How to Care for Your Neon Sign

Neon signs were all the rage with businesses such as diners and dance clubs in the 1950s, though their popularity declined a bit in the following decades. However, these signs are still around in the modern era. Some people collect vintage neon signs, displaying them in their personal man caves at home, and some bars use them for signage. Buying a neon sign is easy, but you must ensure to take proper care of it to ensure it lasts. Neon signs are different from regular fluorescent or LED lights, and need the right care and handling to prevent damage and breakdown.

Keep Your Neon Sign Plugged In

Neon signs last for a long time, even years, with proper care. Although it may seem counterintuitive to what common sense tells you, you should leave your sign on all the time. The electricity cost for a neon sign is minimal. If you touch a lit neon sign, it actually feels cool to the touch because it does not use heated filaments, as a regular light bulb does, to produce light. Neon signs use electrodes, rather than heat, to excite the gases in the sign to produce colors. That means there is no wasted energy. Additionally, since they do not heat up, there is no fire danger. Turning it on and off everyday actually uses more electricity. Moreover, the n eon sign transformer wears out quicker when you turn your lights on and off all the time.

Proper Handling of Your Neon Sign

Neon lights are glass tubes filled with gas, so you need to handle them properly. When you receive neon sign shipment, unpack it carefully and ensure everything is intact. Check the glass tubes for any signs of cracks or damage. Return any damaged items or have a professional repair them. If you do not plan to install the lights right away, you should leave them somewhere safe. Do not leave them lying around, especially if you have pets or young children. Before you plug it into an outlet, check to see if the connecting wires are all in place. When you install the sign, plug it into the outlet only after securing it to the wall or window.

Place Your Neon Sign in a Safe Place

The placement of your neon sign is an important consideration. While you may already have an idea of where to place this in your home or business, you should evaluate if it is the safest place. The glass tubes in neon signs are delicate, so make sure you put the sign somewhere no one can easily reach them. Keep pets and small children away from the signs, and if you run a bar, you should place the lights where guests cannot reach or accidentally bump into them. Nicotine stains are a big problem for many neon sign owners, so installation in an area where people do not commonly smoke is a good idea.

How to Clean Your Neon Sign

While neon signs last for years, they still need cleaning. Dirt and grime builds up, making them look filthy and unkempt. Cleaning your neon signs ensure they stay beautiful and bright. To begin, unplug the light. Then, dust the tubes lightly with a feather duster,air compressor, or avacuum cleaner with a small brush. Take a small paint brush to dust off small crevices and hard-to-reach places. Next, wash the tubes with soapy water: a mixture of dish soap with warm water. Check the ingredients of the soap to ensure it does not contain any ammonia. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and then wipe down the tubes. Avoid getting the electrical parts wet, obviously. Finally, use a lint-free towel to dry the tubes.

How to Buy Neon Signs on eBay

You can easily find a vast selection of new and vintage neon signs on eBay by using the powerful search engine. To access this tool, simply visit any page on the site. Then, type words or phrases into the box that describe the item you want, such as "vintage neon open sign" or "neon bar signs." After hitting enter on the keyboard, the next page shows the list of results that match those words. Neon signs are great additions to any bar, den, or man cave. These signs add a touch of vintage style to any personal space, while providing an effective and efficient year-round signage for businesses.