Yes, Real Neon Can Be Repaired: What You Need to Know About Neon Light Repairs

• In the current climate of illuminated signage, there is a common misconception that once a real neon sign is broken it cannot be repaired

• This confusion has arisen out of the conflation of LED neon and real neon.

• Real neon signs and artwork ARE repairable and often fully restorable

• This post will cover how real neon is repaired

What Makes Real Neon Repairable?

• A real neon sign or artpiece consists of one or more glass tubes with noble gases inserted into them. A neon sign transformer is fitted somewhere nearby and supplies the sign with enough electricity for the gases within the tube to glow.

• Because a real neon sign is made up of a variety of components, if something breaks or malfunctions it can be repaired or replaced without having to dispose of the whole sign

• LEDs on the other hand are made up of long strips of lights that are connected, meaning that if there is any internal damage, the whole strip will likely have to be discarded into landfill and replaced.

• Real neon, despite being made of fragile glass, is surprisingly robust and resilient, if maintained correctly. Assuming that the components are installed correctly and aren't in danger of being broken by external means, a neon sign can last indefinitely

The Common Myth: Neon Can't Be Fixed

• LED neon companies have risen to dominate the illuminated signage industry and part of this has been their attempts to create misinformation surrounding the supposed disposable nature of the traditional neon they are seeking to replicate.

• Real neon not only outlasts LEDs but can be repaired multiple times over the course of decades. There are many examples of neon signs that were originally installed generations ago being maintained to remain aglow into the future, both worldwide as well as in and around Melbourne.

• One such example is the Oval Motel sign in Bendigo, Victoria. This sign was first put up in the 1960s and our team at Australian Neon Services have recently been tasked with maintaining it. The sign not only looks much as it was when it was first installed (thanks to the fact that we only had to replace what was broken) it will continue to do so many years into the future.

Oval Motel sign, repaired in 2023

Typical Neon Repairs and What They Involve

• Sometimes, a broken tube of glass can simply be joined back together and pumped with new gas to shine as if new. Other times, if the breakage is too severe or if the glass is old enough to warrant replacement, a whole new tube of glass will be bent into the shape of the old one.

• If a real neon sign is malfunctioning, but it appears as if there is no broken glass, it is likely that it's just either the transformer or the cables that need to be replaced. To test if this is the case, it is as simple as replacing them with new parts and seeing if the sign works.

What to Expect When You Bring in Neon for Repair

• If your neon sign isn't working and you aren't sure what the issue is, it is advisable that you get in contact with a neon specialist and have them come to you to check out the sign. Quite often we are able to diagnose and even potentially fix the problem then and there saving anyone the trouble of having to take it down or completely pull it apart. If there is a broken section/sections we can also link the remaining working sections together so the sign can continue to glow while the broken sections are out of service

• If a glass neon section is broken then it will be taken to be repaired or remade. Depending on the number of sections that are broken, the repair can be completed within a matter of days.

• It is very important when searching for someone to repair your neon sign that you ask them if they work with real glass neon, as unfortunately they likely will not as most "neon" companies work only with LEDs.

FAQs About Neon Light Repairs

• How much does it cost to repair a neon sign?

  To replace a single neon section will cost anywhere between $150-$300 depending on the colour of glass and the complexity of the design. Replacing a transformer can cost between $100-$300 depending on the voltage required.

• Is it cheaper to repair or replace a neon sign?

  It is significantly cheaper to repair a real neon sign than to commission an entirely new sign.

• Can colour or design be changed during repair?

  Within reason, absolutely. A real neon sign maker will do their best to make your vision a reality, even when it comes to repairing something that is already made.

• Do all sign shops repair real neon?

  No! Real neon is made by an increasingly rare group of glass bending specialists. An LED company will be of no help in repairing a real neon sign.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Neon Glowing

• Real neon is not a lost cause - it is a lasting investment

• If you're experiencing trouble with your neon sign, we encourage you to contact us at Australian Neon Services for guidance and assessments

• It is always worth repairing a neon sign as their value will only increase as collectors' items into the future

The Luminous Allure of Neon Art: Craft, Creativity and Colour

• Neon art is a vibrant fusion of craftsmanship and creative expression. It combines a little bit of science and a little bit of magic.

• Real Neon art is becoming more and more popular and forms a substantial part of our core business as many artists see the creative potential in it's aesthetic. This is why you see real Neon in galleries, public installations and modern interior design

• This blog post will explore the beauty, process and impact of neon as an art form, as well as the uniqueness of real neon as opposed to it's cheap and derivative LED knock-offs

What Is Neon Art?

• A Neon art piece is a work that incorporates one or more gas filled glass tubes that are illuminated with an electric current. It is most often the case that these tubes are bent into whatever fashion the creative vision suggests, whether that be typography, an image, an abstract design or even a sculpture.

• When Neon was first invented, it didn't take long for industries to recognise its potential in advertising. However, artists also saw its potential in creating unique illuminated works. One such artist was Zdeněk Pešánek, a Czech sculptor, painter and architect who is recognised as the first person to use a neon tube in an artwork.

Torso from the Spa Fountain, 1936

• There is something about the chemical reaction that occurs when noble gases are ignited within a glass tube that bridges the gap between industrial technique and emotional expression - this is Neon Art.

• Artists such as Shezad Dawood, Keith Sonnier and Iván Navarro have all explored the medium, however Tracey Emin's works stand out for their explorations of human themes of love, desire, loss and suffering. She describes her relationship with neon in terms of its feel good quality stemming from its association with fun fairs and nightlife. In prizing neon as a medium for her artistic expression, Emin is helping to revitalise the neon industry.

The Kiss Was Beautiful, Tracey Emin

The Misconception: Neon Art Is Just for Signs

• Artists like Emin are proving that the iconic glow and unparalleled luminosity of real neon is not used only for commercial signage, but are equally impactful in artistic mediums such as sculpture, abstract art, typography and narrative installations.

• Here in Melbourne, Australian poet and artist Jazz Money uses neon to communicate their poetry centered around themes of first nations identity and place, expressed in both Wiradjuri and English language.

  
  

  

  It's Always Been Always, Jazz Money

• Reko Rennie explores similar themes through sculpture, drawing from his Kamilaroi heritage to create a compelling fusion of iconographic and street art inspired neon works.

Neon Aboriginal flag, Reko Rennie

• These artists and their respective pieces say a lot about neon as not just commercial utility aimed at catching eyes, but as an artistic medium that catches hearts.

The Craft Behind the Glow: How Neon Art Is Made

• The process of bending glass requires a synergetic relationship between glass and technician, who uses their body and breath to shape their desired creation. It requires an awareness of the most minute and invisible forces against the material and an understanding of how to wield them to your advantage.

• After the tubes are bent into shape over a flame, they are put under vacuum and then filled with gas before being sealed.

• Making a piece, especially if it is complex, can take a lot of time as well as trial and error. It will likely take a few goes before you are satisfied with the result unless you have years and years of experience.

  
  

Why Neon Art Captivates the Eye and Imagination

• Real neon owes its iconic nature to its unmistakable 'glow'. It has a warmth and a brilliance that is unmatched by any other form of illumination.

• It has the ability to transform the space it lights up, to alter the mood of the surrounding people and command their attention.

• For example, look at how this neon installation has transformed the side of this car park in a community housing block in Richmond

Neon art installation in West Richmond

• Neon is a sophisticated artform because, paradoxically, it is industrial yet delicate, nostalgic yet modern.

Collecting and Commissioning Neon Art

• It is important to understand that neon signs are very bright, especially if installed in a confined space. However this can be counteracted with a dimmer.

• When approaching a neon artist with your idea, get them to outline the parameters that you can work within to attain your vision, i.e. the range of glass sizes, the range of colours through the combination of gases and fluorescent coating and general safety considerations.

• Neon glass tubes comes in sizes generally ranging from 6mm to 15mm in diameter, however it is possible to make neon with glass up to 25mm if you are looking for something more specialised

• Ranges of neon colours can be found online, however you can ask your neon specialist for colour samples as you won't know what's perfect for your piece until it's right in front of you.

• As a general rule, any line that you draw can be made from neon. However keep in mind that the smaller you make your art piece, the more difficult it is for the neon artist to manufacture.

  
  
  
  

Caring for Neon Art: Display and Maintenance Tips

• If your neon is not in a display case with a protective cover, it is highly advisable that it be mounted above average shoulder height so as to avoid the risk of people bumping into it.

• A well made and properly maintained neon piece should last indefinitely, however it is important to remain in contact with a specialist should something break or wear out.

• Always make sure that your neon sign is installed with an open circuit monitor so as to ensure that there are no electrical hazards if the sign gets damaged

• Neon requires cable and transformers, so it is important to consider whether you want these necessary components hidden somewhere (i.e. behind a wall, in a ceiling etc.) or are ok with them being visible alongside the piece. Additionally, cable and transformers can be colour matched with the surface they are mounted to.

• Neon is waterproof and can last many years outside as long as the electrodes are well protected from moisture

FAQs About Neon Art

• Q: Is neon art safe for home or gallery settings?

  A: Of course! Neon can, and does, go anywhere so long as it is correctly mounted and installed.

• Q: How long does a neon artwork last?

  A: If properly installed and maintained, it will last indefinitely, unlike its plastic LED counterpart.

• Q: Can any image or text be turned into neon art?

  A: A neon artist that is recreating an image or text is translating it to a different medium rather than recreating it 1:1. Some images will translate better than others and that's why it is important to open a dialogue with the neon specialist to discuss what will work and what won't.

Final Thoughts: Why Neon Art Still Shines Bright

• Neon has an enduring place in art, design and culture. From the brash, in-your-face colour and movement of the Las Vegas strip, to the thoughtful, sensitive and often provocative works of Jazz Money and Tracey Emin, the broad appeal and application and the iconic status of real neon will always be a popular choice for discerning artists and collectors alike.

• If you're an artist or someone looking to revitilise their art collection consider the vibrant and unique medium of real neon! We can help bring your vision to life or help you create one.

Real Neon vs LED Lights: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

• Since the 90s, imported LEDs have held a market share of the illuminated signage industry in Melbourne. Recently, with the creation of "LED-flex" LED signage manufacturers have been trying to copy the unique aesthetic of real Neon as well as marketing it as neon.

• As a result many consumers are being duped into either believing they have purchased the real thing or believing that LEDs are a safer, more durable and more sustainable option. At Australian Neon Services, we often encounter many disillusioned customers who are disappointed to learn that their plastic LED sign is not real neon and cannot be serviced or repaired.

• This blog post will outline the differences in quality, design and impact between real Neon and LED "neon"

• Illuminated signage is an expensive investment. Consumers have a right to know what it is they are being sold and what the relative merits of the product are and how it compares with other products in the market.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Real Neon and LED Neon Lights?

• Real Neon contains actual Neon gas, housed in a hand-made glass tube that is then illuminated with an electrical current.

• LED "neon" is made from an imported, extruded plastic tube filled with light-emitting diodes

• The process of bending glass requires a synergetic relationship between glass and technician, who uses their body and breath to shape their desired creation. It requires an awareness of the most minute and invisible forces against the material and an understanding of how to wield them to your advantage. For example, laying a fresh bend on a bench is imperative in making sure the bend stays flat, however, leave it on their for too long and the cold surface will likely crack the piping-hot glass. It is a skill that requires a creative mindset and infinite patience. Conversely, LED assembly requires very little skill or creativity, allowing them to be mass-produced, quickly consumed and then consigned to the ever-increasing heap of plastic waste polluting our planet.

  
  

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Common Misconception: "LED Neon Is Just a Modern Version of Real Neon"

• There is a lot of misinformation circulating regarding the relative merits of real Neon vs LED "neon" flex. This is due to the recent influx of cheap, imported plastic signage componentry flooding the Australian sign market. This has created a glut of fake neon shops, most of which have no local manufacturing base and many of which don't even have a shop-front.

• This misinformation will tell you that LEDs are longer-lasting, safer, more durable, more sustainable and better looking than the real thing. They even go as far as to say that real Neon requires a qualified electrician to install it. They also claim that LED flex is the new standard for "neon" signage, and that authentic glass Neon exists only as a relic of an era long past, to be appreciated only by collectors and enthusiasts. None of this is true.

• LED "neon" would be much better described as a cheaper in the short-term alternative to real Neon, not a replacement. We say short-term because an LED sign will last 6-8 years at a conservative estimate whereas a real Neon sign has the capacity to outlive the business it was created for. This makes real Neon a far more prudent long-term investment.

• Just because an LED sign is low voltage does not mean that it is any safer than a neon sign. Neon signs run from high-voltage transformers, but the transformers are fitted with open circuit monitors and earth leakage protection so if the tube breaks the power will switch off immediately. Additionally, it is a myth that neon tubes contain harmful gases. Neon and argon are both inert gases found naturally in the earth's atmosphere. If a neon tube breaks the gas simply dissipated into the air.

• We have manufactured neon signs made from glass tubing that are still working forty years later. Glass tubing can last for generations if correctly installed and maintained. LEDs are made from plastics and electronic circuits that are susceptible to heat and moisture which limit their lifespan

  
  

Where LED Neon Falls Short in Ambience and Character

• In appropriating the name "neon", the LED industry is also attempting to appropriate Neon's aesthetic. However, LED neon fails to replicate the organic glow of real Neon.

• LED neon looks artificial and cheap because it is artificial and cheap! It doesn't matter what colour and how bright you make your plastic, at the end of the day it's still plastic.

• The city of Melbourne is full of major illuminated signs that are held back by the medium in which they are made; LEDs can't do them justice, either simply because the final product lacks the impact a real Neon sign would have, or just because what was promised as a long-term investment turns out to degrade in brightness and quality in a matter of years. A quick trip around Melbourne will illustrate the number of illuminated signs that are pockmarked by a blown LED.

When to Choose Real Neon Lighting

• Real Neon is ideal for businesses wanting nostalgic, high-end or artistic lighting, however it is equally suitable for the local milk bar or fish and chip shop who are looking for a long term and durable advertising investment.

• Real Neon is also perfect for statement pieces, shopfronts, bars, galleries or set design

• Real Neon is unmatched in its brilliance, beauty, longevity, sustainability and sheer class. It catches the eye like no other!

• Real Neon is not just lighting, it's art!

FAQs About Real Neon vs LED Neon Lights

	Real Neon	LED "neon"
Affordability	More expensive to make but cheaper in the long term	Cheaper to make but more expensive in the long term
Durability	Easy to break if not handled by a professional, but will last indefinitely if installed and maintained correctly.	Made of cheap plastic that is susceptible to heat and moisture
Safety	OCMs and earth leakage protection = safer	Blown out LEDs are known to cause serious fires!
Lifespan	Will last indefinitely if installed and maintained correctly	Maximum of 6-8 years
Aesthetic	Ethereal, mesmerising, bold and exciting	Cheap, dull, derivative and ubiquitous

Final Thoughts: Choose Light That Reflects Your Vision

• Lighting is a design decision, not just a utility. There is a lot more to consider than convenience and cost when it comes to illuminated signage. A sign has the potential to be a work of art all on its own and real Neon lends itself to that very idea in the atmosphere it creates and the impact it leaves on people.

  
  

Neon gecko designed and manufactured by Australian Neon Services