Having been in the sign industry for over 15 years we have found some golden rules for how to create a sign which is cost effective but also achieves the objectives of the sign:

1. Target: A lot of people know that they need a sign but don't know what they want the sign to achieve for them. It goes back to simply knowing who your target markets are and appealing to them. If you are a Newsagent then primary colour schemes work well and simplicity is often the key, if you are a woman's high end fashion shop then branding is important and you shouldn't cut corners on the production of the sign.
2. Get noticed for the right reasons: Some business try to get noticed at all costs with flashing neon signs and some businesses are so low key that you wouldn't even know that they are there. Getting the balance right is important, use a variety of signage solutions such as projecting signs, fascia signs and window graphics to convey information to your 'would be' customers.
3. Light up: Use lighting effectively, there are a multitude of different options for illuminating your sign such as neon signage, LED's or fluorescent tubes. Each has there own benefits and choosing the right type can help your sign to be highly effective. For example if your sign is likely to be a permanent fixture and on 24 hours a day LED lit would be the best option as it uses the least amount of electricity and is the longest lasting. You can also use lighting in different ways to give different types of illumination such as halo illumination or face illumination.
4. Brand: Get the branding right for the sign seems obvious but a lot of people fall down on this. This is where the design aspect comes in, you should try to have a clear vision of what you want your sign to look like but take advice from the experts when it comes to manufacture as if you can get them involved early on in the design stage it can save you a lot of time and money come the end of the project.
5. Be Unique: Don't be scared to be unique and try something different, at the end of the day being in business is often all about standing out from the crowd and don't try to copy your competitors but be bold and be different.

Standard Channel Letter

A standard channel letter is 3-dimensional graphic sign element. Its channel is fabricated from sheet metal, most often aluminum since it will not rust or Perspex. A flat sheet of aluminum is typically cut on a table by a computer controlled router. This creates the back of the channel and is the basis for the letter shape. The sides of the channel letter, called the "returns", are then formed by bending a three to six inch wide strip of aluminum sheet around the aluminum back. This return can be welded at the seam or flanged and riveted to the back to create a solid "can" in the shape of the letter. The letter can is painted and fitted with any lighting components necessary such as Neon gas tubes or light-emitting diodes (L.E.D.) modules. A translucent plastic face usually of 3/16" thick sheet acrylic or polycarbonate is cut to fit the open face of the letter can. A trim cap border is applied to its edges which gives the letter face a finished appearance and creates a fastening surface to attach it to the letter can. When illuminated at night, channel letters draw the eye of passers-by.

Exposed Neon Channel Letter

These resemble standard letters, but the neon is not covered with a plastic face.

Reverse Lit Channel Letter

In this letter type, the face of the letter is constructed from aluminum and the lighting is directed to the back. This light floods the wall that the letter is mounted to and creates a negative space at night. Letters in this style are also called "halo letters". It is usually the most expensive form to manufacture.

Neon Signs

We are the leading supplier of affordable neon signage & neon lights for home and business use.

Neon is when your idea comes alive with illuminated glass  in various choices of colours.  Neon can be used to outline your new design and become a display on its own, or just highlight an existing sign. One transformer works on approximately 40 to 65 feet of glass, depending on type of gas being used. The fewer wires exposed, the more attractive the display becomes and the fewer maintenance problems you are more likely to have. The length of one piece of glass should not be longer than 8 feet. Longer units are harder to install and are more prone to breakage.