4 Top Tips for Looking After Neon Signs

Discover the Best Ways to Care for your Neon Signage

Neon signs can be created in a range of sizes, styles and colours, with letters and artwork proving to be popular choices among businesses looking to make a statement. Neon signs are as popular now as ever before, with businesses all over the world still turning to neon when they require a stand-out-from-the-crowd advertising solution. Despite the popularity of neon signs, lots of sign owners still aren’t sure about how to care for their neon signage. We still receive plenty of calls from people that require advice on how best to look after them.

To save time for everyone involved, we thought we would produce a short guide to help you give your neon signage the right care it needs.

Neon Sign Maintenance: Our Top Tips

Buying a neon sign is fun, but you need to make sure you look after it properly. Although neon signs don’t require much maintenance, there are things you can do to ensure your signage lives for longer without damage.

1. Choose the right Sign

Neon signs can last for an incredibly long time, providing they are well looked after. The first step to making sure your sign will last as long as possible is ensuring you choose the right type of sign. Ask yourself the following questions: Is the sign going to be reachable by people? Is the sign going to be in an area where things are often transported or carried? If the answer to either of these is yes, then maybe you would benefit from a clear acrylic cover over your sign. While neon is perfectly safe to touch when installed correctly, it is still a glass product and so if your sign is in an area where it could get knocked or broken, a clear cover, or case could be the thing to extend the life of your sign

2. Handle with care

Real neon signs are made using glass tubes filled with gas, so they need to be treated with respect. If your sign is getting delivered, unwrap it carefully and handle it with care. Check the tubes to make sure there are no cracks or damages and make sure everything is intact. If all looks well, you can set about installing it in a safe place. If your signage is damaged, don’t try to fix it yourself; ask the manufacturer to take a look at it for you.

When unplugging or moving your sign about, make sure you do so carefully. Although we’d recommend moving or handling the neon as little as possible once it is in place, you might fancy putting it somewhere different. When the time comes to move your signage about, remember that glass tubes can be fragile, so try to avoid contact with other surfaces where possible.

3. Install in a safe place

Most people will have somewhere in mind before purchasing a neon sign. Before you go rushing to put your sign up however, think about how safe the surrounding area is. As we mentioned previously, the glass tubes are delicate. Signage should be installed in a safe area, out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidents.

If you are purchasing a neon bar sign, try to avoid installing your signage in an area where people could bump into it or knock something into it, as these risks are increased when there is alcohol involved As mentioned above, if you really want to put your sign somewhere it might get knocked, perhaps a clear cover would be beneficial.

4. Clean it carefully

Though neon signs require little maintenance, they may still need cleaning from time to time. Bar signs can succumb to dust build up quite quickly, with large crowds usually occupying the areas nearby. Signs in busy areas generally require more cleaning, so it’s important that you know how to go about doing this.

Although there is no harm in leaving your light switched on all the time, we’d suggest unplugging it to clean it. Use a duster to remove all dust build up and grime from the glass tubes. If you are struggling to get to small crevices, try using a small brush to get in all the gaps. These are the areas that can look the dirtiest as dust builds up in a more compressed area.

If your sign is especially dirty, you might want to give it a more thorough cleaning. Providing your sign is unplugged, you can use warm, soapy water to clean the tubes. Make sure the ingredients don’t contain any ammonia though as this can be damaging to the tubes. Gently wipe them down using a clean cloth and dry them quickly with a lint-free towel. This will leave your signage looking spic and span, ready for you to plug back in.

Breakages

No matter how well you care for your sign or how strategically you place it, sometimes it will get broken. Accidents happen, or you get so used to a sign being there that you forget how fragile it is.

So the worst has happened and part of your sign is broken, what should you do? The caring of your neon sign does not end when it breaks. The first thing to do is switch the sign off to avoid further damage to the sign. Any broken pieces should be carefully collected and packaged to be recycled at a suitable glass recycling facility. You can also return the pieces to us and we will recycle them free of charge. After that, you should contact us with as much information about the breakage as possible and we will let you know what can be done to replace the piece.

Neon Signs

If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone about an idea you have for a project, feel free to get in touch and speak to a member of the A1deSIGNS team. We can talk you through the different options available for purchasing new neon lighting or give further advice on how best to look after your signage.

How Safe are Neon Signs?

A1deSIGNS are constantly getting asked about the safety of neon signs and whether they are safe to use in business. The answer to this question is quite simple, but one which we would like to elaborate on…

The Safety of Neon

A lot of people conjure their own opinions on the safety of neon signs, without seeking advice from an expert. We are glad when people ask about the safety of neon lighting as we can help to get the correct message across.

So, is Neon Signage Safe to Use?

The quick answer is YES; neon signage is incredibly safe to use, providing it is well looked after and treated with respect. Neon light dates back over 100 years to the time when it was first invented (take a look at the history of neon, here), and with over a century’s worth of development, you can feel confident that modern day neon signs are more reliable and safe than ever before.

Over the years, neon has become more and more popular, with businesses all over the world using neon signage as part of their advertising campaigns to attract more business and draw attention. Major world cities such as Tokyo, London and Las Vegas are prime examples of places where neon lighting can be seen lighting up the streets. If it’s good enough for some of the world’s top businesses in some of the most populous locations, it’s safe to say that neon lighting is safe to use – but we don’t just take their word for it.

Why do People Think Neon Light Isn’t Safe to Use?

A lot of people worry about the inert gases that are used to manufacture neon signs. Generally, it’s thought that these types of gases can be harmful if the tubes are damaged and the gases are released into the air. When neon lighting is damaged, the electric charge is instantly switched off, meaning there will be no current passing through the gases.

A lot of people also aren’t aware that we breathe in neon on a daily basis. There are actually minute quantities in the air around us all the time. If you take a deep breath, you’ll breathe in a volume of neon as big as an orange pip. The fact that we live and breathe in neon on a day-to-day basis is a strong insight into the safety of it.

But it’s not only the gases that people worry about when talking about the safety of neon signage. People also worry that the signs can get hot and burn you.

So, Can Neon Signs Burn You?

No. Neon is perfectly safe to the touch and will not burn you. When manufactured and installed correctly, neon will only ever run warm. The electrodes that are attached to each piece of neon tubing, that create the start and end point for the current to travel, do get hot and should not be touched. However we at A1deSIGNS, just like any other reputable company, will cover these with rubber caps we call electrode sleeves. If you are concerned about people being able to remove these, then when we make your sign, we can fix them on with silicone, meaning they would have to be cut off to remove. Any other part of the neon is perfectly safe to touch and has no risk of burning, this is a myth we often hear repeated by people who do not actually make or handle neon.

Neon Sign Safety

Every neon sign created by A1deSIGNS is done so in-house. Our signs are made from glass tubes and depending on the colour of the sign, a clear, powder coated glass or coloured glass will be used. The signs are then filled with neon or argon gas, which depends on what the final colour needs to be. Once the signs are complete, they are extremely safe and should have a long lifespan if they are well looked after.

With years of experience specialising in the design and manufacturing of neon signage, we understand what it takes to produce safe signage that can be used in both domestic and commercial environments. Safety is our number one priority with every sign that we create, so you can rest assured that when you buy a neon sign from A1deSIGNS, the product you receive has been well-designed and manufactured from start to finish.

Get in touch

If you would like to learn more about the safety of neon signs, please take the time to get in touch and we can talk to you about any type of project you have in mind.

What’s the Difference Between LED Signs and Neon Signs?

Every business will have its own theory as to what drives the most attention from customers. Amazing offers, promotions or deals are one way to attract attention from passers-by, but having a good offer isn’t always enough. You need something genuinely eye-catching, large, vibrant and colourful that will make passersby take note of what you are offering. With bright signage, this can be achieved. With bright signage, the world is your oyster!

When talking about colourful or bright signage, one of the first things people will think of is neon. Neon signs are a wonderful way to attract custom to your business, with their strong aesthetics and the way they manage to light up any window with ease. Although neon signage has been at the forefront of business advertising for some time now, the LED market is starting to become incredibly popular. With that said, we can still see a lot of companies attempting to market LED signage as neon, even though the make-up of the signs are completely different.

In this article, we will highlight the key differences between neon and LED, so you can make sure you’re purchasing the correct product.

Neon Signs

There is only one Neon. Real neon lighting is made using glass tubes that are heated over an open flame and then hand bent to the desired shape. After this they are then filled with an inert gas, primarily Neon or Argon, however others, such as xenon can also be used when making neon signs. The release of energy with the tubes is what makes them emit light, as they are electrically charged.

Though neon requires a skilled hand to manufacture, it is actually less complex than LEDs, which are mass produced via machines. There are hundreds of different types, makes and variations of LED modules and strips, all with varying levels of quality that will affect their life expectancy. With neon, the quality refers more to the skill of the glass bender and how the finished product looks. Provided the glass tube has been manufactured and filled properly, then the life expectancy of one tube is the same as the next when put in the same environment.

Neon signs are one of the most popular choices for advertising signage, with their visual appeal and protective safety features. A lot of people turn to neon when they need advertising with maximum impact.

LED Signs

An LED light is made in a totally different way to that of a neon light. LED stands for light emitting diodes, which are the components used to create LED lights. The LED’s are strung tightly together so that the light they emit overlaps to create a steady light source. Although neon lights have their own protective safety features, LED lights are generally more robust, with polymer jackets providing protection for each diode. When LED lighting becomes damaged, the diodes can be more difficult to fix as they need to be fixed to the base. Neon signs are easier to fix when they become damaged as you will usually only need to replace the glass tube.

One of the main differences between LEDs and Neon is the way they are actually used. If you have a neon sign, you can display it exactly as it is, looking at the warm glow of the tube is pleasant and easy on the eyes. Because LEDs light up, rather than glow, looking straight at them can be quiteharsh on your eyes. LEDs will usually require some sort of diffuser to avoid hurting the eyes due to the brightness of them. Looking at an led directly can leave you with a similar effect of when you look at the sun, you get the shadow in your vision when you blink afterwards.

The Differences

When comparing the differences between LED signage and Neon signage, there are 3 main things you should consider; requirement, cost and appearance. We look at each of these aspects below:

Requirements

The first thing to think about is what are you trying to achieve? The next is to ask yourself if there are any restrictions or reasons that would rule out one form or the other. If you are having a sign made for personal use or for your business, then there are no reasons why you couldn’t have either option. If you are having a piece made for an exhibition, it might be that the venue will not allow neon for one reason or another, in which case, LED is the better choice.

If you are after the smooth, completely rounded look of neon for your sign, then there is really no alternative. LED signs can have their faces rounded, but though it might imitate the look of neon, it cannot match it completely. However there are some designs that are better created in an LED alternative, large blocks of colour for example are an area where neon is not always the best option.

Cost

One of the main selling points of LEDs is that they are cheaper than neon. This is both true and untrue. Buying a 5M reel of LED strip or 5M of LED modules, it may very well work out cheaper than 5M of Neon.

However you have to factor in the additional work involved and also look at future maintenance costs. For an LED alternative of neon, you have the cost of the LEDs, then you also have the cost of the acrylic they will be placed in, the time to cut, shape and clean it. Then you have additional acrylic that covers the back to prevent light leakage, and vinyl around the edges to do the same. Factor in the time to make and assemble all of this, including the time it takes to solder the LEDs together, and you will more often than not have a sign that is more expensive than the real neon version.

You also have maintenance to factor in. Neon is glass, which means that it can be broken. If a piece is broken then it needs to be replaced. The same can be said about a window or a glass you drink out of, however we have not swapped them for any alternatives so far. Replacing a neon section is not an expensive task. Depending on size and complexity it can also be remade and delivered within a short space of time.

With an LED alternative, the acrylic housing tends not to get broken, though if dropped it can get scratched or chipped and the back of it where the LEDs are housed is more fragile than the front. If the acrylic is damaged and needs to be replaced, this can be quite costly due to the materials and time needed. More often than not though, it is the LEDs inside that develop a fault. this then requires either the sign to be brought back to the manufacturer for repair or for an engineer to come out and spend time on site fixing the issue, both of which will often work out more expensive than replacing a neon section.

Appearance

When trying to decide between LED and neon, one of the main things to think about is how it looks. Neon has remained a popular choice for signage for a long time due to its warm, inviting glow. Many people would agree that neon lighting provides a constant reminder of retro glamour. Las Vegas, London and Tokyo are a few of the big cities that have utilised neon over the years, with a diverse range of businesses seeking to use neon as a way of attracting attention.

Although LED lighting is more of a modern concept, it offers less curb appeal than that of neon. If you are looking to create a warm, welcoming display, neon is a solid option. However, if you prefer the more futuristic look, it might be better to side with LED.

To Conclude

Taking all things into consideration, it really depends on what you are trying to achieve and the look you prefer. To make a well-informed decision, think about cost, appearance and how you think each sign will impact your business. If you’re not attracted to a sign designed to draw attention to your business, it’s probably best to go for the option that appeals most. Ask around, see what those around you think and this will help you with your decision making.

Get in touch with A1deSIGNS to discuss a project you have in mind. We can talk to you about your different options for LED signs or neon signage.

How Does Neon Lighting Work?

Discover the Science Behind Neon and How Neon Lights Function

Neon lighting is quite remarkable in the way it works. Vibrant colours can be combined to achieve stunning visuals and artwork can be created through the modifying of discharge tubes. All over the world, neon lighting can be seen lighting up big cities, such as Tokyo, New York and even London.

Following their recent surge in popularity, we figured a few people might like to learn how neon lights actually work.

So, How Do Neon Lights Work?

A neon lamp is, essentially, a glass tube filled with neon or argon gas. If you have ever looked at the periodic table, you will find neon and argon on the far-right hand side with the other ‘noble’ gases. These are the gases which are inert or un-reactive.

Generally speaking, the atoms of inert gases will rarely form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms; by inert gases, we mean helium, argon, xenon and, of course, neon. Although this is the case, it isn’t difficult to create a gas discharge tube – like that of a neon light.

To reveal that inertness is a relative matter, an electric voltage should be applied to electrodes at the ends of a glass tube containing the inert gas. When this is done, the tube containing the inert gas will begin to glow. When the tube is switched off, it will contain only ordinary atoms of neon gas.

When the light is switched on, the voltage will pull the neon atoms apart, causing electrons to become positively charged ions. Being positively charged, the neon ions will move towards the negative electrical terminal at one end of the tube. The negatively charged electrons that remain will go the other way, towards the positive terminal at the other end of the tube. As the excited atoms, electrons and ions bounce around in all directions, they constantly collide with one another, creating enough energy to give off photons of red light in the case of neon and blue light in the case of argon.

Due to the rate in which the atoms, electrons and ions collide with one another, a constant buzzing of red or blue light is emitted from the tube. When this happens, energy can also be emitted as heat, not just light. Neon lights can get rather hot when in small diameter tubing, but they are still safe to use, so not to worry if you plan on using neon as part of a commercial project. Argon Filled tubes stay warm to the touch.

That explains how neon lighting works and how red light is created using an electric charge, but how are different colours created?

How to Create Different Colours using Neon?

Looking at how neon lights work, strictly speaking, the only colour lighting that can be created using neon is red. Different noble gasses can be combined to create some basic colours, such as green, blue, purple and yellow. However general signage and artwork uses phosphor coated tubes with blue argon gas which gives off UV (Blue) Light causes the phosphors to luminesce. It’s possible to create over 150 different colours, with little limit as to what can be achieved when it comes to signage or artwork.

Can Neon Signs be used in Pubs, Clubs & Restaurants?

Neon signs are extremely versatile in the way they work. Not only are they perfect for lighting up famous cities, such as Las Vegas, London and Tokyo, their appearance also makes them highly suitable for use in a range of commercial environments.

Here we investigate the role neon signage can play in bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, along with reasons why you should consider investing in one.

Why Neon Bar Signs are Perfect for the Food & Drink Industry

Attracting new business isn’t always easy, so you need to find ways to stand out above the rest. Creating a bespoke neon sign for your bar or restaurant could one of the best things you do.

With an attractive, brightly lit, neon sign, catching the eye of passers-by couldn’t be easier. A neon ‘open’ sign is a prime example of a way neon signage can be used to gain attention. Quite often, bars and restaurants can be dimly or intimately lit on the inside, so at first glance they may appear closed. Having the right signage is extremely important if you want people to find you and neon can help you to achieve this.

Different Options

A well-positioned neon sign can tell people outside that you are open or provide you with an opportunity to promote a special food or drinks deal. We have a listed a few of the popular neon bar signs below to give you a few ideas:

• 2 for 1
• Buy one get one free
• Happy hour
• Now open
• Beer brands
• Cocktail names

The name of the bar or restaurant can also be turned into a neon sign and used as the main ‘shop-front’ signage.

Why is Neon a Popular Choice for Bars?

Neon is one of the most popular choices for bar signage for several reasons.

For starters, neon is fairly bright. Any sign that can shine brightly throughout the night after the sun has gone down is extremely suitable in a bar or club operating during the darker hours of the day.

As a bar owner you will no doubt want people to find you when you are open. Positioned properly in a door or window, neon signage can be a real eye-catcher. The right sign will help you to gain new business from passers by or people that might not have taken notice before.

Not only are neon signs perfect for displaying in windows and doors to attract attention, they are also perfect for lighting up the bar interior, especially if you choose to go with led neon signage. It’s important for your customers to enjoy the environment they are in whilst socialising and neon bar signs can help to set the mood.

Contact Us

If you are thinking about getting a neon sign for your bar, pub, club or restaurant, please take the time to contact us. We can talk to you about your ideas and create the perfect neon sign for your bar.

How the popularity of neon signage has spread…

What do you think of when you hear the term neon? Many would picture old American movies with the flashing neon signs at motels, or the different signs that light up the strip at Las Vegas. Neon has always been used to draw the eye, its earliest implementations used only by those who could afford its high price tag.

In more modern times, neon has evolved in its uses, no longer a product just for those with deep pockets, or for large installations. Neon has become vastly popular among artists, with their ideas being turned into neon creations. It has also grown in its use by visual merchandising, or ‘VM’ Companies for events and pop up shops.

Neon’s evolution has been  an interesting one. It started off as a tool used for experiments in laboratories, before being discovered as a method of lighting. Its use within signage began at the heights of society due to its price tag, before its red light became known as a symbol for some of the less reputable areas within a city. However when the possibility of alternative colours was discovered, neon changed once more into not just a way of advertising, but an art form.

Musician’s, artists, architects and businesses are now turning to neon for use in their spaces. It has warm glow that cannot be matched. The hand bent method of manufacture removes the coldness that comes from mass produced machine made alternatives and guarantees that every single shape, letter or outline produced has a slight differences that make each piece unique. Neon has also become popular in the celebrity sphere, with icons like Elton John and comedian’s like Keith Lemon having neon signs custom made for their uses.

A neon sign is a unique way to express your creativity and when used correctly with your colour scheme, it can bring an office space or home room to life. As each neon sign or art piece starts its life out as a series of hollow glass tubes that are then heated and shaped into its desired form, it can be used to recreate almost any shape, design, word or logo and is with this versatility, it truly is no wonder that the popularity of neon has continued to grow throughout the years.