The Biggest Differences Between Illuminated Signs vs. Non-Illuminated Signs

At its core, the difference between illuminated and non-illuminated signs is that the illuminated variety is wired with lights and connected with a type of lighting fixture, usually LED lights, fluorescent, incandescent, or neon-style lighted tubing. And while ShieldCo provides lighting services for custom metal signs, you might question if a lit sign is necessary.

Whether you require light for an outdoor sign or illuminated signage for an indoor business space, your options are almost limitless. But knowing the differences between illuminated vs non-lighted signs can make a big difference.

“Did you know that over 50% of prospective customers say that poorly maintained business signs deter them from choosing a business?” - Fluorescent Man Lighting

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Illumination or Non-Illumination? What is the Difference?

Sign Type
Description

Illuminated
Wired with lights (LED, fluorescent, incandescent, or neon-style tubing)

Non-illuminated
Without integrated lighting

Lighted signs

When it comes to branding, you want your business to stand out. In advertising, the more people see your sign, the more likely they will engage with your business. Several case studies have shown that both colors and brightness can affect mood, with neon letters, colors, and graphics having a noticeable effect with associations of well-being.

The Benefits of Illuminated Signs

Increased Visibility. LED signs or even neon essentially give 24/7 brand visibility as long as the lighting is on.
Can be seen at a further location. Exterior signs that are bright create a visible impact the further away they are. This is ideal for signboards in locations with lots of snow, rain, or other conditions that can affect visibility.
Flexibility. Businesses can mount LED lights on the wall, outside, and inside, and you can incorporate them into the decor. They can also say any message or logo you want. The flexibility of where you want it to go and what you want it to say is practically endless.

Illumination and lighted signs play a key part in how certain businesses stand out, especially if they may be somewhere dark, like a road at night or a storefront away from the street. They also stand out if your custom metal sign is located indoors, as vibrant colors and signage are easily noticed.

Non-Illuminated Signs

ShieldCo primarily offers LED illumination, but we also realize that your unique brand has unique needs. Not every business necessarily benefits from LED lights, and there are benefits to non-lighted signs as well.

The Benefits of Non-Lighted Signs:

Non-lighted signs are typically more cost-effective, and energy efficiency is higher.
Installation and maintenance are easier due to fewer technical parts, such as wiring.
They are easier to customize. Since fewer parts are involved in the building process, the sign doesn't need room for things like backlighting, meaning it will be easier to create something more customized to your liking.

No matter what industry you're in, non-LED signs can bring your brand to life through logo customization or be used as an art piece that is guaranteed to turn a few heads.

The ShieldCo LED Lights Process

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Installation for a lit-up business sign comes in several different processes. Boxsign and backlighting are two of the most common business signs, but other options exist as well, such as external spotlights and direct mounting channel letters for a halo-type effect.

ShieldCo offers customers plenty of options for how they would like their custom metal signs made. Our production process starts after you’ve given the thumbs up on the design concept. When we start manufacturing the sign, we’ll take into consideration things like the size of letters, sign sizes, and fastening points. Moreover, our expertise also considers which colors would look best and placement for optimal highlights.

Wiring the lighting behind a sign involves assembling circuits and soldering the wires and panels together. ShieldCo signs make installation easy. The only things you'll need to mount your custom LED sign to the wall are basic household tools.

Examples of Different Lighting Styles

External Spotlights	External spotlights are lights positioned outside the sign and directed towards it.
Box Sign	A box sign is also sometimes referred to as a “lightbox” and is usually found with exterior signs. It consists of a rectangular or box-shaped structure with one or more faces where graphics, text, or branding elements are displayed. The primary characteristic of a box sign is its ability to incorporate internal lighting, making it visible and effective both day and night.
Backlighting	Backlighting on a sign refers to the technique of illuminating a sign from behind, creating a visually striking and often vibrant display. In this method, light sources are positioned behind the sign, casting light through the sign’s translucent or transparent elements.
Raceway Mounted Channel Letters	Raceway-mounted channel letters refer to a type of signage installation where individual channel letters are attached to a raceway—a rectangular-shaped, enclosed metal structure that serves as a mounting and wiring system
Direct Mounted Channel Letters	Direct-mounted channel letters refer to a type of signage installation where individual three-dimensional letters are mounted directly onto the building’s facade without the use of a raceway or secondary structure.