LED Neon vs Glass Neon: Which One is Right for You?

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

Having been around for over a century, glass neon signs have become synonymous with that classic neon glow. As the name suggests, these signs consist of glass ‘discharge tubes’ which can be heated and bent to the desired shape. The tubes are then filled with noble gases (you might remember these from chemistry class) including neon itself, as well as helium, argon, krypton, and xenon. When electrified, these gases undergo a process called ionisation, which charges the gases and causes them to emit light. Different gases give off different colours: for example, neon gives off that classic red-orange, while argon emits bluish hues. 

Benefits of Glass Neon Signs

1. Authentic Glow: Glass neon signs offer a timeless, authentic glow that’s difficult to fully 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.

2. Variety of Colours: The gases used in glass neon signs can produce a wide range of colours, allowing custom designs to really stand out.

3. 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

1. More Hassle: Glass neon signs are quite fragile and therefore less durable and trickier to move, also requiring more intensive maintenance and thus a lot more care and attention than LED neon signs. Much like an energy-saving lightbulb, traditional neon signs also have a warmup time after being switched on before they reach their full brightness, which can be inconvenient.

2. 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, making truly personalised designs less feasible. 

3. Safety: While glass neon signs primarily use harmless inert gases, they often contain small amounts of toxic materials such as mercury. Being made of glass also means breakages present a greater hazard.

4. Less Environmentally Friendly: Glass neon signs use a lot more energy than LED neon signs, and require the use of high-voltage transformers. 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 neon. Instead of glass discharge tubes and electrified noble gases, our signs use strips of tiny light emitting diodes, better known as LEDs. Although the inner workings of an LED are rather different to traditional neon, they operate on the same basic principle: light is produced when the device is exposed to an electric current, with colour depending on the material the LED is made from. Our signs are made by setting LED strips into an acrylic backboard, which can be cut to pretty much any shape, which are then topped with flexible silicone tubing. This diffuses the light the LEDs give off, producing a smooth, mellow glow comparable to traditional neon.

Benefits of LED Neon Signs

1. Less Hassle: With no glass tubes to break and no gases to refill, our LED neon signs require minimal maintenance and are much easier to install. No warmup time means they reach full brightness instantly, and they are also far less likely to overheat, making them the more reliable long-term option. What’s more, is you can enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive two-year warranty, included as standard with all of our signs.

2. 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! 

3. 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. 

4. More Environmentally Friendly: Unlike their glass counterparts, our LED neon signs operate only on low voltages. They also produce less excess heat and are thus more efficient, benefitting both the environment and your electricity bill.

5. 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 giving them a degree of portability not afforded by glass neon signs. 

6. Lower Cost: While the initial cost of an LED neon sign is roughly equivalent 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

1. Authenticity: While LED strips and silicone tubing create a smooth ambient glow comparable to glass neon signs, the retro vibes of the traditional approach can’t be perfectly replicated.

Our 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 technological advancements. Explore our popular range of customisable designs, create a custom design, or upload your own vision for a free quote today!