How to Design Neon Strip Signs
Unlike traditional neon lights, silicone or PU flexible neon strips are safer to handle and do not emit toxic mercury fumes in the event of breakage. They also offer more possibilities than traditional glass neon signs.
They can be bent into various shapes and are fully customizable with a color changing app, allowing you to display your name or favorite quote.
Designing the Sign
When designing a neon sign, you need to start with a clear, scalable design. You can use a vector graphics editor to make a basic design, which will include the text and where each color of LED strip will go. You will also need to specify grooves for the strips and holes for wiring. Once you have your design, you can transfer it to a wooden panel and cut the shapes using a laser cutter.
If you don’t have a laser cutter, you can also carve the channels into the wood yourself with a router. However, this is a difficult task and requires patience and precision. It’s important to double-check your work to ensure the grooves are straight and deep enough to fit the strips.
After the grooves are cut, you can begin to shape and form your signs. You will need to be very patient and design neon strip careful, especially if you’re a beginner at soldering. It’s also important to use a good quality soldering wire and keep track of where you’re soldering each wire to avoid making mistakes.
When you’re finished, you can connect all the wiring according to your circuit plan and assemble your sign. Connect your power supply and dimmer if needed, and then turn on your light to see how it glows! You can now enjoy a new, modern take on the classic neon sign that’s sure to impress.
Designing the Frame
LED neon strips have an eye-catching look and are commonly used in signage, movie theater marquees, bars, clubs, window trims, and storefronts. Fully encased in silicone, they can be safely installed indoors and outdoors. They are also more resilient to physical damage than glass neon lights.
Start by determining the letters, patterns, or lyrics you want to use to create your design. You can estimate the total length of your strip by running a line along the pattern or text. Then, choose a font that has easy-to-connect blocks to make hooking up your LED neon lights less confusing.
Once you’ve determined the size and placement of your LED strip, you can begin to design the shell that will hold it. If you’re creating a shape like a skull, for example, you’ll need to cut a section of the plastic shell that will fit around the Side curved neon light strip skull’s left eye. Using your measurements as a guide, mark the approximate lines where you’ll need to cut.
When cutting the plastic, be sure to leave enough space at the ends of the strip for the conductor wires that connect each block. Then, solder the conductor wires to each strip segment. To avoid damaging the strip, make sure your cuts are clean and precise. Finally, tin the edges of your cut segments to protect them from moisture.
Designing the LED Neon Flex Lights
LED neon lights provide a modern alternative to traditional glass neon lighting. They are durable, energy-efficient, and offer a variety of colors and control options. They are also more flexible than traditional strip lights, allowing them to bend into more intricate shapes and curves. This makes them ideal for creating unique and eye-catching signs.
Neon flex lights come in several lengths, with some designed for a specific application. For example, some can be cut to size and include a power connector and end cap for easy installation. Others may come pre-formed into a letter or other shape, simplifying the process of installing them in a sign frame.
Depending on the design, some of these lights can be controlled by voice, allowing you to set the brightness and color using simple commands. This makes them a great option for ambiance and accent lighting in residential spaces, as well as office spaces and retail outlets.
LED neon flex lighting is also used in interior architecture to transform commercial and industrial spaces into visually stunning environments. Brick-and-mortar retail stores use them to enhance their window displays and in-store signage, while cafes and restaurants illuminate their branding and menu items for customers. It is also used to enhance the exterior of buildings, highlighting architectural features and improving curb appeal. These lights are also a unique touch to special events, such as weddings and birthday parties, or can be incorporated into art installations.
Installing the Lights
Unless your sign is already pre-mounted on a backplate and hanging from the distance holders, it will need to be drilled into the wall or ceiling. This is a relatively easy task and can be done by yourself if you follow the instructions that come with the LED Neon Flex. However, it is always best to have a professional take care of this part of the installation process as it can be dangerous due to the high voltage wires and the potential for shocks and injuries.
The first step is to determine the letters, patterns or lyrics that you want to create on your sign. This will help you to work out how long of a strip you will need. Neon lights can be purchased in various lengths and can be cut at the marked points on the back of the flex cable. These marks are usually made of black dashed lines and indicate the place where you should cut the strip.
Once the neon is in place, you will need to use a heat gun to shrink the tubing that covers the various connections. Once this is complete you will be able to connect it to your power supply and plug the sign in. If you have a dimmer control, you can adjust the brightness of your neon sign and make sure it is just the right level for the space.
