If you've ever driven past a strip mall at night, then you're probably familiar with the effectiveness of channel letter signs, one of the most common ways to sign your business.

Three common types of channel letters are standard, reverse and open. The standard channel letters have colored Plexiglas over neon or fluorescent lamps in an aluminum or steel frame.

Reverse channel letters are often called Halo-lit signs as the lighting comes from behind letters that have a metal front, clear back and are mounted away from the surface of the building. By day, the signage can easily be seen and by night, the signage comes to life.

The open channel letters aren't really open at all. These signs are manufactured much like the standard channel letter signs but utilize clear Plexiglas to expose the raw materials of the sign.