Neon signs—what they are, how they work and where you can install them
Neon signs—what they are, how they work and where you can install them
Neon signs can help your business stand out in a busy city street or add a truly unique touch to your wedding or special event.
In this section of our website, you’ll find out everything you need to know about neon signs and how they can light up your special event or illuminate the interior or exterior of your business premises.
Design—What are the design options for custom neon signs?
Choosing the colours, fonts and images for your neon sign is the most exciting part of the design process.
Custom neon signs allow you to be exact with your specifications, without any restriction on font styles, size, colours or the number of characters.
You can also decide whether you want the sign to be:
- Mounted on to acrylic, wood metal or aluminium composite
- Set in a stand
- Encased in a box
Want to find out more about how custom neon signs are made? Visit our page Custom neon signs—Understanding your options and why LED neon might be a better alternative.
You can read more about how to design your neon sign, and how signmakers will use this to manufacture the final product, in our guides Neon sign design—How to do it and how the final product is made and Step-by-step guide to how LED neon signs are made.
Technology and performance—How do neon signs work?
Traditional neon signs create light when the gases inside the glass tube react with the electricity that’s fed into the tube through metal electrodes.
LED neon signs emit light through LEDs (light emitting diodes) that are installed close together inside the acrylic tubing.
There are pros and cons associated with both types of technology, but LED is regarded as a safer and more environmentally friendly choice. In terms of aesthetics, traditional glass neon typically gives off a warm, soft glow when compared to LED neon, so some people can find modern faux-neon signs less visually appealing.
You can read more about the different types of technology in the guide Neon vs LED neon—How do they compare?
We answer all your questions on how neon signs work and the alternatives to using neon in the guide Neon signs—How they work, how they perform and are there alternatives?
Installation—Where can I install a neon sign?
Neon signage has been a common feature outside bars and cafes for decades. They’re an increasingly popular way to attract customers into a wide range of business premises, from shops and hair salons to tattoo studios and garages.
When used inside, neon signs are a great way of inspiring or entertaining customers or telling them where to go. If you’re not sure whether you want your neon sign to go inside or outside your premises, our guide Indoor and outdoor LED neon signs—benefits and what to look for will help you decide.
LED neon signs are a stylish addition to offices and help to inspire and engage staff and visitors. You can learn more about the benefits of installing neon wall art inside business premises with the guide Neon signs for offices and other business premises.
Custom neon signs for weddings allow couples to express their love for each other without having to resort to signs with conventional, clichéd phrases. You could incorporate your names, lyrics from your first dance song, or your favourite motto to give your wedding a cool, creative touch that’s totally unique to you.
The range of colours available means you can choose everything from eye-catching hot pink or red neon to a tone that matches the theme of your special day.
You can discover more about the options of having a neon sign to help celebrate your special day with the guide Neon signs for weddings.
For inspiration and images of how you can use neon for a range of business signage or special events, view our guide Neon signs—what they are and why they can bring a unique style and convey your brand personality.