letters commonly used in exterior signage on public and commercial buildings and are often internally illuminated. Channel letter signs can be recognized by their hollow interior since the letters are manufactured by first creating the sides and then adding a front and back cover.

What is halo illumination?

Halo illumination is another very popular form of sign illumination where the LEDs are installed to shine through the clear back to create a glow effect onto the wall or backing panel that the sign is mounted too.

What is a sign raceway?

A raceway is a rectangular sign mounting structure that also serves as an enclosure for the fasteners and wiring. By attaching the channel letters to the raceway there will be fewer mounting holes required when installing the sign.

How are channel letters installed?

Channel letters may be flush mounted (attached directly to the building facade), or they may be mounted on a raceway or wireway.

Channel Letters | Illuminated Channel Letters

Business owners spend a lot of time finalizing the perfect signage that can reflect what their business stands for. No matter how big or small your business is, do not miss the opportunity and grab the attention of your target audience by installing custom channel letters. They are one of the most common choices for illuminated outdoor signs and the reason is the professional outlook they provide to a business irrespective of what industry they belong to.

Channel letters were originally made from sheet metal, hand-formed into a channel in the shape of letters. Custom channel letters today are still made the same way, just on more modern equipment. There are a number of different ways to fabricate the letters depending on the application, installation location, and the designed viewing distance.

Channel Letter Signs By SSK Signs

At SSK Signs, a sign company in Mississauga, ON, we work hard to deliver signs that can turn your business locations into landmarks. We specialize in making high-quality channel letter signs that can grab passerby attention and promote a positive feeling about your brand. We only use high-quality materials to ensure our clients get durability and desired finish. When it comes to designing custom channel letters, the creative possibilities are endless, you will never run out of choices. Just get in touch with us and let’s get started.

More Insights On Channel Letter Signs

For standard fonts and sizes, there is also the option of molded plastic letters. Channel letters are not just for the exterior of the building, they can be incorporated on the interior in a shopping mall or business lobby.

Besides letter height, depth, and font there are lighting options. Channel letters can be illuminated or non-illuminated to create a 3D effect. They can be made in a way that the front face is lit with LEDs, which allows for the option of colour for the front faces. The other lighting option is to have the light exit the back of the letter and bounce off the wall for a backlit, reverse-lit, or halo-lit effect. It is also possible to have the front faces show one colour during the day and a different colour at night.

If you’re considering custom channel letters for your business, call SSK Signs today.

Channel letters are a great choice for:

Company branding on building exteriors
Interior business branding
Lit letters or numbers to identify specific areas

Not sure how to go about it? Don’t worry, we’ve provided channel letters for business throughout the GTA, such as Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga. We are a full-service sign company with expertise in manufacturing all types of custom business signs and wraps that companies need to expand their reach, grab more attention and earn more profits.

Channel Letters FAQs

What is a channel letter sign?

A channel letter sign is a three-dimensional graphic sign, most commonly made of metal or plastic and used as exterior business signage. These signs are highly customizable and can be produced in different fonts and mounted in several different ways. Channel letter signs can also be illuminated to add even more prominence and dimension.

What is a reverse channel letter?

Reverse channel letters are a style of channel letter sign where the letters are backlit. Essentially, the illuminating light shines from the back face, resulting in a more dramatic look. In order to accomplish this design, the channel letters are mounted slightly away from the building, creating a unique halo effect when illuminated.

How much do channel letters cost?

The cost for channel letters depends on many different variables such as material, mounting option, illumination, size, colour, and installation. The best way to get a sense of the potential cost is to reach out to us and tell us what you’re looking for. Our team can create options based on your budget and your timelines.

What material is used to make channel signs?

Stainless steel and aluminum are the most widely used materials when it comes to creating durable channel signs. Aluminum is often the top choice since it’s lightweight and can withstand outdoor elements better than stainless steel. Acrylic is also an option, ideal for those looking for clear face channel letters.

What types of channel letter signs are available?

The most common types of channel letter signs include standard front-lit, reverse-lit, open face, or a design that combines front and reverse lit letters. The best option for your business will depend on where your sign will be installed, the size of the sign you’re looking for, and what style best represents your brand.

What is the difference between raceway and wireway?

If channel letter signs are not going to be flush mounted, they can be mounted to either a raceway or a wireway. Both raceway and wireway options function as a mounting structure and also house the sign's electrical components. A wireway is slimmer and narrow, which makes it sometimes preferred or required by building regulations.

How long do channel letters last?

Channel letter signs can last for 10 to 15 years if you keep them well maintained and do repairs as soon as you notice any damage. If your sign is illuminated, you can expect good quality LED lights to last 8 to 10 years, assuming the sign will be lit for 10-12 hours a day.

Do you offer quantity discounts?

The best way to learn more about our pricing and quantity options is to call our office and speak to our team. We’d be happy to learn more about large quantity projects and love working with clients to create long-term relationships that involve multiple jobs and different types of signage.

Will illuminated channel letters last outside?

Yes, they will. Professionally designed and fabricated channel letters are built with durability in mind. Illuminated channel letters are ideal for outdoor signage as they can be seen at night as well as during inclement weather. Many businesses leave their outdoor channel signs illuminated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What is your turnaround time?

Turnaround time for a sign project will depend on the complexity and size of the job. However, when you work with SSK Signs, we’ll provide clear communication when it comes to cost and timelines so that you’ll have what you need when you need it. Need something in a rush? Give us a call, and let’s talk about it.