Proper Care and Feeding of your Neon Sign

Neon signs are an investment. Like anything else, the better you take care of your neon sign , the better your neon sign will take care of you.  Fortunately they  have very little maintenance that will need to be done to keep shining brightly for years to come. 

A neon sign has a lot of similarities with a florescent light bulb, with a few obvious differences.  Besides the obvious color and shape differences, the thing you need to know is that neon tubes contain no filaments.  This means that there is nothing to burn out.  A properly made neon tube can last 25 years or more! 

In May of 2012 workers were doing renovations on the former Clifton's Cafeteria in Los Angeles.  Behind a wall they found a neon sign that was still burning brightly!  The sign was hard wired into the electrical system without an on/off switch and has been estimated to have been continually lit for over 70 years.

This sign was recently spotted at the Surry County Fair in North Carolina.  It is 18 years old and has been put up and down countless times, but its still burning brightly!

Step 1- Choose Well

The first step in any long term relationship is to choose well.

Make sure that you work with a company that does quality work.  Check references or their rating with the BBB.  Phone or email the company, see how long it takes them to get back to you.  Many online neon sign companies don't even list a phone number for support.  Make sure the company has been around awhile and is willing to service what they sell.  While price is always an important consideration make sure you buy quality.  Signs that are dim, half lit, or cheap can make you and your business appear the same.   

Choose the type/style of sign that will work best for your environment.  We offer window signs, wall mount signs (with and without backings), outdoor signs, vintage style signs for outdoor or indoor use, portable signs and neon sculptures.  If you have any question about what type of sign you should use, contact your neon professional to help!   Using the wrong style of sign can shorten the life of the sign or even be dangerous. 

Remember that this is a long term relationship.  Make sure you get the sign that you really want.  You may be looking at this sign for 20 or more years.  If you don't see the stock sign that you need, it can be worth the extra investment to have a custom sign created for exactly the right look.

Step 2- Proper Installation

This is very important and can have a huge effect on the longevity of your sign.  Outdoor signs have a variety of considerations that vary from building to building, so for this blog we will concentrate on window and wall mount signs.

Window signs are very simple to install.  Signs from Jantec Sign Group arrive with all hanging hardware EXCEPT for the two small hooks that you will need to screw into your window frame.  Different types are available for wood, metal, or masonry windows frames, most window signs weigh less than 12 pounds. Your local hardware store can assist you with choosing the hooks that are best for your surface.   Once the hooks are properly installed, just hang it up and plug it in!  Suction cups are not sufficient for hanging a sign.

Jantec Neon Signs are produced with plastic "lips" or bumpers that will keep your sign from banging into the glass.  Covers can cause additional glare and are not recommended for window mount signs.  It is assumed that your sign will be in direct sunlight, this is fine.  But you will want to be sure that your sign is properly ventilated.  Signs mounted in tight dormers or sandwiched between glass and heavy draperies sometimes don't get the ventilation they need.

Wall mounted signs are available with our without backings.  Those without backings we refer to as wall art.  They are beautiful semi permanent additions to any room.  The sign will be mounted directly on the wall, so choose your spot carefully!  It will be difficult to move.  Wall art arrives complete with instructions.  Individual pieces of neon will be mounted to plastic spring loaded grabbits that are ready to screw on your wall.  Wire and a transformer are included so that you can position them where you wish.  

Wall mounted signs with a backing are much simpler.  They simply need to be screwed into the wall and plugged in, be sure to use proper anchors if necessary! 

We recommend using covers for any wall mounted signs that are in reach of small children, or hung in such a place that they could be accidentally hit or bumped into.

Install Well

Check your electricity

Periodic Cleaning

Repairs

 

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