How to Make Neon Signs: Easy DIY Guide for Custom LED Signs

Neon signs are iconic. Their vibrant glow adds personality, charm, and a retro-cool vibe to any space—from home bars and game rooms to storefronts and weddings. If you’ve ever wondered how to make neon signs yourself, this guide will walk you through the basics, materials, and techniques you need to craft your own custom neon sign at home.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a small business owner looking to create personalized décor, this guide will show you how to make neon signs that stand out.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a small business owner looking to create personalized décor, this guide will show you how to make neon signs that stand out.

What Is a Neon Sign?

A neon sign traditionally consists of glass tubes filled with inert gas (usually neon or argon) that emit a bright glow when electrified. These signs are hand-bent and custom-formed, offering a vintage, electrifying appeal. However, with advancements in lighting, modern “neon-style” signs often use LED flex tubing instead of real glass neon. LED neon is safer, more energy-efficient, affordable, and perfect for DIY neon sign projects.

In this blog, we’ll focus on how to make LED neon signs—a practical, customizable option for most creators today.

Why Make Your Own Neon Sign?

Making your own neon sign is a fun, creative project that lets you express your personality or brand in a bold, glowing way. Here are a few reasons to go DIY:

• • Customization: Choose your own message, font, and colors.
  • Budget-Friendly: Save money compared to professional neon fabrication.
  • Creative Expression: Add a unique touch to your home bar, man cave, wedding, or office.
  • Perfect Gift Idea: Personalized neon signs make great gifts for birthdays, weddings, or housewarmings.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you dive into the DIY process, gather the following tools and materials:

Essential Materials:

• • LED Neon Flex Strip – Available in various colors and thicknesses.
  • Clear Acrylic Backboard – Acts as the base to mount your design.
  • Adhesive or Clips – To secure the neon flex to the board.
  • Power Supply (Adapter) – Must match your neon strip voltage (usually 12V).
  • Dimmer or Remote Controller (optional) – For brightness adjustment and effects.
  • Wiring Connectors & Soldering Tools – For joining strips or adding power supply.

Tools:

• • Craft knife or box cutter
  • Hot glue gun (or strong adhesive)
  • Wire cutters/strippers
  • Heat gun (optional, to bend acrylic or shrink tubing)
  • Pencil or dry-erase marker (for tracing design)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Neon Sign

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Start by sketching your desired design or phrase on paper. Keep in mind that neon flex works best with cursive or connected lettering since it's one continuous strip. Use bold, simple fonts for easier shaping.

TIP: Use digital design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to map out the layout before printing your template.

Step 2: Prepare Your Acrylic Backboard

Cut your acrylic sheet to your desired size (many hobby stores sell pre-cut boards). Then, tape your printed design to the back of the board or underneath it. You’ll use this as a guide for bending and mounting your LED neon strip.

If you're using a clear board, trace the design lightly with a dry-erase marker or pencil on the front surface.

Step 3: Cut and Shape the LED Neon Strip

Unroll your LED neon strip and carefully bend it to match your design. Most LED strips are flexible and easy to bend into curves, but sharp angles should be avoided to prevent damage.

Cut only at designated cutting points—usually marked every inch or so. Use sharp scissors or wire cutters.

TIP: For complex designs, work in small sections. Measure and cut each segment, then reassemble using corner connectors or soldering wires between segments.

Step 4: Secure the Neon Strip

Once your design is shaped, attach the strip to the acrylic board using one of the following methods:

• • Hot Glue: Great for permanent placement. Apply small dots as you go.
  • Mounting Clips: These plastic clips snap over the strip and screw into the board for more support.
  • Adhesive Backing: Some LED strips come with peel-and-stick tape—but reinforce with glue for durability.

Work slowly and double-check alignment with your design template.

Step 5: Add Wiring and Power Supply

Now that the LED strip is in place, it’s time to connect the power:

• • Solder wires from the LED strip to your power adapter or use pre-made connectors.
  • Ensure proper polarity (+ to +, – to –) and test before final assembly.
  • Use heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape for safety and insulation.

For added flair, connect a dimmer switch or remote controller to change colors or brightness levels.

Step 6: Test and Mount Your Sign

Plug in your adapter and light up your sign! Make any last adjustments and ensure all connections are secure. You can now:

• • Mount your sign to the wall using command strips, screws, or hanging chains.
  • Display it on a shelf or tabletop for a mobile glow.

Congrats—you’ve created your very own custom neon sign!

LED Neon vs. Traditional Glass Neon: Which Should You Choose?

While traditional neon signs have nostalgic charm, LED neon offers numerous advantages for modern DIYers:

For most hobbyists and small businesses, LED neon is the best option due to its flexibility, safety, and ease of use.

Tips for a Professional Finish

• • Use clear acrylic for a floating effect or black/white boards for a bold frame.
  • Add edge lighting for extra dimension using RGB LEDs behind the board.
  • Bundle and hide wires behind the sign using cable organizers.
  • Use bold, readable fonts for short phrases or bar names.

If you're creating signs for events or your home bar, don’t be afraid to experiment with color combinations and shapes!

Creative Ideas for DIY Neon Signs

Looking for inspiration? Here are some popular ideas that fit perfectly in home bars, game rooms, and more:

• • “Let’s Get Lit”
  • “Cold Beer Here”
  • Custom last name + “Bar”
  • City skylines or sports logos
  • Arrows pointing to the beer fridge
  • Wedding hashtags or couple names
  • Catchy phrases like “Sip Happens” or “Neon Nights”

Where to Use Your Custom Neon Sign

Your handmade neon sign can be used in so many ways:

• • Home Bars & Man Caves: Add glow and personality to your favorite hangout space.
  • Events & Weddings: Display custom names or hashtags.
  • Retail & Small Business: Highlight your brand in your store, café, or booth.
  • Gifts: Perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, and more.

No matter where it ends up, a DIY neon sign is sure to spark conversations and compliments.

Glow Your Own Way

Learning how to make neon signs is easier than ever with today’s LED technology. With the right materials, a bit of creativity, and this step-by-step guide, you can build a glowing piece of art that’s totally personalized and completely unique.

At TheBeerLodge.com, we believe in celebrating good times with bold, custom décor. Whether you’re crafting your own neon sign or shopping our collection of personalized LED bar signs, one thing’s for sure—your space will never be dull again.