Have you ever walked down the street and wondered what makes neon signs glow? The same lights we've all been passing day after day have some serious scientific secrets locked inside them.
As vibrant and eye catchy as these neon signs are, they are not just used to illuminate streets. From advertising boards to hoardings, these neon lights literally are the cause of more than half of the lighting on your busy streets.
Wondering about what exactly makes these neon signs glow? Stop here! This blog will explain to you the science that goes behind creating your favorite neon signs. Use this as a guide to feed your curious minds.
Neon - The Hero of The Hour
You must be aware of the element that is used in making these signs; Neon, a noble gas, is the best fit for such lighting. Neon is the main cause of your neon signs glowing as brightly as the stars. Scientifically, Neon has the property of remaining in a gaseous state at room temperature. It is only when you run electricity through it, that you would be able to see the light it emits.
This means Neon is the perfect suitor for your lighting needs as it does not involve any chemical processes. But how exactly do neon signs glow a particular color?
The Color Changing Ordeal of Neon
Noble gasses are the chameleons of the periodic table. A typical neon gas usually emits red light, but we don't want red lights everywhere, right? So, a mix of different gasses along with Neon helps you to achieve the desired color for your neon sign. Green, pink, yellow, or blue, you can easily use Neon with other noble gasses to illuminate your surroundings in the desired color.
The Creation of Neon Signs
It's time to wear your scientific boots. This section will lead you through the process that makes your average neon sign glow in different colors.
You can only begin a task by outlying its design and shape. This is where the manufacturer begins, too. Once you have decided on the design of your neon sign, a sign maker will mold the glass tube accordingly.
You know the message, the sign, and the design. The next step? Glass molding. Very skilled artisans take time to heat these tubes and shape them as per your requirements. Leaving no room for error, they are carefully heated over high flame.
The real basic answer to what makes neon signs glow is electricity. Hence, the next step after molding is to add electrodes at the ends of the sign. This is the place through which electricity will pass and make the sign glow.
After you have ticked the above mentioned checklist, the last straw is adding neon gas to the tube. After all, this is where neon signs get their color from. The neon sign is ready to go!
What Goes On Beneath the Glass?
From the looks of it, the glowing effect of neon signs may seem natural. But this beautiful blend of science and art is what makes your usual neon sign an aesthetic treasure.
A process called electroluminescence is the real MVP. Once you pass electricity through the electrodes placed at the ends of the sign, the atoms of the gas get excited. This reaction then causes it to emit light and this is what makes neon signs glow.
Specialty of Neon Signs
Apart from being effortlessly stylish, neon signs add a really personalized touch to your spaces. From the streets to your living area, a neon sign will surely add uniqueness to the boring old light. You can design your neon styles as per the energy you're feeling, change the colors and set the perfect ambience for your space. If the aesthetic value addition is not enough, Neon signs have a longer lifespan and may work for 10 years! Quite impressive, right?
The glowing effect comes from a simple scientific process and that process in itself makes these lights environment friendly. Basically, a typical neon sign can tick all your boxes in one go.
Adding Dazzle to The World: Neon Signs to The Rescue
While LED lights have become more common, neon signs still hold a special place in our hearts. Their glow is hard to ignore, and they continue to be a popular choice for businesses, artists, and designers. Whether it is a dinner or a business hoarding on the streets, neon signs bring a unique and timeless appeal to any space.
Use BestBuy Neon's signs to illuminate your spaces and add glow to the mundanity of life. We give you the best customizable and designer neon signs that will tend to your aesthetic needs.
Buy the perfect neon signs from BestBuy Neon and energize your spaces now!
