Channel letters are the backbone of commercial retail signage. This complete guide covers everything you need to know before ordering LED channel letter signs — from types and materials to pricing and lead times.
What Are Channel Letters?
Channel letters are individual three-dimensional letter signs, typically mounted directly onto a building facade or on a metal raceway. Each letter has a metal return (the side walls), a face (front surface) and a back. LED modules inside the letter provide illumination.
Types of Channel Letters
- Front-Lit (Standard): Light shines through a translucent acrylic face. The most common type — clean, bright and visible from long distances.
- Halo-Lit (Reverse): The face is opaque; light projects behind the letter onto the building wall, creating a glowing halo. Favoured by luxury brands for its premium look.
- Combination-Lit: Front and halo illumination combined. Maximum visual impact.
- Open-Face: No face panel — exposed LED modules create a raw, industrial aesthetic.
- Non-Illuminated: No LEDs — for locations where illumination is restricted or not needed.
Materials
| Component | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Return (casing) | 1mm aluminium | 2mm stainless steel AISI 304 |
| Face | 3mm acrylic | 5–8mm cast acrylic |
| LED modules | Generic 12V modules | Osram/Philips IP67 modules |
| Power supply | Standard driver | Meanwell waterproof driver |
Pricing Guide
Channel letter pricing is quoted per centimetre of letter height (or per set). From a Turkish manufacturer like Amade Advertising:
- Standard aluminium front-lit: from €15–35 per cm letter height
- Premium stainless halo-lit: from €30–65 per cm letter height
- These prices represent significant savings vs Western European suppliers (typically €50–120+ per cm)
Lead Times
Standard production at our Istanbul factory: 5–10 business days after approved artwork. Shipping to Europe: 7–14 days sea freight, 2–4 days air freight.
Ordering Process
- Send us your logo file (vector AI/EPS preferred) and sign dimensions
- We produce a free 3D visualisation for approval
- On approval, we confirm pricing and lead time
- Production begins on receipt of deposit (50%)
- Balance due before shipping
- Signs despatched in foam-lined export boxes
Get a free quote for channel letters from Istanbul: +90 212 651 60 45 | WhatsApp