3D sign lettering is a common signage choice for business owners because it’s clear, readable and also versatile in design. 3D sign letters are ideal for both indoor or outdoor signage purposes, and can be very effective in building branding, expanding advertising reach, and helping your business get seen.
Because 3D sign letters can be so versatile, it may become hard to nail down an effective design that’s true to your brand. It helps to break the process down into three simple steps:
- Choose the type of sign lettering you’d like for your business.
- Decide on a sign lettering material and style.
- Pick the right material depending on your location and use.
- Determine your lettering thickness.
- Find the right design and know your customization options.
Throughout each step, make sure you’re thinking in line with your branding goals and corporate graphic guidelines. If you’re thinking–“we don’t have those!”, then now is the time to think through your business branding and establish your corporate graphic vision. We’ll guide you through the process–let’s get started!
Types of 3D Sign Letters
3D sign letters can be classified into two types: dimensional lettering and channel lettering.
- Dimensional lettering is for non-illuminated signs, which are favored for effectiveness. Dimensional lettering is clear and distinct, with many design and finishing options to choose from. Dimensional lettering can be used for interior and exterior signs.
- Channel lettering is for illuminated (or lit) signs. Similar to dimensional lettering, channel lettering is constructed of individual three-dimensional letters but is internally equipped to emit a particular lighting effect. Channel lettering is favored due to the benefit of day-and-night visibility and is commonly used as exterior or storefront signage.
Materials for 3D Sign Letters
- Plastic is a versatile sign letter material that is painted.
- Acrylic
- PVC
- Vinyl
- Plaques
- Metals make for durable signage and are an attractive dimensional letter material for interior signs.
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Copper
- Cast aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Letter foam is a lightweight, high-density material for 3D sign letters.
Styles for 3D Sign Letters
- Lighting: Outdoor lettering can be non-illuminated or illuminated in several styles. Learn more about lighting options for illuminated signs.
- Painted finish (Acrylic Letters): Acrylic letters are painted to add durability. Letters can be painted in several colors, offering the opportunity and versatility for creative sign design.
- Back-painted (Acrylic Letters): Acrylic letters can also be back-painted for a pristine look. Clear acrylic letters are painted on the back, offering color along with a glossy finish from the plastic.
- Acrylic Laminate: Acrylic can be laminated to PVC or letter foam for added dimension. Acrylic laminates are an affordable way to add dimension to your office or lobby lettering.
- Metal Laminate: Metals can be laminated to plastic (acrylic or PVC) or foam and then painted at the edges for the appearance of a metal look.
- Plaques: Dimensional lettering can be applied onto a plaque, lending a unique style. Plaques can be made from metal and acrylic.
- Digital Prints: Dimensional lettering can also be used with a digital print. Ideal for creative and unique signs, this is a good signage combination if your logo has a lot of intricate elements that are difficult to reproduce with traditional sign materials.
Matching Materials with Sign Location and Style
The right material depends on where your building sign letters will be installed.
Brushed metal laminates polish entryways, lobbies, and common areas without overpowering the space. A combination of acrylic face and PVC backing gives you dimension, stability, and color control. This approach works well for both wall-mounted and plaque-based letter signage.
In smaller offices or shared workspaces, foam letters laminated with acrylic or vinyl deliver a professional look while remaining cost-effective. Use them for reception backdrops, conference room walls, or hallway directional signage.
If you’re designing for corporate offices, educational campuses, or healthcare facilities, mounting 3D sign letters onto custom plaques can add a unique architectural detail. Choose aluminum or clear acrylic plaque bases to elevate the dimensional effect. Add lighting or shadow gaps to make the letters pop even more.
Your goal is to balance form and function. Use fonts that match your brand identity, and apply finishes that resist fading, especially in sunlit or high-contact areas. A consistent style across all interior and exterior signage reinforces recognition and credibility.
Sign Letter Thickness
Non-illuminated dimensional lettering can range from 1/8 to 2 inches in thickness.
Illuminated lettering can range from 3 to 5 inches in thickness. Reverse-lit channel letters (illuminated signs where light projects from the sign interior and off the wall for a halo lighting effect) are usually 3 inches deep, with the addition of wall spacers for the lighting effect. Most other illuminated sign letters are 5 inches deep.
For more details on how you can use 3D sign letters for your business, get in touch with Majestic Sign Studio. We are a full-service sign company that can cater to all your signage requirements. Whether you are looking to renovate your interiors or upgrade your exterior signage, we are here to help you meet your marketing goals within your budget.
Why You Need to Choose the Right 3D Letters for Your Business
When selecting 3D sign letters for a building sign, consider the visual clarity, material durability, and installation height. These letters must stand out from a distance while staying consistent with your branding. Many businesses opt for 3D letter signs made from acrylic, PVC, or foam because they offer a clean finish and strong visibility.
Thanks to its flexibility and crisp lines, acrylic remains a top choice for 3D lettering signage. It holds color well, mainly when painted or back-painted, and performs reliably both indoors and outdoors. 3D plastic letters made from high-density foam or PVC can maintain dimension without adding structural weight for lightweight installations or larger letters.
Thickness and color contrast are key when working on signage for multi-story buildings or storefronts. Choose bolder fonts and painted finishes to enhance visibility from different viewing angles. If you’re refreshing an older sign, upgrading to dimensional letters for a sign will instantly modernize the look.
Design Tools and Customization Options
Before producing the final signage, it helps to visualize your layout. Ask for design proofs, templates, or even downloadable samples. Most sign companies, like Majestic Sign Studio, can provide mockups or previews so you can review scale, placement, and font choices in context.
Use thicker letters up to 2 inches for non-illuminated and 3 to 5 inches for illuminated signs for larger installations. These are ideal for building exteriors where high visibility is essential. Inside, 1-inch-thick letters for signage typically provide enough depth without protruding too far into shared spaces.
In every case, start with clarity. Whether you’re working on a bold outdoor entrance or a branded interior wall, dimensional 3D lettering sign design adds structure, visual weight, and a high-end finish.
Custom sizing, color-matching, and material layering let you tailor every aspect of the lettering to your environment.
Ready to Elevate Your Brand with Custom 3D Sign Letters?
At Majestic Sign Studio, we specialize in creating high-quality 3D sign letters that align perfectly with your brand identity and architectural style. Whether you need dimensional letters for an office lobby or illuminated channel letters for your storefront, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way—from design to installation.
Let’s bring your vision to life with custom 3D signage that turns heads. Contact us today!
