Backlit Signs: Specifications and Cost

Lots of people are choosing to use back-lit signs for their businesses, and there's a good reason for that. Backlit signs are easy to read, can be very attractive and colorful, and make for excellent exterior signage options for poorly lit areas. While there are certainly advantages to backlit signs, there are also some considerations to make before deciding whether or not they are the right option for you.

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"Westmount Signs has always stepped up to the plate to deliver all our printed needs and sign needs for more than 8 years. They help us represent our brand and have always delivered, even on short notice. They have even arranged special pick up when the store was closed and they ensure I am well pleased with the final product. They value getting it right for the client and they follow through to ensure we are well pleased! I highly recommend Westmount and am thankful they jump each time I call!"

- Brent Ferguson, CMO/Managing Director,Brentwood Livery

Size

Back-lit signs can come in a range of sizes, from simple small backlit exit signs to large exterior business signs like the one we have outside of our facility in Waterloo. Being able to create large backlit signs can do wonders for a business. Size and brightness alone will help to draw the attention of the customer and bring notice to your company. Being able to backlight smaller signs also helps to draw attention that might otherwise be elsewhere due to the small size of the sign. The reason exit signs are backlit is because it makes them easily noticeable. This same principle can be used when creating signs for your company.

Materials

Back-lit signs are traditionally made of acrylic plastics. They are about half the weight of glass but are also much stronger. These attributes are what makes acrylic such a popular option for these kinds of applications. Acrylic plastics also have a better light transmittance than glass, which means that light has an easier time penetrating through its surface. The un-illuminated areas of back-lit signs can be made of anything from plastics, to metals, and even to wood depending on what the customer would prefer.

Maintenance

If the sign is going to be outside or used often, then there is a good chance it will eventually need some electrical or physical maintenance. Placing electrical units outside is always a risky move, but the risk of maintenance bills is worth the reward that the sign will bring you in revenue. At Westmount Signs, one of the services that allow us to claim to be a one-stop business is that we are also able to install, service, and maintain your back-lit sign.  

LED vs. Fluorescent

One of the final things you'll have to decide when designing your back-lit sign is whether or not you'd prefer to use LED or fluorescent bulbs to light your sign. Depending on the size and your needs for the sign, you may want to choose one over the other. Here are some of the reasons you should go with either LED or Fluorescent bulbs: LED

• Massive lifespan
• Use low levels of power
• Low operating cost
• Low environmental impact
• Not sensitive to temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors

Fluorescent

• Very cost friendly
• Come in large sizes (tubes)

Now it may seem that LED's have a lot more pros (and in fact they really do), but most people still tend to stick with fluorescent bulbs because of their initial price point. For an example, a fluorescent bulb will cost you approximately $4, and a LED bulb will cost probably $18. But if you consider that a LED bulb will last five times longer and be more energy efficient than it's easy to see where the LED will eventually save you money. So it depends on the size of your sign, and whether you believe it will be a long term investment.  

What we offer at Westmount Signs & Printing

Located in the Waterloo region of Ontario, Westmount Signs and Printing is the one stop place for all your signage needs, and this includes backlit signs. We can cover every aspect of your sign from design, to installation and service saving you time and money.   Sources: http://blog.theplasticpeople.co.uk/2012/06/01/how-are-polycarbonate-acrylic-different/ http://www.1hoursigns.ca/info02.html http://eartheasy.com/live_led_bulbs_comparison.html