According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of illuminate is:
- To supply or brighten with light
Bringing light to something immediately changes it. An object hidden in darkness suddenly becomes visible. Something obscure is brought into view. Light captivates our attention, drawing our focus to its origin. An illuminated sign is a source of light for your business, transforming an ordinary sign into a lighted beacon, once the sun goes down.
Types of Signage
What is an Illuminated Sign?
An illuminated signs is just as the name suggests: it’s a sign that is lit up by a light source. Traditional methods of illumination included neon and incandescent bulbs, but modern practices utilize energy efficient LED modules and digital displays.
What is a Non-Illuminated Sign?
A non-illuminated sign lacks an internal source of light. Signage like this is often simple, clean, and aesthetically pleasing, but lacks the ability to advertise a business in dark conditions, unless lit from an external light source.
Methods of Illumination
Internal illumination
Signs with internal illumination emit light from an inside source, making their message visible in the darkness as well as light. Older methods of illumination in the sign industry included neon and fluorescent tubes, but the most common light source today is LED lighting. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce relatively little heat. They are arranged inside a sign to provide even illumination across the sign face and are available in different colors and brightness levels. For businesses looking for a reliable, low-maintenance illuminated sign, LED lighting is generally the most practical choice.
Exterior illumination
For exterior illuminated signs, a light source is positioned outside the sign and directed toward the sign face or lettering. Common light sources include LED fixtures, floodlights, spotlights, and gooseneck fixtures. The fixtures are mounted above or below the sign, depending on the design and the desired lighting effect. For example, gooseneck lights are typically placed above building mounted wall signs and channel letters, to cast light downward across the sign face. Floodlights and spotlights are usually situated on the ground and provide more focused illumination for larger signs like monuments.
Types of Illuminated Signs
There is a broad spectrum of sign types when it comes to business and commercial signage, and most signs can possess some kind of illumination. Common types of illuminated signs are:
- Front-lit Channel Letters
- Halo-lit Channel Letters
- Monument Signs
- Pylon Signs
- Single-Face Cabinet Sign
- Electronic Message Centers
- *Neon Signs (while true neon remains king of lighted signs, it has been largely replaced by modern LED technology for practicality)
Channel Letters
Illuminated Channel Letters are prevalent along storefronts and for businesses like restaurants and medical offices. These signs are recommended because they are versatile and highly customizable. Depending on the desired lighting effect for your sign, you can choose channel letters that are front-lit or back-lit. Back-lit channel letters are also known as halo-lit and provide a compelling visual effect. LEDs are used to light channel letters and are both energy efficient and long lasting.
Monument and Pylon Signs
Monument signs and pylon signs are known for their large size and impressive structure. They are both a solid choice for outdoor business signage, because they posses a strong roadside presence. Add illumination into their design, and the visibility factor and effectiveness of these signs increases… monumentally.
Electronic Message Centers
Electronic message centers (EMCs) are digital signs that allow businesses to display changing messages, announcements, and other important information. Unlike traditional signs with a fixed message, EMCs can be updated quickly and easily, making them a practical choice for businesses, schools, churches, and municipalities. Electronic message centers are illuminated by rows of energy-efficient LED lights that are positioned behind the signs display area.
Importance of Illuminated Signage
The biggest advantage of having an illuminated sign is the consistent visibility your business will have, even when the sun sets. Illuminated signs work around to clock, advertising a business from the wee hours of the morning through the late hours of night. Light is attractive, and well-lit signage sets a polished tone for storefronts, restaurants, small businesses, and commercial buildings alike. Illumination is an important feature that allows a sign to stand out against competitors.
Is an Illuminated Sign right for Your Business?
Should you utilize sign illumination? The quick answer would be yes. However, non-illuminated signage can be just as effective is used in the right application. When considering using a lighted sign, ask yourself these questions:
- Is my business open after dark?
- Is my business located in an area that has high nighttime traffic patterns?
- Do I need to direct customers to a specific location when visibility is low?
- Do I need advertisement for my business location around the clock?
- Will lighting set a certain tone and help draw customers?
Good lighting is a driving force for visibility after dark. If you answered any of these questions with a yes, then illuminated signage may be a good choice for you.
Final Thoughts
At Heritage Signs, it’s important for us to provide custom sign solutions that fit the individual needs of each of our customers. North Florida businesses are plentiful, and we strive to build signs that represent the unique aspects of our customer’s brand. Whether you are seeking halo-lit channel letters or an exterior-lit monument sign, we are here to guide you through the process of illuminating your sign and making your business shine.
- Heritage Signs is a State Certified Electrical Sign Contractor, license number ES0000058