0102030405
Custom Backlit Illuminated Letters House Number Business Logo
Understanding the Technology
Backlit letters use LED strips mounted inside aluminum letter shells. The front face is made from acrylic or polycarbonate, which lets light through while maintaining the letter shape. When you turn the sign on, light shines backward against the mounting wall, creating that distinctive outline effect.
The system works well because it spreads light evenly. Front-lit signs often have bright spots where bulbs are positioned and darker areas in between. Backlit letters avoid this problem entirely - the wall itself acts as a reflector, distributing light uniformly.
Most modern backlit letter systems use white LEDs, though colored options exist. The color temperature you choose affects how the sign looks - warmer tones (around 3000K) feel inviting, while cooler tones (5000K+) appear more modern and crisp.
Material Quality Matters
The difference between a good backlit letter installation and a poor one usually comes down to materials. Quality manufacturers use thicker aluminum (at least 0.063 inches) with proper corrosion protection. Cheaper versions use thinner metal that warps over time or develops rust spots.
The acrylic face should be at least 1/8 inch thick. Thinner material yellows faster from UV exposure and may crack in cold weather. Some manufacturers use polycarbonate instead, which costs more but handles temperature extremes better.
LED quality varies enormously. Commercial-grade LEDs from manufacturers like Cree or Nichia will run 50,000+ hours before significant degradation. No-name LEDs might look fine initially but often fail within a year or two.
Where Backlit Letters Work Best
These signs excel in specific situations:
High-traffic retail locations benefit most. The evening visibility translates directly to more customers stopping in. We've installed backlit letter signs for several retail clients who track foot traffic - most report 20-25% increases in evening shoppers after installation.
Medical practices with evening hours use them to help patients find the office after dark. This reduces missed appointments and frustrated calls from people who drove past the building.
Restaurants see immediate results. One steakhouse client told us their evening reservations jumped 40% in the first month after installing backlit letters. People could finally see the sign from the highway.
Professional services use more subdued backlit letter designs. Law offices and financial advisors typically choose smaller letters with dimmer illumination - visible but not flashy.
Case picture
