How to DIY LED Neon Sign: A Step by Step Guide

Let’s begin with the basics. What exactly is a DIY LED neon sign? Well, as the name suggests, this is a sign you make at home using LED lights. That means it’s not quite the same as a true neon light – neon signs use glass tubes, while a DIY LED neon light uses LED strips instead – but it does have several advantages:

• Affordability: The big benefit of working with LED lights over neon tubes is the price. It’s way cheaper to buy and use LED strips over neon glass tubes, and you can make your own DIY LED neon light for a fraction of the price of a real one.
• Durability: One of the issues with neon lights is that they can break easily. The glass tubes may crack or shatter, and the lighting will eventually wear out and die. LED strips, however, are built to last, providing years of illumination.
• Flexibility: LED strips also have the unique benefit of being bendy. You can twist and flex them into pretty much any shape you like – that goes for cursive writing, curvy logos, and so on. This gives you a lot of ways to play around with your DIY LED neon sign.
• Simplicity: LED neon lights are also surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need too many tools or years of technical experience to put them together. In fact, a DIY LED neon sign is a fun and accessible project, even for relative beginners.

The first step of making your DIY sign is to gather all the tools and supplies you’ll need to piece it together. By getting all the supplies beforehand, you shouldn’t have any trouble when it comes to actually making your sign. Here’s all you’ll need:

• Some LED flex lights to provide illumination
• Conductor wire for power
• A base of some kind to put the design on (usually made of wood or acrylic)
• Some wire cutters
• A roll of thread
• A soldering iron
• A drill
• Some glue

With your supplies gathered, it’s time to tackle designing your DIY LED neon sign. This is the part where you’re free to get creative, using your imagination to come up with a unique, personal sign idea that means something to you.

There are multiple ways to go about this. The simplest option is to grab some paper and pencils and sketch out the design you want. Make sure to do it to-scale, as you’ll be using that design in the next steps to piece your light together.

Another option is to use a design app on a tablet or PC. Just make sure to get the sizing right, as you’ll be printing your design off and using it as a blueprint soon.

Whichever option you choose, try to pick a design that is relatively simple. Remember, you’ll need to run you LED strip lights along the length of your design, so it shouldn’t be too complicated. A word or phrase in cursive is a good option, or a design that is made up of one continuous line.

Once you’ve figured out a super design for your LED light, just follow the steps below to piece it together:

1. Print off or prepare your design, placing the pieces of paper side by side to mirror how the final light will look.
2. Run some thread along your design from start to finish, following all the curves and turns. That’ll help you figure out how long it is – just cut the thread at the end and measure it.
3. Cut your LED strip lights to the same length as the thread – be sure to cut only in the designated spots to avoid damaging the lights.
4. Run your LED lights along the design. If your design has gaps or separate elements, cut the strips at the end of each section.
5. Drill holes at the end of each strip, and use your solder and conductor wire to join the strips together to keep energy flowing through the whole design.
6. Glue the LED lights in place, let the sign dry, and then mount it wherever you like.

As you can see, making a DIY LED neon sign isn’t too tricky. But it won’t give you the full effect of a genuine neon light. If you prefer the authenticity and unique radiance of neon lighting, head to Neon Signs Now instead.

• Easy Customization: Neon Signs Now makes it super simple to create your own neon sign. Just add your text and pick a stylish font, or upload your artwork to embody in neon form.
• Top Quality: Neon Signs Now never compromises on quality. We offer the very best neon signs, ready to light up your life for years to come.
• Value: Don’t worry about high prices at Neon Signs Now. We keep our costs fair and affordable, so you’ll never have to pay over the odds for a new neon sign.

So, if you want to brighten your home or workspace with a classy, customized neon light, head to Neon Signs Now and bring your idea to life!