Signs including electroluminescent lamps are described. In accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention a sign includes an electroluminescent lamp
integrally formed therewith. The electroluminescent lamp is formed on the sign
by using the sign as a substrate for the lamp and performing the steps of screen
printing a rear electrode to a front surface of the sign, screen printing at least
one dielectric layer over the rear electrode after screen printing the rear electrode
to the sign, screen printing a phosphor layer over the dielectric layer to define
a desired area of illumination that is smaller in area than the dielectric layer,
screen printing a sealant layer over the remaining portion of the dielectric layer,
screen printing a layer of indium tin oxide ink to the phosphor layer, screen printing
an outlining electrode layer to the sign that outlines the rear electrode, screen
printing a background layer onto the sign so that the background layer substantially
surrounds the desired area of illumination, and applying a protective coat over
the indium tin oxide ink and background layer. The rear electrode of each lamp
is screen printed directly to the front surface of the sign, and the other layers
of the EL lamp are screen printed over the rear electrode.