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.