As a business owner, you want to ensure that your business stands out from the rest. Custom light box signs, aka cabinet signs or box signs, are a great way to do that. Here are five things every business owner should know about custom light box signs:

1.) What is a light box sign?

A light box sign is a cabinet sign that uses light to illuminate the sign’s face. Box signs are one of the most popular types of signage for businesses, as they are highly visible and can be seen from a distance. These illuminated signs are especially effective at night or in low-light conditions.

This bespoke light box shop sign we made for Holiday Inn Express & Suites below is a good example of a beautiful light box sign.

2.) What are the different types of light box signs?

Two primary categories of light box signs are those designed for indoor use and those that can withstand outdoor elements.

Exterior Light Box Signs

Exterior light box signs are designed for outdoor use and are typically made from weather-resistant materials. These signs are often illuminated with LED lights, which consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Exterior cabinet signs can be mounted on the side of a building or a freestanding pole.

Outdoor signs are typically larger than indoor signs, as they need to be visible from further away.

Indoor Light Box Signs

Indoor light box signs are typically used for lobby signs, posters, point-of-purchase displays, trade show booths, or other indoor applications. Light box signs can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, glass, plastic, or metal, but since they are inside, they do not need to be as weather-resistant as outdoor signs.

The circular light box sign shown below, which Dave’s Signs made for Concours Motors, uses a simple backlight that makes its vibrant colors stand out. Since it’s indoors, this round lightbox sign doesn’t need to be weatherproof, but it’s still made to catch your eye and brighten up the space.

Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted light box signs are fixed to a wall or the side of a building. These signs are often used in markets, retail stores, restaurants, and businesses. Lit up either indoors or out, they are an effective way to advertise your business branding or promotional message to your target audience.

Advertising Visual Ideas for Your Business

Convenience store window LED lighting is a good idea since it can highlight products and draw attention to your store. On the other hand, Dave’s Signs can use light box sign panels like this one pictured for Red Barn Market to create amazing advertising visuals. They are some of the best lighting options for a convenience store market you can find.

If you are kicking around kitchen light box ideas for your restaurant, why not discuss your concept with Dave’s Signs? The Garbanzo Healthy Kitchen sign below that we made is a prime example of how expert craftsmanship meets brand resonance to create a sign and a landmark that draws people towards a gastronomic haven.

The base color scheme of the sign is green and white, which echoes the brand’s commitment to freshness and vitality. This delightful combination serves as an open invitation, promising a culinary experience that is both nourishing and delightful.

The green is a subtle nod to the verdant hues of fresh vegetables, a staple in Garbanzo’s wholesome offerings. This thoughtful selection of color evokes a garden-fresh appeal, representing a commitment to offering patrons meals as close to nature as possible, resonating with those seeking nourishment in its purest, most vibrant form.

At the heart of this vibrant canvas is the centerpiece, the word “Garbanzo,” illuminated brightly from the back in white light. This stylistic choice gives the sign a radiant glow, casting a gentle luminescence that beckons diners near and far.

Pole Mounted

Pole-mounted lighted box signs are mounted on a pylon or posts. Often called pylon signs, these outdoor signs are often used along roadways, parking lots, and at the entrance of businesses. Typically they include shopping malls, hotels, car dealerships, and restaurants trying to reach people driving by.

Before moving into the old Carrows space, Black Bear Diner hired us to install their outdoor light box sign onto an existing pole sign. Using an existing structure makes everything go much more smoothly and saves on costs.

Projecting Signs

Projecting light box signs, aka illuminated blade signs, typically feature led lighting and, because of their short setbacks, are applied in areas like downtown and shopping malls with heavy pedestrian traffic.

A good example of this is Roberta’s restaurant sign that sits outside the door leading customers to “come on in!”

Monument Signs

Monument signs are generally freestanding, double-sided, and often illuminated with outdoor lightboxes. These signs are made from various materials like brick, stone, metal, wood, or acrylic, faced with an aluminum composite, or can even be mounted on poles.

Monument signs are found in shopping malls, schools, churches, office parks, and businesses and play a pivotal role in directing visitors.

The Bed, Bath & Beyond monument sign shown here is a great example of how these structures can serve multiple purposes beyond just branding. The sign promotes the brand and can function as a house number light box.  seeking a specific location or address.

When illuminated, such signs become even more prominent at night, easily guiding visitors, customers, or attendees to their destination.

3.) What are lighted box signs made from?

The face of a letter sign light box is typically made from acrylic, plexiglass, or metal, while the sides and back are usually made from aluminum.

However, many other materials can be considered depending on the application and exposure to the elements.

Take this sign for Transmission Brewing. It’s one of many single-sided backlit signs we did using outdoor lightboxes and front-lit channel letters. It’s made from acrylic and extruded aluminum. The logo and letters are lit using regular bulbs and led lights.

4.) What types of lighting are used for light box signs?

Two of the most popular lighting technologies for light box signs are LED and fluorescent lamps. Unlike backlit signs like channel letters, a light box sign lights up the entire sign.

LED Lights

LED (light emitting diode) technology has many advantages over traditional lighting sources such as incandescent, fluorescent, and metal halide. LEDs are more energy efficient, have a longer life span, and produce little heat. These features make LED illumination ideal for light box signs – commonly called a led box sign.

Vintage Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lights are commonly used in vintage light box signs because they are inexpensive and provide good illumination. In fact, fluorescent lights diffuse light better than LED lamps. They even out the light over the entire backlit display. Even though they don’t last as long as LED lighting, they are more cost-effective when replacing the bulbs.

Another advantage of fluorescent lights is that they provide a warmer glow than LED bulbs. So, if you feel your poster or graphics are more accurately shown in warm light, then it’s something worth considering.

You often find fluorescent bulbs in older signs, like outdoor signage in strip malls. They have been around forever and are inexpensive to replace or update when a new tenant moves in compared to other sign types.

5.) What are the most popular ways light box signs are used?

There are many uses for light box signs, such as branding and advertising for businesses, offices, restaurants, retail stores, events, trade shows, and more.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your business’s visibility and attract more customers – a light box sign may be the perfect solution.

Light Box Signs for Business

Businesses use outdoor lighted signs for a number of reasons. An external light box like the one below can attract attention to a business’s products or services, advertise sales or specials, or simply make the business more visible.

Storefront Light Box Signs

If you want to make your storefront more appealing to customers, invest in beautiful outdoor lightboxes—custom signs that help you spread the word and reach your target audience. Whether you want to replace an existing sign or looking for options in custom designs, our outdoor lighted signs go a long way in helping increase customer traffic and visibility for your business.

Restaurant Signs

There are many different types of restaurant signs, each with its unique purpose and style. Restaurant lightbox signs are a popular sign that commonly uses LED lights to illuminate the restaurant’s brand or promotional message.

Finney’s outdoor sign, pictured here, combines several sign technologies to make a lasting impression. The custom options include front-lit and back-lit channel letters, LED lights, neon, and an outdoor lightbox for “& Kitchen.”

Located downtown, this sign will definitely get the customer’s attention up and down the block.

Directory Signs

Office buildings, shopping malls, and other commercial complexes often use directory signs to help visitors find their way. These signs are typically freestanding or mounted on the wall and list the businesses in the building by name and suite number.

Light box signs are a great option for directories because they can be easily updated when tenants change. Just print out the new name of the business and slide it in – it’s that easy!

Light box material is also very durable and withstands the test of time, making it an economical choice for long-term signage needs.

Event Signs

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large convention, event signs help promote your event and assist attendees with finding their way around. Light box signs are commonly used for this purpose because they can be placed just about anywhere and quickly illuminate an area.

Pylon Signs

A pylon sign is a freestanding sign that is typically used to identify businesses, especially gas stations, restaurants, and hotels.

Light post signs like these are very effective in promoting businesses, as they are highly visible and difficult to miss.

In addition, pylon signs can be customized to include information such as gas prices, vacancies, or other valuable messages to people driving by. As a result, pylon signs are an essential part of many businesses’ branding and marketing efforts.

Shopping Mall Signs

Mall signs are a type of directory sign that is found in shopping malls. These signs list the stores in the mall by name and often include wayfinding information.

Like other directory signs, light box signs are an excellent option for malls because they can be easily updated when tenants change. Plus, the bright lights make it easy for shoppers to find their way around the mall.

Theater Marquee Signs

A marquee sign is a lightbox sign commonly found in front of movie theaters. Marquee signs typically display the movie titles and showtimes.

In addition to being eye-catching, marquee signs are also very effective in promoting movies and driving ticket sales.

Check out the signage we created for the Gary Marshall Theatre in Burbank, California. It includes outdoor lightboxes for the marquee, logo, and illuminated movie poster boxes along the outside of the building. The quality of the signage is phenomenal.

Dave’s Signs often works with our customers to make their DIY lightbox sign ideas come to life. We can incorporate your vision, budget, and branding into a unique lightbox sign to enhance your business’s presence.

Whether you’re a cafe looking to illuminate your menu, a retail store seeking to spotlight a new product, or a professional service aiming to accentuate your brand, Dave’s Signs is your ideal partner.

Gas Station & Convenience Store Signs

Most gas stations and convenience stores use lightbox signs. These signs are usually mounted on poles, which makes them easily noticeable to people driving by at a high rate of speed. This is a great way to advertise your business and attract customers.

Trade Show Signs

Whether exhibiting at a trade show or setting up a booth, trade show signs help you stand out from the crowd and attract attention to your products or services. Lightboxes are commonly used for this purpose because they can be placed just about anywhere and quickly illuminate your brand message.

We Serve Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties: and Nationwide

Dave’s Signs provides custom signs to those in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties and businesses across the nation.

For the past two decades, Dave’s Signs has been designing, fabricating, and installing high-quality signs and graphics. We pride ourselves on meeting and exceeding the expectations of our clients. For any signage needs you have – whether a small storefront sign or a more complicated installation, Dave’s Signs is always eager to provide the outstanding service we are known for.

Contact Dave’s Signs with Your Questions about Lighted Signs

Dave’s Signs provides custom signs to those in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties and businesses across the nation – we ship nationwide.

For the past two decades, Dave’s Signs has been designing, fabricating, and installing high-quality signs and graphics. We pride ourselves on meeting and exceeding the expectations of our clients.

For any signage needs you have – whether a small storefront sign or a more complicated sign system with installation, Dave’s Signs is always eager to provide the outstanding service and quality we are known for.

Contact Dave’s Signs with Your Questions about Lighted Signs

Don’t spend a minute searching for light boxes near me because we have you covered! Dave’s Signs is a full-service sign company. We can help you with Planning & Permitting, Sign Design, Fabrication, Installation, Sign Renovation, Service, and Repair.

Contact us with your sign questions at (805) 641-1387‬ or reach out to us online. We are always happy to help.

Stay-at-home-orders are beginning to lift, resulting in many restaurants opening their doors to start the process of serving delicious food again.

It’s not a stretch to say we Californians have missed frequenting our favorite noshing spots from burgers to sushi cravings.

Previously, restaurants only offered pickup and delivery services, but some now are offering indoor seating. However, the social distancing measure that requires them to distance dining tables six feet apart also reduces their seating capacity to about half of what it used to be.

A Fresh Solution to Reduced Seating

Fortunately, many restaurant owners in Ventura County and neighboring areas are getting their patron numbers up by expanding outside seating. 

You may have noticed this accommodation style along sidewalks, streets, and even in cars if you’ve dined out. 

The move makes dining out alfresco, a dining experience rooted in the Italian tradition. Italian locals nourish themselves with delicious food while basking in the fresh air of their natural surroundings, alfresco, “done or eaten in the open air.”

Keep in mind that if you are an owner offering outside dining amenities, patrons will now want to find your restaurant to try it out. They will soon be on the move for the alfresco experience in their area if they haven’t done so already. 

Therefore, you’ll want to greet your eager diners with signage designed in a manner that directs them to your restaurant. In light of that, blade signs are an effective way to attract street and foot traffic. 

Blade Signs in Brief

A blade sign is designed to project out from the façade of a building or storefront pole. Other types are attached to surfaces that are perpendicular to passersby. They are extremely popular in areas where there is plenty of foot traffic, such as downtown storefronts and shopping areas.

Retro Blade Signs of the Fox Theatre

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Blade signs debuted in the fourteenth century, and sign makers started offering more elaborately designed styles in the 1930s. Nostalgic blade signs that most of us are probably familiar with include the old-style neon signs that adorned theatres in the 1930s and 1940s. The historic Fox Theatre in downtown Riverside, now known as the Fox Performing Arts Center, originally had two examples of these classic neon signs at its entryways. 

The Fox Theatre was shuttered until the 1990s when a revitalization effort was started to reopen it. It was renovated in 2010, giving the Theatre a massive facelift. Weighing in at 900-pound, 22-foot each, two replicas of the original hanging signs were installed during the renovation. A decade later, the building that functioned as a vaudeville stage and movie palace in 1929 is still fabulous today. The signs are a big part of the Theatre’s charm. They attract and direct people to the entertainment venue.

The Advantages of Blade Signs

The advantages that blade signs bring to your business can’t be emphasized enough. The right design can:

• Get you noticed – Blade signs operate similarly to way-finding signs, and they pull the eye to look at them for navigation. This feature has your business stand out from the rest in terms of sending street and foot traffic your way. Eye-grabbing signage also entices patrons to peek inside to see what you have “in-store.”

• Add welcome familiarity –Whether for a restaurant or other franchise, renowned brands, and logos stand out to people who appreciate and find comfort in familiar products. An excellent experience (including a unique and memorable sign), translates to excellent word of mouth advertising and repeat business, all from a well-known brand or brand that is new and exciting.

• Be designed in various ways – Custom crafted signs capture the essence and message of your business’s brand. Dave’s Signs takes your input to make this happen and creates your sign in whatever design style, shape, and size. We design, fabricate and install eye-catching blade signage. Styles we recommend include Sandblasted Panel Signs, Box Cabinet Signs, and Aluminum Blade Signs.

Dave’s Signs operates locally throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and L.A. Counties. We also provide custom created signage to organizations nationwide. From providing contemporary signs to refurbishing retro neon signs, Dave’s is the premier sign company to turn to for your blade sign needs. We are also the experts in crafting signs that stay in tune with the brand, identity, look, and feel of your business. Call us today for a quote at (805) 641-1387 or contact us online.

On May 26, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that much of California is moving into Phase 3 of re-opening more sectors of the economy. The move slowly eases some of the state’s stay-at-home orders. Businesses such as hair salons, barbershops, and gymnasiums are allowed to re-open, albeit with a new set of safety and health guidelines to follow.

Gov. Newsom’s announcement affects many California counties currently reporting a low number of COVID-19 cases, including Ventura County. However, even with a minimal amount of confirmed coronavirus infections, all businesses re-opening in Ventura County and beyond must make meaningful modifications and have containment plans in place that protect California citizens from the virus’s spread.

Getting Your Business Ready

Part of this attestation process has created an unprecedented demand for safety signage and other physical barrier protections such as sneeze guards. One industry that has served as a model for re-opening in this manner is grocery stores.

For instance, you may have noticed their visual and barrier systems in the form of social distancing signs in the front and inside the store and sneeze guards at checkout lines.

If all goes well, a wide variety of business types in Southern California will be opening their doors to what is pretty much an unknown and untested environment so far. Therefore, if you are one of the fortunate sole proprietors throwing your doors open wide to serve customers gladly, you may be wondering how to get your business ready to open sign wise.

Dave’s Signs, a premier and full-service custom sign company serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties, along with nationwide businesses, is here to assist you. We have innovative ideas and products that will help business owners get used to the new normal.

Signage for COVID-19 Awareness & Safety

The safety of individuals that set foot in your building is paramount. Therefore, signs that communicate crucial messages about your business and the CDC’s recommendations about the novel coronavirus are the best way to go. Additionally, we provide customized posters and banners that feature vital CDC guidelines while also incorporating your brand’s color scheme and graphics. The following products will make it much easier to serve your customers, employees, and guests in terms of awareness and safety signage.

• Social Distancing Signs: Whether you need decals for the ground or signage with a custom message for the walls, Dave’s Signs has got you covered! Remember: Most areas are required by local regulations to encourage social distancing, and signage makes it much easier to do so.

• Barriers and Sneeze Guards: Grocery stores nationwide have showcased how helpful transparent sneeze guards can be. This is an easy way to help protect the health of your employees and customers. We offer custom-made barriers cut and sized to fit your specific design specifications.

• Safety Signs: Customers and employees need to feel safe inside your business. Constantly changing guidelines require frequent updates to your safety signage, making customized stickers an affordable and attractive option.

• Industry-Specific Signs: Depending on your industry, you may need a wide variety of signs such as “Open for Business,” “Curbside Pickup,” “To-Go Options,” and “Delivery Available.” All of these are available, as are any necessary customizations.

• OSHA Updates: OSHA has updated recommendations for specific industries. To ensure that your employees know how to protect themselves on the job, you can get signage made for your industry and hang it in an easily visible location.

Dave’s Signs specializes in Design, Fabrication, Installation, Service, and Repair. We will help you get ready to open by creating the best in safety and awareness signs. Our signs are visible day and night, and they are also rugged enough to withstand the elements. Let us help you design, create, and install by calling for an Estimate today at (805) 641-1387‬ or reach out to us online.

Immortalized by Hollywood’s depiction of night-time Las Vegas, neon lighting has been adopted by countless retail stores and storefronts, from casinos to taco trucks.

Author Tom Wolfe once wrote that Las Vegas is:

“The only town in the world whose skyline is made up neither of buildings, like New York, nor of trees, like Wilbraham, Mass., but signs.”

If you’ve ever visited or seen pictures of Sin City, you know that the striking illumination of fluorescent signs creates a dazzling visual spectacle unique to the city.

Neon Window Lights Really Jazz Things Up

Neon window lights give a unique touch, setting a business apart from others on the street. For a shop or cafe, it’s like putting on a flashy outfit that says, “Look at me!” Dave’s Signs works with businesses to come up with designs that match their vibe. An excellent example is the one we did in Studio City, CA, for Roberta’s.

So, if a business wants to shine brighter and pull in more customers, Dave’s Signs can help jazz up their storefront with custom window neon lights signage.

Why Neon Signs Became Less Popular

Introduced in the early 1900s, neon signs quickly became an iconic way to light up the cityscape. But by the 60s, they began to fade in popularity. Their revival in the 1980s was significant, with cities like Las Vegas showcasing their neon splendor.

But it wasn’t just Las Vegas; the Hollywood neon signs also played a pivotal role in this renaissance. Landmarks such as the high voltage, neon-lit Sunset Strip, the iconic Hollywood Palladium with its glowing marquee, and theaters along Hollywood Boulevard celebrated the allure of neon.

We’d have to say we’re partial to the neon Art Deco signs in Hollywood if we had to pick ones we didn’t make ourselves.

These Hollywood neon signs, popular films, and music videos of the era reintroduced neon’s charm to a new generation, ensuring its enduring presence in urban aesthetics.

Unfortunately, neon fell off the popularity charts again in the 2000s. The once-appealing glaring light of neon signs became a sight too common.

Soon, cheaper alternatives started coming around, like LED lighted signs. While neon signs were hard to replace because of the custom-made nature of the tube, changing an LED only required a change of a ready-made bulb.

A custom LED sign consumes less energy, costs less money and offers more variations.

Additionally, a well-designed custom LED sign can mimic the appearance and vibrant glow of traditional neon signs, offering a modern and energy-efficient alternative. As such, businesses took no time switching allegiances to LED neon signs.

These aspects caused a decline in the demand for neon signs as major commercial hubs switched to the cost-effective and versatile LED neon sign option.

The Resurgence Of Neon Signs

Despite the advantages of LEDs in terms of energy consumption, cost, and variety, the allure and distinct charm of neon signs continue to captivate businesses and consumers alike.

As with neon signs, LEDs are also facing the paradox of prevalence. However, well-designed, personalized neon signs stand out in a sea of LED signs.

The craft and handmade aspect of a custom neon sign brings a certain aesthetic with them that helps brands distinguish themselves. The bright, electrifying (literally) light of custom neon signs also acts as a magnet in the bustling nightlife that indulges the commercial streets of cities.

Since neon signs are making a comeback, you may wonder if they are a good fit for your company. What follows is a little information about their cost—a determining factor for most business owners.

How Much Do Neon Signs Cost?

The cost of neon signs can vary widely based on several factors:

• • Size: Larger signs require more materials and labor, driving up the cost.
  • Complexity of Design: A simple “Open” sign will be much less expensive than a custom-designed sign with intricate lettering or detailed graphics.
  • Colors Used: Neon signs can be made in a variety of colors. If multiple colors are used, or if a particularly rare or unique color is chosen, the cost might be higher.
  • Quality of Materials: High-quality materials and craftsmanship will generally last longer but will also come at a premium.
  • Installation Costs: Depending on the location and complexity of the installation, this can add to the overall price of a business sign. Some signs might require specialized mounting, equipment rental or detailed electrical work.

To give you a general idea:

• • Small, pre-made signs might start as low as $100 to $200.
  • Medium-sized custom signs can range from $500 to $2,000 or more.
  • Large, complex custom designs for businesses or special venues can easily exceed $5,000 to $10,000.

Prices can vary based on region, supplier, and current market conditions. So, if you are wondering something like, “How much do restaurant signs cost?” contacting Dave’s Signs for a quote for that or any type of neon sign is a good idea. Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll bend over backward to accommodate you and give you a competitive, fair price.

Harness the Unique Power of Neon Advertising Signs

Visible, vibrant, and lively – glowing neon light lettering, including neon business signs outdoors, offers a unique way to notify customers of your presence in the nighttime.

As a reminder of old times, New Yorkers have campaigned for a neon sign not to be replaced in an unprecedented act of nostalgia.

As you can see, beautiful and iconic neon signs are making a comeback. That said, how do you go about getting one of your own? Read on to find out how.

Neon Signs Manufacturing: Your Source for Neon and LED Neon Signs 

We at Dave’s Signs are glad to see that neon signs are making a comeback. A customized neon sign requires special expertise, and Dave Signs knows how to make neon signs that take your breath away.

In addition to creating on-brand neon signs, we can also create a custom LED neon sign for your business, offering a modern twist on the classic neon aesthetic. Because of this, we have you covered if you are ever on the hunt for Neon or LED neon signs near you.

Give us a call at (805) 641-1387 or reach out to us online. Our team of experts will guide you through the process,  providing you with high-quality neon signs tailored to meet your demands.

Even though a great number of businesses are moving towards the internet, many still rely solely on traditional marketing. A business sign is perhaps the oldest and foremost piece of marketing material. It helps customers know where you are and what you are.

But what good is a sign if it’s not visible? Making your business sign visible to potential customers is just as important as creating a compelling and unique sign. A sign should also be ideally placed and must be visible under certain conditions.

Illuminated signs are the best way to give your storefront a “pop.” It’s flashy – literally – but fulfills the purpose of providing visibility during the night and under certain weather conditions.

Here are some points to consider when choosing between different illumination signs.

LED or Neon: Which One Is Better?

On the surface, both LED and Neon signs are illuminated signs. They both “glow.” But, they are, in fact, different in construction and how they achieve their luminance.

Although there are multiple ways to light a sign-up, LED-based signs are the most widely used option. They are cheaper, consume less power than traditional fluorescent bulbs, and go with just about any type of signage.

Neon signs, on the other hand, are produced by gasses trapped in the sign. Electricity passing through excites the gas molecules, causing them to produce luminance. It takes special expertise to craft neon signs. But, over the years, LEDs have replaced neon signs because they are cheaper to maintain, and are eco-friendly.

However, neon signs are resurfacing as a representation of the vintage era. Just visit Las Vegas – you’ll see hundreds of them.

LEDs are powerful and cost-effective, and are used to light all types of signage, such as Chanel Letters and lower cost lightbox.

It comes down to your preference. LED illumination is powerful enough to provide visibility under several conditions, but neon signs may serve better if you’re seeking to pair with a theme. From lightboxes to high-end channel letter and neon signs, Dave Signs delivers all types of illuminated signs.

Give us a call, or reach out to us online and our team of experts will help you determine which type of illumination is best suited for your business.