Choosing the right lighting for channel letters is more than just a technical decision about making your brand shine and stand out, both day and night.
The lighting you choose can impact not just visibility, but also energy efficiency and the overall look of your signage. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know which direction to take.
In this blog, we’ll cover the different types of lighting, key factors to consider, and common mistakes to avoid—helping you make the best choice for your signage.
Types of Lighting for Channel Letters
LED Lighting
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting uses semiconductor technology to emit light when electricity flows through the diode. It’s widely known for being energy-efficient, durable, and long-lasting.
Neon Lighting
Neon lighting uses neon gas, which glows brightly when an electric current passes through it. The gas is contained in glass tubes, which are shaped to form letters or designs.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting works by passing electricity through a gas that produces ultraviolet light, which then activates a phosphor coating to produce visible light. These lights are commonly seen in tube-shaped bulbs.
Fiber Optic Lighting
Fiber optic lighting uses a light source (often LEDs) to send light through flexible fibers, which then illuminate the channel letters. The light is transmitted through the fiber cables, allowing for intricate designs and effects.
| Lighting Type | LED Lighting | Neon Lighting | Fluorescent Lighting | Fiber Optic Lighting |
| Refer pictures |  |  |  |  |
| Energy Efficiency | ✔️High efficiency (low power consumption) | ❌Low efficiency (high energy use) | ❌ Moderate efficiency | ✔️ High efficiency (light loss minimal) |
| Durability | ✔️ Shatterproof, weather-resistant | ❌ Fragile (glass tubes break easily) | ❌ Prone to flickering in cold weather | ✔️ Flexible, no electrical components in fibers |
| Maintenance | ✔️ Low (rare replacements) | ❌ High (frequent repairs needed) | ❌ Moderate (ballast/bulb replacements) | ✔️ Low (only light source needs upkeep) |
| Environmental Impact | ✔️ Eco-friendly (no toxins) | ❌ Contains mercury/argon (hazardous) | ❌ Contains mercury (requires disposal) | ✔️ Safe, no heat/UV emissions |
| Operating Cost | ✔️ Very low | ❌ High (energy + maintenance) | ❌ Moderate | ✔️ Low |
| Best Use | Modern signage, 24/7 operation, outdoor | Vintage/artistic signs, indoor decor | Budget-friendly temporary signage | Artistic displays, curved/3D letters, museums |
- LED: Ideal for most commercial signage (durable, cost-effective, long-term).
- Neon: Best for artistic/retro designs (e.g., bars, theaters).
- Fluorescent: Suitable for short-term or budget projects (indoors only).
- Fiber Optic: This is Perfect for art installations or intricate letter shapes.
For modern businesses, LED is the go-to choice due to its reliability and adaptability. Neon and fiber optic are niche options for specific aesthetics.
Factors to Choose the types of lighting for Channel Letters
Visibility and Brightness
Visibility and Brightness directly impact how well your signage performs and how it is high visibility. Depending on where your signage is located (e.g., on busy streets or at a distance), it needs to be bright enough to catch attention and be easily readable.
Brightness is often measured in lumens, and the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. For channel letters, you’ll want a lighting solution that can illuminate your letters clearly, even in direct sunlight or low-light conditions.
Visibility is also influenced by the contrast between the letters and the background. For example, LED lighting is often the best choice for this, as it offers high brightness and sharp contrast.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to how much light is produced per unit of energy consumed. It is not just a cost-saving measure for channel letters—it’s an important step toward sustainability, operational savings, and improving your brand image. By using energy-efficient lighting, businesses can save money on electricity and maintenance, reduce their environmental impact, and ensure their signage remains bright and functional without unnecessary costs. Additionally, long-term efficiency and sustainability contribute to a more positive public perception and help businesses align with modern consumer values and regulatory requirements.
For example, LED lights are the most energy-efficient option, consuming up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting, which results in lower electricity bills and longer lifespans.
Color Temperature
Color temperature is the color of the light emitted, typically measured in Kelvins (K). It can influence the overall look and feel of your signage, as well as its legibility.
Choosing the right color temperature of light can achieve both visual appeal and effective communication with your audience.
| Color Temperature | Yellow | Warm White | Bright White | Cool White |
| Refer signs |  |  |  |  |
| Temperature | 3000-3500K | 3500-4500K | 6500K | 7500-8000K |
| Best Suited For | Ultra-relaxing, nostalgic ambiance Low-Intensity Lighting | Comfort Zones; Cozy place | Functional, neutral environments | High-energy, modern/professional zones |
| Examples | Bedrooms, candlelit dinners, gardens | Living rooms, cafes, hotel lobbies | offices, retail stores | Hospitals, labs, industrial facilities |
Durability and Weather Resistance
Channel letters often face harsh outdoor conditions, such as rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose lighting that is durable and weather-resistant.
Design Considerations
The design of the signage will dictate the type of lighting you need. Different types of lighting offer various possibilities for creative designs and visual effects.
Design considerations include the size and shape of the sign, the materials that affect the different lighting performance, any special effects you may want (like halo lighting or shadow effects), and how well the light source integrates with the overall aesthetic of the brand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlighting or Underlighting
Overlighting occurs when the brightness of the LEDs is too high for the size or purpose of your signage, while underlighting occurs when the LEDs don’t provide enough illumination to make the letters visible or legible.
We need to consider the following factors:
- Assess the Sign’s Size and Location
- Consider Day and Night Visibility
- Use Dimming or Adjustable Options
Choosing Low-Quality Lighting Products
Selecting inexpensive or poorly made LEDs that are not durable, don’t meet color consistency, or have a short lifespan can lead to a variety of issues, including flickering, dimming, or frequent failures.
Ignoring Energy Efficiency
Ignoring the energy efficiency of LEDs can lead to higher energy costs and environmental impact. Not all LEDs are created equal when it comes to energy usage, and low-efficiency options will cost you more in the long run.
Inconsistent Lighting Design
An inconsistent lighting design occurs when the illumination is uneven across the channel letters, resulting in some parts being overlit or underlit, creating an unbalanced and unprofessional look.
Take Away
As a sign manufacturer, we know how crucial it is to select LEDs that strike the right balance of brightness, color consistency, energy efficiency, and durability. When choosing LEDs for channel letters, we only work with trusted suppliers who offer warranties and proven performance. We ensure optimal spacing for even illumination and conduct rigorous aging tests before delivery to guarantee top-quality results.
Ready to take your signage to the next level? Contact us today for expert guidance for your channel letters. Let us help you create stunning, energy-efficient signs that will captivate customers and keep your business shining bright for years to come.
