Channel letters are an impactful type of sign that has been around since the 1920s. Since then, they’ve functioned as an excellent way to advertise your business and generate more revenue.

Channel letters are easy to spot from a distance, making them perfect for businesses that need large, eye-catching signage. If you want to increase your visibility, channel letters might be your best option.

If you are shopping for channel letter signage, this article will guide you through choosing the right style for your building’s facade.

What are Channel Letters?

Channel letters are three-dimensional, individually fabricated letters or graphics typically used for signage on building exteriors but can also be used indoors.

They’re often made from aluminum for the sides and backs, with acrylic faces, and can include internal lighting (usually LEDs) to illuminate the letters at night.

This sign type is highly visible and can be customized in size, color, and lighting effects to match a brand’s unique look.

Typical channel letters have five main components: 

1. Face, often made of acrylic (or sometimes metal), is the letter’s front surface that can be illuminated or left opaque. 
2. Return (sides), these vertical aluminum strips form each letter’s depth or “channel.”  
3. Back, an aluminum sheet enclosing the letter’s back, supporting internal components.  
4. Lighting, LED modules (though neon is sometimes used) are usually installed within the channel to illuminate the face or create a halo effect.  
5. Trim Cap, a border (typically plastic or metal) that attaches the acrylic face to the returns, creating a finished edge.

Where You Typically See Channel Letter Signs

Channel letters are often installed on the building’s facade or higher up when wall space is limited. For instance, in retail areas with minimal room, pole-mounted channel letters stand tall and remain highly visible.

In the example above, we created the two channel letter signs for GANAS Auto. Their storefront sign can attract people passing nearby, and the pole sign can attract motorists from far away.

Other places you commonly see channel letters are on monument signs… 

…and indoor signs mounted on walls.

Why Channel Letters?

Building awareness for your brand is essential to your business’s success. In fact, 59% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy new products from brands they already know.

That’s why many grocery stores, retailers, restaurants, office buildings, and apartment complexes choose channel letters—they help boost visibility and recognition.

They’re also a favorite among chains and national brands looking to strengthen brand awareness.

The Five Basic Types of Channel Letters

Channel letters come in five core styles: front-lit, halo-lit, open-face, backlit, and combination.

Each style provides a unique look and illumination level—ranging from bold, brightly lit faces to subtle, halo-like glows.

Understanding these differences helps you pick the channel letters that best match your brand and environment.

Let’s look closely at the five basic types of channel letters:

1. Front-Lit

– The most common style, front-lit channel letters use LED or neon lights to illuminate the face (usually acrylic).

– Because the face materials are highly customizable, you can tailor colors, fonts, and shapes to match any brand.

2. Halo-Lit (Reverse-Lit)

– Ideal for a unique, distinguished look, halo-lit letters shine light from behind each character.

– With opaque faces, they cast a soft glow (or “halo”) on the mounting surface, creating an upscale, sophisticated appearance.

3. Open Face: 

– Often featuring aluminum backs and sides, these letters have no front or a clear front, exposing the neon or LED inside.

– This style provides a retro vibe that stands out due to the visible lighting elements.

4. Backlit

– Similar to halo-lit, backlit letters illuminate from behind, creating a halo effect around each letter.

– The result is a subtle glow that highlights the letters’ shapes, adding depth and a modern flair.

5. Combination: 

– Blending front-lit and halo-lit styles, combination letters can illuminate both the letter face and cast a glow behind.

– This dual effect can be striking—for instance, a red-lit face with a white halo ensures maximum visual impact.

The subtle distinction between Backlit and Halo-lit channel letters

In many cases, the terms “backlit” and “halo-lit” are used interchangeably, since both involve light shining from behind the letter rather than through the face.

However, there is often a subtle distinction:

– Halo-Lit (Reverse-Lit) Channel Letters typically have an opaque (often metal) face and open backs so the LEDs shine onto the wall, creating a glow or “halo” around each letter.  

– Backlit Channel Letters can be similar in construction, but the focus is on illuminating behind the letters (sometimes with partially translucent materials), so the glow may appear differently or be more diffused than a classic “halo” effect.

In essence, both styles illuminate from behind, but “halo-lit” usually emphasizes a pronounced outline around each character, while “backlit” can offer variations in how the rear glow is displayed.

Construction and Materials

When it comes to constructing channel letter signs, the choice of materials plays a pivotal role in determining their appearance, durability, and overall effectiveness.

The most commonly used materials include aluminum, acrylic, and in some cases polycarbonate, each offering unique benefits to suit different sign projects.

• Aluminum: Known for its durability and corrosion resistance, aluminum is a popular choice for channel letter signs. It’s not only affordable but also versatile, as it can be anodized or painted to match any desired color and finish. Aluminum letters are robust and can withstand various weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor signage.
• Acrylic: Acrylic letters are another excellent option, especially for illuminated channel letters. This material is highly versatile and can be molded into complex shapes and designs. Acrylic letters can be painted or printed with custom logos and graphics, providing a sleek and modern look. They are suitable for both illuminated and non-illuminated signs, offering flexibility in design.
• Polycarbonate: In some cases, polycarbonate may be used instead of acrylic for extra impact resistance, especially in high-traffic or vandal-prone areas. These plastic letters can be molded into various shapes, designs and can also be painted or printed with custom logos and graphics. They are lightweight and easy to install, making them another choice for sign projects.

In addition to the materials used for the letters, the construction of channel letter signs involves selecting the appropriate mounting surface and ensuring proper electrical connections.

Depending on the installation requirements, the mounting surface can be flush, raceway, backer, or a combination. 

To achieve a professional and safe installation, it’s crucial to work with sign experts, like Dave’s Signs, who have extensive experience with channel letter signs.

We can help you choose the right materials, design a custom installation pattern, and ensure your sign is securely and safely mounted.

Mounting Options for Channel Letter Signs

When purchasing channel letter signage, we can help you decide the type of mount you need. Channel letters have four main mounting options: the flush mount, raceway mount, backer mount, and combination.

• Flush (Direct) Mount: This mount is the most common. And it gets its name because the letters mount directly to the building’s face. Housing for the power source and electrical wiring is behind the bulkhead wall with this option. For back-lit letters, separation from the surface comes from standoff spacers.
• Raceway Mount: Many property managers often request that channel letters be mounted atop a raceway. Raceways are containers that neatly and safely holds the electrical components (wires, power supply, etc.) for the individual letters. A raceway also alleviates the # of holes drilled, too. We typically paint raceways so they match the hue of the sign band or storefront. This technique also ensures that it blends well with brand guidelines and the surrounding architecture.
• Backer Mount: This mount is more common for illuminated channel letters. This option sees the channel letters attached through a pre-made opening in the building’s frontage or mounted atop the backer board. The electrical hardware and power supply are contained within the backer cabinet or situated behind the facade or bulkhead wall.
• Combination or Custom Mount: Sometimes a sign project requires blending different mounting methods to accommodate specific design preferences or structural constraints. For example, channel letters might sit on a small raceway that’s then fixed to a backer panel. This hybrid approach provides extra flexibility, allowing you to maintain a secure installation while achieving the desired aesthetic.

Next Steps for Getting Your Backlit Channel Letters

There you go. Now you know the basics of channel letter signage. The next step we recommend is consulting with a custom sign professional like Dave’s Signs to help you bring your vision to life. 

We have experts on staff who can create commercial signage for your business that will help you stand out from all the rest. Since 1992, we have been the top choice for designing, fabricating, and installing distinctive signs and graphics for small mom-and-pop stores to nationwide accounts. No job is too big or too small.

Why Choose Dave’s Signs for Your Halo Channel Letter Signs? 

Dave’s Signs serves clients here in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Counties and Nationwide. We know all the local zoning ordinances that regulate the size, illumination, location, materials, and design of channel letter signs for permits and approvals. We also have extensive experience meeting landlord’s and property management requirements for signage. 

Still have questions about channel letter signs? or other high-quality signs and services we offer? Call us at (805) 641-1387 or Request a Quote online. We’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

Dave’s Signs is your Thousand Oaks sign company. Why do we say that? That’s because several of our most eye-catching signs are located in Thousand Oaks and other areas in Conejo Valley, CA.

And besides being nice to look at, our custom signs solve critical business challenges. For instance, they increase foot traffic and attract the attention of potential customers, bettering your bottom line.

For this city page, we thought we’d put together a collection of some of the best customs signs we’ve created and mounted in these specific areas. We’ll also tell you a little bit about each type of signage and the specific services we did for them, along with information about the companies they represent.

Examples of Dave’s Signs in the Thousand Oaks Area

These 8 examples below showcase some of the best signs we’ve designed and installed in the Thousand Oaks area.

1. Clear Oaks Plaza – Thousand Oaks

We’re going to kick off our city page with a Channel Letter Sign and Window Graphics we made for Clear Oaks Plaza in Thousand Oaks. The Channel Letter Sign was a particularly fun sign to design because it included all sorts of custom elements.

We took the logo Clear Oaks uses for their wines and created their Channel Letter Sign that uses that color scheme. The bottom banner is also made with channel letters that spelled out “Tasting Room.” The Window Graphics on their front door have a similar function. But they also display important info like Clear Oaks’ hours of operation.

2. Lifetech Resources – Moorpark

California-based company Lifetech Resources contacted us to help provide them with signage that is in line with their branding while also reflecting their cutting-edge technology.

To meet that request, we designed custom signs with window graphics for their business frontage and office windows. The sleek lines of the Lifetech logo are represented in the design. The last of the three photos is a Wayfinding Monument Sign we made for them that is impressive and eye-catching. These custom outdoor advertising signs in Thousand Oaks really turned out spectacularly!

3. Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant – Agoura Hills

Every so often, an apparently simple sign design for local mom and pop businesses can get a little complicated—nothing we can’t handle, though. Take the custom Channel Letter Sign we did for Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant, for example.

There were a few complexities when we submitted their sign for approval, including adding a mansard to the sign design before the City of Thousand Oaks would approve it. We were able to create the mansard that the city required before installing the sign. Once completed, you can see the sign is really striking. The red channel letters combined with the stainless steel and yellow finishes on the sign make a striking contrast (as does delicious Indian food!).

4. Regency Theatres – Agoura Hills

Dave’s Signs also makes signs for large corporations. Regency Theatres has many locations in the Los Angeles area, and they have to choose the right local businesses to partner with since appearances are critical. We created this professional, eye-catching illuminated sign with Channel Letters for Regency Theatre at Stadium 8. Movie signs like this can pay dividends by amping up moviegoer attendance to the next level.

5. Old Agoura Apartments – Agoura Hills

Agoura Apartments didn’t want just any sign to represent their community. We are proud of the Property Management Sign we created for Old Agoura Hills Luxury Apartments, with its business directory information displayed throughout. Notice the wood grain on the sign. This apartment sign is very effective and provides a professional appearance and a lasting impression on the reader.

6. Shops at Kanan Village – Agoura Hills

Below is a stylish and smooth Multitenant Monument Sign we created for the Shops at Kanan Village. They are a surprisingly cost-effective way to advertise shops and office parks and attract more tenants. The helping display on both sides directs consumers to things like “gourmet popcorn” and “Chinese cuisine” at this Agoura Hills shopping center.

7. Corepower Yoga Outdoor & Indoor Signs – Westlake Village

Above are three signs we designed for the exterior and interior for Corepower Yoga in Westlake Village. All three are great examples of how we can take your logo and turn it into a dynamic sign for you. For example, the color palette used in the logo and design font for the Channel Letter Sign below matches their brand colors.

Having an Illuminated Storefront Sign will draw attention and give just about any business an advantage. We used an illuminated style in the image of Corepower’s frontage below. The font and logo are illuminated in the exterior lightbox panel on the establishment’s frontage. We created dark letters for the lightbox that is backlit, making them really pop at night.

The interior sign we made below really fits in with the groovy, Zen message of Corepower Yoga.

8. Golden Rock Realty Channel Letter Sign – Calabasas

The Channel Letter Sign we created for Golden Rock Realty in Calabasas is another example of how we can take your logo and turn it into a dynamic sign for you. For instance, the color palette used in the logo matches our installation’s finish exactly. In addition, the font below the main channel letters has an elegant touch that gives the sign polish.

Dave’s Signs is a Local and National Sign Company

Dave’s Signs has been making beautiful signs for local and national sign accounts for over 20 years. That’s why companies in California and the rest of the nation call on Dave’s Signs for all their commercial signage needs.

We are a Full-Service Sign Company

Dave’s Signs designs, fabricates and installs beautiful commercial signs locally in Thousand Oaks. As part of our sign manufacturing services, we’ll prominently display your business name for all to see.

We have decades of experience working with Thousand Oaks-based businesses and have familiarity with their city requirements—we can meet any local ordinance. As part of our professional service, we acquire permits and build to any unique sign requirements our clients and the city require.

From massive neon signs atop tall hotel buildings to custom graphics in convenience stores, we can help you with your existing design or brand guidelines. In addition, we can even design something for you based on your design requirements.

No Sign Job is Too Big or Small

Lastly, we hope you can tell why Dave’s Signs is your Thousand Oaks Sign Company. We can make all the visual media solutions for your company, no matter what size you need. We can make a wide variety of sign types and sizes that lists all your comprehensive business information and checks all of the boxes you expect from a professional sign company.

Dave’s Signs: Your Conejo Valley Sign Company

Don’t waster time looking for the “best sign service near me.” Dave’s Signs has you covered. From neon signs to custom window graphics, from channel letters to lightboxes—our sign shop can create any type of commercial signage you need. That’s why when you want your commercial or residential sign to truly reflect the unique personality of your brand, give Dave’s Signs a call at (805) 641-1387. Alternatively, you can use our online form to get a free and fair price quote or have us answer any questions you have.

There’s nothing that describes a sign shop better than the signs they have made that you know and love. We thought we’d put together a few posts that show you some of our favorite signs we’ve designed and mounted in specific cities around Ventura County and tell you a bit about the companies they represent. This city page highlights some of the best signage we’ve created for Ojai, California.

If you see other signs around town that remind you of these, chances are we made them, too. If you’re curious, contact us and tell us which sign you think we made. We’ll let you know if you guessed correctly.

#1: Red Brick Plaza

This sturdy monument sign we made for Red Horse Plaza really captures the history of Ojai. The brick background brings to mind a time when most buildings were made from red bricks, an example of that era.

#2: Welcome to Ojai Sign

There is something mystical about stone structures, and this monument sign we made for the City of Ojai is no exception. Additionally, the design emphasizes the “Welcome to Ojai” text and focuses on the natural beauty found throughout the city.

#3: AJ Chinese Express

One of the popular restaurants in Ojai, AJ Chinese Express, is a family-owned and operated business. The font and delicate flowers on their exterior signage, like their food, is an elegant presentation. Channel Letter Signs like the one on the storefront is halo-lit too. The sign looks like it belongs with the rest of the building and its surroundings, as any well-designed signage should.

#4: Topa Mountain Winery

Ventura County wineries are iconic and are often featured in places like the Ojai Valley News. Dave’s Signs made this gorgeous Dimensional Letter sign for Topa Mountain Winery that stands out from all of them because it has an old-fashioned vintage charm to it with its rustic exterior and simple design.

The owners were looking for something unusual yet natural for their winery, which is why they chose this classic design. It is located in the heart of Ojai Valley and has been a popular destination for wine lovers since it opened.

#5: Bali Blue Furniture Lounge

Remember the Bali Blue Furniture Lounge? Sadly it, and this neon sign doesn’t exist anymore (sigh). However, during its heyday, it was an iconic slice of Americana and idyllic Southern California experience. Who could forget sitting on the porch of the beautiful Bali Blue Furniture Lounge on Ventura Avenue in comfy furniture, while enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the world go by.

The blue neon sign that Dave’s Signs made for this establishment gives you that same iconic feeling with its bright colors and simple style.

#6: Westridge Market

This beautiful old-fashioned grocery store in Ojai has been a staple of the community since it first opened. Dave’s Signs created several nostalgic signs with Custom Graphics for their interior that captures the essence of the market and its long history. The aesthetic looks hand-painted, which fits well with the rustic essence of Westridge.

#7: Sander’s & Son’s Gelato

If you’re looking for a delicious treat while in Ojai, stop by Sanders & Son’s on Ojai Avenue and enjoy a cup of Italian artisan gelatos and sorbets made with fresh local ingredients.

Dave’s Signs fun window graphics will meet you as you go in the front door too. The golden font features the name and year they were founded, and the overall effect is eye-catching and inviting. The sign complements the fun and delicious experience on a hot summer day in Ojai perfectly!

#8: Ojai Mira Monte Apartments

Ojai Mira Monte Apartment homes offer studio, one, and two-bedroom options that offer views of the Ojai Valley. There is a strong sense of community there where families lounge by the pool or barbecue in their picnic area. 

The natural design that Dave’s Signs made for them gives the complex a welcoming vibe that will make it easy for you to feel at home.

Additionally, the Monument Sign features their name. That way, people passers-by can get more information about what makes Ojai Mira Monte Apartments the perfect place to live. 

#9: Peralta Real Estate Team

Dave’s Signs created this custom sign for the Peralta Real Estate Team that captures their playful and modern approach to real estate. The simple, refined style of the Dimensional Letter Sign fits well with the upscale properties they work with here in Ojai too.

You can see why Penalta chose Dave’s Signs to make their sign. Its simple yet sophisticated style makes it easy to distinguish from other real estate signs in the area. And that is what you want when your goal is to help people find their dream home.

#10. Ojai Majestic Oak and Wine Tasting

Tucked away in the heart of Ojai Valley, this family-owned and operated vineyard is a must-see destination for wine lovers. The vintage color palette, rustic style, and simple lettering give it an old-world charm that makes it fit perfectly in Ojai Valley.

This Blade Sign by Dave’s Signs gets its inspiration from their location, and its rugged material will surely stand the test of time. It features their familiar and beautiful illustration of an oak tree with vines growing all around it.

Let Dave’s Signs Create Your Beautiful Ojai Signs 

Dave’s Signs is proud to be a part of the Ojai community. We create beautiful signs that capture the unique spirit of this wonderful city. If you’re looking for high-quality, affordable signage, contact us today by calling ‭(805) 641-1387‬ or Request a Quote online and we’ll be happy to help you get started on your project.

Hospitality signs direct guests to where they need to go and be. Without them, they find navigating the building and ground a virtual maze. Of course, experiences like this are frustrating to them. Therefore, you can rely on excellent hospitality signage to enhance the guest experience. No matter what the reasons guests head to a hotel, one thing is clear:  They want every aspect of their stay to be easy and as streamlined as possible. 

Below are a few excellent examples of hospitality signage ideas that help guests plan and enjoy their stay.

For Clarity& Simplification

• • Entrance & exit signs: Signs at the entrance & exit are typically the first part of the guest experience. Because of this, strategically placed, colorful monument signs let guests know how to get in and out of your business.

• • Illuminated signs: Eye-catching illuminated hotel signage leads guests to the right place. They simplify and improve their stay. For instance, the illuminated blade sign we created for Castillo Inn at the Beach lets Beachgoers know at a glance if there are vacancies or not.

For Relaxation & Safety

• • Maps and directional signs  Guests expect relaxation and organization during their vacation or staycation. So, clear maps and directional signs at check-in counters, rooms, and corridors really elevate the guest experience by helping guests quickly find their way around.
  • Safety signage:  Safety directional signage assists people, including those who are handicapped, in finding anything from the elevators to an escape route during an urgent evacuation scenario. Above all, hotels must meet ADA standards. If they don’t – they are at serious risk of facing large fines. Dave’s Signs knows all the ADA rules and can help with these special types of hotel signs.

For Branding & Satisfaction

• • Hotel wayfinding signs: Wayfinding signs help people navigate their way around the building. They create a consistent and seamless experience for hotel guests. Furthermore, hospitality wayfinding signs also maintain branding. This ensures that all signs look the same around the entire property.  The best part about wayfinding signs? It’s like having an attendant in every area of your hotel. Your guest has a question, they find the answer, they follow the answer, and voila! They’re satisfied.

Look to Dave’s Signs for Your Hospitality Signage

If you are searching for the perfect sign company for your hotel signs, look no further than Dave’s Signs. We have been furnishing beautiful signs for hotel businesses for over 20 years. Given these points, let’s work together to build excellent hospitality signage for your business. You can contact us at (805) 641-1387 or request a quote online.

Wayfinding Signs are pretty much mission-critical to your business. Professionally designed, they direct visitors and residents, allowing them to easily find their way around your property. On the other hand, if you own a building like a warehouse or construction site, this special type of business sign can keep things organized and safe for building inhabitants. What follows are a few exterior and interior Wayfinding Signs Dave’s Signs have created for our clients.

Exterior Signage: Monument Signs

Effective Wayfinding Signs keep a consistent degree of on-point branding. Another characteristic they must have is being informative and recognizable, without being too busy. This is especially true for exterior Monument Signs. For example, visiting motorists reading the sign we created Cabrillo Business Park should easily be able to discern which way to go in this business park.

Interior Signage: Distribution Center Signs

Distribution centers are fast-moving. Employees at these DCs depend on clear and concise Wayfinding Signs to quickly find and pick their products. It’s hard to tell by looking at this picture, but inventory in warehouses can become disorganized in no time. Therefore, good wayfinding strategies are needed, and we work with companies to decide how many signs are appropriate and where they can most effectively be located.

Parking Lot and Garage Signs

Visitors typically don’t have time to navigate confusing levels, corridors, and puzzling hallways. Parking lot and garage signs give clear visuals and instructions that help control the flow of traffic and help people find their way. Here are a few we can provide to your business:

• • Directional Signs: Directional signs provide directions towards a parking lot, garage, or a few distinct areas of the space. We have products with arrows that point in different directions.
  • Parking Spot Signs: Parking spot signs assign a precise identifying number to every spot, which is handy when you want to manage traffic.
  • Driving Directional Signs – Signs like ‘Keep Right’ or ‘This Way to…’ etc., provide directions to drivers, ensuring they can move around the lot without issues.
  • Handicap – Most public establishments have separate spaces for disabled people. Handicap signs mark these spaces and provide clear instructions.
  • No Parking & Reserved Signs – These are placed in areas where no parking is allowed. You can choose options like ‘No Parking at Any Time’ or ‘No Overnight Parking.’  On the other hand, reserved signs keep unauthorized people from parking where they shouldn’t.

Find Your Way with Dave’s Signs

Dave’s Signs makes clear and consistent signage that makes our client’s property navigatable to their occupants and visitors. You can contact us online or call us at (805) 641-1387 for more information about our Wayfinding Signs and other high-quality products.