Can You Make Your Own Neon Signs? A DIY Guide

Ever dreamed of making your own neon sign but stopped yourself thinking if it's possible to create your own?

The answer is YES, YOU CAN!

Nowadays, making your own custom neon sign is not only possible but much easier and affordable than ever.

Looking to add a personal touch to your home decor or want to make a statement at an event? Create your own neon sign and build an excellent impression. DIY neon signs offer a creative and fun way to bring your ideas to light.

Let’s explore the exciting world of DIY neon signs as we present you with how you can design, craft, and illuminate your very own glowing masterpiece.

Step1: Choose Your Design

The very first step of making your DIY neon light is to think of the design you want to create with it. You need to decide the shape, text or symbol you want. You can create your favorite quote, a custom logo or any kind of abstract shape with your DIY neon sign. Here is how you can design it:

• Start by sketching out the design on a paper that you want to create. It will help you a lot in visualizing how it will look.
• Decide where you want to place it and measure the space. It will help you choose the size and style of the design. You can make a large neon sign for a larger space whereas a smaller one for a small corner.
• If you are working on a text, then selecting the font is yet another step. You can pick a font style that suits your theme. Different style options will help you create a personalized look for your space.

Step 2: Gather Materials

As you have decided on the final design to create your DIY neon sign, the next step is to gather all the materials. You’re going to need very few basic supplies for this DIY project. 

The main hero for this sign is the LED neon flex tubing. This one is much easier to work with than traditional glass tubing. Here are a few things you’ll need:

• LED Neon Flex Tubing: Most flexible and can be shaped by hand, allowing you to form letters or symbols easily.
• Backing Material: You’ll need something sturdy to attach this tubing to. Go for common options such as acrylic, wood, or metal sheets. The backing material depends on the look you’re going for.
• Adhesive or Mounting Tools: You can secure the tubing to your chosen backing using adhesive strips, glue, or mounting clips.
• Power Supply: LED neon signs require a low-voltage power source. This is usually included with DIY kits or you can also purchase it separately.
• Wire and Clips: These will help you shape and secure the neon tubing to your backing and keep everything in place.

Got all the materials for your DIY neon sign? It’s time to start shaping your neon sign.

Step 3: Shape the Neon Flex

Shaping the LED neon flex tubing is one of the most exciting parts of making your own DIY neon sign. LED neon flex is quite flexible which makes it easy to bend. You can shape it as you to match your design. For this, you can:

• Follow your sketch: Use your sketched design as a guide. You can make a paper stencil and start bending the tubing to create the letter or shape using the stencil guide.
• Attach it to the backing: Once you’ve shaped a section, you should secure it to the backing using adhesive or mounting clips. Continue the same process until you complete the entire design.
• Keep it clean: Make sure your tubing follows the lines of your design as closely as possible. You can adjust and re-attach it where necessary.

This step may take some time, but it’s important to shape and secure the neon flex properly. Only then you’d be able to achieve a clean and professional look.

Step 4: Test and Display

With everything assembled, it’s time to test your neon sign. By connecting it to the power supply and turning it on you can check if it has any brightness issues or flickering. You need to make sure that the lighting on your entire design is evenly glowing. Testing can help you check that everything looks as good as it was planned.

• Mount or hang: Once you’re satisfied with how it looks, you can hang your neon sign in your desired space. Whether it’s on a wall, in a window, or as part of a display, the neon glow will instantly elevate the area.
• Adjust as needed: If any part of the sign is dim or misaligned, you can make adjustments again to the tubing or connections.

Why DIY neon signs are popular?

The neon signs have become the most trendy decor statements in today’s time. DIY neon signs are also gaining in popularity. These are best for a few key reasons:

• Customizable: The best part about making your very own neon sign is your ability to fully customize it exactly as you want. You can choose your own design, color, size, and style to match your artistic vision and space perfectly.
• Affordable: DIY projects especially those that are made with LED neon flex are quite cheaper than ordering a custom neon sign. 
• Fun and Rewarding: There’s something highly satisfying about creating your own neon sign from scratch. It’s going to be a fun DIY project where you can express your creativity and artistic side. And the end result of this DIY will be a functional piece of art that you can proudly display on your walls.

DIY Kits

For those who like to have all of the supplies in a single box, you can get a DIY neon sign kit. These kits usually include LED neon flex tubing, a power supply and mounting hardware. It also includes an instructions manual which makes it easier for beginners to create their own neon signs. These kits can limit customization to an extent but they are a great choice for those new to DIY neon projects.

Conclusion

Making your own neon sign is a fun activity that is also cost-effective. Now you can easily shape your vision with an LED neon flex and light up your space with your very own custom neon sign. 

DIY neon signs are ideal for decorating your house. They make one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones and can add a personal touch to your space.

Ready to get started? Gather your materials, sketch out your design, and let your creativity shine with neon lights!