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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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