LED or Neon Signs: Making the Choice
If you are looking for signage to make your business stand out, both LED and neon signs can grab the attention of potential customers. It’s important to know the differences between LED and neon signs so you can decide which will best satisfy your signage needs.
Neon lights consist of glass tubes that contain rare neon gas or other gases such as helium, argon and krypton, that can be combined to produce bright and colorful glowing lights. Gasses emit light the glass tube, which is kept under low pressure to produce light. Neon lights are very reliable, and neon gas is preferred because it can be easily stabilized and is notably easier to work with.
Neon lights come in different colors depending on the energy being released from the specified gas, along with other elements found in the glass tube. For example, neon gas alone produces a reddish-orange light. Argon produces a blue color. Helium will glow pink, and krypton will shine green. These noble gases feature different colors and characteristics.
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. When compared to incandescent light bulbs, LEDs are an efficient, effective and bright alternative. LEDs do not have a filament, so they do not burn out. When you discuss using LED technology for your illuminated signs, you will come across industry terms that describe the quality and look of sign. The first term you might hear is pixel. A pixel is a point of light. The LED display consists of an array of pixels. They light up in different combinations forming text and graphics on the display. A pixel can refer to one LED or can contain a cluster of LEDs that form a unit.
The matrix of a sign refers to the number of pixels vertically by the number of pixels horizontally. A larger matrix allows more text and graphic to appear on the display at the same time. The matrix may also be referred to as the resolution of the display.
Did you know that LED technology can be made to look just like neon? LED neon lights are quickly becoming the go-to lighting solution because of their numerous benefits. LED neon lights are more durable than traditional glass tubes used in neon lights. Each LED is wrapped in a polymer jacket to protect each diode, so LED neon signs last a long time. Traditional neon signs are great if that nostalgic look is your number one priority. LED signs, however, are extremely energy efficient and less expensive than choosing actual neon lighting.
For larger outdoor displays, you can save as much as 10% on your initial costs over neon signs when you choose LED. In the long term, you will also save money on less maintenance and longer sign life. How much longer? How about 100,000 hours from an LED neon sign and only 10,000 hours burned for glass tube neon signs. LED neon signs are bright, clean and provide a popular modern look to your business. They are brighter than traditional neon and grab attention on the dreariest days and darkest nights. If you have space considerations, LED neon lights take up less room and weigh significantly less than their fragile glass counterparts. LED neon lights are also available in a wider range of colors.
Dale Sign Service will help you decide whether St. Louis LED signs or St. Louis neon signs are best for your budget and sign goals. We offer expert sign manufacturing, delivery, maintenance and repair for both traditional neon signs and LED signs. We’re the only name you need to know for signs that will draw the attention of every passerby. Dale Signs- find out why we are known as the sign experts and call (314) 966-2620 to get your sign project started.