The Ultimate Guide to Channel Letters: Styles, Materials, and Finishes

Channel letters are one of the most impactful ways to showcase a brand. At Trade Made, we manufacture every style of channel letter — from classic full acrylic letters (the oldest style, still one of the best) to modern rimless designs and luxury solid metals.

Our letters are built with precision, strength, and craftsmanship in a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, acrylic, brass, and bronze. Whether you’re a sign company, architect, or brand owner, our channel letters provide the perfect solution for every project.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different channel letter types we produce, the materials and finishes available, and when each style is best used.

Types of Channel Letters We Manufacture

1. Rim & Return Channel Letters

The most popular and versatile choice, rim and return letters feature an acrylic face secured with an aluminium or stainless steel trimcap and side returns. This design creates a clean, professional look while reinforcing the letter’s strength.

From around 400mm upwards, the rim becomes essential as it strengthens the letter and securely holds the acrylic face in place. For letters over 1 metre high, rim and return is the best option — ensuring structural durability, stability, and even LED illumination.

Best for: Medium to large illuminated signage (400mm – 5ft+), retail chains, shopping centres, and corporate branding.

Alt text: Rim and return channel letters with aluminium trimcap and acrylic face

Caption: Rim and return channel letters – strong, secure, and ideal for large signage

2. Rimless (Trimless) Channel Letters

Rimless channel letters remove the trimcap for a seamless, modern aesthetic. The acrylic face bonds directly to the side returns, creating a smooth edge finish with no visible frame.

This style works best for smaller to medium-sized letters where structural reinforcement is less critical. Rimless is especially popular for luxury retail, offices, and boutique signage that require a minimalist, contemporary look.

Best for: Small to medium illuminated signage, modern shopfronts, and interior branding.

Alt text: Trimless channel letters with seamless acrylic face

Caption: Rimless channel letters – sleek and modern with no trimcap

3. Full Acrylic Channel Letters

Full acrylic letters are one of the oldest styles of channel letters still in use today — and for good reason. Built entirely from acrylic, with both the face and sides illuminated, they remain one of the most effective options for long-lasting signage.

These letters are extremely durable, often outlasting stainless steel, making them a favourite for clients who want signage built to last. They are also known for their brilliant illumination, as the whole letter glows evenly, delivering maximum impact both day and night.

However, full acrylic letters are also the most challenging to build correctly. Each letter must be heated and bent into shape by hand, requiring true craftsmanship and precision. When made properly, they provide a premium finish with unmatched durability and light performance.

Best for: Long-lasting illuminated signage, retail brands, airports, and high-traffic locations where durability and brightness are critical.

Alt text: Full acrylic illuminated letters with glowing face and sides

Caption: Full acrylic letters – one of the oldest styles, still one of the best

4. Open Face Channel Letters (Neon & LED Neon)

Open face letters are designed for classic neon tubing or modern LED neon lighting. The acrylic face is removed, leaving the interior exposed so the light source is fully visible.

This style is best suited to smaller to medium-sized letters (generally under 1m) to keep the neon lighting vibrant and highly visible. Open face channel letters are often used by bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to achieve a retro neon glow that draws attention day and night.

Best for: Retro signage, neon branding, bars, restaurants, and entertainment spaces.

Alt text: Open face neon channel letters with exposed lighting

Caption: Open face channel letters – bold, bright, and retro-inspired

5. Solid Metal Face Letters

Solid face channel letters are manufactured from premium metals such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze. These letters are usually non-illuminated but can be backlit for a subtle halo effect.

With their engraved, polished, or brushed finishes, solid metal face letters create a luxury, high-end look. They are often chosen for corporate offices, hotels, and luxury retail brands that want signage to reflect prestige and permanence.

Best for: Premium non-illuminated or halo-lit signage, offices, hotels, and high-end retail.

Alt text: Solid brass and bronze face channel letters with brushed finish

Caption: Solid metal face letters – timeless, durable, and built for prestige signage

Materials & Finishes We Offer

At Trade Made, we build channel letters in a wide range of premium materials, tailored to project needs:

• Stainless Steel – Corrosion-resistant, available in brushed, polished, or painted finishes.

• Aluminium – Lightweight, cost-effective, and ideal for large-scale signage.

• Acrylic – Clean, vibrant colour options, perfect for illuminated faces.

• Brass & Bronze – Premium luxury finishes with timeless appeal.

  
  

On top of this, we can paint, powder coat, anodise, or vinyl wrap any of the letters we manufacture. That means matching corporate colours is never a problem — whether you need a perfect Pantone match, a custom metallic effect, or a branded wrap finish.

Why Choose Trade Made?

Choosing Trade Made for your channel letters means selecting quality and reliability. Here are some reasons to consider us:

✔ Manufactured in Northern Ireland with precision engineering

✔ Built for trade supply — serving sign companies across the UK & Ireland

✔ Wide range of styles, finishes, and lighting options

✔ Strong, durable, and weather-resistant for long-term use

✔ Competitive lead times and trade only pricing

Frequently Asked Questions About Channel Letters

What is the difference between rim and return vs rimless channel letters?

Rim and return letters use a trimcap and side returns (aluminium or stainless steel) to hold the acrylic face securely in place, making them ideal for larger letters from 400mm to over 1m. Rimless (trimless) letters have no trimcap, creating a seamless modern look, but they are better suited for smaller to medium-sized signage.

Which channel letters last the longest?

Full acrylic letters are considered one of the most durable options, often outlasting even stainless steel. Because the entire letter is acrylic and illuminated on both the face and sides, they deliver brilliant illumination and long-term performance.

Can channel letters be custom painted or colour matched?

Yes. At Trade Made, we can paint, powder coat, anodise, or vinyl wrap any of our letters. This allows us to match corporate colours and Pantone references with precision, ensuring perfect branding every time.

Are channel letters suitable for outdoor use?

Absolutely. Our letters are manufactured from weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, and acrylic. They are built to withstand UK and Irish weather conditions, ensuring long-term durability outdoors.

Which type of channel letter is best for neon lighting?

Open face channel letters are designed specifically for traditional neon tubing or LED neon strips. By leaving the face open, the neon is fully visible, creating a bold retro glow that works perfectly for bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

What are solid metal face letters used for?

Solid metal letters (stainless steel, brass, or bronze) are usually non-illuminated or halo-lit. They’re chosen for luxury branding, offices, and hotels, where a prestige look and timeless finish is required.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Channel Letters

When it comes to signage, the right choice of channel letters can significantly impact your brand's visibility and appeal. The materials, finishes, and styles you select should align with your brand identity and the message you want to convey.

Understanding Your Options

Each type of channel letter offers unique advantages. For instance, rim and return letters are ideal for larger installations, while rimless letters provide a sleek, modern look for contemporary spaces. Full acrylic letters are perfect for those seeking durability and brightness, while solid metal letters convey a sense of luxury and permanence.

Tailoring to Your Needs

At Trade Made, we understand that every project is unique. We work closely with our clients to ensure that the channel letters we produce meet their specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a custom colour match or a specific finish, we have the expertise to deliver.

Final Thoughts

Channel letters remain the gold standard of signage, offering impact, flexibility, and durability. Whether you need rim and return letters for large-format projects, rimless for sleek modern branding, full acrylic for unmatched longevity and illumination, open face for retro neon, or solid metals for luxury finishes,

Trade Made delivers world-class results. And with our ability to paint, powder coat, anodise, or wrap any of our letters, we can match any brand specification with precision. Whatever the design, scale, or finish, we’ll manufacture channel letters that stand out and stand the test of time.

👉 Contact us today to discuss your next signage project — and let us manufacture the perfect channel letters for your client’s brand.

www.trademade.co.uk