Open Forum

Hello All!

I work in a historic space where most of our didactic information is presented on self‑standing 17×11 signs. Because our light levels are kept low to protect artworks, it can sometimes be difficult for visitors to read the signage. We've been experimenting with clip‑on music stand lights to improve visibility, but they only last about a week before needing to be recharged. With the number of signs we have, this isn't a feasible long‑term solution. 

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations or suggestions for effectively lighting self‑standing signage.

Thanks! 

Each instance for lighting signage is different, however, I commonly use a Soraa 9-degree spot on signage.  These tend to put out a lot of light, but concentrated.  You'll probably want to filter out the light intensity.  By being such a small spot, the light tends to stay within the parameters of text panels.  If you have a long horizontal text panel, occasionally, a spreader will suffice and will knock down the light levels.

The trick is providing enough light that the text is readable, yet your text panel doesn't appear overly important in relation to the object.  It's a balance.

Hello All!

I work in a historic space where most of our didactic information is presented on self‑standing 17×11 signs. Because our light levels are kept low to protect artworks, it can sometimes be difficult for visitors to read the signage. We've been experimenting with clip‑on music stand lights to improve visibility, but they only last about a week before needing to be recharged. With the number of signs we have, this isn't a feasible long‑term solution. 

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations or suggestions for effectively lighting self‑standing signage.

Thanks! 

Adding to Ronald's message...

Geometry plays a key role here. If the sign is relatively low off the ground, you need to be sure that the accent light is not behind where the visitor would typically stand to read the graphic. Otherwise, the visitor will cast their own shadow on the sign. (It's like kitchen lighting, you don't want to slice an onion in lighting that is blocked by your shadow!) Conversely, if the accent light ends up being from a track or other ceiling mounted position that is a relatively flat geometric angle, all the visitor may see is the reflection of the light in the graphic; this is known as a "veiling reflection". The sign will be lit, but the visitor will not be able to read it. 

Always do a mockup before determining the location (height and distance) from the 2D or 3D object you are lighting – I promise, you will not regret taking the extra step!

I also hope you will heed Ronald's comment that a Soraa 9° lamp is wicked bright and you will likely need to reduce the light output, either with a dimmer designed to dim this lamp, (layers) of window screen, neutral density filters, etc.

You might also consider a less robust lighting source/fixture like a Luxam Micro Track Fixture; Of course there are other options as well. Whether track or ceiling mounted, using a low voltage (12-48 volt) lighting fixture rather than 120v lighting source (like the Soraa lamp) will make retrofitting lighting into an existing facility a lot easier.

Finally, you might consider bring low voltage power to your signs and deploying a low voltage picture light that is always getting power. Leave the charging anxiety to your electric car!

Good luck!

Each instance for lighting signage is different, however, I commonly use a Soraa 9-degree spot on signage.  These tend to put out a lot of light, but concentrated.  You'll probably want to filter out the light intensity.  By being such a small spot, the light tends to stay within the parameters of text panels.  If you have a long horizontal text panel, occasionally, a spreader will suffice and will knock down the light levels.

The trick is providing enough light that the text is readable, yet your text panel doesn't appear overly important in relation to the object.  It's a balance.

Hello All!

I work in a historic space where most of our didactic information is presented on self‑standing 17×11 signs. Because our light levels are kept low to protect artworks, it can sometimes be difficult for visitors to read the signage. We've been experimenting with clip‑on music stand lights to improve visibility, but they only last about a week before needing to be recharged. With the number of signs we have, this isn't a feasible long‑term solution. 

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations or suggestions for effectively lighting self‑standing signage.

Thanks! 

Each instance for lighting signage is different, however, I commonly use a Soraa 9-degree spot on signage.  These tend to put out a lot of light, but concentrated.  You'll probably want to filter out the light intensity.  By being such a small spot, the light tends to stay within the parameters of text panels.  If you have a long horizontal text panel, occasionally, a spreader will suffice and will knock down the light levels.

The trick is providing enough light that the text is readable, yet your text panel doesn't appear overly important in relation to the object.  It's a balance.

Hello All!

I work in a historic space where most of our didactic information is presented on self‑standing 17×11 signs. Because our light levels are kept low to protect artworks, it can sometimes be difficult for visitors to read the signage. We've been experimenting with clip‑on music stand lights to improve visibility, but they only last about a week before needing to be recharged. With the number of signs we have, this isn't a feasible long‑term solution. 

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations or suggestions for effectively lighting self‑standing signage.

Thanks! 

Hello All!

I work in a historic space where most of our didactic information is presented on self‑standing 17×11 signs. Because our light levels are kept low to protect artworks, it can sometimes be difficult for visitors to read the signage. We've been experimenting with clip‑on music stand lights to improve visibility, but they only last about a week before needing to be recharged. With the number of signs we have, this isn't a feasible long‑term solution. 

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations or suggestions for effectively lighting self‑standing signage.

Thanks! 

Hello All!

I work in a historic space where most of our didactic information is presented on self‑standing 17×11 signs. Because our light levels are kept low to protect artworks, it can sometimes be difficult for visitors to read the signage. We've been experimenting with clip‑on music stand lights to improve visibility, but they only last about a week before needing to be recharged. With the number of signs we have, this isn't a feasible long‑term solution. 

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations or suggestions for effectively lighting self‑standing signage.

Thanks!