Ever walked past a glowing neon sign and thought, “I wish I could make one of those?” Well, here’s some good news—you totally can! Making your own neon sign isn’t as scary as it sounds. Sure, it takes a bit of patience and the right materials, but it’s actually pretty doable, even if you’ve never tried anything like this before.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make neon signs from scratch. Neon Beer Signs will cover everything—from picking your design to plugging it in and watching it glow for you. So, let get started
Can You Really Make a Neon Sign at Home?
The short answer is Yes, you can really make a neon sign at home.
With some basic supplies and a little creativity, you can build a neon sign DIY-style that’s completely unique to you. Whether you want your name in lights or a quirky phrase that makes you smile, it’s all within reach.
What You’ll Need to Make Neon Signs
Before you start, let’s talk supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- EL Wire or LED Neon Flex: This is what creates that iconic neon glow. EL wire is super flexible and comes in tons of neon colors—perfect if you want that classic look. LED neon flex is another solid option. It’s a bit tougher, lasts longer, and uses way less energy.
- Metal Wire or Sturdy Frame: Think of this as the skeleton of your sign. It holds everything together and gives your design its shape.
- Hot Glue Gun: You’ll use this to stick your EL wire or LED flex onto the frame. Make sure you’ve got extra glue sticks on hand.
- String or Tape: Super handy for mapping out your design before you commit to bending anything.
- Pencil and Paper: For sketching your idea. Trust me, starting with a drawing makes the whole process way smoother.
- White Tape: This helps hide any extra cord so your finished sign looks clean and professional.
Once you’ve got these materials ready, you’re basically set to start making your own neon sign!
How Much Does It Cost to Make LED Neon Signs?
Let’s talk budget. How much you’ll spend depends on how big and complicated you want your sign to be. Generally speaking, most DIY projects fall somewhere between $30 and $150. Here’s the breakdown:
- EL Wire or LED Neon Flex: This is your biggest expense, usually $10 to $50 depending on how much you need and what quality you choose.
- Metal Wire or Frame: Around $5 to $20.
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks: About $10 to $20 if you don’t already own one.
- Extra Supplies: Things like tape, string, and pencils will run you roughly $5 to $10.
Yeah, it might feel like a bit of an investment upfront. But honestly? The pride you’ll feel when you flip the switch on something you built yourself? Worth every penny.
How to Make Neon Signs: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part — actually making your own neon sign! The video below, “How to Make a Neon Sign | A Beginner to Pro Tutorial” by Khaist Neon Arts, walks you through the entire process from start to finish. You’ll get a complete, behind-the-scenes look at how DIY neon signs come to life — from shaping the tubes to wiring and lighting them up like a pro. It’s the perfect guide whether you’re crafting your first sign or just curious about how those glowing masterpieces are made.
Step 1: Pick Your Design
First things first—what do you want your neon sign to say or show? Maybe it’s a motivational quote, your initials, a lightning bolt, or even just a simple heart. Choose something that means something to you or fits the vibe of your space.
Step 2: Sketch It Out
Grab that pencil and paper and draw your design. This is your blueprint, so don’t skip this step! Keep your lines smooth and simple—complicated curves are going to be harder to recreate when you’re bending wire. Think clean, think bold.
Step 3: Trace Your Design with String
Before you start bending anything permanent, lay some string over your drawing. This gives you a feel for how much wire you’ll actually need and whether your design works in real life. It’s also a good time to make any tweaks.
Step 4: Shape the Metal Wire
Now comes the part that requires a steady hand. Start bending your metal wire to match your design. Take your time here—rushing leads to wonky letters and shapes. If something doesn’t look right, unbend it and try again. No one’s judging!
Step 5: Attach the EL Wire with Hot Glue
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Time to make it glow! Carefully run your EL wire or LED neon flex along the metal frame, securing it with hot glue as you go. Work slowly and make sure everything stays aligned. This is where your sign really starts to come to life.
Step 6: Clean Up and Hang It
Once the glue is dry, wrap any leftover cord in white tape so it blends into your wall. Then find the perfect spot and hang your creation. Plug it in, turn it on, and bask in that glow. You did that!
4 Pro Tips That’ll Help You Nail It When Making DIY Neon sign
Let’s be real—making neon signs from scratch, especially with actual glass, isn’t exactly easy. But these tips will seriously boost your chances of success and help you avoid rookie mistakes:
1. Start with Practice Bends
If you’ve never sone it before, don’t dive straight into your final piece. Grab some scrap tubing and mess around with it first. Watch a few YouTube videos of pros doing their thing, then try to copy their techniques. Getting a feel for it beforehand will save you a ton of frustration later when making neon signs.
2. Take Your Sweet Time
WeI know you’re excited, but slow down. Rushing through any step—even the ones that seem super simple—is how mistakes happen. And trust us, those mistakes can cost you time and money. When you’re bending tubes or sealing connections of the neon sign, patience is everything. Slow and steady wins the race here.
3. Don’t Cheap Out on Materials
Look, we get that quality supplies cost more. But this is not the place to pinch pennies. Good neon sign making materials make a massive difference in how your sign looks and how long it lasts. Think of it as an investment in something you’ll be proud to show off for years.
4. Keep a Journal or Take Photos
Snap pictures as you work or jot down quick notes about what you’re doing. Future you will thank you for this. Having a record of your process helps you remember what worked, what didn’t, and how to recreate your wins next time around. Read more: How Neon Signs Are Made and Why They’ll Never Go Out of Style?
Not Feeling the DIY Route? Let Neon Beer Signs Handle It for You
We totally get it — creating your own custom neon sign sounds fun, but sometimes you just want a professional touch. Whether you’re short on time or want a flawless, ready-to-hang piece, we’ve got you covered.
At Neon Beer Signs, our team specializes in making high-quality custom neon signs that perfectly match your vision. From bar logos to home décor and event signage, we bring your ideas to life with precision and style.
Reach out today to get your free design mockup and quote — and let Neon Beer Signs do the glowing work for you! Contact here: [email protected]
Common Questions About Making Neon Signs
How long does it take to make your own neon sign?
It depends on your design and skill level. Simple signs might take a few hours, while more complex ones could take a couple of days.
Is making neon signs hard?
It requires some patience and precision, but it’s definitely beginner-friendly if you follow a guide and take it step by step.
Do I need special tools to create neon signs?
Not really. For LED-style DIY signs, basic tools like a hot glue gun and wire cutters are enough. Traditional glass neon requires more advanced equipment.
What can I use instead of neon?
LED lights are the most popular alternative. They’re brighter, more energy-efficient, and easier to work with for DIY projects.
Is it expensive to make neon signs?
It can range from pretty affordable to moderately pricey depending on your materials and design. Budget around $30 to $150 for a typical DIY project.
Can I power my DIY neon sign with batteries?
Yep! Just make sure you use batteries with enough juice to keep it lit for a decent amount of time.
How long do homemade neon signs last?
With good care, they can last for years. LED versions tend to last longer than traditional neon.
Can I customize my sign however I want?
Absolutely. That’s the beauty of DIY—you control the shape, size, color, and message.
Are DIY neon signs safe?
Yes, as long as you follow basic safety rules and don’t mess with the wiring while it’s plugged in.
Can I make a sign that changes colors?
For sure! Use programmable LED lights that cycle through different colors.
Do I have to use LED lights?
Not technically, but LEDs are way easier and safer for DIY projects than traditional glass neon tubes.
Can I make my sign waterproof?
You can make it somewhat weather-resistant with the right sealants and materials, but it’s best to keep neon signs indoors or under cover.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own neon sign is one of the most exciting DIY projects out there — it’s hands-on, creative, and the result is something that truly reflects your personality. From shaping the design to seeing it glow for the first time, every step is part of the magic.
But if you’d rather skip the DIY mess and go straight to glowing perfection, Neon Beer Signs has you covered. Whether you’re after a vintage bar look or a bold custom piece for your space, our team can craft the perfect sign that captures your vibe — bright, stylish, and built to impress.