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How do neon signs have different colors? TOP 5+common color of neon signs 

06 March, 2024, 6:00 am

How do neon signs have different colors? LED signs offer diverse colors, each imparting a distinct effect. Although certain neon sign colors may be more fitting for specific purposes, the ultimate choice of colors in a neon sign is subjective. In this blog post, you and Orant Neon will delve into some fundamental aspects of selecting colors for signs.

The common color of neon signs 

The common color of neon signs 
The common color of neon signs

How do neon signs have different colors? Neon signs are offered in various colors, each possessing its distinct allure. Let's delve into some of the most favored hues and exemplify them with samples from our exclusive neon color range:

Red

Red neon lights, frequently linked to warmth and energy, stand as a timeless selection for signs and displays. The iconic red glow of neon has been employed in crafting attention-commanding signage for businesses worldwide for well over a century.

Blue 

Blue neon lights evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. Their soothing glow is frequently employed in environments where a serene ambiance is sought, such as lounges. However, in the appropriate context, the electric blue light can also instill a futuristic vibe.

White

White neon lights are typically offered in various shades, spanning from cool, crisp white to warm, creamy tones. While not a color in the conventional sense, white neon signs present a clean and modern aesthetic. Their radiant illumination is particularly favored for architectural accents, contemporary designs, and minimalist settings.

Green

Green neon lights infuse a lively and vibrant ambiance into any setting. Symbolizing freshness and nature, green neon signs are commonly found illuminating storefronts, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Yellow 

Yellow neon lights radiate warmth and positivity. The bright and cheerful hue of yellow neon is most effective for capturing attention and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.

Purple

Purple neon signs emanate an air of mystery and sophistication, yet purple can also convey energy and power. Enchanting purple neon lights are frequently spotted in artistic displays or nightclubs.

Pink

The color pink introduces a hint of playfulness and charm. Frequently linked with romance and femininity, pink neon signs can be observed adorning boutique shops and youthful, trendy establishments.

Orange

The lively and energetic hue of orange neon lights is frequently employed to generate a vibrant and inviting ambiance in bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

How do neon signs have different colors?

How do neon signs have different colors?
How do neon signs have different colors?

How do neon signs have different colors? The creation of vibrant neon signs initiates with a glass neon light tube, meticulously bent into diverse shapes to craft letters, logos, symbols, or other artworks and designs. Within the tube, a small quantity of neon gas is sealed, along with one or more additional gases. While argon is the most commonly utilized gas for neon signs, other noble gases like helium, krypton, or xenon can also be employed (though infrequently and for distinct reasons).

Now, how do neon lights operate precisely? When an electrical current courses through the gas-filled tube, it stimulates the atoms of the neon and/or argon gases, prompting them to release energy in the form of light. This phenomenon is known as discharge. The specific color produced is contingent on the combination of gases present and the energy levels of the excited atoms.

>>>See more: Why neon is used in advertising signs?

Factors affecting the color of neon sign 

How do neon signs have different colors? Neon signs are available in a spectrum of colors, each conveying a distinct meaning. To assist you in making the optimal choice for your business, we've compiled a set of guidelines on selecting neon color signs. Continue reading to gain more insights!

Size

The choice of colors may be influenced by the sizes of the neon signs you intend to create. If you aim for a significantly large sign, it's advisable to avoid opting for a highly specific color. In such cases, adhering to a primary hue might be more cost-effective and easier to replicate in the future.

Location

If you intend to utilize the neon sign outdoors, you might consider opting for a design with increased brightness. Brighter lighting is generally more advantageous for outdoor applications, as it enhances visibility, particularly from a distance. Conversely, for an indoor sign, a darker design might be more suitable. Employing frosted glass tubing may allow you to diminish luminance while retaining the desired hue for interior signs.

Height 

Take into account whether you prefer your sign to be at ground level, above your customers' heads, or at eye level. The color and brightness of your design will aid in catching people's attention without causing discomfort, displeasure, or eye strain. For instance, with eye-level signage, which doesn't require drawing attention to its location physically, you can opt for more subdued hues.

Background

Optimal color and brightness selections for your sign can be determined by taking into account the background color and lighting. Avoid combining neon orange with a red backdrop, as such color combinations diminish the likelihood of clients noticing the sign. Similar hues might even render your sign unreadable or entirely unnoticed.

Brand 

If you are in the process of designing business neon signs, consider incorporating your company's distinct colors into the sign. Utilizing colors that represent your brand can help customers remember your business and associate it with the appearance of the signage.

Color combinations you can try

Color combinations you can try
Color combinations you can try

How do neon signs have different colors? Certain color combinations always harmonize well and, if executed correctly, have the potential to transform the interior of your home.

Complementary color

Complementary colors are not identical but rather a combination of distinct colors that enhance each other. Employing lighter tones in LED signs can make them more prominent in a dim environment. Utilizing complementary color combinations is an excellent strategy to make your LED neon stand out.

Color contrast

Contrasting colors refer to hues that are opposite in both color and shade. One of the most renowned contrasting color combinations is, of course, black and white.

While complementary colors accentuate each other, contrasting colors emphasize the distinctions between them.

Similar colors

These are color combinations where you incorporate three colors that are adjacent on the palette. This approach assists in establishing harmony in a space without making it monotonous.

How adding other gases can change the color of neon signs

While neon gas inherently emits a reddish-orange glow (referred to as our "Classic Red" neon color), introducing different gases can modify the color spectrum. For example, argon naturally produces a lavender hue or, when combined with a small amount of mercury inside the tube, a light blue discharge (also recognized as our "Classic Blue" color).

Helium yields a vibrant orange or pink shade, krypton generates a pale white or very light blue color, and xenon imparts a cool blue tint. The noble gas radon technically exhibits a hot red discharge, but its radioactivity prevents commercial use. By blending various gases and adjusting their proportions, a diverse range of neon light colors can be naturally achieved.

However, as mentioned earlier, the only commercially relevant noble gases for neon sign production are neon itself and argon. Other gases from the noble family are typically no longer used for various reasons, with the primary factors being high production costs and chemical properties that make them inefficient for commercial applications.

Tips to choose best color for signs

Tips to choose best color for signs
Tips to choose best color for signs

How do neon signs have different colors? Every space possesses unique characteristics, necessitating careful consideration in the selection of neon light colors. Below are some of our recommendations.

For the bedroom

Undoubtedly, the bedroom is where LED lights are most commonly utilized, creating a distinctive and soothing ambiance.

The color of the walls plays a significant role, accounting for around 70% of the overall effect, especially if they are already a bright color. When conceiving neon sign bedroom ideas, it's crucial to select the appropriate color, as overly bright hues might interfere with sleep.

Certain colors may stand out more or appear differently on a white wall compared to, for example, a yellow one. Pink, red, orange, white, and purple are excellent choices for fostering a warm and calming atmosphere.

For the dark theme

When aiming for dramatic tones in your setup or decor, it's advisable to steer clear of vibrant colors like yellow, green, or even pink. However, there is a slight caveat to this guideline: opt for a dark color only if you genuinely desire to maintain a low and introspective mood. 

Whether bright or dark, any color will complement black walls as long as you are content with the result.

Can I choose my color when designing neon lights?

You have the freedom to select your preferred color for your LED neon through the custom neon sign service at https://xneonled.com/. We offer a palette of 25 colors, with 11 of them displaying color when the sign is on and transitioning to white when off. The remaining 10 colors feature a jacket that conceals the tube but keeps the color visible even when the signs are turned off.

Conclusion

How do neon signs have different colors? Having perused this article, you should now grasp the science behind selecting neon sign colors. If you require assistance in choosing the appropriate colors for your business, please visit Xneonshop's website and reach out to our consulting team!

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