The three parts of most shopfront signs
Most shopfronts combine a fascia panel, lettering and some form of lighting. You can have any one of them on its own, but the sign reads best when the three are planned together.
Fascia panels
The fascia is the board above the shop window. Most are now 3 mm or 4 mm aluminium composite (ACM), which stays flat and does not rot. It can be painted, wrapped in printed vinyl or left as a plain background for letters.
Flat-cut and built-up letters
Flat-cut letters are cut from one sheet of acrylic, PVC foam, aluminium or steel and fixed to the fascia or wall, often on small stand-offs so they sit proud. They are crisp and economical.
Built-up letters are hollow 3D letters made of a face, a back and returns around the sides. They have real depth, cast their own shadow and can hold LED lighting inside. Large ones, like the rooftop lettering we made for an airport terminal, sit on a steel frame designed for the wind.
Face-lit, halo-lit and edge-lit
| Type | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Face-lit | LEDs inside the letter shine through a translucent acrylic face, so the whole letter glows | Takeaways, phone shops and late trading, where the sign has to be read from across the street |
| Halo-lit | The face is opaque and the LEDs shine back onto the wall, outlining each letter with light | Offices, gyms, salons and premium retail |
| Edge-lit | Light is fed into the edge of clear acrylic, so cut or engraved detail glows | Counters, receptions and window displays |
| Trough or spot lighting | Lights fixed above or below the fascia wash it with light | Traditional painted fascias and heritage streets |
| Light box | A slim cabinet with LEDs inside and a printed or cut face | Logos, franchises and projecting signs |
| LED neon | Flexible LED tube bent into shapes and letters, usually on clear acrylic | Interiors, windows and feature walls |
Projecting signs
A projecting sign sticks out from the wall so people walking along the street can read it from both directions. On narrow streets, where a fascia is only seen head-on, it often does more work than the fascia. Our round Phonetastic light box in Cork is one. Projecting signs have their own planning limits, covered in our planning guide.
Materials
| Material | Best for |
|---|---|
| Aluminium and aluminium composite | Fascias, letter returns and light box cabinets. Durable outdoors and does not rust |
| Stainless steel | Polished or brushed letters and returns that last for decades |
| Acrylic | Coloured and illuminated letter faces, edge-lit signs and polished edges |
| PVC foam board | Economical flat-cut letters indoors or in sheltered spots |
| Timber and MDF | Interiors, screens and timber-faced letters |
| Printed and cut vinyl | Window graphics, fascia wraps and vehicles |
How to choose
- If you trade after dark, light the sign. In an Irish winter that is most of the trading day.
- If the street is narrow, add a projecting sign.
- If the building is protected or in a conservation area, expect the council to prefer smaller, non-illuminated or halo-lit letters and painted or timber finishes.
- If you have a logo with fine detail, a light box or printed face shows it more faithfully than cut letters.
Not sure? Send us a photo of the building. We will tell you what would suit it and show you a mock-up.