There is perhaps no type of signage that has as distinct an appearance as neon signs. Since the mid-20th century, they have been valued for the bright colors they produce both night and day. They continue to catch the eye and attract customers to the businesses that use them. Fortunately, All Star Signs is one of the top suppliers of neon letters in Escondido, CA. Today, we will learn more about this sign option.
What Are Neon Letters?
Neon signs are lighting displays made of glass tubes filled with gasses and bent into decorative designs or letters. The tubes emit light when high-voltage electrical currents pass through the gas. Neon letters get their name because neon was originally the main gas used in these markers. However, these days, several other gasses are used along with phosphor coatings and different tints for the glass tubes to produce a spectrum of more than 50 vibrant colors.
Neon signs are incredibly versatile. They can be as simple as an “OPEN” sign or as complex as a many story façade on casinos in Las Vegas. In fact, in the ‘40s, many Las Vegas casinos began to catch eyes with their elaborate neon lights.
How Are Neon Signs Made?
The most commonly used material in making neon letters is lead glass. These lead glass tubes typically measure between eight and fifteen millimeters in diameter. They are heated in portions using a variety of burners. When the tube is melted into shape, an electrode is added to each tip of the tube. The electrodes are attached to a transformer that leads to the power supply.
Electrons flow through the gas when the electric current hits the electrodes in the tubes to make the atoms glow. The color of the light is partly determined by the glass in the tubes. For instance, argon gas gives off a steel blue light in a clear glass tube. Neon produces a red light. By using glass tubes that are coated in fluorescent or phosphor powders, we can parlay the two base colors into many other colors to create vivid designs.
Neon Signs Are the Flashy Alternative
With the rise of LEDs and other lighting options, many sign companies no longer offer neon. However, All Star Signs still supplies neon letters for Escondido, CA. In order to really stand out from your competition, you need to try clever solutions. Neon is an excellent way to grab attention. One of the reasons neon has fallen out of favor in some circles is that it is affected by extreme temperatures. Fortunately, this is not a problem in the Escondido weather.
We continue to stay on top of the latest innovations in neon technology. For example, neon letters no longer produce the audible hum that they were once known for. You can also program neon signs to appear as if they are moving.
If you are interested in learning more about how to put neon letters to work for your organization, contact the friendly professionals at All Star Signs for a free consultation!