When fabricating reverse pan letters in Phoenix, AZ, we typically add LEDs as built-in illumination. However, it does not have to be this way. Check out the reverse pan letter sign we did for St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School!
Greeting School Community Members with Non-Lit Pan Channel Letters
Located at 3130 North 51st Avenue, the St. Vincent de Paul School began educating students in 1959. Since then, the school has grown to about 500 students and a staff of dedicated instructors. When it was time to replace the signage above the entrance, the school’s administration contacted our shop to assist with the project.
Because the administration did not need built-in lights, the client opted for a non-illuminated reverse pan channel building sign. Our technicians produced the individual style elements following the specs that the client had sent us. They include details such as sizing, spacing, font, and color palette. Besides that, the specs included the details of the logo display, which allowed us to create a perfect rendition of the image.
You will notice that the lettering is impressive, ideally suited for the facade, and expertly leverages the depth of the letters. Technicians mounted the pieces flat to the wall, giving the sign an elegant look.
What is a Pan Channel Sign?
Most people associate reverse pan letters with halo-lit channel letters. Typically, you would be correct. However, lighting only plays a role when we add LEDs. In this case, we did not. As a result, this type of sign consists of individual three-dimensional letters made with aluminum that feature a pan enclosure, which takes on the shape of a letter or logo portion.
The advantage of using non-illuminated pan channel letters is their impressive depth on the facade. Depending on the size of the returns, they jut out for several inches. This manufacturing technique results in 3D building letters with depths more significant than those you might achieve with flat-cut metal or acrylic. Concurrently, because the letters are made from metal, they last for a long time to come.
If you have been looking for a non-illuminated sign that stands out and will last for a long time, reverse pan letters could be your best option.
What LEDs Bring to the Facade
If the client had decided that they wanted built-in illumination, our team could have placed LEDs into the channel we constructed with the metal. A reverse or halo-lit sign would have the painted material in the front with an opening in the back. Once we installed the letters with standoffs, the LEDs’ illumination could reflect off the wall.
The other option would have been front-lit channel letters. Construction for this type of channel letter requires us to close the front with a polycarbonate facing that allows the lighting to escape. It then heightens the color presentation when illuminated.
What Is Next?
With the reverse pan letters in Phoenix, AZ, designed, produced, and installed, the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School administration had another project for us. We will discuss this in our next blog post!