Are you in the process of deciding on what type of sign you wish to advertise your business? In this guide, AGC Signs will put the spotlight on lightbox signs. We will help answer questions like:
We will also include another section on other frequently asked questions. Keep reading and see if this may be the right choice for you.
Key Takeaways
Lightbox signs are illuminated sign cabinets that use LED or fluorescent lighting to make your business name and graphics stand out day or night.
They are versatile and can be installed on storefronts, pylons, monument signs, or indoors.
Lightbox signs are valued for being bright, durable, and easy to spot, helping customers locate your business even in low-light areas.
Pricing typically starts around $2,000, with costs varying based on size, lighting type, materials, and installation services.
Lightbox signs can be customized in colour and design, and they require simple cleaning, though repairs should be handled by professionals.
If you’re unsure which sign type is right for your business, AGC Signs experts can guide you from design and fabrication to installation and maintenance.
Lightbox signs are an attractive and professional sign choice for your business.
Lightbox Signs
1. What are lightbox signs?
Lightbox signs are made with boxes or containers (or what some may call cabinets) that are lit up electronically.
A thin layer of material (vinyl, acrylic or plastic), including text and/or graphics and other information, covers the container and is lit up from behind. The result is that the entire container lights up, and the actual sign stands out. For lighting, traditional fluorescent lamps or LED lighting are generally used.
You can read more about illuminated signs in our other blog, Why Choose Illuminated Signs for Your Business? so you can compare the different ways of illumination.
Some other types of illuminated signs include neon signs and backlit signs. The letters and graphics of these signs are themselves lit up. Notice the differences below.
Compare the lightbox sign (left), neon sign (middle) and backlit sign (right).
2. What is the Purpose of a lightbox sign?
Lightbox signs are a great choice if you want your business name to stand out to the public by day or night. The defining white space around your business name and graphics makes the message and image pop.
Lightbox signs make a great choice for:
Storefront signs
Interior signs
Pylon signs
Monument signs
These cabinet signs are ideal because…
They are bright and durable
They can be placed flat along an exterior wall or mounted on a post or pole
They help customers find you and your business during daytime business hours and evening hours, or when your business is located in an area that is poorly lit
Also, if you are considering channel lettering, you may want to consider a lightbox sign as an alternative option. Why? Although channel lettering comes in different sizes, it may be too bulky for smaller texts. However, it all depends on the look you want - as well as your budget.
If you are wondering what type of sign is best for you and your business, reach out to one of our experts.
Lighting ensures that clients and potential clients can easily find your business.
3. How much do lightbox signs cost?
While we can’t provide you with a specific quote, quality business signs typically start at $2,000.
Here are some factors that will determine the cost:
Sign size
Type of lighting (fluorescent or LED)
Type of lettering
Materials used
Services used (design, manufacturing, installation, etc.)
For a more precise and competitive quote, please contact AGC Signs.
Meet face to face with an AGC expert to get your questions answered.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Some other frequently asked questions that clients may have about lightbox signs are:
Can you get text and graphics in any colour?
Lightbox signs can be customized for any colour preference; however, our expert designers can advise you on what looks best.
How do you clean a lightbox sign?
Cleaning a lightbox is relatively easy and is like cleaning a window. You can use a soft, non-abrasive cloth (like a microfibre cloth) along with soap and water.
How do you repair a lightbox sign?
Repairs and maintenance are best left to professional sign companies. Find out about maintenance services from AGC Signs.
What shapes and sizes do lightbox signs come in? Lightbox signs, also known as cabinet signs, are highly customizable. While standard rectangular and square boxes are the most common (for typical storefronts and wall mounting), they can also be fabricated into custom shapes (circles, ovals, or shapes that match your brand logo). The size can range from small interior directional signs to massive exterior pylon sign cabinets. When designing, we always consider the viewing distance and local municipal sign bylaws.
Are there different types of lightbox sign cabinets? Yes, the main varieties relate to how they are constructed and mounted:
Standard Wall Mount: Single-sided cabinets mounted directly onto a building façade.
Double-Sided/Projecting: Two sign faces back-to-back, mounted on a bracket that projects perpendicular from the wall, allowing visibility from both directions (often called blade signs).
Freestanding (Pylon/Monument): Large, sometimes internally structured, cabinets mounted on poles (pylons) or stone/brick bases (monuments).
Slimline/Thin Profile: Cabinets that are designed to be much thinner than traditional boxes, often using specialized edge-lit LED technology for a sleek, modern look.
Can you get text and graphics in any colour? Lightbox signs can be customized for any colour preference using high-quality translucent vinyl films; however, our expert designers can advise you on what colours and contrasts look best to ensure maximum readability when the sign is lit up at night.
How do you clean a lightbox sign? Cleaning a lightbox is relatively easy and is like cleaning a window. You can use a soft, non-abrasive cloth (like a microfibre cloth) along with mild soap and water. Always turn off the power to the sign before cleaning.
How do you repair a lightbox sign? Repairs and maintenance, especially for electrical components (like replacing ballasts or fixing wiring) or structural damage, are best left to professional sign companies to ensure safety and compliance. Find out about maintenance services from AGC Signs.
If you have other questions or you have a custom sign in mind, contact AGC, and they will gladly assist you.
AGC Signs provides everything from design to installation and maintenance.
Choose the experts at AGC SIGNS
Whether or not you end up choosing a lightbox sign or not, the professional sign experts at AGC Signs would be happy to help you with your sign project. They offer a wide variety of interior and exterior storefront signs. You can view photos of their work here.
AGC Signs has been in business for over 10 years and serves the GTA and surrounding regions. They proudly call Pickering, Ontario, their home base.
Contact them today to start your sign project.
“AGC Graphics was a pleasure to deal with. They were clear in communication, quick to book a date to measure, gave tons of options, and followed up as it was required but above all else, their price was so competitive. I am beyond happy with my new sign and I love it. I’ll have AGC Graphics do my exterior sign next on my building. Very satisfied with their team and would recommend without question.”
