Whether you're outfitting a storefront, designing a home bar, or planning an event, a custom neon sign is one of the most effective ways to make a space memorable. But if you've never ordered one before, it's hard to know what matters — size, color, brightness, mounting, durability, cost — and where to start.
This guide walks through every decision you'll need to make, in the order you'll need to make it. It links to our detailed city-specific guides (Texas, California, New York, and more) where those posts cover local inspiration and installation context in more depth.
Step 1: Decide Where Your Sign Will Go
Where you place your neon sign determines almost everything else — size, brightness, power source, and whether you need weatherproofing.
Indoor signs are the most common choice for homes, offices, bars, and retail interiors. Standard LED neon runs at low voltage and stays cool to the touch, so it's safe for bedrooms, living rooms, and wall-mounted displays. Indoor signs don't require weatherproofing, which keeps cost and complexity lower.
Outdoor and window-facing signs need to hold up against sunlight, temperature changes, and moisture. LED neon is naturally more durable than glass for these conditions, but you'll want to confirm your sign includes a weatherproof build. If the sign faces a street or sidewalk, brightness matters more — LED neon is visible in direct sunlight, which makes it a reliable choice for storefronts and business signage.
Business storefronts are where neon earns its keep as a functional marketing tool. A well-placed sign can be visible from across the street, running continuously for 10–12 hours a day. LED neon handles that duty cycle without overheating or dimming, unlike traditional glass neon which loses brightness over time.
Step 2: Choose LED Neon Over Glass Neon
Traditional glass neon has a nostalgic look, but LED neon has become the standard for most buyers — and for good reason. LED neon lasts roughly three times longer (30,000+ hours vs. ~10,000 hours), uses 5–10x less electricity, runs cool to the touch, and won't shatter if bumped or knocked. It's also lighter and easier to mount, with no gas refills or tube servicing needed over its lifetime.
For a detailed head-to-head comparison of brightness, cost, installation, and maintenance, see our full guide: LED Flex Neon vs Glass Neon Signs.
Step 3: Pick Your Size and Colors
Neon signs are measured by the overall dimensions of the acrylic backing, not by the lettering alone. A good rule of thumb: hold a piece of paper cut to the sign's dimensions on the wall where you plan to mount it — that gives you an immediate sense of scale.
Color choices affect both the look and the legibility of your sign. Warm white and cool blue are the most popular for interior decor because they blend with existing lighting. Red and pink stand out more and are common for business signage. Multi-color signs are possible with RGB LED options, which let you change colors from a remote control.
Step 4: Understand What You're Getting
Every custom neon sign from Neonific includes everything you need to mount and use it right out of the box:
- A remote control to switch the sign on and off, adjust brightness, and cycle through light modes
- An LED controller for the remote
- A power adapter
- Wall mounting and ceiling suspension kits
All orders are backed by a one-year warranty on electrical components. If your sign burns out within a year of purchase, or arrives broken or defective, Neonific will replace it free of charge.
Step 5: Design Your Custom Neon Sign
You don't need graphic design experience to create a professional-looking neon sign. Neonific's online customizer tool lets you choose your text, font style, font size, colors, and acrylic type. You can see a live preview of your design before you place the order.
If you have a specific vision — a unique font, a hand-drawn graphic, or a complex logo — you can submit a custom design request through the Request a Quote form. The team will review your artwork and provide a tailored price and timeline.
Why Choose Neonific
Neonific was one of the first companies to offer custom LED neon signs to a global client base and has since worked with brands including Nike, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lululemon. Alongside fully custom designs, we carry pre-designed collections including the Crypto Collection and the Icon Collection.
Go Deeper on Any Step
Each part of this guide links to a full write-up if you want more detail before you order:
- Custom Neon Sign Pricing: What Actually Affects Cost
- LED Flex Neon vs. Glass Neon Signs
- Certifications for LED Neon Signs
- How to Buy a Custom Neon Sign
- How Durable Are LED Neon Signs, Really?
- Caring for Your Neon Signs
- How to Install a Custom Neon Sign: Step-by-Step Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions About Neon Signs
Looking for City-Specific Inspiration?
Our neon culture guides feature real local landmarks and history, city by city:
- Best Custom Neon Signs in Texas
- Custom Neon Signs in California
- Best Neon Signs in Toronto, Ontario
- Best Neon Signs in Vancouver, British Columbia
- The Most Iconic Neon Signs in Montreal
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom neon sign take to arrive?
Production typically takes 10–15 business days after design approval, with free shipping to all destinations.
Can I use my neon sign outdoors?
Yes — LED neon can be built with weatherproofing for outdoor use. Specify this when ordering so the appropriate seals and materials are used.
What if my sign arrives damaged?
Neonific replaces signs free of charge if they arrive broken or defective. All orders are covered by a one-year warranty on electrical components.
Do neon signs use a lot of electricity?
No. LED neon uses about 5–10x less energy than comparable glass neon, and costs less to run than a standard light bulb. See our flex vs glass comparison for detailed numbers.
Can I create a multi-color or RGB neon sign?
Yes — RGB LED options let you change colors using the included remote control. This is a popular choice for gaming rooms, bars, and event signage.
How do I mount my neon sign?
Every sign comes with both wall mounting and ceiling suspension kits, along with step-by-step instructions. Most customers install their sign in under 30 minutes.
