Neon lighting has been widely used for more than a century and the first neon sign was developed in 1910. For several decades, neon signage dropped off the radar but has recently become incredibly popular again. In general, neon signs have several advantages that are not available in other types of signs, which makes this option attractive for advertising businesses and decorating interiors. Below are five major benefits firms should consider when using neon signs.
They provide it with an attractive and lively appearance that is appealing in both day or night cases. These signs are also very flexible in terms of design and thus businesses can have unique designs that represent their branding.
1. Attention-Grabbing and Distinctive
Neon signs are characterized by lengths of pipes with neon tubing that can be arranged in various forms of lettering and graphics. This makes them quite conspicuous, especially during the night when they are almost illuminating the background. It can be seen that neon signs draw attention from afar and are ideal for those establishments that seek very high visibility and to be distinguished easily. The ability to choose the colors and shapes for neon signs makes each sign unique since their colors and shapes can be custom made. This can help business people to develop signs that are associated with that specific business. In closing, therefore, one can say that neon signs are indeed very effective in terms of drawing attention and making businesses and their buildings memorable.
2. Durability for Long-Lasting Use
Neon signs can last for years and many are still in operation after decades provided they are well maintained. The neon lamp is made from two glass tubes enclosing the glowing neon gas, and the glass tubes rarely require replacement. And the modern neon signs also apply the modern water-sealing and transformer technologies and hence can last longer. This makes neon signage have one of the longest lifespans of any sign material so it is very cost effective over the long-term compared to signs which break down rapidly such as plastic signs.
3. Customization and Flexibility in Design
Another clear advantage of neon signs is the opportunities that they give for obtaining different looks, depending on the configuration of the tubes. When in the condition of glowing neon tubes, it is possible to bend and shape it in any possible ways from writing names to complicated artwork. Neon is much less restrictive as a creative medium than the other kinds of professional signs available such as light boxes. It also makes neon sign makers capable of creating neon signs that can fit the logo and image of the business very closely. It is as simple as sketching, and with neon tubing, any of these shapes can be created and used as luminous signs.
4. Nostalgic Appeal: Vintage Charm
Neon signs instantly conjure up mid-20th, century history and a period we associate with the past. This makes those businesses that use neon signs to advertise their products to have extra characters, and they are associated with cultural memories. Neon signs also enable modern day businesses particularly restaurants and bars to associate themselves with the nostalgic pictures and kawaii pictures of soda fountains, rock and roll and the good old days. This can create a comfort zone for patrons to feel at ease or reinforce nostalgic looks that specific audiences appreciate.
The look of modern or purposely antique-styled neon cannot be replicated with other newer sign materials such as the LED’s and this lends it a certain nostalgic appeal that is quite unique. This is why, despite the shifting lighting technologies, none is as charming as the neon and its nostalgic tone to the Americas of the twentieth century.
5. Less energy as compared to LED lighting.
A misconception is that neon lighting is less efficient in terms of electricity consumption in comparison to contemporary neon alternatives such as LED. However, non-sign custom clearly lit neon signs meeting UL or ETL guidelines require mere watts per square foot than LEDs. Modern neon tubing is designed to work with new transformers, and the use of such neon can consume only 30-35% of energy compared with LED lights. They emphasized that with new technologies of neon, electrical consumption remains low, making neon relatively cheap. Neon has some great features such as higher efficiency compared to LEDs for large outdoor signs.
Conclusion
Far from being a novelty, neon has several advantages for businesses such as, eye-catching visibility for decades, ability for customization and easy redesigning, retro appeal with revived energy efficiency, and car signs. As an overall, it provides companies with a great deal of sensory impact and durability for a relatively small cost with the added bonus of a zillion custom appearances. Still, the aesthetic and industrial nature of neon signage is a reason that makes it attractive for investment.