Here at Fire House Neon Signs we’re big fans of both color and typography, and if there’s a fun way to combine them—even better. Which is why this 'No Vacancy' neon sign in the home of Birmingham artist Matt Underwood decorated by designer Barri Thompson is one of our favorites, and why we’re still obsessing over neon signs as decor. No longer just for bar signs (though those are still going strong!), you too can decorate like an interior designer and add a little glow to your home. 

Comment on our Facebook or Twitter pages about how you would go about bringing a bit of Vegas into your humble abode.

Custom neon signs are a great way to advertise your business. They allow you to get the attention of people who pass your business everyday without requiring an additional advertising budget. These types of signs range from totally custom to template designs with customization options.

The first company to have a custom neon sign designed was the Packard Car Dealership in Los Angeles. The sign read "Packard" and sold for $24,000. Since then, businesses all over the world have used neon signs to attract people to their storefront.

Custom neon signs can be used by homeowners or any business including bars, restaurants, nail and hair salons, convenience stores and more. The price of a sign really depends on the complexity of the design and how big the piece is you plan to create. Many basic signs can be purchased for under $500. These small investments pay for themselves pretty quickly with increased customers. An important consideration is that this is a one time purchase. It is not a reoccurring expense like other forms of advertising including radio, television, newspapers and magazines. Neon sign last. Many historical neon signs are over 30 years old and still running. Las Vegas has a history museum devoted strictly to older neon signs.

If you have a sign inside your business, safety should be a consideration when choosing a place to hang the sign. Some neon signs come with a protective Plexiglas cover to keep the tubes from touching anything. Neon tubes are made of glass which can be broken, so you never want them to be in a location where they can come into contact with anything or anybody. Therefore, place them out of the path of customers and away from other materials.

Neon is available in range of colors and styles. Most sign manufactures have a catalog of templates you can choose from. Some come "as is", others allow you to add your company name to them. In addition you can have a completely custom product completed with your logo or pretty much any other design that you can come up with.

Whatever design or colors you use for your custom neon sign, it is sure to bring your business more attention. People's eyes are automatically drawn to the bright colors of neon and the first step to getting a new customer is getting their attention and letting them know you are there.

The electrifying and innovational concept of neon lights was introduced to the world in the early 1920’s and traditional marketing methods soared to another level. In the year 1923, a French company in the United States called Claude Neon owned by Georges Claude, introduced the world to neon gas signs. In the same year, the first neon sign was installed at a Packard car dealer in Los Angeles City at a cost of $24,000.

Since this early installation of neon, the concept has boomed due the many advantages neon offers over other types of signage. Even today, neon sign age holds it ground, despite what competing industries such as LED would have you believe. Some of the very prominent benefits of using neon lights are as follows:

Catchy Appearance for Consumers

The neon signs used today are infused with miscellaneous noble gases like helium, and neon that have the characteristic of producing a diverse variety of colors which is not possible with simple lights. These lights can be viewed from a farther distance no matter what the color. This is why neon lights are so attractive for consumers as they can’t help but notice the colorful sign boards. You hardly ever miss them as you look at the dazzling display of neon lights. Just take Broadway in New York or the Fremont Street of Las Vegas. They are just as beautiful and artistic as the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Sign of Popular Trademarks

Neon lights have the potential benefits of not only attracting onlookers, but also adding to the image of the product or company. The eye-catching displays create a psychological impact on the mind, by luring the customers and to make them think that “this is their best choice”. Many national companies continue to select neon in their newest installations including: Target, Old Navy, Bass Pro Shop, Ramada, Red Lobster and Bennigan's  to name but a few. 

Customizable Characteristics

Neon can be used extensively to serve different purposes because of its customizable characteristic. It can be bent to form different shapes, letters, symbols, and numbers. This is why they are not only used for exterior signs, but also for decorating the interior walls and ceilings. This way, you can create different themes to make your displays catchy and relevant.

Low Cost and Energy Consumption

One of the massive benefits of using neon lights is that they are not expensive, at least as compared to the benefits that they render. Neon lights can easily be maintained for a long period because of their low energy consumption rate and durability. Too often, large corporations producing alternate lighting systems like LED, who have robust marketing campaigns, mislead the public or present incomplete information. When claims are made about the environmental impacts of neon, including energy efficiency and mercury content, one must consider the source of the data. Scientific studies have proven neon's low cost and energy efficiency. These studies show that neon signs are environmentally responsible and, with an extensive color palette, a creative flexible lighting system. 

You can boost up your business to greater heights with the lure of attractive and colorful neon signs. You can even follow up some ideas for your installations from Fire House Neon Signs!

Surprisingly, the new-age is familiar with technology, but people are still attracted to the old signage mainstays especially in case of neon. Many companies are more dedicated these days to create “new signs” that are reminiscent of yesteryear. If you have ever visited the City of Memphis TN, you will have seen Bass Pro Shops nationally recognized flagship store that encompasses this vintage look. 

Known as the “8th Wonder of the World”, the Brass Pro Shops massive 32 story/535,000sf store is positioned as the Worlds Largest Pyramid. How did Bass Pro Shops endeavor to design visual signage for entrances into the various sections of this colossal structure without appearing dwarfed and all the while maintaining a down home feel? Using neon of course! Facades and directional neon are integrated into the overall design concept of an old-time bayou village.

In April, thousand of residents congregated in the parking lot of the Pyramid for the grand opening, amidst music and speeches. However once the festivities died down, the neon signs assumes the staring role as the crowd slowly filed inside. Not only does the neon gives a unique look to the interior of this retail nexus, but also beckons visitors to explore. Retail signage for specific products (rain wear, hunting clothing and fly shops) blend into the themed visual presentations to provide easy way finding for customers.

An example of animated neon signage can be seen in the Waterfowl sign, as visitors experience flying ducks chasing one another into cattails  below. Other signs include the neon-illuminated Fish Bowl sign as the one of the main features of Big Cypress Lodge. A leggy female figure beckons shoppers to the Ladies Apparel section. The animated Footwear sign would have been at home on the storefront of a 1930's cobbler. In the center of it all, the worlds tallest freestanding elevator glows in neon as it rises to an observation deck above. 

With more than 35,000 visitors a day this retail giant attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world proving that using the power of neon is just good design.

Since the advent of neon signs, people have been fascinated with the brilliant glowing colors. Once they served as signage and now as attractions in the modern era. When you see a classic restaurant, you probably don’t think that it neon signs serves anything other than an advertisement of services, and good food. Nowadays, however, they have another purpose: providing “vintage charm”.

There are several signs in Chicago that were built about half a century ago with the ambiance of a bygone era when “eating out” was considered an occasion and a novel opportunity. The same old concept is trending again.

As owners have quoted that customers cannot resist crowding around these vintage signs and taking pictures for fun and trend. Surprisingly enough, many of the diners are even enticed into going for the new eatery that’s only based on the vintage signs alone. They also add that most of the diners even come time and again to these restaurants over years just to greet the historical landmarks just as their old friends.

According to a survey that the famous newspaper of Chicago Tribune conducted, which asked readers to tell them about the restaurants’ marquees that stood out in the Chicago area, and interviewed the restaurant owners regarding the signs’ history, vintage neon signs are the new trend. The signs either shine today as neon beacons or mark the cultural aspects of the previous generation. In the Chicago area, vintage signs have continued to turn heads even today as customers’ favorites. A few of them are listed below:

Margie's Candies

A restaurant in Chicago at the Western Avenue which has been there from the ‘60s still popularizes itself for its vintage sign. As reported by the owner of the restaurant who said that Acme Wiley Sign. Co created the sign in 1954 which has his mother’s name on it. It’s made up of neon, porcelain, and metal. He added that his mother paid about $3,500 for the sign back in those times when the same amount could buy a Cadillac. Moreover, it has cost them only around $200 to maintain the signage.

Bill's Pizza & Pub

The pub is located in the village of Mundelein at the Lake St and still marks as an attraction popular in the area because of its vintage sign. The owner said in the interview that, in 1957, he had found an aged Rexall Drug sign from a shop that was in Waukegan and he had redesigned the same sign using neon. He put the same sign at the top of his restaurant and his restaurant started doing a lot better than the others.

Palace Grill

Another restaurant in Chicago at Madison St. rated one of the most popular restaurants with vintage signs. Its owner, George Lemperis, had told the Chicago Tribune that their sign has been displayed since the year 1938 and they are happily celebrating their 75^th anniversary of longtime success this year. He added that although we don’t see a lot of neon signs in this modern age, at least on small businesses, the one that you see in our restaurant is a real conversation starter. He further quoted that “We are a classic diner and this is a classic diner sign”.

The myth that neon signs are limited to bars and open signs is gone.  Neon Signs have smartly made their existence known by glowing strong in fashionable home decor and favorite hangout places. With their vivid pinks, yellows and blues, neon signs are becoming the newest and one of the most in-demand trends in interior design. 

Neon Furniture: Interior designers are going crazy over it. Modern furniture turned into bright glowing orbs have changed the dynamics of the furniture industry. Believe it or not, there are several designers who are incorporating neon into old world furniture. You might be thinking tacky designers are trying to "pimp their ride", but it has a much more practical application. It provides illumination without the need for lamps or overhead lights and, it highlights the details and classic lines of the traditional furniture. It is art that is functional. This concept can easily be DIY-ed using your own furniture and turning it into modern artwork.

Neon Signs as wall décor: Bold designing on a whole new level, interior designers are creating instant booms of color in some of the most fashionably decorated homes around. It’s a night light element that might make moist traditional interior designers cringe, but is a lot of fun. Used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and kids’ playrooms to add a touch of whimsy with simple catch phrases like “joy”, or "love", famous quotes or names. And the best part? These wordy neon lights can be customized to your own specifications. Probably the most well known room that has incorporated this trend is reality star, Kourtney Kardashian’s master bedroom.  Her hot pink neon LOVE ME sign by artist Curtis Kulig stands out and really makes a statement against the black, white decor.  

Neon signs as Gifts: Customized neon signs for your loved ones are an ideal and modern way to show that you care. Be it birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, what man wouldn't want a neon sign for his man cave? These cool neon signs add a warm and festive feeling to an otherwise dark cave! But don't limit it to just the men. Neon night lights for kids rooms are all the rage. Check it out! Perfect kids room decor could be any of the retro style wall clocks, decorative sculptures, and neon signs that will add a spunky vibe for the wee modernist. Fire House Neon has hundreds of neon signs to choose from. Match any decor, hobby or interest! 

Neon lightening for your backyards: Neon lights in backyards has become a much widely acceptable and an upscale way to dress up the patio. Art and lighting combines in one durable show piece. Many people have started considering them as a creative alternative to traditional lighing.

Neon signs for home addresses: How many times has it been that the GPS in our car has led us to the wrong location? We all have been through that time where we drove for hours searching for a place or specific location. Imagine a glowing outdoor neon sign instead of old boring house number. Neon signs for home addresses should be encouraged. Such a smart idea to light up your house numbers in neon for safety and as well as aesthetics. People have already started doing it. With glowing numbers, evening visitors will have no trouble finding their way to your door.

There are hundreds of other ways neon signs and clocks can be added to home decors bringing a modern and stylish look to brighten up any dull location. Make sure to light up your world using neon signs as they are the hippest and trendiest way to redesign your interior.

Like any electronics, a neon power supply will eventually fail. However with some care, a neon power supply can easily be replaced on a bar sign. Installing a neon power supply may seem difficult at first, which is why we have provided below a step-to-step guide for its installation. Follow the steps as explained and you will again have a glowing neon sign.

Safety first!

Always be careful when working with electrical equipment. While installing a neon power supply, make sure that the sign is disconnected from any power generating source to avoid possible shocks. Always keep installation in conformity with all local electric codes.(NEC, CSA, Ect.) 

1. The first step involves placing the neon sign on a safe surface and locating the power supply and the location of the GTO wires coming from the power supply. Follow the wires to where they connect to the neon glass. Make a note of the route, as we will want to install the wires of the new power supply in the same location. 

2. This is where things can go wrong. Neon tubes are fragile and the glass can end up broken, so be very gentle when handling. Carefully detach the rubber end caps from the neon tube exposing the tube’s electrodes and wiring. If the end caps do not want to come off, use a X-acto knife to split it open and peel away. The caps can be replaced with new ones.
   

3. Untwist the wires of the electrodes and GTO wire. Careful!  in old signs the wires can be brittle.

4. If there is a plastic backing, free the GTO wires coming out of the power supply by running them through the holes in the plastic. Never run the GTO leads across the power supply.

5. Find the screws holding the power supply to the sign backing, unscrew and remove. Save the screws to attach the new power supply.

6. Now with the screws, fit the neon power supply on the backing. We assume you are replacing with the same make and model. If using a different model you may need to make new holes for the screws. When using multiple power supplies on one sign, be sure to keep at least 3 inches between each unit. Make sure the power supply is secure.
   

7. Pass the two separate GTO wires coming out of the power supply though the holes in the sign backing. Turn over the sign to its front. You should be able to see the two wires out of the open holes.

8. Take one wire and thread it back to the first electrode, following the route of the old wire.  Route the wire so it will not touch the glass or cross the other lead wire. Always keep a minimum of 1 inch between GTO leads and any metallic surfaces.  Align the electrode and GTO and determine the length of the GTO needed.  Keep the leads as equal in length as possible. This step is a bit tricky, so check and double check before cutting. Trim off the excess wire with wire cutters. 

9. Strip the protective covering off the GTO wire about a inch from the end. Take the wire tips of the GTO and electrode in your hand and twist them together to join. Do this several times for a stronger grip and then bend the wires back to keep them in place.

10. Slide the rubber end cap back over the new wire splice covering it completely. The end caps not only hold the wires together, but also guard from possible electrical shocks. If you had to cut the old end cap off, buy a new cap to replace it.

11. Repeat Step 8 and 9 for the second GTO lead. 

12. Lastly, plug in the electrical cord of the power supply to a  power plug and light up your neon sign.

With a population of over half a million inhabitants, Tucson, Arizona is one of the prime countries in the US. Not only is it the home of PIMA Co., this state has been famous over centuries for its contribution to the world in terms of its giant glowing Neon Signs.

People who grew up here have spent their whole lives glancing at these big vibrant signs all their lives, which is why they are not in favor of the authorities’ decision to take them downs. But let’s take a break and take a look at the story behind it.

A sneak peek into the history of Tucson’s Neon Signs

Southwest had been a popular tourist location when in earlier times, the idea of camping and vacation for most people meant travelling the country through interstates and highways. A spectrum of big flickering neon signs on the highways gave this part of the state a unique and appealing charm. Because of their placements on highways that ran throughout the city, these pink, blue and yellow neon signs proved to be the right kind of attraction for coffee shops, theatre and motels that their owners needed during the late 1940s to 1960s.

America’s Ugliest Street:

These signs were not always seen as an attraction or considered historic landmarks. People considered them as outdated, gaudy in appearance, and visual pollution barricading the beautiful view of the mountains.

Adding to the horror, Life Magazine in 1970 published an article labeling these neon-lit roads as the “ugliest streets” in America.

Plastic signs were the new trendy way of promotion which made these neon signs seems bulky and simply old-fashioned. People who owned them stopped maintaining them and they were left as they were. Too big to take down and repair, all that was left were these unlit ruined signs all over the state.

Tucson stands up against taking the Neon signs down:

But times changed. Inhabitants got accustomed to viewing them every day on their routes and began to appreciate the art form. So, when a few years back the Tucson authorities decided to take down these unlit, non-functional neon signs, It came out as a blow for the Tucsonans. They were not ready to give up something they had come to consider historic and sacred.

In 2011, Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation took a stand to preserve the signs that can be termed iconic landmarks. Restoration began the next year.

In 2013, the city invested $125,000 for a preservation program to restore these iconic landmarks. Currently undergoing sign restorations include two famous neon signs; the Hacienda Motel and the Riviera Motor Lodge. Notices were sent out to the owners. The Foundation will pay up to 75% of the cost of restoring the areas historic neon signs, if the owners agree to maintain them for the next ten years.

Jennifer Levstik, who is the preservation lead planner for the city’s Historic Preservation Office, expressed her views saying,

“It’s a part of our history that’s really unique. We have to start recognizing these historic resources of the past. Anything I can do to help bring these back to life, I’ll do it.” 

Neon signs are displayed everywhere as a form of advertising for businesses. They are a fairly inexpensive way to market your business because you can display them anywhere and it only costs you a one-time payment to have one made for you. They work great for advertising because people can see the signs from quite a distance away. They are so bright that they draw attention to your store, product or whatever you are promoting. Neon can definitely help your business make more money by increasing the number of customers who walk through your doors.

The main goal of signs is to attract attention. The glowing neon light stands out brightly in the darkness of night. Display one in the window of your store and people will be able to see it as they drive by. It may spark interest in one of these passersby, enough so to get them to come into your store.

Where to Get Neon Signs:

There may be places in your local area that sell pre-made neon signs. Many of the signs are standard template designs like, "Open", "Drive Thru", "Barber Shop", "Restaurant", etc. These types of pre-made signs work well to garner attention and won't cost you nearly as much as a custom sign.

Another place to find pre-made neon signs is on the Internet. These companies will likely have the greatest number of options for you to choose from. There are many retailers online that specialize in their own unique signs and you will find a variety of styles and colors of pre-made neon signs to choose from.

You will also find the opportunity to have a custom-made neon sign for your store as well. This means that you can hire someone to make a unique sign designed especially for your business. A sign like this is likely going to cost you more money but it gives your business the chance to stand out amongst your competitors. You can display your sign proudly because no one else will have one like it. A custom neon sign will gain a lot more attention from people passing by than a standard "Open" sign, which means it also has the ability to bring more traffic into your store.

No matter what, neon signs are a great way to promote your business with another unique form of relatively inexpensive advertising. If your business is near a road, intersection or any other place that has a lot of traffic, a neon sign is the perfect way to turn that traffic into potential customers and get these people interested in coming into your store.

The country of Australia recently announced its very own series of commemorative neon sign postage stamps – showcasing three of their historic neon signs.

The Skipping Girl, known as Little Aubrey, erected in 1936 as an advertisement for Skipping Girl Vinegar. The sign depicting a young girl playing jump-rope and instantly captured the eyes and hearts of all of Melbourne. The current sign erected in 1970 is not the original sign. The original was removed in 1968 when the company moved. Regarded as a local landmark, public outcry followed its removal. In response to this a campaign was undertaken to reinstate it. With the involvement of businessman John Benjamin, a new slightly smaller Little Audrey sign was reinstated on the roof of Benjamin's Crusader Plate Company, a short distance from its original location. Officially declared a Victorian Heritage Icon by the National Trust in 2007, the Skipping Girl Sign is the first animated neon sign in Australia and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register which lists the most significant places and objects. In 2012, Little Audrey was converted to solar power to skip 16,000 times every night powered by energy built up during the day from sunlight.

After World War II, Queenland's Gold Coast because a popular honeymooners destination. The Pink Poodle, built in 1967, to adorn the Pink Poodle Motel became synonymous with the surfers paradise. The motel was demolished in 2004, but the sign was saved and moved to a nearby location.

The Dandy Pig was erected in the 1950s for the Gippsland Co-operative Bacon Curing Company. The illuminated sign features a finely dressed Mr Pig in formal morning dress, doffing his top hat to welcome people to Dandenong, Victoria. After the company closed in 1983, the sign was placed in storage before being restored and re-erected at the Dandenong Market in 1993, as acknowledgement of the sign’s social, cultural and historical status.

It’s been said that Seattleites will exaggerate about how much it rains in order to deter visitors from moving to their emerald city. The “rain” part is a bit exaggerated, because while it does get a lot of overcast skies, in reality it has fewer inches of annual rainfall than New York City, Houston Texas and dozens of other U.S. cities. Rain or shine, there is a multitude of photogenic scenes to be found in the City of Seattle. Pike Place Market, the majestic views of Mount Rainier, and the Great Wheel to name just a few. However, Seattle’s most photographed landmark is… NOT the Space Needle, as many would have first guessed. So what is it that can outshine the allure of Seattle’s defining landmark and draw shutterbugs away? How about a rotating pink neon elephant! The whimsical elephant sign of the Elephant Super Car Wash located at the corner of Battery Street and Seventh Avenue–literally a block or two from the Space Needle–takes the prize. 

Three brothers Archie, Dean and Eldon Anderson invented an automatic-hands free car wash and in the mid-1950s they opened this location- their second. Only six years later, the Space Needle would become the pink elephant’s neighbor.  Pink elephants now grace eight Elephant Car Wash locations in Seattle and more locations exist in Eastern Washington, Arkansas and California. According to the company’s website, the landmark Battery Street location has been visited by sports figures, celebrities and notable politicians. It’s rumored that Elvis stopped by to get his Cadillac cleaned while filming “It Happened at the World’s Fair.” Probably the most photographed car wash sign in the country, people come from all over and have their photo taken in front of it. 

Proper selection of letter height is critical to ensure a sign is legible to its intended audience. To make sure you select the correct letter height, Fire House Neon Signs has included a useful visibility chart that shows an approximate letter size required to be legible at a designated distance from the sign.  

Calculations based on an externally (or naturally) lit sign with all uppercase letters. Factors that may affect required letter size include: color scheme, font selection, traffic and weather conditions. Please refer to the complete study by the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Penn University and the United States Sign Council.

• an appropriate size for its location,
• develops a theme that fits in with your other marketing,
• keeps the message short and simple,
• illuminated so it can be read day or night.

If you own a pizza business, the last thing you want is for people in your town to say “Let’s get pizza, but I don’t really care where we get it from.” This type of reaction could mean the end of your business because it means that the local customers don’t find any difference between you and your competitors. For a small pizza business, what you want is for the local population to demand YOUR pizza when they want pizza.

In order to earn this type of reaction, you need to make your business stand out. Although this may sound hard, there are some very specific types of actions you can take to achieve this goal.

1. Provide excellence in your product. Excellence does not mean perfection and it doesn't always mean highest quality. What it means is that you do something special that ensures people prefer your product to your competitors. Using the pizza shop example, this may mean you make your own sauce or it could mean you sell a deep dish pizza that other shops don’t

2. Provide superior customer service. Your customers are your bread and butter – or garlic bread and butter for a pizza shop! You should work to build relationships with customers by showing them how much they are appreciated. You can do this by listening to their concerns, meeting their needs and going a little bit above and beyond normal expectations. This may mean that first time customers get an extra 10% off coupon for the next order. Or it could mean that you provide something extra every fifth order.

3. Reach Out To Customers. People in your community need to know that you are taking the extra time and effort to reach out to them. Build up a social network presence on Facebook, support a local little league time or get involved in community charities. This not only shows the community that you care about them and their needs, but that you also take the time to communicate with them directly.

4. Do something different. Many people can provide pizza, but most don’t always provide the extras that draw people in. This could be anything from specialty sodas, locally crafted beers, weekly prize drawings, free doggie biscuits for pet owners, or a kid’s area with games and toys. These types of differentiation strategies can help people select your business over others.

5. Market Locally. Anyone can place an ad in the local paper, but you need something more than that. You need something that will make people stop and look. You need something that will catch their eye even when they’re in a hurry to get somewhere else.
   
   Neon signs meet this need. Neon signs, especially when advertising that niche need that you meet or when showcasing your brand, are great tools because they are easily seen both during the day and during the night. They are colorful, fun and nostalgic and can be specially crafted to meet your specific marketing requirements.  

So you’ve decided you need a neon sign in order to increase your sales and bring in new business. Congratulations! You’ve made an excellent choice – one backed by years of results. Your next step is to find the best business to make your sign. Certainly, we at Fire House Signs, believe that we are the best sign maker anywhere. But we’d like to prove it to you by listing what we believe exemplifies a quality sign maker.

Provide you with time and information. It’s important for businesses to spend time with their customers. Many businesses will provide you with time, but only during the sales process. We don’t think this is right. We believe that businesses should freely provide you with their time before, during and after the sales process. We are happy to share our expertise on how to take care of your sign, protect it from breakage and how to best clean and maintain your sign.

Listen to you. Sign makers need to listen to your needs and understand your goals. This makes sure that you get the right product to meet your specific needs. After all, you know your goals and you understand your long-term business strategies. If a sign maker is not willing to invest their time in you, why would you invest your money with them?

Help with design. Sometimes the customer needs something a little unique. In this case, a good sign maker will have experts in sign design to help you figure out the best design for your unique needs.

Provide options. Even if you don’t have unique needs, you need to know that you have more than one option for your sign. We have standard signs with many different options. For example, perhaps you want something as simple as an OPEN sign. We have more than 50 different options for an OPEN sign. These include Spanish signs, signs with a coffee cup next to it, signs that flash, signs that have multi-colored lights and even one that show you’re open 24 hours.

Provide Novelty. Neon signs are meant to be fun and nostalgic. A good sign maker will provide novelty options which include channel letters, border tubing or outdoor signs in addition to the traditional indoor neon sign options.

Have a history. Quality sign makers have a history of satisfied customers. We will provide references and testimonials so that you can verify for yourself that you will be getting great service and a great product from a great sign maker.

Show quality workmanship. Neon signs are intended to last for many years. Quality sign makers not only have a great reputation for customer service, but a long list of customers who’s signs are still up and running even years after being made.

Provide warranties. We make a great product right here in the USA and we stand by our product. We believe in the quality of our manufacturing process enough that we provide a full one-year warranty against any defects or errors made by us on almost every purchase. And before you buy a product, we will provide more detailed information on this warranty and any exclusions or exceptions so you know what to expect.  

In today’s world, differentiation is often difficult. This is especially true if you are selling products or services that are similar to the products or services being sold by your competitors. As a small business owner in a market with tight competition, you need to ask yourself: “What would cause people in my market to buy from me instead of the other shops?”

Certainly, you have to look at the level of service being offered. You also have to look at quality of the product or service. These are great activities that are designed to keep customers coming back in. But to entice new customers to walk into your door and select your shop, you need to show people you are different from the competitor before they even walk in your door!

Proven Differentiation Tactics

Two of the primary differentiation tactics to attract new customers is by using signage and by branding your name. Signage could be anything that promotes a product, service or your business. It could be a 50% off sale sign. It could be your business name above the door. It could even be a large-scale menu in your front window. Basically, signage is external advertising that is designed to bring people inside.

The best way to know if your signage works is to simply go outside and look at it. If you are not drawn to your business by glancing at your signs, it may be time to rethink your tactics. Your signs should be eye-catching enough that it makes a passerby give your signs their full attention.

Secondly, you need to boldly brand your name in a manner that makes you look successful. If your business name is “Carol’s House of Beauty”, you had better make sure that people who pass by can clearly see that this is your business and be impressed at the same time.

Not only does it help when people are trying to find your business, it helps make your business name one that’s well known and well thought of even by people who have never frequented your shop. As a local business with an impressive business sign, potential customers are more likely to call you when they need something simply because they already know your name.

How Neon Signs can differentiate you!

Neon signs may be one of the oldest methods of advertisement in the modern age, but the reason is simple: they work! By adding a neon sign (or two or three), you are using a unique, eye-catching and cost-effective method of making sure potential customers know that you in business and ready to serve their needs right now.

Unlike conventional signs, they are always easy to see and they always attract attention. These signs can be created to your specifications and can contain your name, your mascot, specialized products that you offer or even just a simple open sign. These signs provide differentiation at a time when differentiation is difficult. Your business stands out and your business name gets remembered.  

Bridge lights have to be functional because of what passes underneath and travels up above. On the bridge, people need light to see where they are walking or driving, but in order for that traffic to travel in some manner of comfort others passing around the bridge have to know it is there. For towers, this means lights bright enough to alert air traffic that something could be obstructing their path, and those wishing to pass below need to have some idea where the supports are.

Unfortunately these are often objects more of function than fashion. Bridges are put there to do a job and dandying them up may detract from their purpose. A low point is crossed and there is no need to make a show in doing so. Fortunately, many believe that a bridge is the best place to enhance the look and style of a city.

Why Municipalities Would Choose Neon Lighting

Neon, as most aficionados understand, is a relatively inexpensive lighting method. The gas impregnated tubes offer more light than a standard bulb at a lower cost. The advent of technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LED) has surpassed neon as a cheap source of light, but there are still ways in which neon outperforms LED, such as color and style.

A Few Examples

A few cities have decided that due to the unique aspect and the color palette available through neon, that they would adorn a local bridge in this unique style. In Shreveport, Louisiana, The Texas Street Bridge crossing over the Red River to Bossier City was hung with more than 7000 feet of orange neon tubes to create a signature piece of public art that would transform the bridge in the nations largest neon sculpture. It also provides some local flavor for tourists. 

The Xiying Rainbow Bridge located in Magong, Taiwan is an elevated pedestrian walkway. The bridge is lined with a thin neon band that reflects a rainbow onto the water’s surface below at night. Neon lights affixed to the side of the bridge illuminate the water, below, following a rainbow’s spectrum of colors. 

For show and distinction, what else could a city want. Check the internet for uniquely marked neon-lighted bridges. They create a remarkable light show that should not be missed. Do you have a local bridge illuminated in the glow of neon near you? Tell us about it.

In many cases the appeal of your business sign is what brings a customer in through your doors, and obviously, it is always the first thing that they see. You may be thinking that it’s your services that they’re looking for that brings them in, however, what distinguishes you from your competitors that offer the same things? Your sign. Professionally it is always important to make a good first impression, and that stands for your business as well. 

Have you ever seen a handwritten sign in a store window? I hope not, because it communicates disorganization, lack of planning and un-professionalism. Sure, it also communicates that “you have a sale going on”… but the unintended messages often stick with the person longer than the primary message.Your business sign is the first impression you give your customers, and it will be the basis of their opinion of your business. An effective business neon sign will capture their attention, provide information and show that you are professional and trustworthy. In a tough economy, where advertising budgets are cut to the bone, that first impression is more important than ever.

The Small Business Association has observed that business signs are the most cost-effective – highest value – form of advertisement for a small business. While spending less money on signs than on TV, newspaper or magazine ads, signs will have a more direct impact on increased sales and awareness. Studies have shown that placing just one sign outside of your business can increase sales by 30%! Those are staggering numbers that show just how important business signs can be.Providing an illuminated sign, that is professionally designed and will be viewed hundreds, or thousands of times per day may be the most important advertising dollars spent.

Well maybe not for long.... if repairs are not done soon. While busy planning the build-out of the American Sign Museum annex, the annex roof was busy decaying.  Recent torrential downpours have brought the roof to a critical point, and they need to act now to secure it.  Estimated cost: $325,000.

Sol Hurok said “The sky’s the limit if you have a roof over your head.”  We tend to agree.  Thankfully, a VERY generous donor has contributed $150,000 toward securing the roof and is challenging museum supporters to raise the additional $175,000 needed to complete the job!  We love the American Sign Museum. We would love it to be even bigger to accommodate the museum’s ever-expanding collection. The current space features 19,000+ square feet of exhibit space, 28-foot ceilings able to display the museum’s large signs, working neon shop, flexible event space, and an extensive archive of books, photos, and documents reflecting the art and craft of sign-making. 

We ask for a little support from anyone that would like to help the American Sign Museum continue their mission of preserving historic American signs and their stores. To repair the historic Machine Flats annex roof that will double the size of the museum (an additional 20,000 square feet), please make a tax deductible contribution today.

People want to be unique. Some want it so much that they will go to extreme lengths to prove that they are distinct from the other rats that occupy the same planet. They climb and jump off of buildings, perform tricks that only incredibly juvenile teenage boys normally would for an MTV audience, or just decorate themselves in some way to show their mastery of pain. Other will use some object to proclaim their individuality. A car is a perfect example of personal taste and, in some cases, abandon. Neon has always been used as a means of brightening these individual gestures and automobile art is a perfect medium.

Under the Car

To certain age groups, it is important to have a car that stands out from the crowd. On any weekend evening across America (at least during the warmer months), car enthusiasts gather to show off how they have designed a better sound system or look than anyone else. One of the primary features of many of these cars is undercarriage lighting that accents every other piece of the car. With a variety of colors and patterns, these kits do show off a certain individuality. However, to avoid getting a ticket from the local authorities, a good general rule when installing neon lights is to have them activate by a separate switch from your headlights that can be turned on when wanting to make a statement. 

Inside the Car

Stereos were not just meant to produce ear-blowing and ground trembling sound, they are also meant to show off an individuals specific style. Neon lighting on speakers, woofers and other components is designed to do just that. But the stereo is not the only item that can be accented. License plates and doors and other inside elements can be trimmed in neon to brig a car to life. It can show up in the motor  compartment when used inline to replace spark plug wires. Heck, how about a custom neon sign fitted in the back window?

Whether it is for a contest or just to show personal style, neon is the perfect medium to accent your car. The undercarriage kits are available from local car shops, but a custom neon install will take the look over the top. If you are worried about the installation have a local shop do it for you. The results are worth the expense.

By creating an effective and memorable custom neon signs you can increase customer interest, knowledge and retention of your products or services. Whether you own a deli in New York, a surf shop in Malibu, or a coffee shop in Seattle, creative and eye-catching neon signs can be crucial for the growth and success of your small business. Making smart design choices can really make a difference to the effectiveness of your sign. The following are some helpful tips so you can spend your advertising money wisely on neon signs that are designed to draw your customers’ attention to your storefront and create that professional image:

• Make header fonts bigger to create contrast. Contrast tells the eyes where to look and says "hey, look at me".
• Add a graphic image to your neon sign. Signs that display large, bold graphics in full color have been shown to draw people’s attention much more than signs that don’t. 
• Maybe it’s a graphic image with some text. Increase the size of the logo to make the contrast between the image and the font significant. Not only is the eye drawn to the super-sized image, but the small text now stands out too because it’s so different from the size of the graphic.
  
• Add a neon border. When reading a neon sign that is not defined by a border, readers tend to get lost and disinterested. Signs that are rimmed with a border help focus the readers’ attention and allows them to read faster.
• Use different colors. On a neon sign that displays text, displaying key information (prices, key words, etc.) in a different color increases the retention of that information by over 75%! 
• For example, if you have a sign with 5 words and you want the 3rd word to stand out. Make it a different color than all the rest. Even better, make the word bigger and change the font too. Don’t be afraid to take a risk. 
• Stay away from decorative and funky fonts. Stick with standard fonts. They’re already very beautiful and if you incorporate them into an already well designed piece… the end result is a masterpiece. To be honest, plain old Arial is one of the my favorite fonts to use when designing a neon sign.
  
• Use a variety of contrasting colors. If the colors are too close customers will struggle to read the text and will therefore not retain the information. Also the more colorful the sign the better it will stand out. You want your neon sign to catch your customers’ eye.
• Pick a color scheme and stick with it throughout all your signs. Repeating the same color in a variety of places, especially in a storefront window creates repetition. You want to incorporate repetition to unify your storefront and create drama. Think of you store window as one big sign! 
• Repetition shows up best when you’re designing multiple signs. Now you can break this rule if you’re trying to create contrast… maybe you have one sign that has a totally different graphic or is a totally different size. However, what causes the contrast is the fact that you have some repetition going on and you have purposely broken the repetition using contrast.
  

Times Square in New York City has always been a place where people can find a good time, though that good time has changed drastically since Giuliani cleaned it up, and a place where advertisers know the value of a good neon sign. Alas marketers have forgone the tried and true for the latest and greatest. Every advertiser now believes in the value of video boards on store fronts rather than colorful artistic neon signs.

Where did all the neon go? It did not all leave. There are still plenty of advertisers who use neon (McDonald’s is one) to advertise what they are and the uniqueness of their product. The Square does sometimes hearken to its classic past and introduce a new neon glass masterpiece for people to wonder at.

Besides all of the video boards and scrawling ads, there are some businesses that realize the value of good long lasting signage. The city put up a giant flag made of neon that graced a sidewalk leading into Times Square and showed the city’s patriotic soul. Neon is also used beside the large boards in more subtle ways, not as the major advertisement, but to add color and grace.

One sign still shines bright, although it is just off of Times Square (less than half a mile away, at Radio City Music Hall. The sign that continues to showcase the front of one of the most famous buildings in New York City features neon lighting. It is iconic because of its relation to the theater district and the cultural heart of the city.

Just as neon has showcased everything from the dens of the city to the heights of culture and fashion, it has become an icon of America. New York is still America’s showplace, and what better advertisement than a richly dramatic neon sign.

On a hot day in the middle of the summer what do you reach for. Yeah, a lot of people would say beer, but many more suck down a Coke or Pepsi (to their detriment) than would even consider an alcoholic beverage. The soft drink industry has been going strong for well over a century and people are loyal to the brands they enjoy the most. Why then would it be a surprise that these same people would want a piece of that company’s history in the form of a neon sign?

Collectors cherish certain names because they bring a sense of comfort or produce a product that they enjoy. Many collect items from their favorite fast food purveyors and sports franchises in the same way that they collect stamps and coins. Some items, among them neon signs, are more valuable than others due to rarity. So what makes a neon soft drink sign collectible?

Availability

Since there are any number of soda companies, both local and international, many different types of signs exist. People like the flavor of local, but there are some sought after, and they can be hard to find, but some big name brands have designs that are coveted and difficult to locate also. eBay and other auction sites would be able to help find these.

Design

A simple Coke or Pepsi sign is probably going to be the most popular, but there are many designs out there. If you are a home brew master creating you own bottled Root Beer, why not crate you own neon sign reflecting your logo, local skyline or other local monument that adds to the desirability. Do an internet search to see what designs are available.

Subject Matter

Of course, the main subject is soda (soda pop, pop, brand name, etc), but there are other considerations. The coke polar bears have become very popular and they did a series of Santa Claus signs years ago. Whatever your particular fancy, there is probably a sign out there that fits it.

You finally got the neon sign you have always wanted. It is of your favorite sports team, beer purveyor, whatever and you now possess it. The problem is that all good things can come to an end if they are not properly maintained. So, you seek some advice on properly maintaining your cherished memorabilia.

Well it is as easy as it sounds. Of course there are options to sign maintenance depending on the size, expense and what you want to spend. So, following are some tips on how to service the clock, sign you have purchased and turn it into an heirloom your children’s children can enjoy when you are long gone.

Protect It From Breakage

Some bar and pool room signs are large and expensive. By putting the neon signs behind plastic or away from guests who could imbibe too heavily, you further ensure the safety of the neon and the guest.

Leave It Turned On

Everything has a shelf life whether it is food or a neon sign. Though it is not as perishable as a food item, The transformers that power the neon signs can go bad after time. To properly maintain the sign, it is best to allow it to remain on all of the time. The reason for this is that more energy is required to warm up the glass and cause the reaction that allows the gas to glow. You won’t lose any of the glow, but you could cause damage to the power supply. Just leave it on and you avoid this issue. If this is a business neon sign will also be working for your 24/7 to advertise your company and make passerby's aware of your location.

Clean Your Sign

Keeping you neon sign clean and free of dust and dirt will ensure is shines brightly year after year. Be sure to always unplug your neon sign when handling. Next, use a feather duster or a very soft cloth to dust off your sign. Never use a cleaning solvent or water to clean your neon sign. In outdoor neon signs, remove any debris that may conductive power between high voltage connections and grounded metal. Ensure drain wholes are not blocked to allow moisture to flow away. Take this time to check all the wire connections to make sure nothing has come loose and that the end caps are in place.  Loose connections or exposed GTO wires can cause the electricity to arc across sign mounting surface, not to mention creating a safety hazard. Wiring connections in electrical panel or branch circuit can become corroded if moisture builds up. These conditions can exist particularly in an older outdoor installations.

Buy a Service Plan

Many larger cities have companies that will build stock and supply a fish tank. They place it in your location and then they sign a service contract with the owner that guarantees the tanks continued safety and maintenance. There are sign companies that design large neon installs in the same way. Whether the sign company is coming to your business to build your sign or you purchase it from them, think about signing a service agreement so that they are responsible for maintaining it. This can be particularly useful when the sign large or high out of reach.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies neon glass benders under the broader career category of Molders, Shapers, and Casters, except Metal and Plastic workers. In 2012, workers in these occupations, including neon glass benders, has a salary range of $20,870 to $54,600 and a median annual income of $29,300. Those working in the Seattle area earned the most with an average 2010 salary of $46,070 while those working in Lawrence, Kansas, earned the least with an average annual salary of $18,480.

The BLS predicts that the demand for Molders, Shapers, and Casters occupations, including neon glass benders, will increase by 7.5 percent between 2012 and 2022, Neon sign-makers with experience will have more opportunities than entry level sign-makers. Those entering the profession are mainly by long term on the job training. Neon glass bending is not new, but once again the occupation is emerging as consumer preferences change. The cultural resurgence of neon signs is once again creating the need for neon glass benders.

Nostalgia is always en vogue and what is more reminiscent of a better time than neon signs. The word “better” may be improperly used here, but the thought is valid. People want to remember the past because it has more interest, usually, then the present. It can be romanticized and remembered not for what it really was, but for the best parts. Again, one of those best parts was an era when neon signs were everywhere flashing the way to entertainment and fun.

The problem with nostalgia is that it can be pricey and broken down. If you want something that is truly from a certain era, that was constructed of gas filled glass tubes, it may be difficult to find it in good condition. Of course, a neon bender can make something that mimics the time and the style of yesteryear, with the efficiency and safety of modern times.

So what are the issues you will face if you must have the original?  

First, is the sign original or is it a reproduction? It is not easy for the uninitiated to tell the difference. Second, are there problems that need to be addressed? What does a properly operating neon sign look and sound like? And finally, what is a fair price to pay for an original sign? Take the Hamm’s bear for example. If you find an original sign somebody is selling on eBay, what should you pay?

Original or Reproduction

It is difficult sometimes to tell the difference, but a professional can. The product should be marked as authentic if it is. If it not certified, you may want to look for another seller.

How to Notice Problems

Look for cracked tubes (that can be replaced), faulty electrical connections (that can cause a fire), and outdated power supplies (not UL2161 listed). Vintage signs often come with old heavy coil and core power supplies, While they may still work to power the sign, they lack the safety features of modern electronic power supplies. Modern power supplies have a mandatory secondary ground fault, which is a beneficial safety protection feature that causes the power supply to automatically shut down when it senses a fault. The introduction of UL2161 in 1996 requiring all new neon signs to have a power supply with a secondary ground fault has improved sign safety tremendously and virtually eliminated neon sign fire hazards. If you vintage sign still carries the old style power supply, you may want to have it replaced for the safety of your family. Also, when you are purchasing a product make sure that it works in your presence. It is always better if the buyer is wary.

What is a Good Price?

This of course varies widely, but its worth what you are willing to pay. Some large vintage neon sign can go for up to $20,000. A sign listed as vintage always seems to cost more. Do not be fooled by reproduction products though. Have an expert verify what you have.

In Edmonton, Alberta eight large, neon signs are now  turned on last Friday, marking the official opening of the cities outdoor Neon Sign Museum along 104 Street.   

The idea originated in 2008 by city planner David Holdsworth  in the "hope that the museum will draw people to enjoy the art, beauty and heritage preserved in these neon designs.” Located near Edmonton’s new downtown arena district, the project was part of the city’s revitalization and beautification project of the street. “This is just splendid,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “This is bringing alive some of our history."

The City of Edmonton Heritage Planning has been collecting the historic neon signs at the City of Edmonton Archives over the past few years, salvaging them from both demolished buildings and or old businesses. The city has four more signs it will add to the collection over the next few months, each representing a piece of Edmonton’s history. Pieces from Mike’s News Stand, XL Furniture, WW Arcade, Cliff’s Auto Parts and Canadian Furniture are a few that make up the current collection. Each of the current signs has an accompanying plaque that tell the story of the sign and it's historic role in the development of the city. 

The city says it plans to locate and restore more signs for the museum to foster activity and walking traffic in the surrounding area. There is currently has enough space for 30 signs showcased on the side of the Telus building, with more to be added to nearby buildings as the museum expands. 

Neon signs are functional, nostalgic and, in many cases, memorable, but they can also lead to accidents. Okay, so your not worried about the sign jumping off the wall (even if it is a stock Freddy Krueger clock) and doing damage. They seem innocuous, they don’t offer any obvious hazards, but like anything else they can be mishandled.

So you know that they are made from little glass tubes that contain an inert gas, so, yeah, the glass can break and cut you. Big deal. You just broke a cup in the sink last week and sliced your finger. Apply pressure and put on a band aid. The problem is that there are many things in the house that can cause injuries that people don’t think about. Just follow these tips and enjoy that vintage thumbs-up keep on trucking sign your dad got for a gag gift thirty five years ago.

How High is the Ceiling?

The height at which you put the clock or sign is an issue because if it falls you could have unseen little glass shards all over the house. Neon glass is not special, but, like all other forms, when broken it tends to splinter. Suspending a neon structure improperly from a vaulted ceiling could cause undo hazard.

Daddy, Will the Little Shards of Glass Cut Me?

Children are another concern. Most of the time a neon sign or other memorabilia is carefully tucked away from little fingers, as it should be. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Just realize that there is the danger of breakage as a neon structure is probably more fragile than a lot of signs, clocks and other pretty things that they may come in contact with.

Okay, Does This Seem Warm to Anyone Else?

When purchasing a neon piece, make sure that it properly wired and has a UL2161 power supply installed. The UL 2161 standard was introduced by Underwriters Laboratories (UL®) in 1996 to protect the public from any shock or fire hazard. The standard requires all new neon power supplies to incorporate secondary ground fault and over voltage protection. If you purchase a used neon sign made before 1996, which still has a non-conforming power supply, make sure that it is not growing hotter. This would indicate a problem.

Most states require that outdoor neon signs be hardwired and installed by a State Licensed Sign Specialist. To qualify for a license a Sign Specialist must be at least 18 years of age, have over 4,000 hours of experience, obtained over a period of not less than 2 years, related to manufacture, installation, maintenance, connection, or repair of neon signs and related wiring, and must take and pass the Sign Specialist examination.

The Sign Specialist is actively in charge of and responsible for code compliance of all installations, connection, and repair of electric and neon signs and related wiring. To ensure your neon sign permitting goes smoothly and your sign is installed properly, ask if your sign installer is a Licensed Sign Specialist.