How to Make Your Own Neon Sign Easily

Before we dig into the details of how to make your own neon sign, let’s first focus on a few key reasons why you might want to do so:

• Unique: Neon signs are a truly unique lighting solution. They emit a different kind of glow to traditional lamps and light bulbs, with an almost futuristic, sci-fi feel. If you’re seeking a special new source of illumination for your home, a neon sign is definitely the way to go.
• Personal: Learning how to make your own neon sign is a super way to add a personal touch to your living space. You can make these lights and signs in an endless array of shapes and words, like your own name or a custom logo.
• Versatile: Man caves. Basements. Game rooms. Kitchens. Living rooms. Bedrooms. Neon signs can work almost anywhere. It doesn’t matter where you plan to install it, your neon sign will instantly add a fabulous glow to any room of the house.

This article will look at two main methods for making your own neon signs, beginning with the easier option. The trick with this method is to make sure that whatever word or design you use is all made up of one continuous line. If you want to write something, make sure it’s all in cursive. Alternatively, if you design a shape, ensure it can all be linked together in one single piece.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A pencil and some paper
• String
• Metal wire
• EL wire
• Glue gun
• Tape
• (Optional) Printer
• (Optional) Pliers

And the step-by-step guide:

1. Before doing any manual work, you’ll need a design for your light. Take some time to think about what you want – it could be a word, a phrase, or some kind of symbol or picture.
2. Sketch your design on some paper with the pencil. Alternatively, design it on a computer and print it off.
3. Roll your string out from the start of the design to the end, following the line all the way. Cut the end of the string and measure the piece you’ve made – that tells you exactly how long your design is, and how much wire you’ll require.
4. Cut the wire to the right length and then bend it to follow the shape of your design. Pliers can help with this, especially if your design is pretty curvy.
5. Using the glue gun, stick the EL wire to the metal wire, working in small sections at a time.
6. Use some tape to cover up any leftover parts of the wire.
7. Hang your sign, plug it in, and enjoy!

Next, we have a slightly trickier option for how to make your own neon sign. This method involves the use of a backing board, and it’s the better option to choose if your design has separated elements. For example, if you want to write a word or phrase with block letters, rather than cursive, you’ll need to use this approach.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• A base (usually made of wood)
• Paper
• Printer
• Colored pens
• A drill
• Some string
• EL wire
• Tape
• (Optional) Paint for your base

Instructions:

1. Make sure your backing board is an appropriate size, and paint it if you want to match the wall – this will help your neon sign stand out more.
2. Make a design. Usually, it’s best to use a computer and print off the design bit by bit, but you could also draw it with a pencil and paper.
3. Line up the various letters or elements of your design in the right order.
4. Go along the design with colored pens, marking the path your EL wire will follow. Use one color to show the areas where wire will be visible at the front of the board, and a second color to show when it passes behind the board.
5. Draw an X on the paper every time the wire passes through the board.
6. Punch holes at all the X marks.
7. Feed your string through the design, mimicking the path your wire will take. This will help you work out how much wire you need.
8. Tape your paper to the board, and drill holes where the X marks were. Then, remove the paper, revealing a board with holes in it.

Feed your EL wire through the board, following the shape of your design. Tape it down where necessary at the back of the board to help it keep its shape.

You’ve now seen two ways how to make your own neon sign. It’s not too tricky, but you will need some supplies, and there are things that can go wrong along the way. If you prefer a much easier method, try Neon Signs Now.

• Easy Customization: Neon Signs Now makes it easy to create your own neon lights. Simply pick a size, type, and color, and choose the text or artwork you want to use. It’s that easy!
• Quality Products: At Neon Signs Now, we don’t deal in low-grade products. Our neon lights are top quality, ready to provide tens of thousands of hours of radiant illumination.
• Great Value: You won’t have to worry about paying over the odds at Neon Signs Now, either. Our prices are fair and affordable, making neon lighting accessible to all.

If you’re interested in making your own neon sign, but want to make the whole process as simple as possible, head to Neon Signs Now today.