Illuminated Shop Signs for your Business

illuminated shop sign

Choosing the right illuminated Sign for your business

Don’t let your shop sign become invisible just because it's dark. It might be hours until closing time but your customers won't notice you along the shop parade or high street because that otherwise fantastic sign of yours doesn't present its self too well under murky street lighting and darkness.

Use the darkness to improve existing signage by adding lighting which would otherwise be invisible during the evening or night. An illuminated sign gives your retail sign extra presence and makes it stand out during the hours of darkness when there are precious few other distractions to passers-by.

You could illuminate the whole sign by mounting it on a translucent light box, so that it is perfectly readable in normal daylight and then continues to be readable once it gets dark and the shop sign light switch is turned on.

A combination sign or combi-sign is a popular option for many business owners as this is a sign which illuminates just a section of the sign such as the company name or logo, to provide a corporate presence for passing trade during the night, leaving other details in the dark which are only visible during the day. This method helps promote your brand name and stamps your name or logo in people’s minds.

At Surrey Shop Signs we often use brightly coloured neon or LEDs to make up exciting signs to advertise business and attract your customers. These lights are often placed in a front window to complement the main sign above, the main sign being used during the day and the illuminated sign through the night.

6 Effective ways to illuminate your shop letters

 

Illuminated from behind with LED Halo Lighting

The "Halo-Lit" letters are most commonly used for illuminated signs as they are a gentle but effective way of displaying your illuminated letters. The letters are fabricated to create a 3d metal letter which is hollow within. A series of L.E.D lights are then fitted inside the letters which illuminates the letters from behind which projects light onto the wall behind the letters.

A range of different coloured L.E.D lights can be installed to illuminate the letters however the white LEDs are the most commonly used.

In poorly-lit areas this method of lighting will mean that the face of the letters will be dark and not illuminated as the light will be positioned from behind which creates a silhouette-style glow of the logo or letters, however this still should produce enough light to make the lettering readable.

  Halo illuminated shop sign

Illuminated from the face of the letters

Using a number of different production methods, we’re able to produce the letters so that the sign is internally illuminated so that the face of the letters / the front of the letters illuminate to produce a crisp and clear representation of the logo. The letters are fabricated to create a 3d metal letter which is hollow within.

An L.E.D light system is then fitted inside the letters which illuminates the letters from the front which projects light outwards.

A range of different coloured L.E.D lights or coloured acrylic can be used to create a colourful clear display of light which is visible from a distance.

  face lit shop sign

Illuminated from the face and sides of the letters

Using a number of different production methods, we’re able to produce the letters so that the sign is internally illuminated so that the face and sides of the letters illuminate to produce a crisp and clear representation of the logo. The letters are fabricated to create a 3d acrylic letter which is hollow within.

An L.E.D light system is then fitted inside the letters which illuminates the letters from the front which projects light outwards.

A range of different coloured L.E.D lights or coloured acrylic can be used to create a colourful clear display of light which is visible from a distance.

  face and sides shop sign

Illuminated from above with a Trough Light

A trough light or strip light which is positioned above the sign is a great cost-effective way of illuminating an existing sign or for a new sign. The trough light can be made to an exact size which will fit over the letters and produce enough light to illuminate the whole length of the sign or just a specific area, if it’s just the shop name which needs to be illuminated.

A range of lighting can be used to illuminated the shop front such as florescent tubed lights, ice-white LEDs, warm glow LEDs and also a range of other colours. The light itself can also be adjusted the light can be focused on a specific section of the sign.

Strip lighting also helps create back-shadows and back-drops if raised 3D lettering is used for the sign writing.

More information regarding Trough Lighting can be found here

  shop trough light

Stencil Cut Illuminated Sign Tray - Debossed Logo

Rather than fabricating individual letters and mounting them to a wall, an aluminium sign box is made and painted in your desired colour. The letters or logo are then stencil cut out and removed from the sign so that the internal L.E.D. lighting system inside the sign box can shine through. A sheet of colour acrylic is place inside the sign box which ensures the illuminated logo is displayed clearly and the light is distributed evenly.

The letters or logo on the sign will appear to be debossed and recessed into the face of the sign.

A range of coloured vinyl can be used to create your desired lighting effects and we can also digitally print a design onto the acrylic panel to display a particular design.

  illuminated light box sign

Stencil Cut Illuminated Sign Tray with slightly raised acrylic letters - Embossed Logo

Just like the previous sign option, an aluminium sign box is made and painted in your desired colour. The letters or logo are then stencil cut out and removed from the sign so that the internal L.E.D. lighting system inside the sign box can shine through. A separate set of flat acrylic letters are produced to the same size as the letters in the logo and positioned within the areas which were previously stencil cut out from the aluminium sign box which makes the letters look like they're slightly raised.

Coloured vinyl is then applied to the letters so that the face of the letters illuminate in your desired colour. The sides of the letters will have a white border around the edges and the letters or logo on the sign will appear to be embossed and raised from the face of the sign by approx 7-10mm. A range of coloured vinyl can be used to create your desired lighting effects and we can also digitally print a design onto the acrylic panel to display a particular design.

  illuminated sign box

Popular types of illuminated UK Shop Sign Fascias & Letters

Whether we use neon lights, fairground light bulbs or an embedded LED lighting system housed inside the 3D letters on the sign to provide front or back illumination, there really are so many options on how we produce your sign.

The logo or the font used usually plays an important role on how the sign is manufactured because if the font is too thin or too wide then it may limit you to just a few possible production methods. We’ll be able to talk you through all these options though.

Here's a range of illuminated signs which were produced in a number of different ways:

 

Halo Lit Letters Shop Sign

 

 

Stainless Steel Halo-Lit Built Up Letters - illuminated from behind

Halo-illuminated letters are a popular method of illuminating either the letters on your shop sign or a logo. This method of lighting can be used for both internal and external signs. The letters are fabricated to create a built-up 3d letter which is hollow inside. L.E.D lights are then fitted inside the letters which illuminates the letters from behind and which projects the light onto the wall or surface behind the letters.

A number of coloured L.E.D lights can be used to illuminate the letters however the white LEDs are most common as it illuminates the clearest. In poorly-lit areas this method of lighting will mean that the face of the letters will be dark and not illuminated as the light will be positioned from behind which creates a silhouette-style glow of the logo or letters, however this still should produce enough light to make the lettering readable.

Please click here for more information on Halo-Lit 3D Metal Letters

Stencil Cut illuminated Shop Sign

 

 

Stencil Cut Aluminium Sign - letters illuminate from within

Fret-cut signs or stencil cut sign trays are a great way of displaying both small and large text or logos. It is produced by laser-cutting and removing the letters from a sheet of aluminium. An opal white piece of acrylic (or a coloured acrylic) is then positioned behind the letters inside the sign along with a series of LED lights or florescent light tubes which clearly illuminates the text making it easy to read when either illuminated or not.

The aluminium used to create the sign can be powder-coated in a vast range of RAL colours or can be vinyl-wrapped in a series of digitally printed graphics.

This method of production gives the sign a slightly debossed recessed effect and the letters appear flat on the fascia however the letters are illuminated from the face of the sign which clearly displays the logo making it easy to read and see from a distance. 

 

hugo boss sign

 

 

Stencil Cut Aluminium Sign - with slightly raised acrylic letters and illuminated from within

Stencil cut sign trays with slightly raised acrylic letters are produced in a similar way as the above previous option by laser-cutting and removing the letters from a sheet of aluminium however we then replace the pieces of aluminium which were removed from the sign with individually cut flat pieces of acrylic which makes the logo slightly raised by approx. 3-8mm. A series of LED lights or florescent light tubes are then used to illuminate the text clearly, making it easy to read.

The aluminium used to create the sign is powder-coated in a vast range of RAL colours or it can be vinyl-wrapped in a series of digitally printed graphics.

This method of production gives the sign a slightly embossed raised effect and the letters appear flat on the fascia however the letters are illuminated from the face of the sign which clearly displays the logo making it easy to read and see from a distance. 

 

illuminated acrylic shop sign

 

   

   

3D Acrylic Letters - illuminated from the face and sides of the letters

Built up illuminated acrylic letters are a great way of creating a raised three-dimensional sign which stands out proud from the fascia. The acrylic letters are carefully constructed together with opal acrylic which is cnc-cut to the shape of the logo or font and then fabricated together to create the desired depth of the letters. The letters which are hollow are fitted with a series of L.E.D lights which illuminates the letters from the face and sides giving maximum illumination.

A number of coloured L.E.D lights can be used to illuminate the letters however the white LEDs are most common as it illuminates the clearest. This method of production ensures the light is evenly distributed throughout the sign and different coloured acrylic or vinyl filters can be used to achieve a range of different colours. Unlike the halo-illuminated letters where light is projected from the rear of the letters, the illuminated acrylic letters are all illuminated from the front making it clear and easy to read from a distance.

Please click here for more information on Acrylic Letters

 

vacuum formed sign

 

 

3D Vacuum Formed Logos - illuminated from behind

A flat sheet of plastic is heated and stretched over a mould and forced against the mould by a suction of air whilst it cools down and hardens. The vacuum forming process can be used to make a wide range of shapes. Depending on the shape and size of the logo will determine whether it’s achievable to use this method of production as the vacuum forming machines can only produce shapes which are at a maximum of about 1 metre in diameter.

The plastic used to create the shape is available is a range of pre-coloured acrylic, subject to the colours in the manufacture’s colour range however the casts can be painted in a specific colour or vinyl wrapped in a digital print displaying your desired image.

LED lights can then be mounted behind so that the logo illuminates to create either a halo-illumination or a face-light illumination.

Please click here for more information on Vacuum Formed Signs

illuminated Letters

 

 

3D Acrylic Letters - illuminated letters with black out vinyl applied to the face of the letters

Made in the same way as the acrylic letters, Built up illuminated acrylic letters are a good way of creating a three-dimensional sign which stands out proud from the wall. The acrylic letters are carefully constructed together with opal acrylic which is then fabricated together to create the desired depth of the letters. Black-out vinyl is then applied to the face of the letters which stops the light shining thorough and the hollow letters are fitted with a series of L.E.D lights which illuminates the areas of each letters which aren’t covered in vinyl.

A number of coloured L.E.D lights can be used to illuminate the letters however the white LEDs are most common as it illuminates the clearest.Unlike the halo-illuminated letters where light is projected from the rear of the letters, the illuminated acrylic letters are all illuminated from the front making it clear and easy to read from a distance.

Please click here for more information on Acrylic Letters

 

LED clear acrylic letters

 

 

LP Flex Clear Acrylic 3D Letters - illuminated with LED lights

LPflex letters are aimed at the high-end of the market and are of exceptional quality. This method of production makes it possible to produce such a wide range of striking colours, designs and provides flawless illumination. The process of production makes this style of lettering much more versatile compared to the more traditional methods of production. The LED lighting system means that the letters can be illuminated from the front, sides and back – in a similar way as a neon light, however the LED lights ensure a longer lasting product and more energy efficient.  

Made from thick cut acrylic, the LPflex letters use the latest production methods which ensures perfection and reliability. Suitable for both internal and external use, a range for lighting styles and methods can be used or combined within each letters so you can have a letter illuminated a particular colour from the front and a different method or colour from behind – making it a perfect choice when creating a unique sign.

 

 

illuminated shop sign letters

 

 

LP Flex Raised Letters - illuminated from the face and with steel sides

LPflex letters are aimed at the high-end of the market and are of exceptional quality. This method of production makes it possible to produce such a wide range of striking colours, designs and provides flawless illumination. The process of production makes this style of lettering much more versatile compared to the more traditional methods of production. The LED lighting system means that the letters can be illuminated from the front, sides and back – in a similar way as a neon light, however the LED lights ensure a longer lasting product and more energy efficient.  

Made from thick cut acrylic, the LPflex letters use the latest production methods which ensures perfection and reliability. Suitable for both internal and external use, a range for lighting styles and methods can be used or combined within each letters so you can have a letter illuminated a particular colour from the front and a different method or colour from behind – making it a perfect choice when creating a unique sign.

 

 

illuminated company signs

 

 

LP Flex Raised Letters - illuminated with from behind and from the face of the letters

LPflex letters are aimed at the high-end of the market and are of exceptional quality. This method of production makes it possible to produce such a wide range of striking colours, designs and provides flawless illumination. The process of production makes this style of lettering much more versatile compared to the more traditional methods of production. The LED lighting system means that the letters can be illuminated from the front, sides and back – in a similar way as a neon light, however the LED lights ensure a longer lasting product and more energy efficient.  

Made from thick cut acrylic, the LPflex letters use the latest production methods which ensures perfection and reliability. Suitable for both internal and external use, a range for lighting styles and methods can be used or combined within each letters so you can have a letter illuminated a particular colour from the front and a different method or colour from behind – making it a perfect choice when creating a unique sign.

 

 

custom made acrylic sign

 

 

Custom Made Acylic Logo - illuminated from within

Built-up illuminated acrylic boxed shapes and logos are a great way of creating a raised three-dimensional sign which stands out proud from the fascia. The acrylic logo is constructed together using opal acrylic which is cnc-cut to the shape of the logo and then fabricated together to create the desired depth. The boxed shape which is made hollow is then fitted with a series of L.E.D lights which illuminates the letters from the face and sides giving maximum illumination.

Coloured L.E.D lights or coloured acrylic can be used to illuminate the letters and vinyl graphics can be added to create different designs and effects. This method of production ensures the light is evenly distributed throughout the logo Unlike the halo-illuminated letters where light is projected from the rear of the letters, the illuminated acrylic boxed signs are all illuminated from the front and sides making it clear and easy to read from a distance.

Please click here for more information on Acrylic Letters

 

acrylic metal 3d signs

 

 

Rimless Built Up 3D Letters - illuminated from the acrylic face and with steel sides

Rimless built up metal letters are designed to be raised off the wall and three dimensional as well as illuminated from the front. The metal letters are fabricated together to achieve the required depth and then a flat opal acrylic face is fixed onto the face of the letter which when installed with LED lights, will illuminate from within and project light outwards. The steel sides of the letters are often powder-coated or painted a particular colour or produced in a polished or brushed stainless steel which creates a nice professional touch.

Coloured acrylic can be used to displace a whole range of coloured effects and digitally printed vinyl films can be applied to create a variety of gradients or designs.

Please click here for more information on Rimless Letters

 

illuminated signage warehouse

 

 

Rim & Return Built Up 3D Letters - illuminated from the acrylic face and with steel sides

Rim and return built up metal letters are designed to be raised off the wall and three dimensional as well as illuminated from the front. The metal letters are fabricated together to achieve the required depth and then a flat opal acrylic face is fixed onto the face of the letter which when installed with LED lights, will illuminate from within and project light outwards. The steel sides of the letters are often painted and powder-coated a particular colour or produced in a polished or brushed stainless steel which creates a nice professional finishing touch.

Coloured acrylic can be used to displace a whole range of coloured effects and digitally printed vinyl films can be applied to create a variety of gradients or designs.

Please click here for more information on Rim and Return Letters

 

illuminated business signs

 

 

Neon Signs - illuminated with neon tubes 

Neon letters and logos can be used to make up the illuminated letters on a shop fascia or shop sign board in the same way as shop lettering. The letters are hand formed and shaped using a template of the letters or logo are then mounted onto an aluminium fascia panel or an existing wall.

Mounted the neon letters onto a non-transparent panel is a great way of hiding all the wires and cables which connect all the neon letters together and powers all the neon tubes. The aluminium fascia can then be sign-written using other materials such as vinyl to ensure the text and lettering is visible during the daytime and clearly visible and illuminated at night with the neon lettering.

With a range of colours, sizes and styles available, we’re able to provide a range of options available from simple designs to the more complex styles.

Please click here for more information on Neon Signs & Letters

Built up letter with neon light

 

 

Built Up 3D Stainless Steel Letters - illuminated with neon tubes 

For a more unique style of lettering, the built up stainless steel letters with internal neon lights are becoming more and more popular these days in swanky bars and for inner city events. Made from stainless steel which is fabricated to create a three-dimensional letter or logo, the letter is powder-coated a specific RAL colour and then fitted with a custom made neon light which is visible from the front of the sign and which produces enough light to fully illuminate the design.

A range of coloured neon tubes can be used to create each design and the letters are available in polished stainless steel and brushed stainless steel.

The letters appear to be hollow inside and give the illusion that there’s a letter within a letter – making it rather unique. This unique style of lettering can be made for both internal and external use, and can be fitted with a variety or fixing methods for wall mounting or freestanding

 

3D shop letters with Bulbs

 

 

3D Fairground Bulb Sign Letters

For a unique style of lettering, the built up stainless steel letters with internal fairground lights are becoming more and more popular these days in swanky bars and for inner city events. Made from stainless steel which is fabricated to create a three-dimensional hollow letter or logo, the letter is powder-coated a specific RAL colour and then fitted with a series of fairground lights which is visible from the front of the sign and which produces enough light to fully illuminate the design.

A range of coloured fairground lights can be used to create each design and the letters are available in polished stainless steel and brushed stainless steel. This unique style of lettering can be made for both internal and external use, and can be fitted with a variety or fixing methods for wall mounting or freestanding.

Please click here for more information on Fairground Bulb Sign Letters

Photos, Ideas & Product Gallery

Please see below for a range of photos which shoD uld help illustrate how the above various signage options look when in situ. If you require more photos or close-up photos to help you make your decision then please feel free to contact us where a member of our team will be happy to help you with your enquiry.

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