What Are Canned Letters? Signage Styles Explained with Visual Examples

Canned letters are a dynamic way to make your brand stand out with three-dimensional signage that catches the eye day or night. From sleek acrylic to rugged aluminum, these letters stand out day and night, making a memorable first impression. By combining depth, illumination, and material versatility, canned letters deliver a professional, high-impact look that can transform any storefront or interior environment. Read on to learn how canned letters from Identity Group can enhance your storefront or interior wayfinding. 

At Identity Group, we’re dedicated to transforming your vision into striking, custom-crafted signage that commands attention and elevates your brand. As the premier option for custom signage, our team combines decades of industry expertise with cutting-edge materials and fabrication techniques to deliver durable, eye-catching solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking bold exterior channel letters, elegant lobby graphics, or innovative wayfinding systems, Identity Group ensures precision design, seamless installation, and unmatched service from concept to completion to make your first impression unforgettable. 

What Are Canned Letters? 

Canned letters, also known as channel letters or dimensional letters, are three-dimensional signs typically fabricated from materials such as aluminum, acrylic, or plastic. This versatile signage is perfect for multiple industries, including grocery stores, hospitals, and restaurants. Canned letters can be mounted easily to a building’s facade or on a raceway, making them an easy upgrade. When combined with effective lighting, canned letters suit any aesthetic or functional requirement. 

Canned Letters: Visual Examples

Canned Letters are perfect for interiors and exteriors. They work for any industry, providing a large, legible sign that leads customers to their intended destination.

As you can see, even Identity Group uses vibrant canned letters to direct customers and employees through our doors. They are a powerful and effective tool for advertising, wayfinding, and establishing brand identity. 

Inspired by these examples? Contact Identity Group to see our portfolio and start your custom design.

Canned Letters: Variety of Materials

Choosing the right materials is crucial for both appearance and longevity: 

• Aluminum: Lightweight yet exceptionally durable and rust-resistant, aluminum letters are ideal for outdoor signage that endures the elements without corroding. 
• Acrylic and Polycarbonate: Acrylic offers clarity and color versatility, resisting UV fading, while polycarbonate provides virtually unbreakable strength and impact resistance for vibrant, long-lasting appeal.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Sustainable materials deliver the same professional look and resilience, allowing environmentally conscious brands to showcase their values without sacrificing performance.

Our materials specialists at Identity Group will recommend the optimal combination for your climate, budget, and branding goals.

Canned Letters: Lighting Options

Several lighting styles for your canned letters cater to different branding goals: 

• Front-Lit: LEDs shine through translucent faces for bright, uniform illumination. This provides strong visibility at night, which is perfect for storefronts. 
• Back-Lit (Halo): Light emits from behind the letters, creating a soft glow around each character for an upscale, premium appearance.
• Edge-Lit Letters: LEDs embedded along the letter edges create a crisp, modern outline effect that’s both eye-catching and energy-efficient. 
• Reverse Pan (Pan-Channel) Letters: Faces are unlit, but back pans reflect light from a concealed source for a refined look.
• Push-Through Acrylic Letters: Acrylic inserts “push through” a metal return, offering vivid color saturation and depth.

Learn more about Identity Group and explore style options that perfectly match your brand by visiting our website or by calling 800-325-7409. 

Canned Letters: Mounting Options and Installation

Canned letters offer versatile mounting options to fit any facade or interior setting: 

• Flush Mounting: Letters attach directly to the wall for a seamless, integrated, low-profile appearance. 
• Raceway Mounting: Letters are mounted on a backbone structure that hides wiring and simplifies installation. 
• Stand-Off Mounting: Spacers that separate each letter create a floating effect, adding depth and dimensional interest.  
• Stud Mounting: Individual studs secure each letter, offering maximum stability on uneven walls and surfaces. 
• Electrical Setup: Each installation is fully handled by our certified technicians and electricians to comply with local codes and safety regulations. 

Partner with Identity Group for Premier Custom Signage

When it comes to bringing your brand’s story to life through exceptional signage, Identity Group stands unrivaled as the premier choice. Our comprehensive approach, from initial concept and custom design through precision fabrication and seamless installation, ensures each project reflects your brand’s personality and meets the highest standards of durability and performance. With over 65 years of experience, we combine cutting-edge technology with artisan craftsmanship to deliver results that not only attract attention but also stand the test of time. Partner with Identity Group and experience the difference that professional craftsmanship, personalized service, and industry-leading expertise can make for your business. 

Ready to make a bold statement with canned letters from Identity Group? Contact us by calling 800-325-7409 or visiting us online, and let us craft signage that elevates your brand for years to come!