So you're looking to get a neon sign for your home or office. What do you choose? Where do you start? Read on to find out what to look for.
First things first. What's the difference between real neon and LED neon?
Ask any diehard neon fan, and guaranteed you'll hear their passion for the science and magic in the answer. When neon "lights up" you are seeing the result of chemistry!
Similar to real glass neon, LED neon is used to make illuminated signs with a high level of detail. Although LED neon doesn't have the same "gritty" look as real neon, there are inherent benefits using LED - particularly for commercial and events use.
How Real Neon Works
Neon gas is a rare non-toxic earth element existing high up in the Earth’s atmosphere! In neon lights, this gas "glows" to produce a mesmerizing natural light when excited by electricity. Basically, when you turn the power switch on, the current flows through hitting the neon atoms and providing them with extra energy. We call this "exciting the neon". When the neon atom releases that excess energy, it glows a visible light.
LED Neon Custom Signs
“Move over glass neon. LED Neon signs are a modern alternative to traditional neon - hand crafted using the latest in flexible LED technology.” Amped & Co
Innovation has advanced the manufacturing of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) incredibly over the last few years. Unlike neon lights which are gas discharge lamps, LED neon is made with tiny diodes encased, and specially placed, inside plastic tubing that is designed to look like the glow of neon.
The tubes are sometimes called LED "soft neon" because they bend to form shapes. The thicker tubing is often mounted on an acrylic backing because it is harder to bend, and pieces must be wired together to make a seamless design.
As technology advances, the casing tubes for the LEDs become more flexible, thinner, and generally resemble neon even better. LED Neon is a safer alternative to real neon, non-breakable, and longer-lasting.
So What Should I buy?
Well, that really depends on your needs or what is important to you!
Real neon is magical, but also fragile and not fixable if broken. And the craftsmanship of handblown glass is an art form, one that takes professionals over 8 years to even attempt to commercially bend. Because it is labor-intensive, there may be small imperfections, and bends must be painted black to hide the light.
LED neon is generally non-breakable, a safe alternative to fragile glass neon lights. It is lightweight, easy to hang (if wall designs) and portable (for battery versions) making it great for kids, nurseries, and dorm rooms.
We would choose LED neon based on price, safety, availability, and because generally it looks better and easier to hang.
Visit Amped & Co to order your very own custom neon sign!
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