Neon signs have been around for over a century, with the invention of these signs credited to French engineer Georges Claude.  Claude’s invention involved passing an electrical current through rarefied neon gas in a sealed glass tube, causing it to emit a bright, glowing light.  His first public demonstration occurred in late 1910.

The first known use of a neon sign in advertising was in 1912 at a Parisian barber shop, where the words “Palais Coiffeur” were displayed.  This marked the debut of a new phenomenon – since then, businesses have been eager to capture the attention of their consumers with these vibrant, illuminated signs.  

Today, custom neon signs have become iconic symbols of nightlife in bustling cityscapes and the fun and frivolity of entertainment.  Over the decades, the popularity of neon has fluctuated, especially with the advent of cheaper, more energy-efficient alternatives like LEDs and fluorescent lighting.  However, many consumers still find themselves attracted to the warm, nostalgic glow of a classic neon sign, and it’s safe to say that their popularity is making a comeback.  

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the history of neon signs, taking a closer look at their craftsmanship and modern applications.

Evolution of Neon Signs

1910s

After his discovery, Georges Claude first unveiled his invention at the Paris Motor Show in December 1910.  After demonstrating its potential for advertising, he would later patent his system, including a specific design for the electrodes within the tubes and methods for purifying the neon gas, enabling the creation of bright, long-lasting neon lights.  This patent formed the basis for his company, Claude Neon Lights.  

1920s to 1950s

Often referred to as “liquid fire”, neon signs became widely popular worldwide during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in large, urban centers.  This period became known as the “golden age of neon.”  The rapid growth of cities and the increased availability of electricity provided the perfect circumstances for neon signs to flourish.  Neon signs became a powerful tool for advertising, creating vibrant, memorable displays in iconic locations such as Las Vegas and New York City.  These displays came to symbolize progress, modernity, and the possibilities of the electronic age.

The popularity of neon signs lasted well into the 1950s.  During this time, neon lighting technology saw significant improvements, including the introduction of more colors and greater design flexibility.  While neon itself produces a reddish-orange glow, adding other gases like argon and mercury, and using fluorescent coatings applied to the inside of the glass tubes, allowed for the creation of other colors such as blue, yellow, green, purple, and white.  Advances in glass and electrode technology led to more durable and reliable neon signs, reducing breakage and maintenance issues.  Improved materials and the ability to create a wide range of colors allowed for more detailed, complex signs than ever.

1960s

However, neon signs became less popular in the 1960s due to a combination of factors.  By this point, neon signs were no longer a novelty – what was once considered the peak of modernity began to be perceived by some as outdated or even tacky.  Neon signs were fragile and expensive to manufacture and repair.  The 1960s saw the rise of more affordable and more durable illuminated signs, most notably the advent of LED (light-emitting diode) lighting.  LED signs were cheaper, easier to install and maintain, and lasted longer than traditional neon.  Finally, the glass used in many neon signs contained lead, which raised health concerns, particularly as safety regulations began to tighten in the 1960s.  

1980s

Neon experienced a brief revival in the 1980s – a decade known for its bright colors, extreme fashions, and iconic trends.  Popular TV shows of the day, such as Miami Vice, contributed to its resurgence.  The show prominently featured neon lights in various settings, including nightclubs, buildings, and even clothing, creating a vibrant and stylish atmosphere, adopting neon once again as a symbol of luxury and entertainment.

2010s to 2020s

Today, neon is making a comeback.  The resurgence is partly driven by nostalgia and the desire to recapture the retro, vibrant aesthetic of decades past, particularly the 1980s and 1990s.  Today’s fast-paced world can be overwhelming and overstimulating, whereas a vintage neon sign feels warm and inviting, bringing us back to a simpler time.  Younger people, too, are embracing neon as a fresh, bold visual statement.  Their eye-catching, photogenic quality makes them popular on social media, allowing users to capture their alluring retro charm in the modern age.  

Neon Sign Craftsmanship: How Neon Signs are Made

Traditional neon signs are made of sealed glass tubes, filled with neon and other gases.  The tubes are bent and twisted to form letters, symbols, or other designs.  When electricity is added, the neon emits light, causing the sign to glow.  The art of neon sign glass tube bending is a specialized skill that requires precision and experience.  Today, it is considered an endangered craft.  

Let’s briefly discuss how neon signs are made:

• Design – A pattern for the neon sign is created, which is used as a reference during the glass-bending process.
• Heating the Glass – Skilled artisans use various burners to heat and soften the glass tubes so they become malleable.
• Bending the Glass – The heated glass tube is gently bent, using the pattern, to achieve the desired shape.
• Adding Electrodes – The tubing is capped with electrodes, which are the connection point for the electricity source that powers the sign.
• Gas Filling – Impurities are removed from the glass before carefully introducing the appropriate gas (typically neon or argon).
• Completion – The ends of the tubes are sealed, and the sign is ready to be installed!

Today’s Neon Signs 

How do today’s neon signs differ?

Today, modern neon signs are more affordable, more versatile, and safer than ever.  In particular, LED neon offers an alternative to traditional neon signs, using light-emitting diodes housed within flexible, plastic tubing to mimic the appearance of classic neon, without the use of fragile glass or hazardous gases.  

Here are a few key differences between today’s neon signs and those of yesteryear:

• Materials – Traditional neon signs use hand-bent glass tubes filled with inert gases like neon or argon.  Modern LED neon signs use flexible silicone or acrylic tubing instead of glass, so they are shatter-resistant, free from harmful substances, and are not hot to the touch.
• Energy Consumption – Traditional neon signs consume significantly more energy than modern neon signs, which are designed with energy-saving components.  LED neon is more eco-friendly and can help save costs on monthly utility bills.
• Initial Cost – Traditional neon signs are typically more expensive to purchase and install.  LED neon is generally more cost-effective, especially when you factor in long-term energy and maintenance costs.
• Durability – With proper maintenance, both traditional and modern neon signs can last a long time.  However, traditional neon signs, made with glass tubes, are more susceptible to breakage.  LED neon signs use durable, low-voltage LEDs encased in flexible materials, making them more resilient to physical damage and weather conditions.  

What are some modern applications of neon signs?

Modern neon signs can be used in a variety of ways, extending beyond traditional advertising to include interior design, art installations, and event decor.  These eye-catching displays are often used to create a unique atmosphere and add a personalized touch to both residential and commercial spaces.  

Here’s a more detailed look at some of their modern applications:

• Home Decor – Neon signs are used to add a focal point to living spaces, contributing to the mood or aesthetic of the room.
• Office Decor – Neon signs can be used to inspire creativity or add a unique touch to workspaces.
• Event Decor – Neon signs add personality and a retro touch to weddings, parties, or other special occasions.
• Social Media Engagement – Neon signs are powerful tools for boosting social media engagement.  They help create visually appealing backdrops for photos and videos, encouraging user-generated content, and driving traffic to your online presence.
• Artistic Installations – Neon signs are increasingly used as art installations in galleries and other public spaces.
• Unique Gifts – Custom neon signs make unique and personalized gifts for various occasions.
• Wayfinding – Neon signs can be used for navigation, creating a visually appealing and effective way to guide people through complex environments such as airports, hospitals, or retail stores.
• Indoor Signage – Neon signs can help set the mood and add a unique decorative element in a variety of settings, including restaurants, cafes, salons, or other shops.
• Enhanced Branding – Businesses can use neon signs in their brand colors to display their name, logos, or other slogans, creating a memorable experience for customers.
• Advertising – Of course, neon signs are still used for advertising purposes.  Their bright, warm glow can make a business stand out, especially after dark.

There’s no doubt that neon has continued to stand the test of time.  Today, many people find the warm, nostalgic glow of a classic neon sign.  National Neon provides a wide range of signage options, including neon signs and digital LED displays.  To order your sign, contact us today!

Bright, glowing neon signs have become iconic displays of commerce and entertainment: a colorful cityscape fueled by neon signifies the possibilities of the electronic age.  Neon signs have been used in storefront displays and advertisements for more than a century; however, glass tube bending is often considered an endangered craft.  

The art of neon sign glass tube bending is a specialized craft that demands both precision and strict safety measures. Skilled artisans use heat and manual techniques to shape glass tubes into custom designs and lighting effects. The process involves heating specific sections of the tubing until they become pliable, then carefully bending them to form letters, symbols, or other shapes. Once the design is complete, the tubes are filled with inert gases—such as neon or argon—which produce the iconic glow when an electrical current passes through.

Glass tube bending requires skill, precision, and experience. In this article, we’re going to take a detailed look at the art of neon sign glass tube bending process: craftsmanship at its best.

1. Design and Planning

A design or pattern for the neon sign is created and printed to scale on a fire-resistant sheet, which serves as a reference used to guide the bending process. This can be done either manually or with the help of computer software.

2. Heating the Glass

Skilled artisans use various burners to heat and soften the glass tubes so they become malleable. Typically, a ribbon burner using propane is used to heat specific sections of the glass tube, softening it to a pliable state.  The temperature is high, around 1200°F or 650°C, until the glass reaches a state where it can be bent, twisted, and shaped into various designs.

3. Bending the Glass

The heated glass tube is then gently bent, following the pattern, to achieve the desired shape.  A blow hose or other tools might be used to control the diameter of the glass as it’s bent.  During this process, the bends are meticulously checked and adjusted against the pattern to ensure their accuracy and precision.  Once the desired shape is achieved, any excess glass is carefully cut off with a glass cutter or similar tool.  When necessary, separate glass sections are heated and fused together.

4. Adding Electrodes

Once the tubing is shaped, it is capped with electrodes.  These electrodes are the connection point for the electricity source that powers the neon sign.  Each separate tube that makes up the sign requires these connection points.

5. Bombarding

Bombarding is a technique used to remove impurities from the glass.  A strong electrical current is passed through a vacuum-sealed glass tube, heating it and its electrodes, causing the impurities and other contaminants to be released and then pumped away.  This process ensures a clean environment for the neon or other gases, resulting in a brighter, longer-lasting neon sign.  

6. Gas Filling

The appropriate gas (typically neon or argon) is carefully introduced into the vacuum-sealed tube to the desired pressure.  The tubing itself is sometimes coated inside with a powder called phosphor, which gives the tube a different color when lit, depending on which gas it is filled with.  Occasionally, parts of the tubes that are not meant to be seen are “blocked out” or painted to further define the shape of the neon sign.

7. Sealing

The ends of the tubing are sealed using a heat torch or other sealant to prevent gas leakage.  This step requires precision to ensure a tight seal.  It’s crucial to perform a leak test after sealing. 

8. Completion

The tubing is complete and ready to be mounted!  It’s generally recommended to have a professional install your neon sign.  Neon signs can be fragile and require careful handling during installation.  A qualified electrician can ensure the sign is installed securely and safely.

Neon signs are regaining popularity, with many consumers finding themselves attracted to their warm, nostalgic glow.  However, glass tube bending is considered an endangered craft, requiring years of training and experience.  Due to the handcrafted nature of the process, each neon sign is unique.  Today, modern neon signs are safer and more affordable than ever.  

Whatever type of sign you want, National Neon can help –  from the initial design to the final installation.  Contact us today for more information!

It’s time to go back to basics! That’s right—even today, monument signs can still make an impact. If you’re a local business looking to stand out in your community, this is the way to go. These ground level signs are often anchored in stone, brick, metal or high-density foam and can still make your place of business shine.

Are you a school, medical office, retail plaza, church or corporate campus. No matter what type of business you are, a monument sign can work for you. Let’s learn about how a monument sign can showcase your brand.

Monument Signs Explained

A monument sign is a freestanding, low profile sign that sits by a building’s entrance or along a roadway. In contrast to their pylon and pole counterparts, they are closer to the ground and tend to be between three and six feet tall. This makes it more grounded and readable from a distance. 

They tend to be made of the following materials:

• Stone or brick masonry
• Concrete
• Metal panels
• Stucco or acrylic
• Routed or sandblasted foam (for cost-effective replicas)
• Digital LED panels (for modern messaging)

Monument signs are classic and never go out of style. Even in our modern world, they still hold relevance. We will discuss why they still matter now next.

How Monument Signs Hold Up Today

When everyone is looking down at their phones, they might not notice a sign. However, that’s where you’d be wrong. These signs sit at eye-level. Check out some of the reasons businesses still turn to monument signs:

• Builds Credibility: A professionally designed monument says a lot about your business. It shows you are established, permanent and proud of your brand.

• Anchor Your Brand: Temporary and digital ads come and go, but monument signs are forever. Think of it like a landmark that customers will remember.

• Fuses Retro and Modern Influences: Even monument signs can use backlit logos, digital displays and QR codes. The material the display sits on combines tradition with trust.

From past to present, monument signs get the job done. They truly are unforgettable. We will learn about how to effectively design a monument sign next.

Designing the Perfect Monument Sign

Wondering how to make your monument sign a staple of your neighbourhood? Well, there are few ways to stand out even in streets filled with signs. Try out the following;

• Match Architecture: Your sign should complement your building and surrounding landscape. A cohesive theme helps build trust.

• Simple Messaging: All you need on your sign is your business name, logo and an optional tagline. Keep digital messages short and readable.

• Make Everything Legible: Fonts, colours, contrast and lighting should be chosen with visibility in mind. This is especially true for drive-by traffic.

• Think Long-Term: Durable materials and timeless designs should be your top priorities. If you maintain it, your monument sign can last 20+ years.

Whether you have a monument sign or not, design is everything. After all, you’re putting out an image of your brand to the world. It should represent you and your business.

Let Legacy Meet Longevity With a Monument Sign!

Sometimes, it’s a good thing to go back to classics—monument signs prove it! They can showcase your brand and message if you use them correctly. Need help with your monument sign? You can count on National Neon Signs. We are your sign design and installation experts.

Ready to experience the benefits of monument signs? Contact us today!