Illuminated Letters
Illuminated Letters
Show off your business or event with affordable illuminated letters
Show off your business or event with affordable illuminated letters
Table of Contents
Why Illuminated Letters?
Large letters that accentuate your storefront will always stand out and are almost always used as a marketing technique. But what happens when the sun goes down? If your store is open early in the day or late at night, visibility is key. Illuminated letters will do the job, making sure that your store front is visible all hours of the day. Think of Vegas, where it almost seems like the sun never sets due to the eye-catching, neon signs surrounding the strip. There is a different kind of beauty associated with the Vegas nightscape, and the same can be said for your business if you use illuminated letters. Additionally, illuminated letters will help customers know exactly where your store is as they drive along a busy street. A giant lit sign is hard to miss.
The benefits of illuminated signage is not reserved for just the outdoors. Even for use indoors, illuminated letters will help your business stand out. Brand recognition is essential for any business, and the use of illuminated letters will help your logo or business name light up in your customer’s memories. Whether you use a halo effect or a face lit letter, you will be adding a level of class to your business. Your sign may also capture the attention of new potential customers, who might be drawn to walk in from the street after seeing your attention-grabbing sign.
Don’t let the addition of LED lights scare you away. The additional cost is minimal, and due to the efficiency of the LED lights (as well as the edition of our 4-year warranty) we can ensure that you pay for quality, so in the long run, it will be more than worth it. Self-installation is surprisingly easy, with no need to hire a sign company. We have a range of solutions, from plastic mounts or adhesive glue or tape, depending on your specific use case. Your sales rep will discuss the best options for your situation. We will even send instructional videos on how to install the plastic letters when we ship them. We are dedicated to making the process as painless for you as we can.
How to Order
To place your order you’ll need to know: letters, colors, letter sizes, mounting requirements, and font. Fill out the form below, call 385-206-8700 or email [email protected] for a custom quote or if you have questions.
Common Uses of Illuminated Letters
Illuminated letters are most commonly used to light up a display when the sun is down. This can be for both attention-grabbing purposes and to help a consumer find your business along a busy road. They can be used indoors to help spotlight and add class to a display. Like other large letters, illuminated letters help highlight and call attention to your event or business. They also help promote your branding.
For displays that are meant to be large, free standing letters rather than mounted letters, check out our custom letters or custom large LED letters.
Illuminated Letters: Pros and Cons
PROS:
- Visible when dark
- Comes with a LED package which includes:
- Tested LED lights
- Lead wires or cables
- Holes pre-drilled into sign bodies
- Instructions
- 5-year warranty on LEDs
- and more…
- UL approved with a 4-year warranty (letters themselves still have a lifetime warranty)
CONS:
- No lifetime warranty for LED Lights (max. 5 years)
- More expensive
- Cannot be as big as other letters
Comparing Illuminated Letters
| Fabricated Metal | Precision Machined Acrylic | GEMLITE™ 2.0 Plastic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | from $300 | from $250 | from $250 |
| Colors | 7 face colors | 46+ standard colors | 8 face colors |
| Production Time | Competitive | 10 Days | 8 Days |
| Standard Height | 2.5” to 60” | 6″ to 24″ | 6″ to 24″ |
| Thickness | 1″ to 6” | 1-1/2″ or 1-1/4″ | 1” to 2” |
| Durability | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Mounting Options | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Lighting Types | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| Custom Colors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Standard LED Color Options
Types of Illuminated Letters
Illuminated letters are available using an array of technologies including fabricated metal, machined acrylic, and GEMLITE™ 2.0 Plastic.
Fabricated Metal
These are letters built by shaping metal into the letters that are desired. They are lit up through the use of LED lights that either shine through an acrylic face, a back acrylic trim enabling a soft white glow, or an entirely open back creating a pronounced halo effect. They can be used for both indoor and outdoor use.
PROS:
- MORE SIZES AVAILABLE (ranging from 2.5” to 60” in height)
- Greater strength
- Lower Cost
- Addition of ‘finishing’ options
CONS:
- Possibility of glare
- Longer production times
Types of Letters: Stainless Steel or Painted Aluminum, either Halo Lit or Face Lit (with additional options of Trimless or Mini)
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is incredibly tough and is often implemented to avoid dents or corrosion. Recommended when displayed in harsher environments.
- Height ranges from 9″ to 36″ tall
- 5 LED Color Options
- Face Lit has options for acrylic inserts in 7 colors:
- White, Ivory, Yellow, Red, Purple, Blue, Green
- Mini letters available with widths as small as 0.6″ and height as small as 2.5″
Finish options for extra cost (see gallery)
- Custom Color also available at $25 per color
- Premium Finishing Options at a greater cost
- A polished or hairline brushed finish of the following:
- Alloy 316 or Titanium Coating: Gold, Copper, Med Bronze, Black
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight, strong material that is flexible and easier to form. It is cheaper in cost when compared to stainless steel.
- Height ranges from 16” to 120” tall
- Face Lit has options for acrylic inserts in 7 colors:
- White, Ivory, Yellow, Red, Purple, Blue, Green
- Custom Cast Metal letters available
Finish options for extra cost (see gallery)
- Custom Color also available at $25 per color
- Brushed finish
- 7 Anodized Finish Options
- Cast metal has additional finish options of random arc, orbital, and rust powdercoat
Trimless: Trimless has the addition of a small acrylic edge past the metal, making the illuminated effect even more pronounced. This effect adds an extra, even cleaner glow to your sign.
- The finishes are the same as the stainless steel and aluminum types, with the exception of the anodized aluminum finish.
- Only 4 LED color options (no warm white)
- Stroke limitations: 1” minimum for Stainless Steel, and 2” minimum for Aluminum
- Letter size for stainless steel is 6”-24”, and aluminum is 16”-24”
- Maximum return is 3″
Mounting Types:
Studs, Double Railing, or Angle Mount.
Best usage:
Best for large or small letters and having a clean cut, sophisticated look. The most common usage is for outdoor signage.
Pricing:
Pricing depends on a number of factors so contact us for a specific price quote. Generally, a single lit letter starts at around $140 without a lighting package included or $340 with an included lighting package.
Precision Machined Acrylic
These letters are made by cutting acrylic using a machine. There are many different ways to customize the clear acrylic face of the letters such as painting, laminating or covering with translucent vinyl.
PROS:
- Wide range of effect types
- 46+ standard colors
- No glare
CONS:
- More expensive
- More likely to scratch
Types of Letters:
White Face (Halo/Face Lit), Translucent Face (Side Lit), Laminate Face (Side Lit), Painted Face (Side Lit), Translucent Vinyl Face (Face/Side/Halo Lit), Painted Face & Returns (Halo/Side Lit), SLIM LINE White Face (Halo/Face Lit), SLIM LINE Painted Face & Returns (Halo/Side Lit)
White/Translucent Face: 5 LED color options Depth is 1.5″ Translucent Face & Side Lit is the cheapest of acrylic letters
Laminate Face:5 LED color options Stainless steel back Laminate options (see gallery):
- Aluminum metal or wood-style laminates
Polished Aluminum
Brushed Aluminum
Polished Brass Aluminum
Brushed Light Brass Aluminum
Brushed Copper Aluminum
Satin Black Aluminum
Satin Silver Aluminum
Satin Gold Aluminum
Polished Smoked Aluminum
Satin Bronze Aluminum
Brushed Brass Aluminum
Brushed Pewter Aluminum
Brushed Black Aluminum
Bronze Stainless Aluminum
Brushed Medium Bronze Aluminum
Light Stainless Aluminum
Cali Oak Natural
Bronze Walnut Wave
Playa Tropical Wave
Rancho Walnut Veneer
Translucent Vinyl Face:5 LED color options 15 vinyl face color options:
- Gold Metallic, Orange, Plum Purple, Silver, Lt. Tomato Red, Burgundy, White, Red, Holly Green, Ivory, Intense Blue, Yellow, Slate Grey, European Blue, Golden Yellow
Painted Face:5 LED color options Optional customizable acrylic edge depth up to 1″ for Painted Face & Returns Partial Side/Halo Lit
- This gives it a more pronounced ‘glowing’ effect
Slim Line:
- 5 LED color options
- Standard color options available for painted faces
- Can be smaller than 6″ and larger than 18″
- Width is 1-1/4” Deep
- Most expensive of all acrylic letters
- Optional customizable acrylic edge depth up to 1″ for Painted Face & Returns Partial Side/Halo Lit; (Standard is 3/8″)
- This gives it a more pronounced ‘glowing’ effect
Mounting Types:
Studs, Double Railing, or Angle Bracket.
Best usage:
Best for greatest flexibility in design process. Most used in areas where detail is of more significance than external impact. Can be used for both indoor and outdoor use.
Pricing:
Pricing depends on a number of factors so contact us for a specific price quote. Generally, a single lit letter starts at around $250 without a lighting package included or $450 with an included lighting package.
GEMLITE™ 2.0 Plastic
Faces and cans (which hold the lights) are made from non-petroleum based, renewable plastic, making it environment friendly as well as UV resistant. These letters are unique in that they are flatter, thinner, and lower in order to provide a sleek look. You can also go retro with our new Faux Neon style.
PROS:
- Fastest production times
- No glare
- 8 LED face color options
CONS:
- More expensive than metal
- Cannot be thicker than 2”
- Limited styles available
Types of Letters:
Face and Side Lit, Halo Lit, Face Lit with Painted Sides, Side Lit with Painted Face, and Faux Neon.
A variety of customizable options are available:
- Round or Prismatic surface for increased price
- 5 LED color options
- Sizes 6” to 68”
- Standard face colors (see gallery)
- See caption for which LED light goes best with the color
Mounting Types:
Wall, Railway, or Studs.
Best usage:
Best used when needing a sleeker, subtler look and particularly when needing thinner lettering. Can be used for indoor and outdoor use.
Pricing:
Pricing depends on a number of factors so contact us for a specific price quote. Generally, a single lit letter starts at around $250 without a lighting package included or $450 with an included lighting package.
Halo Lit vs Face Lit Letters
Trying to decide between Halo and Face letters? Here is quick guide to differentiate the two:
Face lit letters are created using a transparent or colored face, in which LED lights shine behind it. This would be best if you had a specific color in mind for your letters that you wanted to emphasize. Face lit letters are also most common amongst businesses.
On the other hand, Halo Lit letters have an opaque, solid face so that the light can only be seen shining from the back, creating a halo effect. The effect can become more or less pronounced depending on how big the space is between the letter and the wall. Most find this to be a ‘classier’ look.
Pricing:
Pricing depends on a number of factors so contact us for a specific price quote. Generally, a single Halo Lit letter starts at around $140 without a lighting package included or $340 with an included lighting package. The minimum depth for Halo lit letters is 1″. A single Face Lit letter starts at around $305 without a lighting package included or $525 with an included lighting package. The minimum depth for a Face Lit letter is 3″.
Mounting Options Explained
When ordering letters, you’ll need to consider how they will need to be mounted. Will you be mounting the letters outside to brick or inside to drywall? Mounting options are available to suit any situation including outside and indoor environments. Mounting packages include required pieces such as screws, pads, plastic blocks, stand-offs, adhesives, strips, nuts, and studs.
Your consultant will help you choose which mounting option will be best for your situation. Mounting is an additional cost to your basic order. Keep in mind that if you do not install using an approved method, your warranty may not apply. Self-installation is surprisingly easy, with no need to hire a sign company. We will even send instructional videos and templates on how to install the letters when we ship them. We are dedicated to making the process as painless for you as we can.
Some mounting options include,
No mounting:
In this situation, you are required to figure out how to mount plainly formed letters. While this option may be lower priced, it may be better to use the mounting option suggested for best results.
Rail mounting:
Letters with pre-drilled backs are attached to a rail using screws, and then mounted onto the surface. Screws are matched with surface type and weight of letters.
- Options include: Single, Double, or Bottom Rails
- Screws are at least 1/4” thick
- Maximum 96” length
- Mounted by word
- Tie backs (not included) recommended if larger than 8”
Bottom Angle Bracket:
A bracket of 90º secured to the bottom with a stud boss to create a more secure, free-standing look.
- Bracket measures 2″ x 2″ x 1/4″
- Mounted by word
- Maximum 96” length
- Tie backs (not included) recommended if larger than 8″
Stud mounts:
Stud mounting utilizes threaded posts that can attach to brick or block mortar joints. They can attach to as deep as six inches.
If halo effect is desired, letters are usually mounted to the wall with studs or spacers in order to create a space for the light to shine through, creating a halo.
- Typical stud length 2″ beyond back of letter
- Aluminum 10/24 stud (length varies)
- Stand off is generally 1.5” but can vary dependent on desired effect
Wall:
Letters with pre-drilled holes secured onto surface with screws matching surface type and weight of letters.
Illuminated Letters: FAQs
- How durable are Illuminated letters?
- Our letters will last as long as you need them to last. They are constructed of durable materials designed to last indefinitely. They can survive all weather types including intense heat and rain. In some situations such as intense UV or chemical exposure you may notice some degradation.
- What is the difference between pigmented and painted colors?
- Pigmented color is when the color elements are mixed into the plastic to create one cohesive product. Painted plastic is when the plastic is painted topically. We use a painting method that is as durable as pigmented plastic that is available in more colors.
- Are logos available?
- While we offer a long list of fonts, logos are also available. Email us to obtain a quote and to start the process of creating a custom logo product.
- What illuminated lettering colors are available?
- We offer over 30 standard colors. But we can provide custom lettering colors if needed.
- See our channel letters page for our standardized color options.
- Are custom letters available?
- If you cannot find standardized plastic letters that suit your intentions, we can produce custom letters utilizing 3D printing technologies. WhiteClouds can print any type of letters to match your preferred font and color.
- If you cannot find standardized plastic letters that suit your intentions, we can produce extra large custom letters. WhiteClouds can fabricate any type of letters at any size. Learn more about our custom large letters and large metal letters fabrication services.
- Do letters come with a warranty?
- Letters are covered if letters fail, but our warranty does not cover costs for removal, re-installation, or additional work. If you purchase the LED package, the lights are covered for up to 4 years. Standard wear and tear is also not covered. Please review our full warranty, return policy, and guarantee before installing the letters. If you have questions, please ask us.
- What is UL Certification?
- UL is a global safety organization based on scientific testing that ensure the quality of products businesses provides, particularly in the testing of electric signs. In order to become UL certified, the products must go through frequent, extensive assessments to be sure they have met safety standards. Visit their official website to learn more.
- Are illuminated letters suitable for inside and outside use?
- Yes, we can help you choose the correct material for the environment you will be installing the letters in. For example, some materials are better at maintaining quality with UV exposure than others.
- What letter sizes are available?
- Letters are available as small as one inch and as tall as six feet. We can help you select the proper size for your intended use. Various depths or thickness of the letters are available.
- See our general Channel Letters page for a recommended size chart of visibility.
- What shipping options are available?
- Most orders are shipped via UPS. Since you cover the freight costs, you can choose another shipping option if desired. Larger letters may need to be shipped via truck freight.
- Do I need to pay a down deposit?
- In most situations, you’ll need to pay 50 percent upfront.
- How much do Illuminated letters weigh?
- Weight varies greatly depending on size and materials used. You’ll want to make sure you select the best mounting options for the weight of your letters. Additionally, large letters may require specialized shipping methods.
- How long does it take to receive my order?
- How long an order takes to process depends on several factors including the type of project and resources available. Once orders are approved, they may begin to be produced in as soon as eight days. More complex orders may take longer.
Worldwide Delivery
WhiteClouds has delivered models around the world.