LED Neon vs Glass Neon: Which One is Right for You?
There is no one way to make a neon sign in 2024. While the results are similar, the processes behind traditional glass neon signs and modern LED neon signs are quite different, and each offer their own set of pros and cons. At Neon Daddy, we’re all about helping you make the right choice, and understanding the differences between the two sign-making methods can help you decide which is the best fit for you and your style, so let’s delve right into the benefits and drawbacks of each!
Glass Neon Signs: Timeless Appeal and Traditional Authenticity
Invented in 1910, traditional neon lighting soon found its applications in signage and has been illuminating shopfronts and cinemas ever since. As the name suggests, these signs consist of glass tubes filled with noble gasses such as the titular neon which, when electrified, emits that classic reddish-orange glow. Other gasses (which you might remember from chemistry class) can also be used, including helium, argon, krypton, and xenon. Different gasses produce different colours, and the glass tubes themselves can be heated and bent to shape, allowing for a degree of customisability.
Benefits of Glass Neon Signs
- Authentic Glow: Glass neon signs offer a timeless, authentic glow that’s difficult to replicate. The light they give off is often richer and, if you’re looking to create a retro vibe, traditional glass neon has no equal.
- Variety of Colours: The gases used in glass neon signs can produce a wide range of colours, allowing custom designs to really stand out.
- Artisan Craftmanship: Traditional glass neon signs are handcrafted by skilled artisans, adding an extra touch of craftsmanship and authenticity to the final product.
Drawbacks of Glass Neon Signs
- More Hassle: Glass neon signs are quite fragile and therefore less durable and trickier to move. They also require more intensive maintenance and thus require a lot more care and attention than LED neon signs, and are very expensive to repair if broken.
- Limited Customisability: Although the tubing used in glass neon signs can be shaped to an extent, there is much less scope for customisability than with LED neon signs, making truly personalised designs less feasible, not to mention more expensive.
- Less Environmentally Friendly: Glass neon signs use a lot more energy than LED neon signs, require the use of high-voltage transformers, and sometimes contain small amounts of toxic materials. Consequently, they have a much greater impact on the environment, and on your electricity bill!
LED Neon Signs: The Smart, Modern Choice
LED neon signs are the modern alternative to traditional glass neon signs. Instead of glass tubes and electrified noble gasses, our signs use LED strips, available in a range of colours, set into an acrylic backboard which can be cut to any shape. These strips are then topped with flexible silicone tubing which smoothly diffuses the light, creating an ambient glow comparable to traditional neon.
Benefits of LED Neon Signs
- Durability: Being made from far more flexible materials, LED neon signs are significantly more durable than glass neon signs and boast a high degree of impact resistance. This makes them ideal for use in outdoor or high-traffic areas, as well as providing a degree of portability not afforded by glass neon signs.
- Limitless Customisability: LED neon signs can be made to almost any shape, size, or colour. This allows for much more complex and intricate designs, giving you the freedom to bring any vision to life. Check out our easy-to-use designer, or upload your own design to tap into the limitless creative potential of our LED neon signs!
- More Environmentally Friendly: Unlike glass neon signs, our LED neon signs are always free from toxic materials and operate only on low voltages, benefitting both the environment and your electricity bill.
- Safety: The absence of glass and other potentially hazardous materials makes our LED neon signs safer to install and operate, especially in homes or businesses with children and pets.
- Less Hassle: With no glass tubes to break and no gases to refill, our LED neon signs require minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. They are also far less likely to overheat, making them the more reliable long-term option. In the unlikely event of a breakage, LED signs can be fixed much more easily and cheaply - it's often a simple matter of replacing a few LEDs. What’s more, is you can enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive two-year warranty, included as standard with all of our signs.
- Lower Cost: While the initial cost of an LED neon sign is comparable to its glass neon counterpart, the greater energy efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance reduces long-term running costs. Plus, at Neon Daddy, we run regular promotions, so why not sign up to be the first to hear about exclusive offers to save you even more money?
Drawbacks of LED Neon Signs
- Authenticity: While LED strips and silicone tubing create a smooth ambient glow comparable to glass neon signs, the retro vibes of the traditional approach are hard to replicate.
The Verdict: LED Neon Takes the Lead
Glass neon signs will always hold an undeniable charm and authenticity for those seeking to capture a vintage aesthetic, but our LED neon signs offer a more practical, flexible, and cheaper alternative suitable for most modern requirements. Whether you’re looking to brighten your business, spice up your streaming setup, or liven up your living room, LED neon signs offer a level of customisability and convenience that’s hard to beat.
If you think an LED neon sign is the choice for you, then you’re in the right place. At Neon Daddy, we specialise in producing high-quality LED neon signs, combining the skills of our talented team with the latest advancements in technology to bring you affordable neon perfection.
Explore our popular range of customisable designs, create a custom design, or upload your own vision for a free quote today!