How to Design a Neon Sign
Neon signs are electric signage containing glass tubes filled with noble gases that, when electrified, emit various colors. The most common is neon, but argon, krypton and xenon are also used in some signs.
To create a custom sign, you need to give the manufacturer some kind of idea of what you want-this could be a rough sketch, a doodle on paper, or even a photo from your smartphone.
Colors
The choice of colors for a neon sign depends on the overall aesthetic or mood you wish to create. The right color palette can help you set the tone for your business and grab customers’ attention. It is also important to consider how your signage will look in various lighting conditions. For example, brighter colors may be more effective in well-lit environments while softer hues work better in dimly lit spaces to create an inviting ambiance.
The varying shades of neon are achieved by altering the composition of the gas mixture inside glass tubing. This can be done by adding different gases or tinting the tubes. While the resulting colors vary slightly, most neon signs are produced with a combination of red and green. Other popular options include orange and pink.
When selecting a color for your neon sign, you should consider its symbolic meaning and how it will appear in various light conditions. For example, orange is a vibrant color that symbolizes excitement and adventure. This makes it ideal for dynamic brands or businesses that cater to young audiences. Pink, on the other hand, is a feminine color that can convey both sweetness and edginess.
Moreover, a neon Design neon sign sign is more likely to be read in darker areas than in lighter ones. It is therefore advisable to choose dark shades for indoor signs and use a dimmer design for outdoor signage.
Text
Neon signs are electric signs lighted by long luminous tubes filled with noble gases like neon and argon. These gases are highly reactive and very fragile, which explains why traditional neon signs are so expensive. Modern LED neon flex, on the other hand, is safer, more energy efficient and allows a wide range of colors and shapes to be used.
The first thing you need to decide is what text you want your sign to display. You may be able to use your company name, brand logo, slogan or even a favourite quote. Regardless of what you choose, the text should be succinct and simple to read. It should also be relevant to the product or service you are offering and fit the style of the sign you are wanting to create.
Many manufacturers offer online design tools that let you translate the image of your sign from your mind into a visual representation on screen. The design tool will let you select a number of elements, including font, size and colour, and will usually show you a sample on-screen to help you get the idea across.
If you have any other specifications, it is worth letting the manufacturer know so they can give you an accurate quote for your sign. This includes sizing specifications, mounting options and whether you want your sign to flash or change colours (only possible with LED neon). They may also need to know how much text you would like on the sign.
Materials
A neon sign uses glass and inert gas to create a bright glow. Its color and luminosity vary depending on the concentration of each specific gas used. Tinting the glass tubing or mixing different gases expands the range of available colors. In general, higher concentrations of the various gases produce the richest hues and highest efficiencies.
Neon signs are fabricated by workers skilled in the craft of bending glass tubing into shapes. This laborious process requires significant amounts of heat and technical expertise. First, manufacturers select the proper size of glass tubing. Typically, these tubes are 4 to 5 feet long and have a diameter of between 0.3 and 1 inch. A pure iron electrode is melted to each end of the tubing and sealed with glass.
Once the glass is shaped to form the sign parts, workers use a blow hose to keep the tubes soft and avoid overheating sections. They then bend the tube into a pre-printed pattern using a wire frame and a vacuum pump.
The sign is then filled with the chosen gas. Traditionally, neon was used to produce the iconic red glow but modern signs often feature argon for a wide variety of other colors. Other special effect gases include helium, krypton, and Custom Party Neon Lights xenon. During the filling and sealing process, workers also use mercury to adjust the intensity of the blue light. These chemicals must be handled properly to prevent injuries and fires.
Optional elements
A custom neon sign requires a number of different elements to create the effect you’re looking for. These include the glass tube, transformer, and a noble gas to make the light glow. You can also add a dimmer switch to control the brightness of your sign.
A skilled artist known as a “glass bender” is responsible for shaping the tubes. They heat the tubes and then carefully follow a pattern. The process is time-consuming and mistakes can be expensive. Once the tubes are shaped, they are welded together and filled with mercury. The process is hazardous, and a single mistake can cause the whole sign to be discarded.
Once you’ve finalized the design of your sign, you should provide it to the manufacturer. They will create a master image of what the final sign will look like. Some manufacturers hand-draw this, while others use software programs.
The dimensions of your sign should match the size and layout of the wall where you intend to install it. Choosing the right dimensions will ensure that your sign is visible from the intended viewing distance, and it won’t overwhelm your decor.
