Understanding Neon Signs and Their Use in Advertising

Neon signs are a classic part of North American culture. They have been around for decades and they have easily stood the test of time. While neon signs are a great way to advertise your business, you should understand the science behind them and how they came to be. Vital Signs has been manufacturing neon signs for many years.

How Neon Works

Neon signs glow through a process that sees neon gas interact with an electric current. As the gas becomes excited, the neon enters a plasma state where it begins to glow red. Different elements, like argon, phosphor, xenon, helium, and mercury are added to a neon tube in order to change the color of the neon glow.

Where to Find Neon

Neon is most commonly associated with neon signs. When picturing the Las Vegas strip, you think of a bright line of neon illuminating the various casinos on the strip, the classic poker chips, cards, and fast-paced lifestyle of Sin City. However, neon is used in more than just neon signs. For example, old television sets used to use neon, cryogenic freezing takes advantage of its liquid state at cold temperatures and inert nature of the gas, and lasers also use it.

Why Neon Signs

This is a common question. Many people say neon signs are dying out. While they have been down trending for a long time, they will always maintain a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the better days. They remind consumers of a simpler time, where things were bigger, brighter, and better. Technology may have innovated the advertising process, but neon is here to stay and they will always have a special place in the hearts of consumers.

Neon often is labelled as a basic form of signage. This isn’t true. Neon can easily be shaped and crafted into a wide variety of shapes, images, and fonts. In more complex designs, multiple layers of tubes and colors can even create the impression that the sign is moving.

Important Information

Neon signs are sometimes classified as dangerous. Neon itself is safe, but argon and mercury are toxic and if you have a neon sign that leaks these elements, it is recommended that you safely dispose of them.

In addition, they are long-lasting. In fact, they last between 8 to 15 years, roughly 10,000 hours of continuous use. However, when they do burn out, they can easily be recharged and replenished.

When thinking about a location for your neon sign, remember that neon signs have been known to interfere with radio equipment. If you encounter this problem, try relocating the sign or changing the outlet that it is plugged into.

Neon signs are fairly economical. They tend to use 10 to 30 watts per sign. Previously, high voltage neon used 30 percent more voltage.

If you are planning to clean your sign, ensure that it is unplugged. Simply use a feather duster or a soft cloth and gently wipe your sign. Do not use cleaning solvents, they may damage your sign and compromise its overall effectiveness.

Neon signs are fairly visible and they excel in nighttime settings. On average, a one inch letter is visible from up to 38 feet away. Therefore, a 6 inch letter would be visible from up to 200 feet away. On average, red neon lights are the most visible.

Vital Signs manufactures neon signs for many of its clients. We have been working with this medium for many years. We offer our services to clients in Toronto, Mississauga, Southern Ontario, and the entire GTA. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today. We would be more than happy to help you out.