Neon signs are an iconic part of urban cityscapes, from diners & bars to theaters & record stores. But while traditional neon signs are beautiful, they come with their own set of challenges – fragility, high price, and complicated installation. Fortunately, our modern LED technology allows you to replicate the classic neon look without those downsides. Here’s how you can recreate the charm of traditional neon signs with our custom neon signs.
Capturing the Retro Vibe
The first step in replicating the classic neon look is choosing the right design. Traditional neons are known for their bold designs, retro typefaces, contrasting colors, and minimalistic shapes. To achieve a similar aesthetic using LED neon, focus on:
- Fonts: Choose flowing, script fonts or bold block letters that mimic the hand-crafted look of traditional neon. We offer a huge variety of fonts, so select one that fits the classic look you’re going for. For replicating a traditional neon sign, we’d recommend going with our ‘Brooklyn’ or ‘Genuine’ fonts found on our Custom Neon Sign Builder tool.
- Shapes: Vintage neon signs often feature simple outlines, such as palm trees, arrows, or cocktail glasses. Our masterful team of craftsmen can easily replicate these shapes with precision and flexibility.
- Colors: Bright, warm colors like red, blue, and pink were commonly used in traditional neon. Fortunately, LED neon signs offer a wide range of colors that can replicate that celebrated glowing hue.
Choosing LED Over Traditional Glass Tubing
While traditional neon signs are made from glass tubing filled with argon gas, LED signs use flexible silicone diffusers that house tiny LED lights. These silicone diffusers are safer and much more durable than glass, and they provide the same iconic glow.
- Flexible Material: LED neon tubes can be bent into more intricate shapes than glass, allowing for greater creative freedom. Whether you want to replicate cursive text, intricate shapes or replicate your brand logo to pinpoint accuracy, our LED can handle it without the fragility of glass.
- Diffused Light: The way LED light diffuses through the silicone tubing mimics the soft glow of traditional neon signs. We offer a range of thickness and tube, so you’re able to achieve the same warm, even light spread that traditional neon is famous for.
Replicating the Vintage Look
While traditional neon requires skilled glassblowing and gas handling, LED offers flexibility that allows for endless personalization.
- Exact Replicas or New Creations: Whether you want to replicate an old favorite or create something entirely new with a vintage feel, LED signs can be custom-built to match your exact vision. Recreating a classic diner logo, a vintage bar sign, or even a retro motel sign is easily achievable with LED.
- Sign Animations: Some vintage neon signs had flickering design elements or “chasing” effects. LED neon can also replicate these animations, giving your sign the playful or eye-catching movement that made retro neon so famous.
- Outdoor Placements: Some of our favorite traditional neon signs are displayed outside, garnering adoration and attention from passer-bys (they look especially great on rainy, gloomy evenings!). We go beyond standard indoor signs and offer custom-designed LED signs specifically built for outdoor use. Our outdoor acrylic LED signs are made with weather-resistant materials that can endure harsh conditions like wind, rain, and sun exposure without losing their vibrant glow or durability.
Customizing Your LED Neon Sign
- Radikal Neon’s Expert Design Team: Our experienced design team is dedicated to transforming your vision into a glowing masterpiece. Whether you’re starting with a rough idea or a detailed concept, our skilled designers bring creativity and precision to every project, ensuring your custom LED sign perfectly captures your style and stands out as a true work of art.
Bringing Tradition into the Modern Age
Whether you’re decorating a storefront, adding some retro charm to your home, or creating a show-stopping event centerpiece, LED neon signs provide all the benefits of traditional neon, without the drawbacks.
At Radikal Neon, we specialize in custom LED signs that bring your vision to life. Ready to start designing your own modern classic? Reach out to us today and let’s get started!