Real Neon Signs Guide

 

Everything You Need to Know About Real Neon Signs

 

Real neon signs – the bright, bold, and timeless icons of a universally-shared pop culture. No matter who you are or where you’re from, it’s very likely you have strong visual associations with these eye-catching forms of signage. However, despite how many people are familiar with neon signs, there are plenty of aspects – from type, operation, longevity, safety and more – that remain largely mysterious to the general public.

 

This article will focus primarily on the topic of ‘real’ neon signs, which are made using the traditional neon methodology of filling hand-shaped glass tubes with a noble gas. You can think of this as an ultimate introductory guide to neon signage, where we’ll be posing and addressing a broad variety of relevant questions. By the end of this read, you should be clued up on exactly what a real neon sign is and how to go about ordering your very own custom neon signage from Carousel Lights.

 

 

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying A Neon Sign?

 

This article will help clear up any mysteries or misconceptions about neon signs. However, here’s a list of variables one should always keep in mind when making a neon sign purchase:

 

1. Seller Reputation
2. Sign Type (Glass and Gas, or LED)
3. Design
4. Brightness
5. Power Source
6. Installation Process
7. Durability
8. Warranty and Return Policy

 

Real Neon Signs: An Illuminating FAQ

 

In the modern day and age, using real neon signage over an LED alternative comes with an undeniable bit of status. And that’s no surprise – with their iconic, deep-hued glow, real neon signs are a great way for an individual or business to show off their appreciation for the finer things in life without suppressing their flair for the dramatic. Let’s dive into a quick FAQ and shine a light on all of your burning questions about real neon signs.

 

Do They Make Real Neon Signs Anymore?

 

Absolutely! While it’s true that real neon signs aren’t as common as they used to be, with many businesses having shifted to LED substitutes, traditional neon signs are still being created by dedicated artisans and specialised companies like Carousel Lights for both commercial and artistic purposes.

 

How Much Should You Pay For A Neon Sign?

 

The price of real neon signs can vary wildly based on factors like size, design complexity, quality, and materials. Custom neon signs that are built from scratch will also have varying prices. The best way to gauge how much you can expect to spend on a custom neon sign is by requesting a free quote from a provider like Carousel Lights.

 

Is Real Neon Expensive?

 

Real neon can cost a little more than LED alternatives but that’s not always the case. However, the materials aren’t the sole driver of cost – it’s also the craftsmanship involved in shaping the glass tubes that contribute to the higher price tag. With that being said, the quality of the final product can well outweigh the expense.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Genuine Neon Signs?

 

Real neon signs are known for their uniquely vibrant and warm light, often associated with a retro or vintage style. From an artistic point of view, the depth and boldness of real neon exceeds that of its substitute counterparts. From a commercial point of view, using real neon isn’t just eye catching – it’s a signifier of high quality.

 

How Do Real Neon Signs Work?

 

Real neon signs operate using a fascinating marriage of chemistry and electronics. The glass tubes of the sign are filled with a noble gas like neon, argon, helium or krypton – but most commonly neon or argon. Electrodes attached to the end of these tubes activate, sending electricity rushing through the gas. When this happens, the gas powers up and begins to glow. The type of gas used to fill the glass will determine the colour of the light.

 

How Long Do Real Neon Signs Last?

 

Real neon signs are hailed for their longevity. If they are of good quality and receive proper care, you can expect a decent lifespan from them. The average lifespan of a real neon sign sits at around 8-15 years, however, they have certainly been known to last much longer than that in some cases. Just like any light, it totally depends on how long you have it on for.

 

What Factors Influence A Neon Sign’s Lifespan?

 

There are many factors that may influence a neon sign’s lifespan. Here are a few elementary ones:

 

1. Quality of materials will be the first determinant of lifespan. The better the materials, the greater the longevity.
2. Proper installation can have a strong impact on lifespan. Ensure the sign is installed in a way that places minimum strain on the glass tubes.
3. Harsh weather or sun may damage or bleach a neon sign, shortening its lifespan.
4. Regular maintenance and damage checks on your neon sign are the best way to ensure a longer lifespan.

 

Is It Better To Leave A Neon Sign On All The Time?

 

There aren’t any benefits to keeping a neon sign on at all times, outside of aesthetic purposes.

 

Shedding Light On Neon Sign Safety

 

Safety is a key concern of both suppliers and buyers of real neon signs, and is thus treated as an utmost priority. Considering many people’s unfamiliarity with the exact functions behind a glass neon sign’s operation, it’s no surprise that safety concerns could be raised.

 

Is The Gas In Real Neon Signs Safe?

 

The gas contained within real neon signs are generally safe, being chemically stable and non-toxic. If a leak occurs, breathing in the gas certainly isn’t advised. Gases like neon or argon are only dangerous when breathed instead of oxygen, and there are nowhere near enough quantities stored within a neon sign to bring about a scenario where that would occur.

 

Is Mercury In A Real Neon Sign Safe?

 

No, mercury is not safe. There’s a small amount of mercury gas contained in many real neon signs, which is likely to escape if the sign is damaged. The good news is that it’s generally a very small amount of mercury contained within the sign, and the likelihood of it causing you harm is very low. However, it’s still best to leave it to well-equipped professionals to deal with a broken or leaking sign, just in case.

 

 

Do Real Neon Signs Get Hot?

 

Real neon signs get warm. The electricity that runs through the sign will produce heat when turned on, but not in excess. If you’d rather err on the side of caution, keep the sign away from flammable materials.

 

Are There Any Other Risks?

 

It might seem a bit obvious and mundane compared to talk of mercury gas, but the glass shards of a broken neon sign are a more likely hazard to you than toxic gas inhalation. If it breaks, watch your step! You’ll also want to keep in mind an equally ordinary danger: neon signs operate on a fairly high voltage, meaning that one needs to take extra consideration not to get shocked. Avoid touching any broken tubes or exposed wiring.

 

Are Real Neon Signs Safe For The Environment?

 

Real neon signs are quite environmentally friendly, especially compared with their LED counterparts. Their biggest environmental drawback is their relatively higher energy consumption, which can be greatly offset by partially or entirely powering them using renewable energy like solar power. Where they shine however (no pun intended) is in their long lifespans, which reduces the environmental strain of needing to produce constant replacements, along with the fact that they can be reused and repaired so are far less likely to end up in landfill.

 

Real Neon Lights: Range And Colour Considerations

 

One of the most iconic and eye-catching components of real neon signs are their extraordinary colours, praised for their vibrancy, depth, warmth, and subtle complexity – and the process of bringing about these hues is a fascinating one.

 

What Colour Are True Neon Signs?

 

True neon signs produce a deep, vibrant red colour. We call this ‘true neon’, because actual neon gas is used to create the reaction – something not all real neon lights utilise. Confusing, we know. Unlike faux neon (that use LED lights), signs that use other gases are still considered to be real neon signs.

 

What Results Will You Get With Other Noble Gasses?

 

There’s a wide range of noble gases one can incorporate in neon signs to create a variety of colour options:

 

• Argon is used to make a neon sign glow a deep blue.
• Krypton glows with an ethereal pale or purple light.
• Xenon is similar to argon in that it produces a blue light.
• Mercury vapour on its own produces a soft blue light, but it’s often blended with other gases to produce cooler tones like green or purple.
• Helium is good for more than making balloons float. It can be used to make a neon sign glow pink-red, or be added to other signs to make the neon light heat faster.

 

Are There Ways To Get Even More Colours?

 

Are the colours produced by using purely noble gases not enough for you? No worries – there’s a solution. Different phosphorescent coatings can be used on the glass surface of a real neon sign to produce an even wider variety of shades. Specific coatings are paired with the right gas (or combination of gases) and their reaction to one another will create a new appearance for the light.

 

Are Real Neon Signs Dimmable?

 

Although real neon signs aren’t dimmed as easily or drastically as their LED substitutes, it can be done. You’ll need to invest in extra electronics like a dimmer box or dimmer remote first, which will also need to be installed by a professional to ensure proper function.

 

Where Can I Get Real Neon Signs?

 

Worldwide, you’ll find many dedicated artisans and specialised companies producing real neon signs. But here in the UK, Carousel Lights offers some of the best options. As one of the UK’s leading producers of neon signs, we offer a staggering array of real neon signage options for you to choose from, whether they be pre-made or customised according to your needs.

 

 

Custom Neon Signs

 

One of the best things about choosing neon signage is that you have the option to have the entire product tailored to your own design. Customisability extends further to specific colours and even the exact materials used in construction. Opting for a custom neon sign is a great way to realise your artistic vision in one of the most extravagant and eye-catching ways possible.

 

How Are Custom Neon Signs Made?

 

The process of creating custom real neon signs can be a long, laborious, but ultimately rewarding process. Here’s a quick breakdown of how we do things here at Carousel Lights:

 

• Based on the design provided by a client, a full-scale drawing is made.
• Glass tubing is measured against the artwork and marked where bends are required.
• Glass tubing is heated, bent and cooled to produce the correct outlines for the design.
• Electrodes are attached to both sections of each separate piece of glass.
• A vacuum is used to pump out air from the glass sections before both the glass and electrodes are heated using electrical currents.
• The glass sections are filled with a noble gas like neon or argon.
• To ensure the gases have burned in, the glass segments are powered up and hung up to ‘age’.
• A few finishing touches are added, like painting over the areas where light needs to be blocked out (generally the back of the design).
• At long last, all of the glass sections, electronic components and fixtures are carefully assembled according to the design to create the final product.

 

Are Custom Neon Signs More Expensive?

 

Custom glass neon signs tend to be more expensive than premade signs or LED signs. After all, custom designs are often complex – and in the case of real neon signs, it’s a labour-intensive process that requires skilled artisans to bend glass tubes by hand. Material cost is also a factor, as design requirements may call for multiple different colours or specialised glass to be used. Finally, custom signs are made to order, which means they typically take longer to produce than premade neon signs, adding to total cost.

 

At Carousel Lights, we include a free quote for our custom neon light designs so that you’re clear on the final price. Alternatively, you can send us a pre-made design and we’ll let you know the cost before getting started.

 

Where Can I Get Custom Neon Signs?

 

With pride, confidence, and the expertise to back it up, Carousel Lights is the UK’s most renowned custom neon signage provider. We’ve developed custom signage for countless individuals and businesses across dozens of sectors, ensuring we can cater to just about any signage need. If you’re looking for custom neon signs – glass or otherwise – Carousel Lights can help you out.

 

Real VS LED Neon Signs

 

In recent years, real neon signs have slowly dwindled in number. Many businesses are instead opting for faux neon signs, which are more readily available, cheaper, and often easier to maintain. If you’re looking for something inexpensive or low maintenance, selecting a faux LED neon sign is a totally justifiable choice. However, before you make up your mind, there are a few important factors to consider.

 

 

What Are Faux Neon Signs Made Of?

 

Unlike real neon signs (which use glass tubing and are filled with gas) faux neon signs use silicone, acrylic, or plastic tubing stuffed with LED lights to simulate the look of a traditional neon sign – without needing to use the more delicate and expensive materials associated with the authentic variety.

 

What Are The Benefits Of A Faux Neon Sign?

 

There are a number of benefits associated with LED neon signs. They’re cheaper, as the materials involved in their production are inexpensive and the labour is minimal. They’re also more customisable than real neon signs, with many LED-based neon signs being programmable – meaning you can change their colours on the fly, or adjust the brightness.

 

The Cultural Impact Of Real Neon Lights: UK And Beyond

 

Over a century ago, the first neon sign made its debut in the Paris Motor show of 1910, presented by the French inventor George Claude. Five years later, the neon sign was patented, and soon afterwards it was being manufactured and used all across Europe and North America. Since then, the neon sign has not only spread across the word, it has cemented itself as an enduring pop culture icon.

 

When neon signs first swept across Europe and North America, they became an immediate symbol of the new age. From the early to mid-20th century, neon signage was strongly associated with modernity, technological development, and images of a utopian future. Neon signs were a great way for businesses to show they were on the cutting edge – and a few years later, this is still the case.

 

The urban landscape became (and remains) inextricably linked with neon lighting. Imagery of places like Las Vegas, New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong became defined by the neon glow that bathed their crowded streets at night, cementing the technology as an iconic aspect of metropolitan life.

 

From the mid-20th century onwards, neon signage began its global migration to continents other than Europe and North America, finding a particular foothold in Asia. Whether you were sitting at a bar in Los Angeles or crossing the street in Tokyo, your ambiance was likely defined by neon lights. This universal experience connected urban centres worldwide, creating a shared visual language of everyday city life.

 

 

Custom Neon Signs: UK

 

In today’s day and age, neon signs aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were. That’s not to say they aren’t popular; our appreciation of them has just grown more refined. Neon signs are a nostalgic callback to retro aestheticism, used frequently in pop art, films, and by businesses aiming to capture that good-old-days feel.

 

Real Neon Signs For Sale: Carousel Lights

 

Neon signs are far more than just glowing advertisements; they’re vibrant icons of cultural heritage, urban charm, and the product of dedicated craftsmanship. This article explored the many unique and appealing properties of real neon signs by addressing a wide array of possible questions a potential buyer or curious individual may have. As a quick recap, here’s a summary of all the main points:

 

Real neon signs are hand crafted lights created by shaping glass tubes, filling them with noble gas, and channelling electricity through the gas to produce a vibrant and ambient glow. You’ll find real neon signs being sold at a variety of costs from artisans and specialised businesses.

 

Custom neon signs are also available, which Carousal Lights specialises in. The process is laborious, and the total cost may be higher than that of a premade design – but the final product is a spectacular realisation of your ideas.

 

If you’re on the hunt for custom neon lights, neon letters, and neon art to match your vision, don’t hesitate to reach out to Carousel Lights and commission the perfect homage to pop culture. Big or small, glass or LED, Carousel Lights is an award-winning UK company that can help you spruce up your personal or commercial space with custom neon signs.

 

Call us at 01372 662299, or email [email protected] to speak to one of our expert consultations and brighten up your space with our real outdoor neon and interior neon signs.