When it comes to subject matter which combines light and color in creative and interesting ways, few things are so captivating or fun to look at as exquisitely constructed custom neon signs. If I’m out driving on a summer’s night and come across a fascinating bit of neon, it’s difficult not to pull my car to look at the sign maker’s skill and take a few pictures for my collection. As I was making a quick turn into a parking lot along Route 1 in South Florida, I almost ended up in an accident. The neon horse (#1) was a bit of a surprise the thing I was able to see. It’s impossible to predict the moment you’ll see an amazing neon sign at night. The name, early observers of neon signs would often refer to neon as the “living flame.”

While truly unique and complex signs are getting more and more difficult to find There are still some interesting and beautiful signs to be discovered even in the simplest pizza eatery, liquor store, or barroom window. Certain places, like the Las Vegas Strip (#2/33) or Times Square (#4) in Manhattan have a broad assortment of signs. You could spend the whole day photographing them.

While taking photos of neon isn’t difficult, some tricks can help you improve the number of keepers. These tips will enable you to capture the most vivid and accurate color. Even cameras with basic settings can produce great results with just a few basic settings. Be sure to, shoot in Raw format, where you can hone in on the exposure and color. I’ll go over it in a future post.

Time Of Day & the Time of Year
While it’s obvious, the ideal time to photograph neon signs is after darkness is falling, there are some exceptions. For example, if you’re lucky enough to photograph an old-fashioned sign, such as the Hollywood Theatre sign (#5) taken by Janet Loughrey in downtown Portland, Oregon, you might prefer shooting at twilight so that you can use the low angle to get a clear blue sky to create a stunning background. If the shape of the custom neon sign is intriguing (some older motel signs are very interesting) It’s a good idea to have a bit of light to show these details can be extremely useful. There is, however, an issue of seasonality that could be encountered when shooting neon after dark it was never a thought to me until I started shooting lots of signs. The reason why a lot of neon is found in the windows of retail stores is that these shops typically close their signs following the closing of the shop. If a shop closes at 8 p.m., but the sun shines until nine, it can be a problem. The intriguing sewing machine (#6) was photographed in a window of a tailor’s store on a night in March. In summer the sign would’ve become dark by that point. Sometimes, you’re lucky. I shot the Corona beer sign (#7) from an alcohol store’s window in August, which was the time it was still light outside, even after 9 pm. The sign was illuminated by a timer that kept the sign lit for several hours after it closed. Restaurants and diners (#8 and #9) remain open late and their signs are often situated

There are times when you just have no choice about timing If you’re at the location and the light is on, shoot. I snapped the “Safe Ice Cream” sign (#10) near the Eiffel Tower in Paris during a stroll during the evening of a summer night. There was still some light on the horizon, however, the sign was bright enough, and also had a dark enough background that it did the job. In addition, I was able to capture some of the details on the other signs.

However, in the majority of cases in the case of retail neon, most of my shooting takes place during winter or in the fall when the daylight is shorter. I despise short days and cold temperatures, but at least the neon gives me something to look forward to shooting during the winter months.

Metering and Exposure
It is simple to measure and then expose for neon. Most patterned meter modes (Matrix, Evaluative, etc.) If you’re shooting close-ups of signs, the patterned meter modes (Matrix and Evaluative.) provide an extremely accurate exposure. In addition, I’ve noticed that there is quite a lot of exposure sway when using neon tubes. You can alter the intensity by a stop or more, and still achieve good results.

As you adjust the exposure, the primary changes are in the saturation of color. Underexposure creates saturated hues. Slight overexposure often causes an effect known as “halation” (#11), which is a noticeable glow around the tubes that can reduce their sharpness (it is particularly evident with blue-colored tubes, for a certain reason). Since the light sources are extremely bright, I usually shoot with a low ISO (usually 100 or 200): there’s no point in introducing noise by using higher ISOs if they’re not required, even if it’s dark out.

A camera that is positioned close to a bright object, such as neon may cause it to expose the background too much and bias the exposure towards the brightest area of the image. This is generally the result you’re looking for. I usually use a -1EV exposure compensation to avoid a habit and also to cover.

It is possible to reduce the effect of background on exposure by moving closer to the sign. Sometimes you don’t need to alter the minus compensation. For example, in this image of an old motel sign (#12), I chose a wider focal length setting which meant that the black background played more of an impact on how the exposure was read. Then I zoomed in to take an exposure from only the tubes. You can also accomplish this by walking further in while taking and locking the exposure, and then returning to your original perspective (#13).

Although neon can be shot handheld, I prefer using tripods. That way I’m not having to fear camera shake when I use an extremely slow shutter speed to increase the depth of field. Another reason is that I am far more likely to experiment with techniques for composition and even offbeat ones like “zooming while exposing” if the camera is on a tripod.

Shooting In Raw
As previously mentioned, when it comes to neon I shoot in Raw format because it provides numerous editing options that are not destructive that I consider helpful. My favorite option is the capability to alter the White Balance (WB) following the fact. By altering the temperature of the shot you can alter the coolness/warmth as well as the colors of the neon. I have found that this gives me more control than making adjustments after the fact with hue and saturation control, which can be quite unwieldy or trying to always guess what the proper WB is. (An auto is always a good option, but it is also possible to experiment with different styles too with WB bracketing if your camera offers it, or just make some shots using various WB settings.)

Similar to the previous example Although I do my best to adjust the exposure, sometimes I find it difficult to make crucial exposure choices when I’m checking the LCD panel. Sometimes, it’s better to make these choices later in the process. Another tip: the Vibrance slider, an option within Adobe Camera Raw (and other processing software), can bring out neon colors. Although it is always recommended to do it “in camera,” there are a variety of options in the software that can provide some spice to those neon images.

Search and You Will Find
Although neon is not as common these days, however, it’s still easy to find great neon signs in any American town. The most appealing aspect about finding neon is the fact that you don’t know the location it may be, whether it’s in the form of a street sign or an old window of a drugstore.

The Color Of The Glow
The principle behind neon signs is that a tube made of glass is “evacuated” that is, it takes in air and is replaced by an inert gas. Electrodes (one positive and one negative) are placed at each end of the tube and when the electric charge passes between the two poles, the gas acts as a kind of filament and creates a glow.

Though lighted signs are all generally referred to as neon signs, sign makers use a variety of gases including neon, argon (usually mixed with mercury) as well as xenon, krypton, and helium. Each type of gas produces a different color that in combination with the hue of the glass (and the type of glass coating) determines the color of the glow. It is possible to get the neon’s natural glow by putting it in a clear glass tube. If you add argon to the tube, it’ll produce a red-orange glow. It’s akin to playing with lights and gels but you’re mixing colors from glass and noble gases.

Sign makers today employ UV-sensitive, phosphor-coated (“phosphorescent”) tubes. They can expand their color palette and increase the intensity of colors. Phosphor tubes are made with a wide range of colors, which when combined with various gases produce an entirely new spectrum of colors. The glass bending process is a completely different art style.

It’s a rainy evening in Hong Kong. The young man gets ready to go and leaves the apartment. He takes the bus down Lockhart Street. His surroundings are dotted with neon signs. He passes CLUB CELEBRITY. The OK, CLUB HOT LIPIS, and the PALACE SAUNA. There are other signs too flashing by too quickly for him to see. The night is bright red, green, yellow, and pink. There are neon signs for sale in Chinese. English signs are available. There are many types of signs: horizontal, vertical, wavy, small, large, and half-circles. The colors, letters, lines, and symbols are reflected in the puddles along the street, as well as the bus windows. The rearview mirror shows the face of the young man: sleepy, dreamy, and even innocent. He’s about to kill someone.

We’re currently watching Fallen Angels (a 1995 classic film directed by Wong Kar Wai in which Leon Lai portrays a professional assassin). Lai’s character will walk into a restaurant to complete his job in a matter of seconds. He will leave behind half of the bodies and then return to the same bus route to continue up Lockhart Street passing through the neon. It is one of the most memorable sequences in a film. The scene is set at night and is lit up by many city lights including jukeboxes. The city splits into many glowing lights, much like multiple personalities. Some are mobile. Some remain in one spot. These are too numerous to ignore. Neon’s transcendent beauty makes it even more compelling. It makes us forget all the victims of our melancholic killer. The city’s realities are lifted by the pulsating tube.

However, they are a vital part of their culture. It is not a surprise that neon lights play an important role in Wong Kar Wai’s electrifying film. The film was made in part to capture Hong Kong’s spirit. 1 The city’s visual language was provided by the colorful, gas-filled tubes made of glass. The Hong Kong Report for 1963 states that a million neon signs are visible on the streets, proclaiming messages in every color. 2 Designers have been able to take on new and innovative projects because of the local creativity combined with the influence of Western visual culture, the 1930s-1940s, and low production costs. 3 Hong Kong’s densely populated areas were a battleground for attention. Neon became a crucial tool. Signs used by business owners were often larger than those of their competitors. Or, they used signs that were so iconic they became landmarks in the city. One of the most notable examples is the Emperor Watch & Jewellery sign, which juts above Nathan Road. Another is the Sammy’s Kitchen neon cow, which is an airborne neon cow. 4 Although the tubes created a lot of attention, they also established a tradition. Simon Go, the historian, points out that entrepreneurs would put their money into a sign that would be durable, so it could be passed from one generation to another. 5

But a neon sign for sale has always played an uncertain role since its remarkable red hue was first discovered in a London laboratory in the late nineteenth century. On one hand, neon’s flashing tubes seem to be distinctly urban. Their vibrant colors have ignited squares and streets all around the world with their pulsating energy. Numerous films, stories, and artworks of art have used neon to depict these streets and squares in vibrant and often violent settings. From small-town America depicted in 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) to Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita (1955), Ridley Scott’s sci-fi thriller Blade Runner (1982), and contemporary artists such as Tracey Emin and Bruce Nauman, the arc stretches across the globe. But glowing tubes didn’t shape cities like steel, concrete, and giant LED screens. This force is too much for neon tubes, which are far too small and fragile to handle. Glass tubes, made of natural gas and hand-crafted by meticulous craftsmen, have an elegant fragility that contrasts with urban monumentalism. This is why neon has always flickered in urban cultures. Lockhart Street is a sad example of this. All signs in Fallen Angels that were supposed to work their magic have disappeared.

History of a Natural Product

Basic chemistry mirrors this tension. Neon is 0.00046% of the atmosphere. It’s not synthetic. It’s everywhere, in every part of our bodies and our lungs. British chemist William Ramsay, a future Nobel laureate and British chemist, discovered the gas during a campaign to fill the remaining gaps on the Periodic Table. To identify the substance, he put it in a glass vessel and charged it with electricity. Soon, he noticed a blaze of color that held him and his coworkers ‘for some time spellbound’. The ‘dramatic way” the gas appeared in their apparatus and its magnificent range amazed them. 6 London, like many other European capitals, became a major center for illuminated advertising and electric light during this period. Ramsay did not intend to use his invention for commercial purposes. The neon father compared the brilliant glow to a natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights. These are the spectacular displays that occur when electric currents color our skies. 7 Neon is often used as a metaphor for artificiality.

Paris saw a shift in the world. Georges Claude was a French engineer turned entrepreneur who made electric tubes and commercial signs. He created the first neon letters advertising a company in 1912: PALAIS COIFFEUR gleamed above Boulevard Montmartre. To increase the neon’s glow, Claude widened the glass containers. His customers were able to choose from argon gleamed violet to xenon pale blue to helium pink to krypton silvery-white. These gases were combined to expand the options, with tinted glasses and colored metallic adding more options. The custom neon sign was not garish at this stage. The new tubes proved to be easier on the eyes than the earlier, more blindingly round incandescent lightbulbs. Some writers compared the softness and glow of neon to that of glowing candles. Claude’s slender tubes illuminated the Paris Opera and banks as well as luxury stores, luxury shops, and churches. They were perceived as signs of sophistication.

People in Paris saw the City of Light as a glowing city and decided to take some home. Los Angeles car dealer, who had just returned from Paris in 1923, installed luminous orange letters spelling PACKARD high up above the streets. Neon arrived in America and was immediately noticed by motorists. Georges Claude created the franchising model that made Neon a global success. His patents were crucial and he sold global licenses to all customers around the world. Claude Neon Associated Companies existed in the United States, Canada, Mexico City, Havana, and Cuba as early as 1930. There were branches in Australia and Paris, Neon signs, 1931. New Zealand, Tokyo Osaka, and Shanghai. 8 A Claude shop in Hong Kong was also opened in 1932. A company magazine called the Claude Neon News kept its readers updated on the latest developments and legal troubles facing anyone who infringes on Claude’s copyrights. An article in Claude Neon News praised the New Lights of Tokyo’ in early 1930. It had four signs. One advertised an automobile company and one a newspaper. The fourth was a textbook publisher. The fourth, which was located in Asakusa, indicated the route to the “Headquarters of Beef Pot”. 9

Neon quickly spread throughout the world, with the first neon sign appearing in China in 1926. This was an advertisement for Royal typewriters at Shanghai’s Nanjing East Road. However, the United States was the epicenter in the 1930s. These tubes became an integral part of a vibrant pop culture that was struggling to overcome the Great Depression’s profound economic crisis. The neon was essential to the success of America’s new movie theatres. One Hollywood entertainment palace stated its philosophy in a glowing letter: ‘Through this portals pass the best girls in the universe.’ The neon was the centerpiece of New York’s most intricate visual effects. Advertisements depicted neon fish as big and as big as whales. Neon roses 30 meters high sprang up, then faded again and again. New Yorkers were amazed by the coffee advertisement featuring neon and the actual smell of coffee. An attentive pedestrian could spot 300 neon installations from any corner in Times Square. Broadway, which was previously called ‘The Great White Way,’ was renamed ‘Rainbow Ravine,’ in this new age of colored lights.

The center of New York was still flooded in 1950 by neon signs. Louis Faurer, bus No. 7, New York City, 1950. Photograph, 20.7 x 30.5″, Gift of Gordon Lee Pollock. 1989.544.5

Times Square gave neon life-size proportions. Claude’s patents had run out, so the signs still had a very human touch. These tubes were produced in small workshops. These tubes were made by artisans who created letters and symbols to meet the requirements of their customers. After they settled on a design they used their breath to form glass containers. They then used their hands to form desired shapes. Rudi Stern (New York neon guru and founder of the legendary workshop Let There Be Neon) stated that glass-bending is easy. Stern highlighted the importance of touch, breath, and experience in bending simple circles. To sense heat in the glass, one needs to have a wealth of experience, Stern said. You must be able to recognize the right moment to mold the fragile tubes into their correct form. 10 It takes a certain level of mastery to work with neon tubes. This skill now endangered by the industrial revolution. Richard Sennett, a sociologist has just published The Craftsman. It is a study that praises craftsmanship as a way of living, a commitment to ‘to live life with skill’. 11 This way of life was maintained by the neon-sign maker in their workshops.

However, this ability would soon become less in demand. The 1950s saw the United States redesign its cities to accommodate automobiles instead of pedestrians. Larger signs were required in an increasingly suburban country. These signs, made of plastic, were more durable and powerful than their neon counterparts. Plastic signs were made by machines, and also by new advertising concepts of a motel or restaurant chain chains. In America’s middle class, neon was gradually pushed aside and left to hang around above motels and bars. It was a dimming light in postwar-era areas. There is a close connection between inner city decay and neon’s fall. The glitzy American downtowns of the first ten years of the twentieth century became crashlands. A symbol of the down-and-out and the red light district was created by an advertising technology that was once used for decorating churches and luxury stores. Before neon, it had been used to advertise the ETERNAL SOUND and WONDERFUL TREASURES OF Egypt high above Parisian street streets. A lighting fixture in Times Square had also asked passers-by: HAVE YOU WRITTEN To MOTHER LATELY?” Now, it is old, decrepit, and carelessly treated. In Times Square, a neon fixture asked passersby: HAVE YOU WRITTEN TO MOTHER LATELY? However, its casinos and hotels went on to become other forms of advertising within a matter of years. While Asian cities had been spared much of the American urban decline, there was no denying that neon’s seedier associations would be a problem in these places, which included pawn shops and massage parlors as well as hostess bars, pawn shops, and other venues of ill-repute. Neon had hit a low.

Neon’s Friends and Foes

Writers and intellectuals revived Claude’s tubes. However, they did so accidentally because neon was a symbol of a worldview they disliked. Insisting on the energy of mass culture, a postwar generation discovered that neon was a useful metaphor for modernity’s superficial flashiness. Theodor Adorno developed a theory on music in the late 1940s. He attacked the all-powerful neon lights style’ of the culture industry. Adorno saw genuine art as a dark, complex, and deep counterforce to the entertainment industry’s superficial terror of commerce, brightness, and entertainment. Guy Debord’s concept of the society of the spectacle in 1967 is similar. Visual effects hypnotize customers, reducing their worlds to a conglomeration of images and products. 12 Vladimir Nabokov’s 1955 masterpiece Lolita was a strong metaphor in the realm of fiction. The novel’s obnoxious and violent narrator, who rapes the object he desires ‘in the neon lights 13 Theodore Roszak was a cultural critic who wrote an essay in the early 1990s titled “The Neon Telephone”. It attacked technology and consumerism. Lauren Langman, an American sociologist and author of ‘Neon Cages’, depicts modern consumer spaces in the context of techno-fascism. It describes shopping malls as a utopian environment where everything is controlled. Pei-Chia Lan used Langman’s terminology when she studied the work habits of Taiwanese cosmetic saleswomen. Lan examines the new ‘neon cells’ that keep women constantly exposed to bright lights. They must perform constantly and are under constant surveillance. 16

Even though it was not a viable technology, the use of neon as a metaphor has grown to be more extensive. Langman’s ‘cages,’ Lan’s, might not be lit by neon at any time — or by argon and xenon or other noble gases Georges Claude once experimented with. Instead, these sociologists appear to refer to spaces lit by fluorescent tubes rather than neon. (The term doesn’t sound half as elegant). However, even “good old neon” doesn’t always sound so innocent. 17 Neon fans need a certain amount of willful naivety and a willingness to change from pulsating Sauna to Pulsating Sauna, from CLUB CELEBRITY, CLUB HOT LIPIS, and to see these signs only as signs. Their beauty makes it easy to forget about the bodies at the office and the bodies on sale. It is a bit of a postmodern flirtation to follow Learning from Las Vegas and to hail a recognized gambling hell on the Nevada desert as one of the most fascinating places modern architecture has ever created. We are all too quick to ignore urban realities. We tend to be drawn to gimmicky capitalist spectacles that look great, and even better in the rain. Some cultural critics, however, take a different approach. Bruce Begout was a French philosopher who once found himself in Las Vegas. He looked at the giant neon cowgirl, known as Vegas Vickie, and saw only the “boundless cruelty” of a “celestial, mechanical whore”. 19

However, neon’s story has a lot more to it. While glowing tubes might have made grotesque cowgirls, However, they were also used by individuals and groups to create niches. They worked with neon to establish themselves in urban areas. In neon workshops, artisans maintained their independent craft for an as long time as they could. Neon was a delicate lighting technology with a limited range that linked neighbors. Some authors even noticed. Nelson Algren, a Chicago novelist, created the term ‘neon desert’ in late 1940s Chicago. Algren describes poor and marginalized communities in cities as they struggle to resist the modernizing forces. He does this with great humanist empathy. 20 Peggy Lee (a jazz singer and Algren’s contemporary) co-wrote and sang ‘Neon Signs(I’m Gonna Shine like Neon Too’), an upbeat song celebrating the city as a joyous place. 21 These texts acknowledge that neon can be distracting from urban reality. However, they insist that the glowing symbols and letters are a reference to communal institutions that have the potential to transform cities from the ground upward.

This was the context in which neon’s most recent transformation occurred. American cities were home to the first generation of light artists in the 1960s. They lived and worked in neighborhoods caught in rapid de-industrialization. These areas were void of blue-collar jobs. Hardware stores, industrial items, and even the idea of craftsmanship seem outdated. These artists used glass tubes as detritus along with a variety of seemingly useless materials. Joshua Shannon, an art historian, describes the late 20th-century movement of resistance to the service industry taking over artists’ environment. 22

Neon looked like a boring and insignificant technology. Then it became an inspiration material for conceptual art, confessional installation, and minimalist experiments. Bruce Nauman’s installations hypnotized audiences with simple linguistic and corporeal forms. Dan Flavin developed a language to represent space in space, even though he used neon-free fluorescent tubes. Joseph Kosuth did philosophical research on the neon signs for sale. Artists such as Lili Lakich, Chryssa, and others used neon to create life narratives that were closely connected to urban spaces. British artist Tracey Emin discovered neon in her search for a sensitive and fragile material that could be used to express intimate feelings in public spaces. Her first encounter with neon was in Margate, an English seaside resort that was in decline. Because neon is symbolic of cities in crisis, artists today did more than simply breathe new life into old advertising technology. Neon art — light art — has revitalized cities by being displayed on streets and squares as well as in art spaces.

Similar stories may unfold in Hong Kong. Neon sign for sale is losing their importance in Hong Kong. LED allows for brighter, more affordable light. These tubes were originally introduced to Asia through Georges Claude’s brilliant international franchising scheme. But, ironically, today’s global corporations are demanding that their advertising be consistent for all franchise branches. 23 Hong Kong’s independent eateries, which are decorated with neon and offer food on the outside, remain strong places for family and social ties. The gleaming signs are a link between a bustling metropolis and the small fishing community it was once. Neon pulses: It is a part and a stranger to the city.

By definition, the atoms in gas molecules that are inert like neon, helium, or argon do not (well nearly never) form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other molecules. It is, however, quite simple to construct a gas discharge tube such as a neon sign for sale that demonstrates that inertness is an issue of degree. You only need to apply an electric voltage of a small amount to electrodes at the ends of a glass tube containing the inert gas and the light starts to light.
It’s a lot easier to explain why neon isn’t inside the discharge tube than it is to explain why it is inert to chemical reactions. The voltage across the discharge tube can accelerate an electron that is free up to a certain amount of kinetic energy. The voltage should be high enough to ensure that the energy is greater than the amount required to “ionize” the atom. A positively charged ion is an atom that has been ionized. That means it’s been able to take an electron from orbital to be “free” of a particle. The electrical current that runs between the electrodes of the tubes’ tubes is transported by the charge of charged electrons and ions.

Photo ( above), shows the gas discharge sign Sam Sampere, Syracuse University created by Sam Sampere, Syracuse University. The sign includes a neon discharge tube (the “Physics” word in orange) and mercury discharge tubes (the “Experience” or the “Experience” word in blue) and an outer frame. The neon sign for sale bottom sculpture represents the electric and magnetic fields of light. The white and yellow sine waves in the sculpture represent fluorescent lights. These fluorescent tubes are mercury discharge tubes that have special coatings on the inside walls. The ultraviolet light produced by the mercury discharge inside a tube is taken up by the coating which subsequently emits light of another hue (and with lower energy). A range of colors is achievable based on the substance of the coating.

Why do gas discharges emit light? In addition to being eliminated by the force of a collision electrons on an atom can be excitation. The electron is believed to have been elevated to an orbital that has more energy. When the electron eases back down to its original orbital, a particle of light (a photon) can remove the excitation energy and the discharge tube glows! The energy of the photon (or its wavelength or color) can be determined by the difference in energy between orbitals. Atoms can emit photons with different energies, which correspond to the different pairs of orbitals. These photon energies, also known as emission lines are spectroscopically unique to the element. As is evident in the sign, the mercury discharge tubes have distinct hues from what the neon discharge tube does. Helium, an inert gas, was discovered in this manner, and observation of the sun revealed a sequence of photon energy levels that were never seen in discharges on the surface of the earth.

It’s more difficult to explain the chemical inertness of some gases. The most common rule is that when two atoms are in proximity, their most energy (or their valence), the orbital of the atoms shifts significantly as the electrons of those atoms reorganize. A chemical bond may form when this reorganization decreases the energy of electrons in total. For normal, non-inert atoms, the electrons are relatively flexible and bonds are often formed. However, the electrons of the inert gas are more insensitive to this effect of proximity and, consequently, do not form molecules.

Another example of a larger phenomenon is the unbearable inertness of matter. This is a contradiction between the inertness (about chemical bonding) of a gas and its vitality in a glow discharge. An atom can be thought of as an inert and unreactive particle as long as the energy that it interacts with other particles (including photons) is small enough so that electrons in the atom don’t get excited. The most patient and laid-back atoms are those made from inert gasses like neon. Still, as interaction energy increases, they lose their inertness and we ultimately get an inert nucleus and electrons in a highly excited plasma. The energy can be increased as well as the nuclei become less inert. Instead, we can drink a mixture of nucleons, similar to neutron stars. Step up the energy some more and we are in the world of quarks. Even nucleons cannot be inert and we’re returning to the primitive, energetic conditions that existed just after the Big Bang.

The 80s, neon, and Disco

Neon was a fashion trend in the 1980s.

The post-war depression in the economy and reconstruction and the cold war and nuclear threat in the political field and the wave of young people and the punk revolution has long been in the past before the 1980s were born. The disco was the dancing floor, a tape, and a Hollywood commercial film.

The neon-colored bright light was a reference to the popular culture of the time.

If you want to choose an appropriate reference point, nothing is more representative than the rise of Studio 54 in midtown Manhattan, New York City.

At its peak, the club was well-known for hosting famous guests. Founded in ’77, it served as a model for all late nightclubs and ballrooms, before the emergence of the disco trend in the 1980s.

Its ballroom interior design was among the earliest examples of discotheque style. The bold suspended design is highlighted by the floor and faces of middle-aged individuals.

Jules Fischer and Paul Marantz were two of the most well-known lighting designers in the United States. They have spent thousands of dollars on lighting equipment and designs.

In the past, the lighting of the clubs was generally quite dark. They switched their normal lighting and took the inspiration of neon lighting to create a beautiful bright, vibrant, and constantly changing lighting environment.

As a design trend, it has been a staple on the catwalk since then. The trend is today a trend, along with metallic, disco, and outrageous accessories.

The birth of neon

The neon lighting method was first discovered by chemists as an accident at the close of the 19th century. According to legend, a British scientist known as Ramsey put rare gas in a vacuum glass tube in an experiment. It released beautiful red light when switched on. Ramsey created this rare gas neon name.

But, the fascination of western cities with neon lights soon changed.

In the 1950s and 1960s following the war, and with the reconstruction and re-planning of suburbs and cities signboards began to be uniformly made using machines.

Along with the middle class’s exclusion of neon lights, The custom neon signs were only available in taverns, motels, red-light districts, and towns in the region.

Neon Hong Kong

The neon age, which once had unlimited scenery, has declined, but in cities in the east, there are new flowers. This city is known as Hong Kong.

The neon light of Hong Kong is always a focal point in the lenses of Wong Kara Wai, as well as Ki Fu. Since neon lights are an integral part of the city’s actual. With the advent of LED lights, advertisement spray painting, and the change in Hong Kong’s urban design, Hong Kong is now history.

Neon in Cyberpunk

Neon is a major aspect of Cyberpunk’s near future.

The colors here remain elusive and the rain continues and the residents are a mix, swarming through the cities or abandoned areas full of neon landscapes.

Oshii Mamoru used Hong Kong as an example and describes the decrepit, chaotic city of Xin Kong which was managed by high-tech in Ghost In The Shell.

Blade Runner’s future Los Angeles is filled with tall buildings and large screen-sized electronic advertisements. On the opposite side, there are damp corners and gray areas.

It is home to prostitutes, gangsters, or alcoholics all day long, as in other low-ranking individuals.

The former most expensive lighting choice neon is now a symbol of dilapidation.

Just like cyberpunk’s core ” high-tech, low life”.

Neon-colored signposts signalize that the wonder of the world is hidden in illusion.

Neon in films

Nicholas wending Raven The story spans from Driving for Life to Only God forgives and then the Neon Demon, each one is enhanced by high-saturation neon color.

His screen is either black or bathed in neon colors, blue, red, pink, and red-purple. Bright orange and lime.

Full of anxiety and violence Beauty and emptiness just like his plot -such as in The Neon Demon girls in the fashion circle is eventually divided and consumed.

Gaspar Noe, another director like this one. His Enter The Void set the scene in the city of neon Tokyo and employed neon colors to depict the senses following the use of drugs and the violence that was suffered. Climax was a different neon film.

The flashing custom neon sign increases the force of the attack which is the result of adrenaline’s surge in blood vessels.

It also makes the whole world of human existence increasingly illusory.

It’s beautiful and sweet, like a passing cloud.

Neon Signs

We offer neons with flex tubes as well as neons similar to acrylic neon signs ( both customizable) to compensate for the flaws of glass neon. They are less risky and easier to install, as well as easier to operate.

(1) Flex neon

Flexible tubes are available in sizes between 6 mm-8mm and 1 millimeter. Tubes are embedded in the acrylic plate, which means you can pick the shape and the color of the acrylic.

(2) Acrylic neon

Neon-like acrylic letters are a slightly more costly option than flex neon, but far less expensive than glass neon. Since its surface is polished, it appears almost the same as the glass. Smooth. Reflective.

There are two types of acrylic neon: 180deg and 360deg. 180degmeans you can see its light only from the front angle, while 360degmeans you can be able to see it shining from any angle.

All our custom neon signs are suited for outdoors and indoors, which depends on the LED strips we use. For more information, please contact us. We strive to solve all your problems heart and soul!

Neon LED signs are a common concern for customers. Sure! There is no doubt about it! Use neon LED signs outdoors even if it’s raining.

Neon LED signs can either be used indoors or outdoors. Outdoor LED signs are waterproof. You can use them in the rain or heavy downpours. Their construction means they won’t be at risk of fire or breakage.

Let’s take a look at outdoor neon signs.

Can LED neon signs be installed in rain?

They are easy to use. It’s not the same as traditional glass neon signs.

They can be tricky to use outdoors in adverse weather and rain. It’s because glass is delicate and can pose risks when handled.

If you need the neon signs to be waterproofed in case of rain, some manufacturers can do this. This is an important step to take care of all LED neon signs you may need outside.

Your LED strips will be protected from the rain by keeping their LED modules intact. It is the electrical current that lights your signs, so keep this in mind.

You can waterproof your LED neon sign by sealing any opening. It makes sure nothing gets in its main area. As it stands up to the elements, your sign will lighten up your space.

Are you wondering if you can waterproof indoor signs? You can waterproof indoor signs. It is for safety purposes. The LED sign will not be affected by water regardless of its place or circumstance.

Neon Signs with LED Lights are Waterproof?

Neon LED signs for outdoor use require waterproofing. Your specifications will determine which LED signs are suitable for indoor use.

It is possible to make an individual arrangement with the manufacturer, especially for indoor signs that are waterproof. It makes it easy to use, regardless of the location or current operations.

What You Should Avoid When Installing Neon Signs Outdoors?

Many people are looking at neon LED signs to be used outdoors. They are moving away from their glass counterparts. It is all because of the flexibility and ambiance.

You can customize them and get them in different colors. They are suitable for all occasions. They can be customized to fit your event theme.

Although all this information is helpful, you may run into issues if your installation isn’t done properly. For outdoor lighting, you will need to have enough experience and knowledge in electrical work.

If you don’t have the time or expertise to hire professional help, this is the best way to go. The following points should be considered by anyone who does a self-installation.

1. The Light Strip is Bendable

The flexibility of LED neon signs is undisputed. They will work well when installed properly. Make sure the light is not bent upwards or downwards when installing it.

The light should not be curved in arches at any point. Sign damage is likely to result from such movements. The most common problem with the sign is the malfunctioning light.

2. Keep Some Distance

You might be working with signs that are in parallel. It’s possible to work with signs that are in a parallel arrangement.

Place them far apart. At least one should be at least a quarter of an inch away from the other. Overheating LED lights can result from installing signs too close together. Additionally, the lifespan of your lights could be reduced.

3. It is best not to install it underwater.

Outdoor neon LED signs offer to waterproof. They can withstand extreme weather outdoors.

You can’t just submerge them into water. Some areas, like swimming pools, may require underwater lighting. Other options might be needed.

Swimming pool experts and builders can help determine the best light for you.

4. You should not light it on the spool.

Some LED neon signs have been wound around spools. The wounding is strong enough to make them compatible and more portable.

It is not recommended to light an LED sign if it is still in its original wound state. You also increase the risk of it going out of control. The current might not be able to pass through the light rope if it is in a tight place.

The heat cannot flow through it. If you’re only using the sign for testing purposes, be sure to let it go.

5. Select the right location

Your sign must be visible to everyone. You should be aware of the location you place it in your outside space.

It is important to choose a place that is quiet and free of obstacles. You shouldn’t need to move it often. Signs should not be placed on doors, gates, windows, or other such areas. These areas allow for more movement.

Instead, the LED neon sign should be kept in a stable area to increase its durability. You can’t compromise on performance.

How do you protect neon LED signs from the rain?

Rain is one of the most dangerous situations you could find yourself in. Rainy weather can be dangerous so you need to be careful with outdoor lights.

Use Outdoor-Rated Neon Signs

Neon signs can be dangerous if you purchase them for your outdoor space. Ordinary LED neon signs can be used on balconies, patios, and other outdoor areas.

But moisture can pose a serious problem for functionality. All neon LED signs may not be suitable for outdoor usage. Some might be suitable for wet locations only.

Some are weather-resistant and others are weatherproof. You should always check the packaging. This information is typically provided by manufacturers. Make sure that signs are appropriate for harsh weather conditions.

A) Position the Neon LED Signs Correctly

Neon LED signs shouldn’t be installed. As mentioned above, avoid areas where there is a lot of motion. It can have an impact on the durability of your sign.

It is important to get the right cover for areas you need but not signs. Some outdoor receptacles might be located on the porch, or the screened-in patio.

You can protect your sign against harsh climate conditions with a door cover. You should also make sure the cover is removable. These areas can get damp. The cover you choose should be suitable for such places.

You might not have an outdoor receptacle that is covered by a roof. Therefore, you will need to protect it.

Many companies offer in-use covers for signs. Covers keep the plug, receptacle, and very dry. It doesn’t matter if it is raining or hot.

C: Use Light Shields

The main system can also have your outdoor neon signs. But the fixture will be out in open spaces. Good-quality light shields are essential.

Light shields are small and clear boxes that can be placed over your outdoor neon lighting fixture. The shields keep moisture out of light fittings and housings.

After your sign has dried, you can achieve the durability that your manufacturer claims. You can extend its lifespan by taking care of it properly.

D – Install Weather-Resistant Receptacles

Electrical operations are essential. It is essential to seek professional help when in doubt.

Always make sure to plug your temporary loads into functional outdoor receptacles. Avoid running the cord out of doors and windows, especially when the receptacles are in the house.

Weather-resistant containers are recommended. In the past, outlets that are weather resistant were not mandatory. They are becoming more important today.

It is possible that older homes do not have them. These receptacles could still be protected from the elements by weatherproof covers. These receptacles should be able to deal with dampness.

You can also use them to freeze and heat. They must remember to not damage the neon signs or the receptacles.

You should ensure they are weather-resistant and rated for outdoor usage. You will lose the lifespan and durability of your neon LED signs if you purchase a regular model.

Be Aware of Material that Can Catch Fire

Lighting fixtures that have not been installed correctly can lead to fires. The neon signs are made to release less heat waste.

You should also be careful to not use any heat-releasing fixtures or lighting material. Also, decrease the number of bulbs that are near your area of installation.

You should keep the signs clear of any material that could ignite. An example is a good accent lighting source that can be used below an open space.

You may be in love with the way the light creates in this spot. However, it is possible to dislike the result if the space is too cluttered or full of hay.

Final Thoughts

Lighting systems are constantly evolving. Many are moving away from old glass neon signs and switching to LED neon signs. It allows them to use LED neon signs outdoors without worrying too much about the rain.

Their versatility opens up so many creative possibilities. You’ve been considering this for a while and now it’s time to do it!

When installing signs by yourself, be sure to observe the following precautions. If that is not possible, you should seek professional help.

The best way to decorate your venue

Are you planning your wedding and are you searching for inspiration and ideas to wow your guests? Some people are still confused about the best way to decorate the venue, such as with candles and lights. We believe that you should make the traditional way of decorating the venues more trendy and appealing to your guests and family.

While choosing the right decor for the venue can be just as difficult as choosing the perfect bridal/groom dress, we’re here to help. Neon Signs are a current trend in the wedding world.

Neon Signs light up your wedding day and add some fun to it. You can display many neon signs: love quotes or hashtags, Mrs. and Mr. neon signs, as well as your bride and groom initials.

For a bright touch, you can make your wedding decorations glow with neon light. Use hashtags, initials, and quotes to express your feelings. The Neon Sign is a fashion setter for wedding decorations.

1. Hashtag Neon Sign

Hashtag Neon Signs will be the most popular and stylish neon sign choice for your big day. This neon sign can be trusted by your socially aware family members and friends. One hashtag for every place, both virtual and tangible. This helps you keep track of all of your guests’ social media posts.

You can either create a hashtag by using the initials in your names or tell a story that describes your couple’s journey. Just like Mrs. V & Mr. R choose #VRinLove as their Neon Sign. You can also do this! – Purchase Wedding Neon Sign

2. Cheesy Loving Quotes Neon Sign

A love quote can set the mood for romance and inspire your guests to be awestruck! You can choose a sign with a love quote as a wedding neon sign. It should reflect your feelings. You can choose from love quotes like All you need in life is love’ and Still falling asleep for you.

3. Sign for the Bride to Come Neon

A Bride-to-be neon sign will suit any occasion, whether it’s a bachelorette, mehendi, and haldi party. This marriage neon sign works best for pre-wedding functions.

4 . Neon Sign

A Mr. and Mrs. Neon Sign can be used to decorate your venue or home. This couple’s neon sign for their wedding is very popular. It instantly adds style to your place. If you prefer a simple, subtle neon sign, Mr. Neon Signs will work well.

5. Custom-made or personalized Quote Neon Sign

It’s charming and memorable to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony decorations. To include special memories and quotes in your custom neon signs or personalized quote neon signs, you can use the quote option.

Similar to Vernika/Raman’s wedding they made a personalized quote neon sign saying ‘Raman Ki Hui Veronika. Isn’t it just amazing?

6. Neon Sign

Party Neon Signs will work for any wedding function. You can create custom neon signs that reflect your party theme for your wedding and share a cool vibe with your guests.

One such option is “Party just began”. You can come up with even more ideas for your neon sign to get your party started.

Follow the trend and enhance your wedding decorations with neon signs. These custom neon signs make a great addition to your wedding decor. You can personalize or customize the neon sign to fit your style.

Isn’t that the best part of all? These custom neon signs look great as a backdrop for your wedding pictures and will make your special day photos even more adorable.

If you want to draw attention to your wedding cake, place the LED neon sign near the entrance or at the sweets and dessert areas. The neon sign can also go near the bar or dance floor. You can hang your neon sign after the wedding and treasure it forever.

Use a neon sign to lighten the decorations and also serve as lighting.

With repeated use, neon signs collect dirt particles, grease, insect bites, and other contaminants. It is essential to maintain neon lights’ brightness, color, and attractiveness.

Neon signs are a fun way to give your business a playful, artistic touch. However, they must be kept clean. We are often asked how to clean neon signs.

Neon signs are used to attract customers outside. To add more color and character to your environment, neon lights can be used indoors as decorative items.

Neon lights are extremely popular because of their vibrant colors, distinctive shapes, and excellent visibility. It is important to know how to clean neon lights properly. They are used frequently in storefront windows for advertising businesses and attracting customers. As with all lights, neon tubes will develop dirt, grime, and dust from airborne debris, as well as other detritus.

Signs and neon lighting that are not kept clean can look filthy. It is possible to prolong their life span and make their colors more vibrant by regular cleaning. You should already be familiar with how to clean neon light bulbs. Because they are delicate, neon lights require special cleaning methods.

Traditional neon signs are made of more fragile neon glass tubing. However, modern neon lights using LEDs are enclosed with protective plastic. Classic high beams can become hot to the touch when they are lit, while LED neon signs don’t.

If you are unsure how to clean neon signs then you have a few options. They are listed below:

1. How to Get Rid of Dust

However, before you begin to handle the neon sign make sure it is turned off and disconnected. Allow the sign to cool down for a few minutes after you have done this. It can become hot after long hours of constant use.

Start dusting by using one feather duster. Use a soft, long bristled nylon brush to gently remove any remaining dust.

First, clean as much dust as possible.

Cleaning neon signs has never been easier.

1. Get Rid Of Stains and Grime

For removing stains and filth, combine 12 cups of common ammonia in a plastic container with 12 cups of water. Next, you will need to use the mixture on a towel. Begin by gently rubbing the sign’s surface to remove any stains and filth.

Because of the polymer cover, it is easier to clean LEDs. You must turn off the power source and still lower your sign while you do wet cleaning.

Do you want to avoid using ammonia You can also substitute ammonia with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

1. Keep It Off Properly

The neon signs should always be on to extend their lifespan. The LED neon sign that is constantly on or off will cause more burnout. Safety first, however, the sign must be removed before you can begin cleaning. The goal is to prevent the sign from being damaged or damaged during cleaning. After you have finished cleaning, make sure to turn off the sign. This will not only protect you but also make the soiled areas easier to see.

Avoid These Mistakes

When cleaning the sign, do not immerse it in water or a cleaning solution. Additional caution is necessary if the sign has block-out spray paint. Make sure to test the solution on a small corner of the sign before you wash it all.

Using neon signs has many benefits. The neon sign’s unique look is often a motivating factor for artists. Neon’s effect on people is undeniable. That may be why many business owners return to neon as a significant option. The signs have been one of the most affordable lighting options and the best for maximizing return on investment since the 1960s when neon first appeared. Many small businesses also find LED neon signs a great marketing solution.

While neon signs have many benefits, here are some of the best reasons to consider neon signage for your company:

Neon is energy efficient

Everyone should consider switching to more energy-efficient options due to the increasing focus on conservation and energy consumption. To make your business greener, you don’t have to sacrifice the beauty of your sign. Neon consumes 50 to 60% less electricity than other modern signs, except LED modules. A sign lit with incandescent lamps will still require twice the electricity of a modern sign, but it will still be less effective at attracting attention to your business.

Because neon does not use a filament, it is cool to touch. You will also be able to use this option indoors around bars, restaurants, and offices. A typical neon sign costs about 20 cents to run for 24 hours.

Neon Signs Are Durable

The quality of neon signs made by skilled craftsmen will last many years. This compares to the lifespan of an average lightbulb which lasts about 6-12 months. A typical neon light lasts for around ten years. When they do go out, it is usually because of wiring problems or deterioration.

Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that your neon signage lasts for many years.

Neon Is Versatile

Neon is also very popular because of the endless number of uses it can be used in. Neon is a popular choice in densely populated areas like New York City, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The design possibilities are endless because neon comes in more than 100 colors and is made from glass tubing. To create a stunning form, you can hire professional glassblowers. These craftsmen bend glass into thousands upon thousands of shapes. You can create any type of signage indoors or outdoors using neon.

Neon Signage Is Environmentally Friendly

Neon lights are efficient, as we have already mentioned. Neon lights are more eco-friendly than traditional lighting and can be used in a variety of settings. Neon signs do not consume much energy. A toaster can use 100 times as much electricity in one use as a neon sign in 24 hours. If you want to reduce your company’s carbon footprint, then neon signage is the best option. Because neon signs are durable for at least 10 years, they also produce much less waste.

Neon Signs look beautiful

The neon sign can transform a dull interior into something that looks infinitely more elegant and sophisticated. The LED neon signs add creativity and flair to any space. There are many design options available. You can choose the colors that best represent your brand, accent your store’s interior or exterior architecture, and add light and artwork.

That beauty can also be used to enhance branding. Your office can be transformed with motivational signs that reflect your company’s mission. Illuminate your logo. Your logo should be hung high above the heads and ears of customers. This bright glow will make the images easily recognizable to anyone who has seen them often. It is the most cost-effective marketing campaign that you will ever make.

Neon Lights Up the Night and is Very Visible

Neo neon can help businesses increase brand recognition and visibility. Because neon is so bright, it’s easy to see even in the darkest of weather. Because the human eye naturally draws to light, neon signs are a great way to ensure your business is visible at all times of the day. A LED neon sign can help small businesses gain traction.

You can also use neon to advertise your business to passersby if there are longer hours or a 24-hour-a-day business. Although you can use other signage to illuminate your location, neon is cheaper and easier to maintain.

Neon Signs Are Masterpieces

Consider neon signs if you are looking to transform your storefront and interior. Neon signs have many advantages. You can make any type of sign you like and they come in all colors. The best part is that neon signs are affordable and can have a real positive impact.

Do you want to transform the look and feel of your business? Are you looking for information on neon signage? For more information, fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

The art gallery signs can be just the same as the art. High-quality signage is crucial for any business, as it communicates brand value and creates a first impression.

Why do you need signs in an Art Gallery?

They are a wayfinding system

Wayfinding signs can be signs that provide directions. You will find many wayfinding signs that are useful for art galleries. These include exit signs, signs pointing to exhibits, and toilet signs. These systems are particularly useful if you have an art gallery spread over several floors.

They enable you to spread brand awareness

Every business has branding. This branding should be reflected in all aspects of your signage. Your branding should include images, text, logos, and other elements that associate with your company. It is important to have a well-recognized brand that people can associate with your business.

They make people feel first.

In a world that is all about first impressions, it is vital to give your customers a great first impression of your business. External signage is a great way to give people a positive impression. Signs that are high quality will make a better impression than LED neon signs that have been worn down.

What type of signs should art galleries have?

External Fascia

Your sign must be attached to the front of your company so people can easily identify your business. It is the best way to make an impact on your customers. Signs can be deceiving and can make people avoid visiting your business. The exterior signage that we made and installed for Clarendon Fine Art has perfectly suited to their current branding.

Window graphics

Window graphics are a great way to add personality and flair to art galleries. You can display your gallery name or advertise a new exhibit on the windows. Window graphics are versatile and can be easily modified.

Projecting signs

A projecting signage is a LED neon signs mounted on the side of a building that has a double-sided design. Because they can be seen from many directions, they are great for increasing exposure and helping people find your business. Hanging projecting signage has been a staple of art galleries for years.

Plaques

It is vital to tell people visiting your gallery the name and artist of each piece of art. Plaques can be small enough to match your branding, but they can still easily be manufactured. These plaques should be kept simple to not distract from the main attraction.

Wall Graphics

Wall graphics can be a great way to bring life and interaction into a space. Wall graphics are flexible and can be easily modified, just like window graphics. Wall graphics can also be converted into wayfinding systems. You can also create graphics that inform visitors about what they can find on each floor. So that your wall graphics can be easily seen, make sure they are at eye level.

Is your neon sign a business sign? Here are some easy tips to make sure your business sign is always clean and appealing throughout the year. Add a pop of color to your space with our custom neon signs!

A sign is a key component of a successful marketing campaign. It not only guides potential customers to the shop but also:

• We can help you make a lasting impression
• Attract new customers and increase profits over time
• Your business will be marked
• Your customers should be able to access important information about the business.
• Brand recognition

Calgary custom-made and high-quality business neon sign installations

Our team of highly qualified professionals has the experience and equipment to repair, install and maintain billboards and signs.

Here are three tips for taking care of your neon sign

If you recently bought a custom neon sign to decorate your restaurant or store, you need to know how it should be taken care of. A sign should always look bright and clean.

It will show your brand’s high standards, and attract more customers. A sign that is old, broken, or smudged may cause more damage than good.

Here are 3 easy ways to look after your neon business signs:

1. Keep it out of reach of customers

Neon signs are a popular choice for many people. Signs too low for customers’ touch are at risk of getting damaged. If there aren’t enough people handling your sign, it will break.

Ask your Calgary lighting contractor about mounting your custom neon sign high out of reach for your customers.

2. Dust the Neon Tubes

Clean your neon sign every month. You can keep it looking brighter and will make cleaning easier. You will need to clean your sign with a:

• Feather duster
• A small, stiff paintbrush
• A vacuum cleaner with a brush accessory

Always turn off the SIGN before you begin cleaning. Each neon tube should be brushed with a feather brush. The paintbrush can then be used to reach smaller crevices. After the tubes have been cleaned, vacuum the sign.

3. Keep your Sign in the Loop All the Time

Even though it may seem counterintuitive at first, your neon sign will be healthier if it is left plugged in continuously. Why? Why? The neon signs do not get hot because they use electrodes instead heated filaments.

Are you worried about energy costs? You might be concerned about energy costs. Neon lights require very little power and the restarting of their power transformers takes up more electricity than lighting the sign for long hours.

Call Today

Fluorescent Lighting knows how crucial interior and exterior signage are to your business’s success. We have the experience and equipment necessary to set up your neon sign quickly and efficiently so that you can begin enjoying the incredible benefits as soon as possible. Add a pop of color to your space with our custom neon signs!