Illuminated signage plays a critical role in branding, visibility, and customer recognition, especially in Southern California, where competition for attention is high. The proper lighting technique can determine how effectively a sign communicates your brand and draws in customers. Four of the most common illuminated sign styles are halo lit, face lit, and two-sided lit signs. Each has distinct characteristics, advantages, and applications.
Halo Lit Signs
Definition
Halo lit signs, sometimes called reverse channel letter signs, are designed with light projecting from the back of the letters or logo. This creates a glowing effect around the edges while keeping the face opaque.
Branding and Visibility
Halo lighting produces a sophisticated, subtle look, making it popular for high-end retail, restaurants, and professional service firms. The glow is visible at night but is less overpowering than face lit options.
Design Considerations
These signs require contrast between the wall surface and the halo glow for maximum effect. They are best suited for darker backgrounds that highlight the light spill.
Energy Efficiency and Durability
Modern halo lit signs typically use LED modules, which are energy-efficient and suitable for long-term use in Southern California’s climate. With proper sealing and UL certification, they offer good resistance to sun, wind, and moisture.
Placement
They perform best when mounted directly to building facades in areas with moderate ambient lighting.
Maintenance and Cost
Maintenance generally involves servicing LEDs and ensuring mounting hardware is secure. Costs are higher than face lit due to the additional fabrication and installation requirements.
Face Lit Signs
Definition
Face lit signs feature translucent letter or logo faces illuminated from within, allowing the entire front surface to glow.
Branding and Visibility
Face lit signage delivers strong daytime and nighttime visibility. It is the most common illuminated sign style because it ensures legibility from long distances.
Design Considerations
They can be fabricated in almost any color, size, or font. In daylight, the face color dominates; at night, the illumination enhances readability.
Energy Efficiency and Durability
LEDs again provide efficiency and reliability. Acrylic or polycarbonate faces resist UV damage, though prolonged exposure to Southern California’s sun may eventually cause fading.
Placement
Ideal for locations requiring maximum visibility, such as alongside busy streets, shopping centers, or freeways.
Maintenance and Cost
Maintenance focuses on replacing LEDs and cleaning the faces. Costs vary depending on letter size, number of colors, and mounting method.
Two-Sided Lit Signs
Definition
Two-sided lit signs, also known as double-faced signs or compound signs, are illuminated on both sides and typically mounted perpendicular to a building or on a pole.
Branding and Visibility
These signs maximize visibility from multiple directions, making them effective for corner locations, street-facing businesses, and plazas.
Design Considerations
Design must account for visibility in both directions. Cabinet-style construction is often used, with internal LEDs illuminating both faces.
Energy Efficiency and Durability
LEDs reduce operating costs, while durable enclosures protect against sun, wind, and moisture. UV-resistant face materials are necessary in Southern California to prevent discoloration.
Placement
Best placed along roadsides, intersections, and shopping centers where traffic flows in multiple directions.
Maintenance and Cost
Maintenance involves replacing LEDs, checking electrical connections, and occasionally updating the faces. Costs vary widely depending on size, mounting, and structural requirements.
Regulatory Considerations in Southern California
Illuminated signs require permitting through local municipalities. Regulations often address size, brightness, mounting height, and energy efficiency. As licensed contractors, we handle permitting to ensure compliance with local ordinances and building codes. Businesses should anticipate permitting as part of both the timeline and budget for illuminated signage.
Maintenance and Servicing
All illuminated signs require periodic inspection and cleaning. LEDs are long-lasting but may need replacement after years of use. Southern California’s climate adds considerations such as UV exposure, which can cause fading, and coastal environments, which can introduce corrosion risks. Regular servicing extends lifespan and maintains appearance.
Cost Considerations
- Halo Lit: Higher-end option; cost reflects design sophistication and mounting complexity.
- Face Lit: Most economical illuminated sign type; cost varies with size and color complexity.
- Two-Sided Lit: Pricing depends heavily on structure size and placement method.
Practical Applications
- Halo Lit: Luxury retailers, corporate offices, and high-end restaurants.
- Face Lit: Shopping centers, quick-service restaurants, and auto dealerships.
- Two-Sided Lit: Gas stations, plazas, and businesses at intersections.
Conclusion
Each illuminated sign style—halo lit, face lit, and two-sided lit—offers unique advantages in branding, visibility, and aesthetics. By considering design, placement, regulations, and costs, Southern California business owners can select the most effective illuminated signage to meet both practical and branding goals. Elevate your brand presence with custom illuminated signage from Resource 4 Signs.
