Key Takeaways

• Boost your brand’s visibility and create a memorable customer experience by investing in custom neon signage.
• Recognize that the price of a neon sign reflects the costs of skilled hand-crafting, quality materials, and secure packaging.
• Celebrate important life events and create lasting memories with a personalized neon sign that serves as a piece of art.
• Learn that modern LED neon signs offer a long-lasting and energy-efficient way to brighten your space.

They add a glowing charm to any space. But if you have tried buying one, you would have wondered, Why are custom neon signs so expensive?  In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind the high price of these glowing beauties. 

The Neon Craze: More than Just a Trend

Neon signs are timeless. From the 1980s till today, neon signs have been a huge hit. Earlier, they were only found outside diners and nightclubs; now, they have entered our homes, weddings, pop-up events, and brand stores. 

Neon signs are a go-to for creating a personalised, photo-friendly, and unique vibe in any space. People love neon signs for their:

• Vibrant colours
• Retro-meets-modern appeal
• It can light up any space. 

In a world that loves aesthetics and personalisation, neon signs offer both. But despite their popularity, many people are shocked when they check the prices of custom neon signs. So what makes them costly?

What makes custom neon signs costly?

Custom neon signs aren’t your average wall decoration. If you’re exploring wall decor ideas to bring your space to life, neon signs offer a unique and vibrant option. Here is why they are so expensive:

Skilled Craftsmanship

Most custom neon signs are made by hand. Skilled professionals heat glass tubes into shapes to form letters, symbols, or even full logos for your company.

It is a very dedicated process. One wrong move can break the entire glass, which means more time, effort, and experience are needed. 

As these are custom designs, neon signs are not produced in bulk. Every piece is made individually with great precision, patience and care. This approach makes neon signs different but also expensive. 

Premium-quality Materials

The material used in neon signs is special. These materials include glass tubes, noble gases, high-quality LED strips, Acrylic or metal backing for support, and a safety dimmer. 

These materials are not cheap. All of this adds to the overall cost of a single custom neon sign, making them pricey. 

Design and personalisation 

Personal customisation is the main reason why people go for neon signs. Whether it’s your name, a quote or your company’s logo, each design is unique and custom-built. 

Designing custom signs takes time because: 

• Designers must choose fonts, colours, and sizes. 
• Adjusting shapes to fit space or wall size
• Ensuring proper alignment and glow
• Making previews or mock-ups for approval

This extra design effort is added to the cost of neon signs, making it expensive. If you’re looking to add personality and style to your space, a custom neon sign offers the perfect solution. Its design flexibility is what makes all the difference, even if it comes at a cost. 

Packaging and shipping costs 

Neon signs are fragile. They break easily if not handled with care. This is because of the glass neon or LED neon flex. 

That is why they must be packed in shockproof, secure packaging. Shipping must be tracked, usually with insurance. For international orders, customs and duties may be applied as well.

Energy efficiency and longevity

Many people think neon signs are high-maintenance. But modern neon signs, especially LED-based ones, are energy-efficient.

This is because they use low voltage, generate minimal heat, and can even last up to 8-15 years if they are handled with care. This invests in neon lights, a good one, even if the costs in the beginning are high. 

Is this worth it?

Yes, neon lights are worth it — here’s why

When you buy a custom neon sign, you are not just buying a decor item. You are investing in function, durability and art. Neon signs attract the eye. Whether it’s your house or your business, a glowing sign adds visual drama. It can also boost traffic in your business and create a social media buzz.

People also choose custom neon signs to make their special memories. They get customised neon signs for events like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and new business launches. This brings back nostalgia.

Lastly, neon signs are a one-time investment. This may feel expensive in the beginning, but it saves you money in the long run due to its long lifespan and no maintenance.

Conclusion 

Custom neon signs are often expensive, but they are worth every penny! They beautifully blend art, technology, and personalisation. They are made with care, designed for you, and built to last. 

If you are still wondering if they are worth the money? Then just ask anyone who owns one; they will tell you it’s the best glow-up to their space they have ever had. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between traditional glass neon and modern LED neon?
Traditional neon signs use electrified gas inside glass tubes, which requires high voltage and expert craftsmanship to bend the glass. Modern LED neon signs use flexible LED strips inside a silicone tube, making them more durable, energy-efficient, and safer for home use as they run on low voltage.

How do I choose the right size for a custom neon sign?
Measure the wall space where you plan to hang the sign and take a photo of the area. A good supplier can use this photo to create a mockup, showing you how different sizes will look in your room. Consider the viewing distance; a sign for a large event space needs to be bigger than one for a bedroom wall.

Are custom neon signs safe to use in a child’s room or a home?
This is a valid concern. Modern LED neon signs are very safe for home environments because they are made from shatterproof silicone and operate on low voltage, generating almost no heat. Traditional glass neon is more fragile and uses higher voltage, making it better suited for commercial settings away from direct contact.

What is the most practical tip for making my business logo work as a neon sign?
For a logo to be effective in neon, simplify the design. Thin lines and highly detailed elements can be difficult to reproduce and may not be readable from a distance. Focus on the main shapes and boldest parts of your logo for a clean and recognizable sign.

How does the acrylic backing change the look of a neon sign?
The backing is a key part of the design. A clear acrylic backing cut to the shape of the letters gives a clean, floating appearance. A solid rectangular or circular backer provides more stability and a different visual frame, which can make the sign stand out more against a patterned wall.

Why does my simple text-based sign still seem expensive?
Even a simple design requires significant manual labor. Each letter is shaped and assembled by a skilled technician. The cost is less about design complexity and more about the time, precision, and quality materials needed to construct each sign individually, ensuring all connections are secure and the lighting is even.

Can neon signs be used outdoors?
Standard indoor neon signs should not be used outdoors, as moisture and temperature changes can damage them. If you need an outdoor sign, you must order a specific waterproof version. These are built with sealed components and weather-resistant materials to withstand the elements, which adds to the cost.

How much maintenance does an LED neon sign require?
LED neon signs require very little maintenance. Since they have a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, you will not be replacing bulbs. Regular light dusting with a soft cloth is all that is typically needed to keep the sign looking bright and clean.

What factors beyond the sign itself add to the total cost?
The final price includes more than just the sign. Secure, shockproof packaging is needed to prevent damage during transit, and shipping these fragile items often requires insurance. Complex designs may also include a design fee for the time spent creating digital proofs for your approval.

How can I verify that I am buying a high-quality neon sign?
Look for suppliers who show examples of their work and have positive customer reviews with photos. A quality sign will have smooth, even light with no dark spots, and the acrylic backing will have clean, polished edges. Ask about the warranty, as reputable companies will stand behind their product with at least a one-year guarantee.