How Do You Install Neon Glass Signs? Best Practices for Every Skill Level

Let’s be honest. You have just purchased a beautiful light to put in your room. But then you begin to feel a little nervous. It is made of glass. This indicates that it could be brittle. Unfortunately, you must attempt to hang it up on the wall.

We hear this from Aussies all the time. You are worried about drilling the wrong hole. You are worried about the electrical parts. “Did I just spend $500 on something that I can damage in 5 minutes?”

Relax. It is not as hard as it looks.

Installing a sign is actually quite simple. You don’t need to be a builder to do it. You just need to be slow and careful. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to get your new glow on the wall safely.

Key Takeaways

• Always have a mate assist you in holding your sign so that you don’t end up dropping it. 
• You should never attempt to wire an electric circuit in the walls yourself. It’s always advisable to contact an Aussie electrician. 
• To protect the glass neon signs from rain, store the standard glass neon signs indoors. 
• Use appropriate wall plugs depending on your wall type to prevent the sign from coming down someday.

Can I Really Do This Myself?

First, let’s answer the million-dollar question: Is neon sign installation easy for a newbie? The answer is yes, for about 80% of people.

These days, you buy most of your signs already “pre-mounted.” This means that instead of working directly with glass tubes that are brittle, they are already fixed or mounted through a plastic or metal board that is clear.

However, you may wonder. “Can I do this myself, or will I need to hire someone to get the job done?”

1. YES: If it is only hanging on the wall and only has to be plugged into a standard power point (like a lamp).
2. NO: If you want to hide the wires inside the wall. In Australia, it is illegal to do your own electrical wiring inside the walls. You must hire a licensed electrician for that.

Install Neon Glass Signs – Best Practices

Let’s discuss the steps to install neon glass signs:

Get Your Tools Ready

You can’t do a good job without the right tools. Get everything ready before you start. Here are the tools needed to install:

1. Drill: A standard home drill is fine
2. Drill Bits: Usually, a 6mm bit works best (check your screws first)
3. Tape Measure: To make sure it is centred
4. Pencil: To mark the wall
5. Level: This is important. You don’t want a crooked sign
6. Wall Plugs (Green Anchors): These plastic tubes go into the wall to hold the screw tight
7. Screwdriver: Use a hand screwdriver for the last part so you don’t crack the sign

Top Tip: You also need 1 friend. Do not try to hold a 5kg sign and mark holes by yourself. You might drop it.

Pick the Right Screws

When we look for the best materials for neon sign installation, we use “standoff screws.”

These are those fancy silver or gold cylinders you see on signs. They hold the sign about 20mm off the wall. This looks great because it creates a cool shadow. It also lets the heat escape from behind the sign.

Check your wall type. If you are drilling into plasterboard (drywall), you must use the plastic wall plugs. A glass sign can weigh between 3kg and 8kg. If you don’t use plugs, it might pull right out of the wall.

The Step-by-Step Guide

Here is your simple step-by-step guide on how to mount a neon sign on the wall.

Step 1: Hold and Aim

Call your friend over. Ask them to hold the sign against the wall exactly where you want it. Put your level on top to make sure it is straight.

Step 2: Mark the Spots

While your friend holds it still, take your pencil. Draw a circle on the wall through the holes in the clear backing of the sign. Most signs have 4 or 6 holes.

Step 3: Drill

Put the sign down on a soft surface, like a bed or couch. Drill into the marks you made on the wall. Go about 30mm deep.

Step 4: Put in the Anchors

Push your plastic wall plugs into the holes. Then, take the base of the silver standoff screw (the hollow part) and screw it into the wall plug. Make sure it is tight.

Step 5: Hang It Up

This is the main part of how to install a neon glass sign by yourself. Lift the sign up. Line up the holes in the sign with the silver barrels on the wall.

Step 6: Lock It In

Put the screw cap through the sign hole and screw it into the barrel. Stop when it feels tight. Do not force it. If you tighten it too much, you might crack the backing.

Turning It On

Now it is on the wall. Let’s look at how to wire a neon sign for home installation.

Real neon glass signs use a box called a transformer. This black box changes the power from your wall to safe power for the sign.

1. Connect: Plug the sign’s black wire into the transformer box.
2. Power: Plug the transformer into your wall socket.
3. Tidy Up: Use clear clips to pin the wire neatly to the wall so it doesn’t hang loose.
4. Safety Check: The transformer box can get warm (about 40°C). Make sure it has space to breathe. Don’t hide it under a rug or a curtain.

What If It Doesn’t Work?

You turn it on, and… nothing. Or maybe it flickers. Here is how to fix neon signs that are not working after installation.

• Check Plugs: 80% of the time, a plug is just loose. Push all the cords together tightly.
• Listen: A quiet hum is normal. A loud buzzing noise usually means the transformer is broken.
• Look for Cracks: Look closely at the glass. If you see a tiny crack, the gas has leaked out. You cannot fix this yourself. You will need to buy a replacement tube.

Putting Neon Light Signs Outdoors

People often ask: Can I install neon glass signs outdoors?

Usually, the answer is NO.

Standard neon glass signs don’t like rain. If water gets into the wires, it will stop working and can be dangerous.

If you really need a sign outside, it must be inside a clear plastic box that is sealed tightly. Unless you bought a special “outdoor-rated” sign, keep it inside your lounge or bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a neon sign use a lot of electricity?

No, they are quite cheap to run. A normal sign uses about 60 to 90 watts. This is about the same as 1 old light bulb, so your energy bill won’t go up much.

2. How long will the sign last?

Real glass neon is very durable. If you don’t break it, it can last for 8 to 15 years. The gas inside fades very slowly over a long time.

3. Will the glass burn me if I touch it?

No. The glass tubes warm up (to 35°C), reminiscent of hot tea. It will be safe to handle for a brief moment, but do not handle it when it’s on.

4. How do I clean the dust away?

Switch off the sign and let it cool for a period of 20 minutes. Make use of a soft feather duster or a dry paintbrush. Never use water on the sign.

5. Can I leave it on all the time?

You can, though, switch it off when you are going to bed. That way, the power box will last for a longer period of time. A timer plug is a super cool idea.

Conclusion

The use of a neon light sign is an amazing technique to decorate a room in a way that gives a cool and unique effect to the space. This will add a lot of character to the room. 

Even if you know that the item consists of glass materials, you will not have to fear. You will need the right tools, the help of others, and about 45 minutes to perform the task.

Are you looking for a high-quality sign that is safe for your home? If you want a customised name or a cool shape, Neon World will assist you. Check out our range today and let’s get your space glowing.