So you just got a beautiful neon sign, and now you’re staring at it wondering, “How exactly do I get this thing on my wall?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone. how to hang a neon sign might seem tricky at first, but Neon Beer Signs’ experts promise it’s easier than you think.
Whether you’re sprucing up your bedroom, decorating your office, or adding some personality to your shop, this guide will walk you through everything. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to hang a neon sign like a pro (without calling in reinforcements).
Before You Start Hanging a Neon Sign: Getting Ready With These 3 Keys:
1. Open Neon Sign Box Carefully
First things first—let’s get your sign out of its packaging. Take your time here. Check every piece to make sure nothing got damaged during shipping. Look over the sign itself, check the wires, and count all the accessories. If something looks off, contact the seller before you start drilling holes in your wall.
2. Pick the Perfect Spot
Location matters more than you’d think. You want your neon signs work where people can actually see it, right? Think about the angle—can you see it from different parts of the room? Here’s what to avoid: anywhere near water (seriously, keep it dry), and don’t mount it where little kids can reach it. Also, make your life easier by choosing a spot close to an outlet. Nobody wants extension cords running across the floor.
3. Grab Your Neon Sign Tools
Let Neon Beer Signs tell you what you’ll need:
- Screws and wall anchors – these hold everything in place
- A drill – for making holes (obviously)
- Measuring tape – because eyeballing it rarely works out
- A level – unless you want a crooked sign haunting you forever
- A pencil – for marking where stuff goes
How to Hang a Neon Sign? Here Are 4 Quick Steps You Can Follow
Let us walk you through the most popular method for hanging neon signs on wall—using a backplate. This works for most people and gives you solid results.
Step 1: Mark Your Spot, Check Plug in An Test The Neon Signs
- Decide how high you want your neon sign. Grab your measuring tape and find the center point where it’ll go. Mark it with your pencil.
- Now measure your sign’s width and mark both sides.
- Plug your neon sign into a power source and switch it on. If it lights up instantly—perfect! You’re all set to enjoy the glow.
Step 2: Make Your Holes And Put In the Screws
- Take your drill and carefully make holes where you marked. The drill bit size depends on your wall type—wood, drywall, and concrete all need different approaches.
- If you’re using wall anchors (which I recommend for drywall), make sure the holes are the right size for them to fit snugly.
- Screw into those holes you just made, but don’t tighten them all the way yet. Leave a tiny bit of space to slide on your mounting brackets.
- Line up your brackets with the screws, then tighten everything down. Give it a little tug to make sure it’s secure.
Step 3: Hang It Up and Test
- Time for the fun part—hang your sign! Most signs have mounting holes at each corner. Line them up with your installed hardware and carefully hang it.
- Plug it in and flip the switch. Does it light up? Great! If not, double-check your connections.
Quick tip: If your sign is lightweight, you can even use strong fishing line or wire for a more subtle hanging system.
5 More Options to Hang Your Neon Sign You Can Choose
Here’s the thing—there’s no “one size fits all” method. Let Neon Beer Signs break down your options so you can pick what works best.
Option 1: Mounting Directly on the Wall
This is the classic approach. You’re basically attaching the sign straight to your wall. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it looks great. Perfect if you want that permanent, professional vibe.
Option 2: Using a Neon Sign Backplate
Many signs come with a backing board that already has holes drilled in it. This makes everything SO much easier. The backplate keeps your sign stable and makes sure everything lines up perfectly. You just mount the backplate to the wall, and boom—done.
Option 3: No Drilling Required
Renting? Don’t want to damage your walls? We get it. You’ve got options: Hanging chains work beautifully if your sign has hooks. Just install command hooks or small nails and hang it like artwork. Follow these Step: :
- Step 1: Clean the Surface: Wipe the wall carefully using an alcohol-based cloth to remove any dust, oil, or residue.
- Step 2: Apply the Mounting Strips: Attach heavy-duty Command Strips (or a similar adhesive option) to the back of your neon sign, following the product’s instructions for proper placement and pressure.
- Step 3: Position and Secure: Hold the sign straight and align it where you want it. Press it firmly against the wall and maintain steady pressure for the time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.
- Step 4: Power It Up: Plug your neon sign into an outlet and enjoy the vibrant glow lighting up your space.
Heavy-duty adhesive strips are another route. These are perfect for lighter signs. Just make absolutely sure the strips can handle your sign’s weight. Nobody wants their sign crashing down at 3 AM.
Option 4: Window Display For Hanging Neon Signs
Got a business? Putting your neon sign in the window is brilliant for catching attention. Use suction cups or adhesive strips. The best part? You can move it around whenever you want.
Option 5: Free-Standing Neon Signs Setup
Sometimes you don’t want to hang anything at all. Free-standing options are great for:
- Trade shows and events
- Spots where you change things up frequently
- Places where wall mounting just doesn’t work
You can use tripod stands, A-frame displays, or even a nice pedestal. Super flexible.
How To Hang Neon Signs Without Drilling?
Not everyone wants to put holes in their walls, and that’s totally fine. Here’s what works:
- The Floating Look: Use steel cables or chains to create that suspended effect. It looks modern and artsy—like your sign is floating on the wall.
- Adhesive Magic: Heavy-duty command strips are your friend. Clean your wall really well first (seriously, wipe it down). Let it dry completely. Then follow the instructions on the strips exactly. Press firmly and wait the recommended time before hanging your sign.
- Hanging Hooks: For lightweight signs, simple adhesive hooks work great. Mark where you want them, stick them on, and hang your sign using the chain that (hopefully) came with it.
Hanging Without Drilling (For Renters and Commitment-Phobes)
Not everyone wants to put holes in their walls, and that’s totally fine. Here’s what works:
The Floating Look: Use steel cables or chains to create that suspended effect. It looks modern and artsy—like your sign is floating on the wall.
Adhesive Magic: Heavy-duty command strips are your friend. Clean your wall really well first (seriously, wipe it down). Let it dry completely. Then follow the instructions on the strips exactly. Press firmly and wait the recommended time before hanging your sign.
Hanging Hooks: For lightweight signs, simple adhesive hooks work great. Mark where you want them, stick them on, and hang your sign using the chain that (hopefully) came with it.
5 Pro Tips After Hanging Your Neon Sign on the Wall You Should Consider
You’ve got your sign up—awesome! But before you call it done, here are some important things you should consider:
1. Power Your Neon Sign Up Safely
Plug your sign into the nearest outlet, but pay attention to the cord. Don’t stretch it tight, and make sure it’s not creating a tripping hazard across walkways. Nobody needs a faceplant because of a power cord.
2. Do a Final Check
Turn it on and step back. Does it look straight? Any flickering happening? Flickering usually means something’s loose, so double-check your connections. Grab your level one more time. If it’s crooked, don’t stress—just loosen the mounting hardware slightly, adjust until it’s perfect, then tighten everything back up.
3. Safety Matters (Even After Installation)
Look, neon signs run on low voltage (usually 12 volts), so they’re pretty safe. But let’s not get careless:
- Use your ladder properly if you’re mounting high. Keep it on flat ground, maintain three points of contact while climbing, and don’t reach too far. Just reposition the ladder instead.
- Clear your workspace. Put away anything that could trip you up. Working safely means working smart.
You can read more: Are Neon Signs Dangerous? The Shocking Truth You Need to Know
4. Quick Fixes for Common Issues of Neon Signs
Even with perfect planning, sometimes stuff happens:
- Crooked sign driving you crazy? Use your level to check the alignment. Loosen the mounting hardware, adjust until it’s straight, then tighten everything back up.
- Sign feels loose or wobbly? Check every screw and anchor. If things are still loose, you might need stronger anchors or toggle bolts for extra support. Better safe than sorry.
- Make it a habit: Regular quick checks keep these problems from getting worse. Just peek at your sign every few weeks to make sure everything’s still tight and secure.
FAQs
1. Can I hang a neon sign outdoors?
Yes, but only if it’s designed for outdoor use. Check the product description for a waterproof or weather-resistant rating (like IP65 or higher). Indoor neon signs shouldn’t be exposed to moisture, rain, or direct sunlight, as this can damage the LEDs and wiring.
2. How heavy can a neon sign be for wall mounting?
Most LED neon signs weigh between 3–10 lbs, which is safe for drywall or wood with the right anchors. For signs over 15 lbs, consider mounting on a stud or using stronger anchors like toggle bolts for extra support.
3. Can I use double-sided tape to hang a neon sign?
Yes, you can, but only for lightweight signs (under 3 lbs). Use high-quality, heavy-duty mounting tape rated for the sign’s weight, and always clean and dry the wall before applying. For larger signs, screws or command strips are safer and more secure.
4. How do I hide the power cord for a cleaner look?
You can use clear cable clips, cord covers, or even decorative wall molding to conceal the power cord. For a minimalist setup, run the cord along the wall edge or behind furniture. Some people also opt for battery-powered neon signs for a cordless appearance.
5. Is it safe to leave a neon sign on all night?
Yes—LED neon signs are energy-efficient and safe to keep on for long hours. However, if you’re leaving home or going to sleep, it’s a good habit to switch it off to extend its lifespan and reduce unnecessary power use.
Wrapping It Up
And there you have it — everything you need to know about how to hang a neon sign the right way. Whether you’re installing it in your home bar, game room, or business space, the secret is taking your time and following each step carefully.
Choose the mounting method that fits your wall type, gather your tools in advance, and always keep safety top of mind. Once your sign is up and glowing, you’ll see that every minute of effort was worth it.
Ready to take your space to the next level? Explore our Neon Beer Signs collection — perfect for home bars, pubs, and man caves. Add that irresistible glow that makes every night feel like a celebration.