How to Create Different Colors with Neon Signs: A Guide to Choosing the Right Gas and Glass for Your Desired Effect
It is possible to wonder where the color of a custom neon sign you have in mind is if your company or home has one. Some lights can retain their color after being turned off. Others, however, appear clear. What makes these lights so vibrant and brilliant if they are made of plain, transparent glass?
If you think neon signs are made solely of neon gas, then you are wildly mistaken. You should read this article to find out more about the workings behind neon signs. For neon signs to shine as brightly, it requires a skilled combination of gases. The art of creating a custom neon sign takes a lot of work.
Manufacturers create neon signs by filling a strong glass tube with different gases. The various colors you see in custom fluorescent signs can be made by either mixing different gases with neon or filling a glass tube with another noble gas. In addition to this, the sign’s color depends on the gas used and the type of inert gas used in its manufacturing.
These are the gases that can be found in a neon sign.
It was quite obvious. neon signs take their name from the staple gasoline used in their production. It would have been an offense to not list it at the top. Neon is in the air we breathe even though you may not be a geek. Yes, it exists alongside atmospheric oxygen but in very small amounts.
Pure neon is now easy to find as it only takes a little to fill a tube. Pure neon produces a bright red glow at normal levels. If you start to fill the tube with more gas, the sign will turn paler red or even pink.
For business owners, you will find this information a joy. Pure neon signage is more energy efficient than other light sources and uses less electricity.
- Mercury Vapor
Manufacturers might consider mercury vapor if they want to create a cool, base color. Mercury Vapor emits a subtle, bluish glow. You will notice a gentle blue hue appearing just before the tube light is turned on. This is mercury vapor at work.
Based on the client’s preference, neon, and mercury vapor can be combined or used separately in signage. Mercury vapor is used by many manufacturers to produce cool colors such as green or purple.
- Argon
Argon is your best choice if you are looking for a brighter and stronger blue color. Sometimes, the manufacturer can paint the inside of the glass tube with ultraviolet-sensitive phosphorus to create the illusion of different colors. If mercury in the tube gets in contact with phosphorus it emits ultraviolet light which makes the fluorescent phosphorus sparkle brightly. Neon signage that has neon colors of effervescent blues, greens, yellows, or whites is most likely made from argon.
- Helium
If the sign is to be placed in a colder climate, the manufacturer will likely add helium to the tube. This will allow the sign to heal more quickly. Pure helium produces a pinkish-red glow. To create a soothing color for the eyes, helium is often mixed in with mercury and argon. This is why helium is among the most difficult gases to obtain. The vast majority of industrial-grade helium comes from radioactive decay.
- Xenon
The gas behind the classic lavender glow, xenon, is it? If xenon is combined with other noble gases, it can reflect a wide range of colors. Manufacturers use xenon most often in strobe light and photography. However, it is also used in signage that has pure neon.
- Krypton
Krypton emits low levels of whitish-yellow glow. This gas can be used for producing different colors. Krypton is added to neon signs to produce different colors. Neon sign makers rely on the color of the glass to reflect the perceived color. Krypton can be used in safety lighting and airport runway lights, as well as neon signs.
Every neon sign represents a complicated chemical reaction that creates vibrant colors. However, it is not possible to call all neon signs made from “neon.” Take a look at your current neon sign and other neon signs around you to find out which gas was involved in its creation.
You can also ask your provider to tell you about the gases available to alter the color and appearance of the neon signs you already have.
Conclusion
Custom neon signs are becoming increasingly popular. These signs are often found in quirky restaurants, as well as at offices that try to convey a “chill” vibe. The neon signs are being used in home decor as well, with people adding personalized quotes to their rooms using brightly lit neon colors. These vibrant signs have attracted a wide customer base.
The neon color represents the most hip culture so their signage is a popular choice in cafes, restaurants, and other establishments. The process of creating a neon sign takes more than is obvious. It’s an art that requires meticulous curation of gases to achieve the perfect color the client desires.
pure, neon signs are also energy-efficient. It is possible to keep your neon sign lit all night without worrying about running out of electricity. Get a custom neon sign to transform your business and attract new customers.
What are you waiting to do? Get yours today, and you’ll be part of the latest trend.