What is backlighting?
Backlighting is the technique of illuminating a surface from behind, where the light source is positioned behind the object rather than in front. This creates a radiant, glowing effect, making the object itself appear to be lit up. Unlike traditional surface lighting that highlights an object’s outer features, backlighting emphasizes the silhouette, transparency, or texture of an object. It’s commonly used in applications such as backlit bars, countertops, signs, and stained glass, adding depth, drama, and visual interest to the design.
Types of Products for Backlighting:
- Strip Lights Ideal for tight, narrow backlighting applications where space is limited. Creating a sharp, focused glow, LED Strip Lights offer precision lighting for detailed work, perfect for accents or highlighting contours.
- Light sheets: Flexible, ultra-thin, and customizable, light sheets can be cut to fit any space and adjusted on-site, making them ideal for applications where flexibility and adaptability are key, such as backlit counters or large signs. These lightweight sheets provide smooth, even illumination without hotspots.
- Acrylic Panels: A robust, custom-built solution that provides even illumination across the surface of the panel. Acrylic panels are suitable for indoor, dry location use only. While they are heavier and not field-adjustable, their slim profile—down to just 1/4" thick—makes them perfect for tight spaces. Panels are excellent for creating a bright, consistent glow for larger installations, such as backlit bars or commercial displays.
- Wall Washers: Designed to illuminate larger surfaces, wall washers require adequate installation depth to achieve full, even lighting. These versatile fixtures can be used both indoors and outdoors to create sweeping washes of light on walls, signs, or architectural features.
Power + Controls for Backlighting
- Strip Lights Require 12VDC or 24VDC power supplies available in both dimmable and non-dimmable versions, depending on your lighting needs. Controllers can be added for dynamic lighting effects.
- Light sheets: These require 24VDC non-dimmable power supplies and controllers for smooth, controlled lighting.
- Acrylic Panels: These require 24VDC non-dimmable power supplies and controllers for smooth, controlled lighting.
- Wall Washers: Depending on the specific product, wall washers use either 24VDC power supplies or 120VAC line voltage. Be sure to check the specifications to ensure compatibility with dimmable systems which can enhance the flexibility of your lighting design.
Backlighting Applications
Backlighting Signs: For signs, light sheets are an excellent option. For double sided signs be sure to mount the light sheets facing out toward both sides of the sign for even illumination. For smaller signs, strip lights work well for precision lighting. If the sign has depth, wall washers can create a bright, even glow across the surface.
Countertops: Light sheets or acrylic panels are the go-to products for countertops. Lo-Glo? light sheets excel with their diffused lenses, providing a smooth, even glow without hotspots. They are ideal for fully illuminating waterfall edges on kitchen islands and built-in features. Acrylic panels offer even illumination, giving your surface a polished, professional look.
Backlighting Bars and backsplashes: Whether it’s for a bar or a backsplash, light sheets and acrylic panels offer beautiful, consistent lighting. When installing vertically, be mindful of the mounting challenges with acrylic panels, ensuring that all necessary cutouts are made to avoid damaging the panel or the embedded lighting.
Stained Glass: Stained glass needs diffused lighting to truly shine. Light sheets can be used to backlight stained glass with proper spacing to avoid visibility of the individual LED diodes. Strip lights can be used to illuminate the perimeter of stained glass, while wall washers, if placed at the right distance, can light up the entire piece, emphasizing its color and detail.
Art Tracing: For artists or designers working on low-profile projects, acrylic light sheets provide a sleek, effective solution. When used with spacers, light sheets create an evenly lit surface perfect for tracing or displaying detailed works of art.
Backlighting Installation Considerations
- Heat Management: In contained spaces, proper ventilation is crucial to ensure that the lights do not overheat, which can affect both their performance and lifespan.
- Accessibility: Ensure that the lighting system is easily accessible for future maintenance or repairs.
- Surface Material: Pay attention to the material of the installation surface, especially if it's porous, as this can impact mounting and long-term durability. This is especially applicable when using light sheets.
- Scalability: Consider the size of the surface you’re backlighting. Larger installations may require multiple lighting products along with additional power supplies for uniform coverage.
- Waterproofing: If your project is outdoors or in a damp environment, be sure to use waterproof products and properly seal all electrical connections to prevent water infiltration.
- Proper Placement: Before mounting, always test the lighting to find the best positioning for both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
- Light Sheet Spacing: Light sheets need a small gap between the lights and the object being lit to diffuse heat from the diodes. Depending on the product, this gap may vary. For instance, our Lo-Glo sheets need only a 3/8” air gap due to their diffused lens technology, offering a smooth, even glow with minimal space requirements.
Final Thoughts
From signage and countertops to artistic displays and architectural highlights, backlighting is a powerful tool to create standout visual effects in various applications. With the right products and careful installation, backlighting transforms ordinary surfaces into striking, illuminated features that captivate attention and elevate your space.
