Front-Lit Channel Letters
Front-lit channel letters are the storefront sign most people picture: each letter is a fabricated aluminum can with LED modules inside and a translucent acrylic face that lights up from behind. The face carries the colour, either as coloured acrylic or as a translucent vinyl matched to your brand, and the aluminum sides — the returns — are painted to frame it. In daylight they read as solid dimensional lettering; after dark the whole face of every letter glows, which is why they are the default choice for a business that needs to be found at night.
Request a quote for pricing. Fabrication and delivery timing are confirmed with your quote.
Features
- Aluminum returns with LED modules inside each letter
- Translucent acrylic faces in a stock colour or brand-matched vinyl
- Trim cap or trimless face edge
- Flush, raceway or backer-panel mounting
- Any typeface or logo shape, from 8" letters upward
What's in the box
- Your letters, built to the approved proof with LED modules installed.
- The power supply for the set.
- A raceway or backer panel only where you choose that mounting.
- Installation and electrical hookup are not included.
Applications
- Storefront and fascia signs that have to work after dark
- Shopping-centre units where the landlord specifies lit letters
- Restaurant, salon and retail frontages on a busy street
- Lobby and reception signage where the brand needs to stand out
Specifications
Construction: Fabricated aluminum returns, acrylic face
Illumination: LED modules, face lit
Face: Translucent acrylic, coloured or vinyl-overlaid
Face edge: Trim cap or trimless
Letter height: 8" to 36" standard, custom on request
Mounting: Flush to wall, raceway, or backer panel
Power: Low-voltage LED with remote power supply
Configure your Front-Lit Channel Letters and request a quote →
Frequently asked questions
What is a front-lit channel letter?
A dimensional letter built as a shallow aluminum can, with LEDs inside and a translucent acrylic face on the front. When it is switched on, the face of the letter glows — so the letter itself is the light, which is what makes it readable from a distance at night.
What is the difference between trim cap and trimless?
Trim cap is the plastic edging that holds the acrylic face to the aluminum return — practical, durable and the standard finish. Trimless letters hold the face without a visible cap, for a cleaner, more architectural edge. Trimless suits thin strokes and modern typefaces; trim cap is the dependable default.
Can the faces match my brand colour?
Yes. Faces can be a stock coloured acrylic or white acrylic with a translucent vinyl applied over it to match a specific brand colour. Some colours lose depth when lit from behind, so the proof notes how each colour reads at night as well as by day.
What do you need from me to quote channel letters?
Your logo or lettering as a vector file (AI, EPS or PDF), the wording, the letter height or the overall width you have to fill, and a photo of the wall or fascia with its measurements. If a landlord has sign criteria for the building, send those too — they often fix the height, colours and mounting style.
Do channel letters need a permit?
Exterior signs usually do, and the rules are set by your city and often by your landlord as well. Check both before ordering. Your quote comes with a dimensioned proof, which is the drawing most permit offices and landlords ask to see.
Is installation included?
No. Letters are built and shipped ready to mount; installation is done on site by your sign installer, and illuminated letters must be connected to power by a licensed electrician.
How fast is production and shipping?
Fabrication and delivery timing are confirmed with your quote. We ship across the United States and Canada — see our Shipping page for delivery details.
What artwork file formats do you accept?
JPEG or PDF (single page only), up to 300MB. CMYK — convert Pantone and spot colours before sending. 150dpi for raster images, which is ample for large format. Build artwork to the ordered size; scaled artwork is detected and fitted, and do not include bleed or crop marks. Convert live fonts to outlines. We check every file at no charge and send a free proof before printing.
Do you offer bulk or wholesale discounts on front-lit channel letters?
Yes. Pricing is wholesale and the per-piece price falls as the quantity rises. Send your quantity with your quote request and the volume price is included in the quote.