The Bright Choice: Why Real Neon Illuminated Signage Still Shines in Melbourne

• For nearly 100 years, neon has been the most iconic and enduring form of illuminated signage in Melbourne's vibrant business scene

• Recently, imported, plastic LED "neon" has tried to mimic genuine neon with only half of the unique aesthetic and impact

• Many Melbourne based businesses and creatives, however, still recognise that neon made in the time-honoured fashion of glass and flame is unsurpassed in the world of illuminated signage

  

  
  
  
  

• We need only look towards Melbourne's iconic Skipping Girl neon to understand the lasting impact and incredible lifespan of a true neon sign. "Little Audrey" has been shining bright over Melbourne's inner north since 1936

  
  

  

  
  

  What Is Real Neon Signage and How Is It Made?

• An "LED neon" sign is NOT a Neon sign. A real Neon sign contains actual Neon gas, housed in a hand-made glass tube. An "LED neon" sign 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. Because of this, no two Neon pieces are the same. It is this 'one-of-a-kind' craftmanship that adds to the ethereal beauty and timelessness of a real Neon sign.

• George Claude invented neon lighting in the early 1900s and by 1929 the first Neon sign in Australia was installed. By 1931, the Claude Company had established a significant operation in Melbourne, thus kickstarting a shining cultural legacy

  
  
  
  

  The Big Misconception: LED Neon is "The Same" as Real Neon

• Many businesses that sell "LED neon" assure their customers that their product is a safer, more reliable, longer lasting and more environmentally sustainable alternative to real Neon that is cheaper in the long-term. These are lies!

• Glass tubing can last for generations if correctly installed and maintained, whereas LEDs are made from plastics and electronic circuits that are susceptible to heat and moisture which limit their lifespan.

• Just because an LED sign is low voltage does not mean that it is safer than a real neon sign. On the contrary, burnt out LEDs are a serious fire hazard! Neon sign transformers are fitted with open circuit monitors that prevent them from drawing power the moment a tube breaks.

• 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 dissipates into the air.

• A side-by-side comparison of an LED sign with a Neon sign immediately shows how they diverge in sheer brilliance. Neon makes a more efficient use of the power it draws in terms of its luminosity than its LED copycats. Neon light is a far more penetrating and, in our opinion, far more beautiful form of illumination.

  
  

  Why Location Matters: Melbourne's Design-Forward Culture

• Street art is a big tourist draw card for Melbourne as a destination for local and international travelers alike. This is showcased in Melbourne's unique network of culturally significant laneways. These are working in conjunction with a strong cafe and hospitality culture to create the ideal setting for iconic Neon signage.

  
  

  

  The Atlantic, Southbank, Melbourne

  
  

• This plays out against a broader backdrop of Melbourne's art culture, evidenced by the many galleries and public art spaces in which Neon is showcased alongside more traditional artforms.

  
  

  

  Neon installation at Glenhuntly station, Melbourne

  
  

• Like many metropolitan areas around the world, Melbourne's local strip-shopping centers are joining the fight against mega-malls. Part of this fight has been the demand for custom-made and eye-catching illuminated signage to set a business apart, highlighting their own individual visual identity.

  
  

  

  Chapel Tattoo, Chapel St, Melbourne

  
  

  The Common Mistake: Choosing the Cheapest Option

• A real Neon sign is an economic investment. Many Neon signs become collectors pieces long after the businesses they represent have ceased trading. Neon signs, if properly maintained, can last indefinitely. On the other hand, at a conservative estimate, the average lifespan of an LED sign is 6-8 years, depending on the quality of the componentry .

• Glass Neon tubes fade in brightness by approximately 3% yearly. Conversely, their LED lookalikes' brightness degrades at a rate of 30%. These statistics speak for themselves as to which of the two are a long-term investment that can catch the eye for decades and which will fizzle and die in a matter of years.

• More importantly, every single part of a Neon sign can be repaired or replaced. If a Neon tube gets broken it can be repaired at a fraction of the cost of replacing the whole sign. On the other hand, when an LED sign fails it will have to be replaced in its entirety.

  
  

  How to Choose the Right Neon Sign for Your Melbourne Business

• We haven't come across a brand aesthetic that hasn't been enhanced by the power of neon illumination

• The applications for real Neon are more diverse than you might think. Neon is not restricted to 2 dimensions. This opens up a world of possibilities towards creating illuminated works of art that can showcase their appeal from every angle.

• If you're in the market for an illuminated sign, don't be hoodwinked by the plethora of faux-neon pretenders, i.e. LEDs! Many will tell you it's real neon but just ask them if it's made of glass and contains noble gases and voila! You have your answer.

  
  

  Signs Your Neon Sign Is Doing Its Job

• A good neon sign becomes imprinted in the collective cultural consciousness. Think the Skipping Girl or Nylex neon signs in Melbourne. Neon is so brilliant and enigmatic that even once you have looked away its image remains as a signpost of the place you have visited.

• Neon is photogenic! People will naturally want its light to illuminate their group selfies and nighttime streetscape shots that populate their social media pages. This means only good things in terms of eyes on your business.

  
  

  Frequently Asked Questions About Neon Signage in Melbourne

• Q: Is real neon safe for indoor use?

  A: Yes, of course! Real Neon signs are fitted with open circuit monitors (OCMs) that cut power to the sign the moment something goes wrong, eliminating the risk of overheating and potential electrical fire. In addition, signs in high-traffic areas can be enclosed within a perspex casing to protect both the sign and passers-by.

• Q: How long do real neon signs last?

  A: Indefinitely. If properly serviced and maintained a neon sign can last decades. We regularly service signs that predate our 40+ years of being in the industry.

• Q: Can neon signs be repaired or updated

  A: Yes! Hint: it's in the name, Australian Neon SERVICES :) But jokes aside, it makes real Neon the most sustainable form of neon signage. Because real Neon is made in sections, its easy to remove a broken section and insert a new one.

• Q: What's the turnaround time for custom neon in Melbourne

  A: Usually 2-3 weeks, especially large projects with complex installations, however, urgent jobs can be turned around in a matter of days

Making the Bright Choice: Invest in Real Neon

• Real Neon is unmatched in its brilliance, beauty, longevity, sustainability and sheer class.

• Whether you want to upscale your business branding or create a one-of-a-kind hand-crafted work of art for work or home in Melbourne and beyond, you can't beat real Neon. Join us in fighting back against aesthetic appropriation and over-produced, imported plastic waste and be part of the real Neon survival revolution!

• Contact us either by phone or e-mail for a free quote or to discuss your real Neon needs.