Neon signs attract your attention because they are vivid, clear and impossible to ignore. These glowing light bulbs can be seen in old-fashioned stores, on Instagram and at every kind of party, from restaurants to weddings and bedrooms. Even though we all can spot one of those neon lights, do we actually know a lot about them?
In this comprehensive guide, we discuss neon signs, how they function, their evolution and the ways they are being used today. If you like neon signs, run a business or are interested in soft lights like neon, this blog will tell you everything you need to know.
What is Neon Sign?
Let’s first explain What is neon sign?
A neon sign uses sealed tubes with gas to light up. They bend the tubes into letters or shapes and pass electricity through them to make them glow. When neon signs were invented in the early 20th century, they were used for ads and signboards. Today, they play a key role in art, expressing one’s personality and designing interiors.
These days, many people are choosing LED neon signs because they are flexible, safe and use less energy. They have the same amazing aesthetics, but now come with new technology.
Neon signs are widely used in design because they can be customized so easily. You can use neon sign design to display your favorite saying over your bed or highlight your brand’s image at your café just like you visualized it.
A Brief History of Neon Lighting
Though neon seems like a new trend, it has existed for over a hundred years. In 1898, British scientists Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers discovered neon gas which led to the invention of neon lighting. While the neon sign originated earlier, it was Georges Claude who created the first commercial neon tube in 1910 and displayed it at the Paris Motor Show.
The years between 1920 and 1930 saw neon become extremely popular in the U.S., mainly in lively cities such as New York and Los Angeles. The city turned into a place full of bright lights and crowds, thanks to Times Square.
American motels, restaurants, bars and theaters were identified in the mid-20th century by their neon signs. They made everything about their music memorable and eye-catching.
Throughout the 1980s and 90s, fluorescent and incandescent lights experienced a decline since new, more affordable and safer types of lighting became available. And just like with records and old-school Polaroids, neon signs have returned, mainly using LED elements that copy the retro appearance without making you worry about the fragile material.
How Do Neon Signs Work?
When you first notice a neon sign, it appears to be simply a glowing colorful tube. Even so, the way it is explained by science is incredibly appealing.
Here’s how a traditional neon sign works:
- Glass Tubing: Tubes of glass are heated and turned into the required shapes, words or symbols.
- Gas Fill: These tubes are filled with neon gas or with argon, helium or krypton gas.
- Electrodes: Two electrodes are placed and sealed at the start and end of the tube.
- High Voltage: Exciting the atoms in the gas happens when light from high voltage passes through them.
- Color Variations: The color of a flame depends on what gas is burning in it.
- The glow of neon lights comes from neon gas.
- Mixture of argon and mercury leads to a blue color.
- Helium is represented by the color Yellow.
- Krypton has either a pale white or lavender color.
- The glow of neon lights comes from neon gas.
In these signs, LED lights inside write silicone or plastic tubing offer the glow. The design makes the stove appear gas-powered, when in fact everything is powered by LED technology.
Types of Neon Signs: Traditional vs. LED
When choosing a neon sign design, keep in mind that there are gas neon and LED neon types.
Traditional Neon Signs
The tubes are the old gas-filled bulbs that brighten many vintage scenes from bars and movie theaters. They are created by experts who can bend and shape the glass by hand.
Pros:
- Unique retro lights
- Dark and rich use of color
- Perfect for both outdoor and commercial signs
Cons:
- It can get damaged easily and requires upkeep.
- It can be pricey to resolve the issue.
- Requires more electricity than LED lights.
LED Neon Signs
Such signwriters give the appearance of neon by using LED lights within flexible tubing.
Pros:
- These lightbulbs are both energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
- Well-made, shatterproof tires
- You can touch this without getting burned (I run at safe temperatures).
- Can be easily put up and taken down.
- The choice of customization is wide and comes at a reasonable cost.
Cons:
- It glows just a bit differently than regular neon.
- It uses fewer colors (but this is gradually improving).
To get a brand-new, simple-to-use neon sign for indoors, opt for an LED neon sign.
Why Choose Neon Signs for Decor or Business
You can use neon signs for both decorating and advertising your business. This is the reason air conditioners are found both in people’s homes and at workplaces.
Instant Mood Lighting
Wanting to set the mood for your room? Depending on the mood, a neon sign can improve any atmosphere. These words, like “Dream,” “Chill Zone,” and “Hustle,” are illuminated in soft light to make the room feel cozy.
Highly Instagrammable
These days, with so many images being captured, neon signs add a flashy backdrop to any room. They can be found in social media, photo booths and shops to give customers memorable moments worth sharing.
Unforgettable Branding
Neon signs make a business more noticeable. A custom neon logo or tagline instantly gets noticed and reveals the brand’s identity. The cost is little, but the style is big.
Personalization & Custom Design
Modern neon is beautiful because it can be customized to fit any space. You are free to select fonts, colors, shapes and animation to create a neon sign design that suits your purpose and taste.
FAQs About Neon Signs
What material is used to create a neon sign?
The classic neon sign is made of hand-blown glass tubes that contain either neon or different types of gases. In LED neon signs, the silicone or PVC pipe contains LED lights along its length.
For how many years can neon signs be used?
- Traditional neon signs: 8 to 15 years
- You can expect 30,000 to 50,000 hours from an LED neon sign.
Is it safe to install neon signs inside a building?
Yes! Since LED neon signs work at a low voltage, they are incredibly safe and won’t get very hot. Traditional signs should be treated gently since their glass might break and the electricity is high.
Can I design my own neon sign?
Absolutely! A lot of online sellers and makers provide the option to create custom designs for neon signs. You are free to choose the color, pick a size, choose a font and personalize the message.
Do neon signs consume a lot of electricity?
LED neon lights use less electricity and cost less to use. Conventional signs use more energy, but new versions are becoming more energy efficient.
Conclusion: The Timeless Glow of Neon
Neon signs artfully layer science, art and feelings into images that can speak for themselves. Be it used for lighting, advertising or aesthetic appeal, neon signs work perfectly in any setting thanks to their timeless style.
Due to LED technology, lamps can easily improve the look and feel of any room. While neon signs give off light, they are also a way to emphasize your style.
After reading this, whenever you see a bright neon sign in a window, you’ll be able to explain what it is and its place in history.
