Custom Neon Signs
You can’t visit downtown Nashville and not see custom neon signs everywhere. Many are true, custom glass-blown neon signs, but some are the newer, more economic LED neon signs. While both custom neon signs look very similar, there are some fundamental differences between the LED neon and traditional neon signage.
Glass Neon vs LED Neon
Can you identify which one below is glass neon and which one is LED neon?
The first pic (A) is a LED Neon sign and (B) is traditional glass neon sign.
To understand the glass neon vs LED neon sign differences, keep on scrolling…
Glass Neon Signs | LED Neon Signs | |
| Aesthetics | Nothing can quite compare with the retro look of neon signs. Look no further than most of neon signs lining Broadway in Nashville | Although they look very similar to real neon signs and can even fool the casual bystander, the LED neon color is more concentrated and doesn’t quite have that same retro glow |
| Composition | Handblown glass with a specific gas for each color mounted on a variety of surfaces depending on usage | LED lit in flex tubing typically mounted on an acrylic sheet |
| Cost | Since neon signs are made from handblown glass by a professional artisan, a high-quality neon sign can be pricey depending on size and complexity | Much more economical than traditional neon |
| Maintenance | Minimal maintenance. Electrical repairs are reasonable. However, if glass breaks, repairs can be costly. | Minimal maintenance and more resilient to external forces. |
| Illumination | No issues indoors; however, could face illumination issues outside in cold temperatures depending on neon color | Full intensity regardless of color or climate. |
| Colors | Six different gases (neon, helium argon, krypton, mercury vapor, and xenon) create traditional neon colors and those gases can be mixed to produce about 50 different colors; glass tubes can also be colored | Over 4.4 million colors |
| Longevity | Although glass neon signs are fragile, if professionally crafted, encased, and installed, they can last about 10 years | LED Neon is extremely durable in all climates and will last for decades with extremely low power consumption |
Our Recommendation for Custom Neon Signs
So which kind of custom neon sign is best for your business? Traditional? LED? It all depends on your objectives and the image you’re trying to convey through your custom sign. All else equal, LED Neon signage may be the most economical and versatile sign solution, but again, it entirely depends on your needs.
Contact us today to start the neon sign conversation! We’d be happy to discuss multiple sign solutions for you and your business!
