A neon sign is a sign made using neon gas and glass tubes that emit light when an electrical current is passed through them.

What is an LED neon sign?

An LED neon sign is a sign made using LED lights that are designed to mimic the look and feel of traditional neon signs.

What is the average lifespan of a neon sign?

Neon signs can last up to fifteen years, whereas the average lifespan of an ordinary bulb is one year.

How do neon signs save energy?

Neon signs use less energy than signs with an incandescent light bulb. This energy efficiency can reduce electricity use by up to 60%.

What makes neon signs affordable?

Classic neon signs use inert gases that are found abundantly in nature, which makes neon signs affordable.

Are neon signs eco-friendly?

Yes, neon signs are an eco-friendly option for energy consumption. They maintain the aesthetic appearance of business symbols while ensuring less carbon emission. Additionally, they minimize wastage as they last longer than an incandescent light bulb.

Can neon signs be customized?

Yes, neon signs come in over a hundred colors and can be customized to suit your preferences.

How to make neon signs?

To make neon signs, you will need glass tubes, a gas such as neon or argon, and an electrical current. You can bend the tubes into your desired design, fill them with the gas, and then apply the electrical current to create the glowing effect.

How to make an LED sign?

To make an LED sign, you will need to follow the same steps as making a LED neon sign, but use solid LED lights instead of flexible tubing. How to make your own neon sign?

How to make neon lights?

To make neon lights, you will need glass tubes, a gas such as neon or argon, and an electrical current. You can bend the tubes into your desired shape, fill them with the gas, and then apply the electrical current to create the glowing effect.

How to build an LED sign?

To build an LED sign, you will need to follow the steps for making LED signs, but you may need to use additional materials such as a frame or stand to support the sign.

How to make custom neon signs?

To make custom neon signs, you will need to create a design or message and then work with a professional neon sign maker to turn your vision into a reality.

How to make lighted signs?

To make lighted signs, you can use LED lights or neon tubes to create the glowing effect. You will need to design your sign, choose your materials, and then follow the appropriate steps for your chosen method of lighting.

How to Make a DIY LED Neon Sign

Q: How do neon signs work?

Neon signs work by ionizing neon gas within a glass tube, which emits light when an electrical current is passed through it.

by Maisie Ou
Last updated April 19, 2023

Neon signs have been around for over a century, and they are still one of the most popular forms of signage today. These bright and colorful signs are often seen in storefronts, bars, and restaurants, adding a unique touch to any business. But what exactly are neon signs, and how do they work? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about neon signs, including the difference between neon signs and LED neon signs, the benefits of neon signs, and how to make your own LED neon sign.

What Are Neon Signs?

Neon signs are a type of gas-discharge lamp that was invented by Georges Claude in 1910. They are made up of glass tubes filled with gas, such as neon, argon, or helium, and electrodes at each end. When a high voltage is applied to the electrodes, the gas inside the tube ionizes, producing a glowing plasma that emits light. Neon signs are often used for advertising or decorative purposes, and they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

How Do Neon Signs Work?

Making your own LED neon sign is a fun and easy DIY project that anyone can do. To get started, you’ll need to purchase a neon sign kit, which typically includes a flexible LED light strip, a power adapter, and a remote control.

Once you have your kit, you can use it to create a custom LED neon sign in any shape or design you like. Simply cut the LED light strip to the desired length, attach it to a backing material like acrylic or wood, and power it up using the included adapter. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a stunning LED neon sign that’s sure to turn heads.

Colors of Neon Signs

Neon signs are available in a wide variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, and white. The color of the sign depends on the gas used inside the tube and the type of phosphor coating on the glass.

Red neon signs are made with neon gas, while blue neon signs are made with argon gas. A combination of neon and argon gases can be used to create other colors, such as purple, pink, and orange. Green neon signs are typically made by adding a small amount of mercury vapor to the tube, while white neon signs are made by using a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube.

Color	Gas Used	Description
Red	Neon	Most common color used in neon signs. Produces a bright, bold color.
Blue	Argon	Creates a bright blue color. Often used to create a cool and calming atmosphere.
Green	Argon	Produces a bright green color. Often used to create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
Yellow	Neon/Argon	A combination of neon and argon gases is used to create a bright yellow color.

What Are LED Neon Signs?

LED neon signs are a newer type of neon sign that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of gas and glass tubes. LED neon signs are often more energy-efficient, durable, and flexible than traditional neon signs. They are also easier to customize and less expensive to produce, making them a popular choice for small businesses and individuals.

How to Make Your Own LED Neon Sign

Making your own LED neon sign is a fun and creative project that can add a personal touch to your home or business. To make an LED neon sign, you will need a few basic supplies, including LED neon light strips, an acrylic backing board, and a power source. You can also purchase pre-made LED neon sign kits that come with everything you need to create your own sign.

To create your sign, you will need to design your message or logo and transfer it onto the acrylic board. Then, attach the LED neon light strips to the board, following the design. Finally, connect the strips to a power source and enjoy your new custom sign.

Where to Hang Your Neon Sign

Neon signs can be hung just about anywhere, but it’s important to choose a location that will allow the sign to be seen and appreciated by as many people as possible. Some popular locations for neon signs include storefront windows, bars, and restaurants, and even in your own home as a unique and eye-catching piece of decor.

What Do You Need To Make an LED Neon Sign?

Making an LED neon sign requires several key materials and tools, as well as a step-by-step process to create the sign. Here’s what you’ll need to make an LED neon sign, along with a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:

Materials you’ll need:

LED neon flex
Clear acrylic sheet
Screws
Drill
Craft knife
Metal ruler
Power supply
Screwdriver
Pencil
Masking tape
Soldering iron
Solder

Steps to Make an LED Neon Sign:

Designing the Sign: First, decide on the design you want for your LED neon sign. There are many different styles you can choose from, such as retro/vintage, graphic, typography, or floral/decorative.
Select & Draft Your Design: Once you have your design in mind, use design software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to create a draft of your sign. This will help you visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments.
Cut the Acrylic Mount: Next, use a saw or laser cutter to cut the acrylic sheet to the desired size and shape.
Drill Holes & Attach Clips: Using a drill, make holes in the acrylic sheet where you want to place the LED lights. Then, attach clips to the back of the sheet to hold the LED lights in place.
Soldering the LED Neon Flex Strips: Now it’s time to solder the LED neon flex strips together. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that you connect the strips correctly.
Secure the Wires: Once the LED neon flex strips are connected, secure the wires in place to prevent them from coming loose.
Ready To Hang: Finally, attach the LED lights to the acrylic sheet using adhesive, and your LED neon sign is ready to hang!

Making an LED neon sign requires some patience and attention to detail, but the end result is a unique and eye-catching piece of decor. Follow these steps carefully to create a sign that you’ll be proud to display.

What Are The Benefits Of Neon Signs?

Neon signs are visually stunning with their glowing and eye-catching appearance. They are ideal for presenting your brand logo or signage in an attractive way, and they can also add a unique touch to your decor ideas. There are many benefits to considering neon signage. Here are the most important ones:

High Visibility

The bright and vibrant colors of neon signage are visible from a long distance. These signs are an excellent branding option, especially for new businesses, as they can help attract attention and make a strong impression.

Energy Efficiency

Neon signs use less energy than incandescent light bulb signs, which can result in up to a 60% reduction in electricity use. This means that you can leave them on all day without worrying too much about the electric bill.

Affordability

Classic neon signs use inert gases that are found abundantly in nature, making them relatively affordable. LED neon signs are even more affordable than traditional neon lights.

Eco-Friendliness

Choosing energy-efficient options is important for reducing carbon emissions, and neon signs can help maintain the aesthetic appearance of business symbols while minimizing wastage. Additionally, neon lights last longer than incandescent light bulbs, making them a more sustainable option.

Versatility

Neon signs are known for their versatility. They come in over a hundred colors, and you can customize them to suit your preferences. No matter what color or shape you need, you can fit neon signs into it.

Durability

Neon lights can last up to fifteen years, whereas the average life expectancy of an ordinary bulb is one year. This means that neon signs are more durable and can last for decades.

Attracting Customers

Neon signs are an effective tool for advertising your business. These glowing signs grab customers’ attention and draw them towards your brand, making them a valuable investment for any business.

Why Choose DIY?

Although you can purchase ready-made LED neon signs, there are many reasons to consider making your own DIY neon sign. Here are a few of the most important:

Cost: Professional neon signs can be expensive while making your own with LED neon flex strips is much more affordable. LED strips are inexpensive and readily available, so you can save money by choosing DIY.
Safety: LED neon flex strips are the safest option for DIY projects. Unlike classic neon signs, they don’t contain inert gases, and they are heat-resistant and shockproof.
Creative Satisfaction: Designing and making your own LED neon sign can be a fun and fulfilling project that allows you to express your creativity. A ready-made neon sign can never compete with the creative genius in you.

Differences Between Neon Signs & LED Neon Signs

Neon signs and LED neon signs have a similar appearance, but they have many differences that make one better than the other. Here are the main differences to consider:

Material: Neon signs use flexible real glass tubes, while LED neon lights use PVC or silicone LED strips that give the illusion of a neon glow.
Power Usage: Neon signs use inert gas, which requires high voltage to ionize and therefore more power to operate. LED neon signs can run on a power supply of only 12 volts, making them much more energy-efficient.
Price: The cost of neon and LED neon signs is almost the same, but LEDs can save up to 10% compared to traditional neon signs. The size of the signage and the amount of light required will also affect the pricing.
Maintenance: LED neon signs require less maintenance than neon signs because they are easy to install and cheaper to maintain. Neon signs made of soft glass can be challenging to maintain, especially in rough

Differences	Neon Signs	LED Neon Signs
Material	Flexible real glass tubes	PVC or silicone LED strips
Power Usage	High voltage required to ionize inert gas	Power supply of only 12 volts
Price	Similar cost, but LED can save up to 10%	Affected by size and amount of light required
Maintenance	Challenging to maintain soft glass	Easy to install and cheaper to maintain

FAQs

To make a basic LED neon sign, you’ll need a neon LED rope, a clear acrylic panel, a power source, and some tools like a drill, screws, and wire cutters.

To make LED neon signs, you will need LED neon flex tubing, a power source, and clear acrylic backing. You can design your own pattern, cut the tubing to the desired length, and then attach it to the acrylic backing using adhesive.

To make an LED sign, you will need LED lights, a power source, and a backing material such as acrylic or wood. You can create a design or message using software, cut the letters or shapes out of the backing material, and then attach the LED lights to the back of the material.

The time it takes to make a neon sign will depend on the complexity of the design and the expertise of the neon sign maker. Generally, it can take several days to a few weeks to create a custom neon sign.

To hide neon sign wires, you can use a channel letter mounting system or run the wires through the wall behind the sign.

Neon signs can last for many years, but the lifespan will depend on factors such as the quality of the materials, the frequency of use, and the maintenance and repair of the sign.

LED signs use light-emitting diodes to create a glowing effect. The diodes emit light when a current is passed through them, and the color and brightness can be controlled using a controller or software.

The cost of making a neon sign will depend on factors such as size, complexity, and materials used. Custom neon signs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Yes, there are various types of LED neon rope available in the market, including single-color, multicolor, RGB, and flexible neon tubes. You can choose the one that fits your project’s requirements.

It depends on your level of experience and the complexity of the design you choose. Making a basic sign with a simple design is relatively easy, but more intricate designs may require more skill and time.

Yes, you can create a custom design for your DIY LED neon sign by using software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw to create a vector file of your design. Then, you can use a laser cutter or CNC machine to cut the acrylic panel to the desired shape.

You can mount your DIY LED neon sign on a wall or a clear surface using screws or mounting tape. Be sure to check the weight of your sign and use appropriate mounting hardware to avoid any accidents.

Yes, you can use a battery to power your DIY LED neon sign, but you’ll need to make sure it’s a rechargeable battery with sufficient capacity to power the sign. Alternatively, you can use a DC adapter to power the sign.

To clean your DIY LED neon sign, use a soft cloth or a microfiber towel to wipe off any dust or dirt. You can also use a gentle cleaning solution like diluted vinegar or soap and water.

Yes, you can adjust the brightness of your DIY LED neon sign using a dimmer switch or a controller that comes with the LED rope. This allows you to customize the brightness level to fit your needs and preferences.

Yes, LED neon signs are generally safe to use indoors as they don’t emit harmful gases like traditional neon signs. However, you should always follow safety guidelines and use appropriate mounting hardware to avoid any accidents.

Yes, you can use your DIY LED neon sign outdoors, but it will need to be waterproofed and protected from the elements. You can use a waterproof sealant or cover it with a protective enclosure to keep it safe.

Yes, you can make a DIY LED neon sign that changes colors using RGB LED neon strip lights. These strip lights have multiple color options and can be controlled by a remote or a smartphone app.

DIY LED neon signs are generally safe as long as you follow the instructions, use the proper materials and tools, and handle them with care. LED neon signs are also more energy-efficient and durable than traditional neon signs, and they don’t contain hazardous gases or chemicals.

The installation method depends on the design and location of your DIY LED neon sign, but most of them can be mounted on a wall, hung from a ceiling, or placed on a surface. You need to make sure the sign is secure, level, and connected to a power source.

Conclusion

After considering all the information and options discussed, you may have decided to create your own DIY LED neon sign. To get started, choose a design that suits your preferences and follow the instructions provided in this guide to give your sign a professional finish.

If you need to purchase LED strips or LED neon lights, our factory specializes in producing high-quality, customized options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.