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All About 3D Built-Up Channel Letters

Before we investigate the benefits of 3d channel lettering, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

Audience — with whom are you trying to communicate?

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Language
  • Reading ability 

Message — what are you trying to communicate?

  • Directions
  • Rules
  • Ideas
  • Images
  • Brand identity

Who uses 3D Letters?

If it is depth and interest and bespoke signage pieces you are looking for from your sign with the striking visual effect, it must be fabricated in 3D.

There are a range of benefits of manufacturing your next retail outlet shop sign, school signage or office space, hospitality event, exhibitions, restaurants, bars, shop frontage even boats that use 3D lettering.

Why do I need a 3D Channel Letter?

Do you want to have a superb finish of a vast range of options and make your logo, number, or branding protrude off the wall? Well, 3D letters or 3D numbers are the way to go.

Below are some of the materials you may consider for your next project:

  • Flat Cut 3D Letters
  • Built-up 3D Letters
  • Backlit 3D Letters
  • Front-Lit Letters
  • Foamex 3D Letters

Which business would use a 3D letter or number?

Suppose you are a school, leisure outlet, commercial premises, or general office reception area. 3D lettering will give your brand the wow factor for any business indoors or outdoors.

What materials can 3D Letters be manufactured from, and can they be lit?

At Trade Only Signs, we use the latest CNC machinery with computerised technology; the following materials can be cut out of flat sheets and come in various thicknesses.

They can also be lit from the face (front of sign lights up) or backlit (glow behind the letter) cut to shape, creating a lovely vibrant illuminating effect out of a range of fonts with the best LEDs and drivers on the market with the added benefit of a five-year warranty. Neon, trough light, edge light or even fully lit (acrylic only) are other options.

The returns on the 3D letters usually are 10% of the overall cap height of the letter which is superior to traditional 2D designs. Several 3D letter options are available: rimless, rim and return, halo, and cabochon to name a few — in all instances, illuminated signage always creates that wow factor.

Aluminium painted

Least expensive, 2.5mm or 3mm thickness used as standard but other thicknesses available.

Acrylic

Range of thicknesses (3mm,5mm,10mm – others available upon request). Suitable for internal and external use. A cheaper option is to paint materials that are already coloured. We use only branded acrylic for the best quality

Brass or Copper

Copper cut on CNC Router at Trade Only Signs; brass cut by laser (fibre laser only). Standard thicknesses: Brass 3mm; Copper 1mm.

We advise that getting a protective lacquer applied to the finished product or natural oxidisation process can be prevented by weekly maintenance.

Stainless Steel descaled

A client would choose stainless steel painted over aluminium painted as it provides a much sleeker and high-quality look. We use 304 Steel as standard – 316 upon request.

All steel is laser cut 2mm or 3mm thickness used as standard but other thicknesses available. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Stainless Steel mirror chrome

Available in gold, bronze, black. 304-grade stainless steel, always laser-cut. Standard thicknesses are 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, 3mm.

Polished Stainless Steel has exceptionally high corrosion resistance, giving it a much longer life span than any other non-alloy product. Steel shop sign letters can be used for internal office signs as well as external signs. Polished Stainless Steel is a weatherproof product and gives you a tough, robust finish, but it will still need to be cleaned regularly for the best results.

Stainless Steel brushed

204 grit steel used as standard; all steel is laser cut. Stainless Steel has exceptionally high corrosion resistance, giving it a much longer life span than any other non-alloy product.

Steel is a weatherproof product and gives you a tough, robust finish. 2mm or 3mm thickness used as standard but different thicknesses available. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Other alternatives

  • Bronze
  • Mild steel
  • Rust Finish
  • Brushed Matt Finish
  • Chrome
  • MDF

Can 3D Channel Letters be painted to my colour choice? 

Yes, powder coating RAL colours (preferred method or wet spray is used in the trade. Pantone colours (slightly more expensive and lower longevity).

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, your individual A-Z letters or glyphic symbol shapes will be powder-coated.

Can you make my 3D letter unique?

Everyone wants to be different today, so we spoke to our design team, who created a perforated 3D letter to showcase the wow factor.

Perforated return 3d letters, an invention from Trade Only Signs, a unique and eye-catching piece of signage. Using the standard method for the built-up 3D letter, our CNC router drills additional holes to create the splattered light effect.

Available in a wide variety of materials and with a great selection of coloured LED’s. These signs are only suitable for indoor use. Also, consider applying vinyl to your 3d sign in keeping with your brand identity.

Please send us your EPS file, and our design team will quote your requirement.

Can you protect my sign?

The team also created a rusted mild steel 3D sign at Trade Only Signs. As a division of JMF Group, our company have made their own ‘secret’ solution, made in-house, to rust the mild steel (it includes an acidic solution). Lacquering is the best option to prevent any dirt dripping off if used, W036 grade outdoors as standard. Standard thicknesses (1mm,2mm,3mm) Laser-cut. Hot and cold rolled options.

Can 3D Letters be freestanding? 

Next time you are at a birthday party or wedding, have a look at those A&P freestanding letters, for example, Alison and Paul’s wedding.

In the trade, these are called Cabochon Bulb Letters like those found in fairgrounds, which can be handcrafted out of Acrylic, Stainless Steel (Mirror, Polished, Brushed or Descaled), Mild Steel, Brass, Copper or Aluminium, with branded colour cabochon bulbs with controller options available imported from Europe. 

Letters can be supplied with various bases/ fixings; these can be made suitable for almost anywhere to create that floating effect.

Who can fit my 3D built up lettering signage? 

As a trade supplier, we also have our fitting crews ready to install your trade built up letters for you around the UK to your wall and take all the hassle away. Talk to us today about our white label NDA policy.

Package and Delivery

All items are packed securely and safely with any fixings required; speak to our estimating team regarding FREE delivery options. We cover all regions in the UK.

How do I place an order for my 3D letters?

Please send us your requirements, either a one-off or mass produce your 3D needs and our customer service technical team will happily provide you with an affordable trade price quotation within 24 hours.

Once we agree on your next project, the 3D sign will be custom made by our team of sign makers and assembled ready for dispatch, with over 120 years of experience from your materials preference. It will be handcrafted and manufactured in our factories in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear UK.

Trade Only Signs: Your Trusted and Reliable Sign Makers

We’re a family-owned and operated business with over 33 years of experience in the industry. We can help you find the perfect signage for your needs, whatever type of sign you’re looking for. Some of the most common enquiries we receive are for example

Stainless steel signs and letters, reverse channel letter signs, halo-lit channel letters, steel signage, built up letters, halo-lit letters, front-lit fabricated backlit channel letter signs. Stainless signages steel letters for signs. 3D channel letter. Neon channel letter side-lit channel

Signage that speaks for itself

Trade Only Signs offer a wide range of signage solutions to suit your business needs, whether it’s to make a good impression with an illuminated sign or to show off your logo with our custom design services. Whatever you need, we can help!

With a wide range of products, you can be sure to find something that will suit your business needs.

If you’re looking for a way to make a good impression with guests who visit your venue, then signage is a great way to do so.

We offer a variety of signage solutions to suit your needs, from LED panels and neon signage to traditional advertising displays and wall graphics.

You don’t have to sacrifice style for durability. When it comes to Trade Only Signs, we don’t just care about high-quality products and competitive prices. We also care about durability. That means our signage is made to last longer than any other signage company around!

Quality guarantee

All of our products are made from the finest and most durable materials and undergo rigorous testing before they make it to the public. This guarantees that our customers will enjoy using them for many years to come, as they will know that their product is of the highest quality.

Businesses trust us

As a high-quality signage company, we at tradeonlysigns.co.uk have been providing signs and graphics for over 33 years and have since grown into one of the most trusted names in the industry. We understand that there’s no such thing as a “one-size fits all” approach for any company, which is why we offer a variety of options to fit every business’ needs and budget.

Contact us today to learn more.

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