Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

You need a building sign because A: your growing into a bigger space B: you are rebranding C: you need to update your tired and aged main business sign. We get calls frequently asking, how much is it to install those letters that light up I see around town?  What do I do? What do I ask? Who do I call?...Well have no fear, Epic Signs & Graphics is here to help!

First, lets define what those letters are that you see all around town prominently displayed on the front of buildings that usually light up at night either on a sensor or on a timer. They are called channel letter signs. Lighted letter signs are usually illuminated with LED lights these days requiring low power than the flourescents that were used in the past. They are easy to install and require minimal costs to keep lit every night.

Channel letters are usually constructed with aluminum. Think of a coffee can, the sides and the back are made of aluminum. The face of the letter is made of acrylic and it is secured in place with trim all around the letter. The latters can then be secured into place on the building flush directly on the wall or they can be welded or bolted to a raceway. The raceway is a long aluminum tube that is behind the letters and contains the wiring and power supply. This arrangement allows the installation to be more efficient since it usually will arrive assembled and ready to hang on the wall. If the letters are installed individually, it will require more drilling and wiring but it is a clean look.

Diagram Of A Sign

Illuminated building letters are custom fabricated meaning they are not on a shelf ready to go. Because every business has its own graphical style and fonts, channel letters are fabriacted as they are ordered. It is possible to create logos but some limitations do exist. For example the letter cannot be too thin since there would not be enough room for the lights and wiring. There also needs to be enough room for the assembly of the parts and enough room for securing the letter to either the wall or the raceway.. 

To install a wall sign like these takes planning and time is required to create a design with install plans that the city will allow. Every municipality around Cleveland, Ohio has regulations for size, content and style. We can create plans, file paper work and attend meetings to satisfy city ordinance regulations.

Colors and Styles

The sides can be painted any color. The acrylic face and the vinyl is translucent to allow light through. There many standard colors of vinyl or they can be printed any color. A neat idea we have used is to use perforated vinyl. This allows the color of the vinyl to be scene during the day, and at night white lights shines through for a bright night time look.

Give Us A Call!

At Epic Signs and Graphics we help you through the process of identifying a sign design that will get you noticed from the road. Call us today and we would be happy to come out to meet you and survey the project location for a sign.