What Are Neon Signs Made Of? Materials Behind the Glow Explained

Neon signs have been lighting up our world for over a century. From vintage bar fronts to modern home décor, their captivating glow instantly draws the eye and sets a mood. But have you ever stopped to wonder: What are neon signs made of? What gives them that colorful, luminous magic?

In this guide, we’ll break down the materials, gases, and technology behind both classic and modern neon signs—so you can better understand how these glowing works of art come to life.

What Is a Neon Sign?

A neon sign is an illuminated sign made by bending glass tubes into shapes or letters, filling them with gas, and electrifying the gas to produce light. The term "neon sign" originally referred to signs using neon gas, but today it also encompasses LED neon signs, which use flexible LED strips to mimic the look of traditional neon.

There are two main types of neon signs:

• • Traditional Glass Neon Signs
  • LED Neon Flex Signs (Modern alternative)

Let’s dive into the materials that make each one unique.

Materials Used in Traditional Neon Signs

1. Glass Tubes

At the heart of every traditional neon sign is a glass tube. These tubes are usually made from soft lead or soda-lime glass and can be bent into nearly any shape using high heat and careful craftsmanship. Tube diameters typically range from 8mm to 15mm.

Skilled artisans heat the glass with a torch and carefully shape it into custom letters, icons, or logos—a process known as “glassblowing” or “tube bending.”

2. Inert Gases

The glow of a neon sign comes from noble gases sealed inside the glass tubes. The most commonly used gases are:

• • Neon Gas (Ne): Produces a bright red-orange glow
  • Argon Gas (Ar): Emits a blue light when used with a drop of mercury
  • Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Helium (He): Less commonly used for specialty effects

Each gas emits a distinct color when electrically charged. To produce other colors, manufacturers often add phosphor coatings inside the tubes or use colored glass.

3. Phosphor Coatings and Colored Glass

To create a rainbow of glowing colors, traditional neon signs rely on:

• • Phosphor Coatings: These coatings react with ultraviolet light to glow in different colors (like green, purple, or white).
  • Colored Glass Tubes: These are tinted during manufacturing to give off vibrant hues when the gas inside is electrified.

For example, a blue glow may come from argon gas inside blue-tinted glass or a white-phosphor-coated tube.

4. Electrodes

Each end of a neon tube contains an electrode, which connects to a power supply. When the sign is turned on, a high-voltage electric current flows through the electrodes and ionizes the gas inside the tube—causing it to emit light.

These electrodes are usually made of metal encased in a glass housing and sealed to maintain the vacuum or gas pressure inside the tube.

5. Transformers and Wiring

Traditional neon signs require a high-voltage transformer to operate. The voltage (typically 3,000–15,000 volts) is necessary to excite the gas and produce the glow.

Wires connect the transformer to the electrodes, and special insulation protects against electrical hazards.

What Are LED Neon Signs Made Of?

Modern neon-style signs have become popular thanks to their affordability, safety, and flexibility. While they mimic the look of glass neon, LED neon signs are made of very different materials.

Here’s what they’re made of:

1. Flexible LED Strips

At the core of LED neon signs are LED (light-emitting diode) strips. These are low-voltage light sources arranged along a flexible strip. The LEDs can emit a wide range of colors and effects—including gradients, flashing, and color changing.

Unlike glass tubes, LED strips don’t need gas to produce light.

2. Silicone or PVC Housing

To recreate the rounded, continuous glow of neon tubes, LED strips are embedded in a silicone or PVC shell. This soft, translucent material diffuses the light and gives the sign its iconic glow.

The housing is flexible, bendable, and available in various widths and styles. It’s also much more durable and safer than glass.

3. Acrylic Backing

LED neon signs are usually mounted on a clear acrylic backboard. The flexible LED tubing is shaped and secured to the board using glue, clips, or routing channels.

The backing can be cut to match the contour of the sign, left rectangular, or even shaped around text and icons.

4. Low-Voltage Power Supply

Instead of high-voltage transformers, LED signs use a 12V or 24V power adapter—similar to a laptop charger. These adapters are energy-efficient, safe, and easy to plug into a wall outlet.

Optional components like dimmers, remotes, or RGB controllers can also be included.

Neon vs. LED Neon: A Materials Comparison

Why Does This Matter?

Knowing what neon signs are made of helps you:

• • Choose the Right Type: Traditional neon offers nostalgic authenticity, while LED neon gives you more versatility.
  • Understand Cost and Maintenance: Glass neon signs are custom-made and expensive to repair. LED signs are budget-friendly and easy to replace.
  • Plan DIY Projects: If you're making your own neon-style sign, LED neon flex is safer and more accessible for beginners.

Popular Uses of Neon Signs

Regardless of materials, neon signs are used across a variety of spaces:

• • Home Bars & Game Rooms
  • Restaurants & Nightclubs
  • Weddings & Events
  • Retail Displays
  • Personalized Gifts
  • Man Caves & She Sheds

At The Beer Lodge, we specialize in custom acrylic LED signs designed for home bars, patios, and unforgettable celebrations—because every space deserves a little glow.

Fun Fact: Why Is It Called a "Neon" Sign?

Even though many modern signs don’t actually use neon gas, the term “neon sign” stuck because neon was the first gas used in illuminated signage—discovered in 1898 and first commercialized in Paris in 1910. Its warm red-orange glow quickly became iconic, lighting up everything from casinos to diners to Times Square.

Final Thoughts: What’s Behind the Glow?

So, what are neon signs made of? Whether you’re admiring a vintage bar sign glowing in red neon or customizing your own LED acrylic sign, you’re experiencing a mix of art and science.

To summarize:

• • Traditional neon signs are made of glass tubes, inert gases like neon or argon, metal electrodes, and high-voltage transformers.
  • LED neon signs are made of flexible LED strips, silicone or PVC tubing, acrylic backboards, and safe, low-voltage power supplies.

Both bring the glow—but how you get there depends on your vibe, budget, and setting.

Looking to Light Up Your Space?

At TheBeerLodge.com, we offer a wide selection of custom LED color-changing acrylic signs perfect for your home bar, patio, or man cave. 

Browse our shop now to find the perfect glowing statement piece for your next gathering or upgrade your space with custom light-up décor that’s as bold as you are.