Light remains the ultimate tool for capturing attention. While traditional gas-filled neon tubes still offer a unique, artistic glow, modern LED strips and Neon Flex have transformed the industry. These semiconductor-based alternatives provide sign makers with a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and durable solution for vibrant channel lettering and 3D displays.
Light means life, quite literally thanks to the wonders of photo-synthesis. So no wonder that light draws us in and demands our attention. And signs made out of light, whether that’s with neon tubes or light emitting diodes, sparkle with energy, standing out in sunlight and continuing to shine as the days turn to night. They can act as a beacon in the darkness for everything from pharmacies to petrol stations or even multi-storey carparks. For many retail, restaurants and entertainment venues they are a must-have accessory, calling out to potential customers and helping to stand out from, or simply to keep up with, the competition.
There are lots of ways to use light within signs, whether that’s front lighting onto printed graphics or backlighting dimensional lettering or within a Lightbox. But few use light as a fundamental characteristic in quite the same way as neon tubing or its close cousin, channel lettering. Both of these areas have seen profound change with the introduction of light emitting diodes or LEDs.
This technology is appearing in everything from light bulbs to digital screens. As with so much in the digital age, LEDs are based upon semiconductor technology. When an electrical current is applied, it forces electrons to move around the semiconductor which creates energy in the form of light. There are several different materials that can be used to produce the semiconductors, and the choice of material determines the colour.
These days many sign makers prefer to use LEDs rather than neon tubes, mainly because they are extremely easy to install. In addition, they are generally cheaper to buy and consume less power when running. They also handle temperature fluctuations better and are more robust, particularly in areas that experience very poor weather conditions. Lower energy and longer lifespans also add up to a more environmentally-friendly argument that will appeal to some customers. And of course lower costs should translate into more competitiveness and/ or higher profit margins.
That said, there is still a case for neon tubes, which can produce a very warm and consistent glow whereas LEDs tend to be sharper. Few things really capture the imagination like a neon sign. Moreover, the tubes can be shaped into very precise designs for a very artistic feel. Consequently they are still suitable for installations that require more of a retro feel such as some hospitality venues.
The classic neon sign involves heating soft lead glass so that it can be bent and twisted into a desired shape. The tube is then filled with a gas – different gases produce individual colours – and sealed with a positive electrode at one end and negative at the other, ready for mounting in place. Applying an electrical current to the electrodes excites the electrons within the gas to create the bright glow that neon tubes are known for.
These days it is becoming more common to mould the intricate shapes out of acrylic and to light them with a strip of LEDs mounted close to together.
When it comes to LEDs there’s a choice between LED strips and LED flex. An LED strip is essentially a flexible circuit supporting multiple small LED chips. These can all be of the same colour or multiple colours. They are usually supplied in rolls and can be cut to a desired length. They usually have an adhesive backing and are easily bent around different contours. Most are meant for indoor use but there are weatherproof versions that are suitable for outdoor signage.
The main alternative is LED neon flex, which was developed as a direct replacement for traditional neon tubes. It’s essentially an LED strip encased in a diffuse silicon covering and usually carries an IP67/68 waterproof rating. As such it can be used for outdoor signage without needing any further covering. LED flex can be easily bent into shape to form lettering and is available in either single or multiple colours.
The main difference between LED strips and flex is that the flex appears to be a single uniform light whereas the strip is made up of multiple points of light. Both are available in 12v and 24v versions, with 24v LED flex usually being the better option for continuous long term installations.
The neon tubes or flex can be used to form the sign on their own or within
channel lettering. These letters often feature internal lighting to give them added punch though lighting is not always a requirement. These three dimensional signs are usually made up of individual letters and numbers, often with a corporate logo, and typically used to spell out the name of a company and its telephone number or web address. The sides of the letters – the returns – are usually made with aluminium as it won’t rust. The face is made with a translucent plastic such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The required size of the letters and their intended destination will determine the degree of structural strength needed and therefore the exact construction but it should be possible to cut these shapes out with a standard cutting table or CNC router.
Fitting an internal light really helps these signs to stand out, especially in the long winter days. The lighting is usually neon tubes though these days it is becoming more common to use a strip of LEDs. Sometimes the lighting is attached to a solid face to direct the light back to the base of the letter, which gives a halo effect for added depth. The use of LEDs is also leading to a trend whereby the channels are shallower, relying on the strength of the lighting rather than the depth of the lettering to give them impact. In some cases both the returns and the face are made with acrylic to give a truly 3D effect in low light. Another variation is open channel letters, where the face is left off to expose the neon tubes to give a more retro effect that’s often used for entertainment venues.
In summary, although neon tubes and channel lettering have been around for a long time, they remain popular because they continue to be effective. If anything, this is even more the case now that there are so many displays competing for attention from backlits to digital screens with moving graphics. Against this, neon and channel letters offer an eye catching and artistic option that really stands out.
Register now for European Sign Expo 2026, visitors can purchase super early bird tickets for €30 until 23 March by using the code FESG601.
You'll experience the full spectrum of non-printed signage - from channel lettering, dimensional signage, and digital displays to architectural and illuminated signage. Visitors can purchase super early bird tickets for €30 until 23 March by using the code FESG601.