The Ultimate Neon Sign Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before buying a neon sign — from design to colour, backing options, sizing and more.
If you have been thinking about buying a neon sign but haven't been sure where to start, you're in the right place. From choosing your design to where you're going to display it, this guide answers all the questions you have on owning your own neon sign.
At Neon Creations, we have over 60 years of combined experience specialising in the design and manufacture of custom made neon signs, made from glass tubes. We make everything by hand in our UK workshop.
We make genuine neon signs from glass tubes — the only type of real neon sign. There are companies out there who sell LED signs but incorrectly advertise them as neon, so make sure you know what you're buying.
Full Buying Guide PDF
Download the complete guide to read at your leisure — covers everything from design to installation.
Download Free Guide →Key Things To Know
Choosing Your Design
Over the years we've created all sorts of designs — words, logos, shapes and images. Here are the most popular types:
- Words, phrases, names, song lyrics, quotes
- Logos — coffee shops, bars, salons, gyms, hotels, retail
- Shapes and images — animals, food, music, nature, love
- Own handwriting replicated in neon
Style of Font
The font you choose will define the entire look of your sign. There are two main categories:
- Plain fonts — Century Gothic, Prisoner, Thin Skinned, Chevrette, Oliviar Sans, Savass Sans
- Script fonts — Golden Plains, Angelina, Bayshore, Heart Maze, Rocket Clouds, Prelude
- Double outline — great for bold or large letters
- Your own handwriting — replicated in glass neon
Setting & Location
Where your sign will live affects every decision — backing type, size, mounting and power supply.
- Commercial or domestic — business visibility vs home display
- Internal or external — outdoor signs may need specialist installation
- High traffic areas — consider acrylic case protection
- Power supply — most signs plug into a standard mains socket
- Outdoor signs may require planning permission
Backing Options
There are 13 backing types to choose from — each giving a different look, feel and level of protection.
- Acrylic cases — fully enclosed, wall fix or hanging
- Acrylic panels — exposed tubes, clean minimal look
- Wooden panels — reclaimed wood, painted MDF, OSB board
- Printed backgrounds — logo, photo, digital print
- Artificial foliage — green wall or flower wall
- Neon supply only — for fitting directly to the wall
Colour Price Bands
There are 5 colour price bands — Band A is most affordable
Download the full guide, browse our gallery, or get in touch with our team to discuss your project.