Key Features of Halo Lit Signage for Impactful Branding

What are halo lit signs?

Halo lit signs, also known as backlit signs, are a type of signage that creates a unique “halo” effect around text or a logo. This effect is achieved by inserting LED modules inside a hollow fabricated letter, illuminating the wall or mounting surface behind the letters or logo. The result is a sleek, modern appearance that’s become increasingly popular with businesses looking for a contemporary look.

These signs are typically made using reverse channel letters, which are three-dimensional letters that can be mounted directly onto a building or attached to a panel before being installed. The illumination comes from low-voltage LED lights carefully placed inside the letters to create the halo effect.

One key factor in the overall impact of a halo lit sign is the color of the LED lights used. The choice of color can dramatically influence the mood and ambiance created by the sign, whether you’re aiming for a warm and inviting glow or a cool and sophisticated vibe. For instance, if you want a soft, warm white glow, you would choose a 3000K module. On the other hand, for a cool, workplace vibe, you can lead with a cool white 6500K module.

Which materials are suitable?

When it comes to creating your halo lit sign, the material you choose can make a big difference to how it looks and performs. Different materials work better for different locations, whether you’re placing your sign indoors or outdoors. Plus, the choice of material naturally impacts the overall cost of the signs.

At Impact Signs, we’ve got you covered with various options. We make our backlit letters using stainless steel, aluminum, or corten steel.

• Aluminum is a great choice for outdoor letters, especially when they’re 12″ or taller
• For smaller letters, stainless steel is the best option for precision fabrication. We can even add special finishes to stainless steel signs, like bronze, gold, or polished titanium. 

How are halo lit signs made?

Creating a halo lit sign is a fascinating process that involves high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. At Impact Signs this involves:

• Material selection: We offer stainless steel halo lit letters in sizes ranging from 4″ to 36″ tall and ½” to 5″ deep. You can choose between standard alloy C304 or optional alloy C316, which provides extra protection against corrosion and tarnishing, making it perfect for marine and other tough environments.
• Finishing: There are a variety of finishes to choose from, including the classic #4 brushed finish, mirror-polished face and returns (that’s the sides of the letters), and even your custom Pantone/PMS color. And if you want to add some extra flair, we offer titanium coatings in gold, copper, bronze, and black smoke finishes.

• Precision cutting, shaping, and assembly: To make the letters, we use high-tech cutting systems like abrasive water jets or lasers, depending on what the job needs. The letter has a lexan (acrylic) backer, which the LED’s assemble onto so the LEDs shine into the letter and then bounce off inside the can. This prevents hotspots in the lighting, and provides a smooth even light. The returns are carefully shaped by hand to ensure a perfect fit. Then, we join the faces and returns together using high-strength, non-leaded silver solder. It’s a process that requires skill and precision to get just right.
• Mounting: When it’s time to install the sign, we use spacers to float the letters off the wall for that cool halo effect. There are a couple of different mounting options, like bottom stud mount and rail mount, and we typically use threaded pins on straps or clips on the backs of the letters to secure them in place. Usually, for fabricated stainless steel letters, you’ll need a minimum stroke (that’s the width of the letter) of 1″ to ensure they’re sturdy and look great.
• Lighting: We use energy-efficient LEDs in our halo lit signs, which not only look amazing but also last a really long time. If you want to take things up a notch, we can add a translucent acrylic face that lights up in addition to the halo effect.

For this process, we have been focusing on halo lit signs using stainless steel, but the process is the same for other metals, like aluminum. The main difference is that aluminum is only available in painted finishes and is a bit more budget-friendly than stainless steel.

Where can halo signs be used?

Halo lit signs are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for both exterior and interior signage across a wide range of industries. Here are some examples of where these signs can really shine:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Recreation centers
• Offices
• Medical clinics
• Retail storefronts

Installation considerations for backlit signs

Some of the technical things to keep in mind while installing halo lit signs include:

1. You will need an electrical junction behind the wall or in the ceiling to power your sign. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you can easily access the junction, or get an electrician to fit one ahead of time.

2. If you’re mounting the letters individually, the installer might need to drill through the wall to connect a wire to each letter. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’ve got a lot of letters or a tricky wall surface. That’s where mounting the letters on panels can come in handy. With this method, you only need one electrical junction for the whole sign, which can save you a lot of time and effort.

3. Think about where you’re going to place your sign and which way it’ll face. You want to make sure it’s easy to see and read from all the important angles, so take a look at the area around where you want to install it. 

4. Don’t forget about maintenance. Halo lit signs need a little facelift from time to time to keep them looking their best. This means regular cleaning and occasionally replacing the power supply or transformer. Once in a while some LED modules may need replacement after many years. When you’re planning your installation, make sure you’ve got easy access to the sign for these maintenance tasks.

Installing a halo lit sign takes some planning and consideration, but it’s worth it for the effect it creates. With these technical details in mind and the right placement and orientation, you can ensure that your sign will last for years to come.

Trust Impact Signs with your design

By now, you’ve seen just how impactful halo lit signs can be for businesses. They’re eye-catching, versatile, and can really elevate your brand’s presence. But to get the most out of your halo lit sign, you need a company you can trust to bring your vision to life.

That’s where Impact Signs come in. With years of experience in the signage industry, we’ve got the expertise and know-how to create high-quality, durable, and effective halo lit signs that perfectly represent your brand. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and can help design a sign that not only looks great but also effectively communicates their message.

When you choose Impact Signs, you can rest easy knowing that your halo lit sign is in good hands. Our standard lead times are 20-30 working days, but we also offer rush production options if you need your sign sooner. And if you’re not sure which material is right for your project, just ask – we’re happy to send out material samples so you can see and feel the quality for yourself.

So, if you’re ready to take your brand to the next level with a stunning halo lit sign, get in touch with Impact Signs today!