what makes neon unique and special
TRUE ARTISTRY
The artistry of neon signs lies in the intricate balance between craftsmanship, creativity, and technical skill. Each neon sign is handcrafted by skilled artisans, making them unique works of art. Beyond the technical aspect these artisans are designers. They must consider the overall aesthetic impact of the sign reflecting a combination of retro style, pop culture, and the visual identity of the brand or space they are created for.
Unlike mass-produced LED lights, every neon sign is handcrafted. This means no two signs are exactly alike, even if they follow the same design. The small imperfections and variations from one sign to the next contribute to their charm and uniqueness, much like traditional artwork. Each sign is a one-of-a-kind creation that carries a personal touch of each craftsman, harkening traditions of old.
VISUAL AESTHETICS
The vibrant, glowing colors of neon signs are instantly recognizable and create a warm, inviting ambiance. The soft, warm glow and unique hues (especially neon pinks, blues and greens) are distinct from other types of lighting, giving them a timeless and artistic quality that people associate with the charm of the past.
AMERICANA AT IT'S FINEST
Neon signs are often associated with classic diners, motels, bars, and theaters - places that hold a special place in American pop culture. These signs evoke imagery of classic movies, vintage postcards, and the golden age of advertising, enhancing their nostalgic appeal.
They are enduring symbols and have become iconic symbols of the places they represent, such as the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign. These landmarks connect people to specific road trips, memories or experiences tied to those places fueling their nostalgia. For many, neon signs are a reminder of a bygone golden era in American history.
Anyone who has visited Las Vegas, New York, Nashville or traveled Route 66 can deny the feeling or atmosphere evoked by these neon lights.
WHAT CAUSES THE UNIQUE GLOW IN A NEON SIGN
Neon signs are made primarily of glass tubes, noble gases and electrodes, with each part playing a role in their iconic glow. Here is a breakdown of the materials:
- Glass tubes: The tubes are carefully bent and shaped by hand to create each design. They are typically clear, though colored coatings can be applied to produce different effects.
- Noble Gases: Neon and argon gases are used to produce the glow of each neon sign. Neon gas emits a red-orange glow, while argon (mixed with mercury vapor) emits a blue glow. Different colors are achieved by adding phosphor coatings to the inside of the glass tubes or by adding different gases.
- Electrodes: Each end of the tube is sealed with metal electrodes that help ionize the gas when electricity is applied, causing the individual gases to glow.
- Transformer: Neon signs are powered by transformers that convert regular household voltage into the high voltage needed to ionize the gas and create light. These transformers are well insulated for safety.
SAFETY AND LONGEVITY
- Neon signs are safe when properly manufactured and maintained. These signs produce very little heat compared to other forms of lighting and reduce the risk of burns or fire.
- Durability: although neon signs are made with glass tubes, when handled with care during installation to avoid damage once placed durability and integrity last decades. If a tube does break, all gases inside are inert and pose no health risk. Neon and argon on non-toxic noble gases.
- Electrical components are made and installed to prevent and avoid any electrical hazards, and standard electrical outlet safety measures are recommended.
- While neon signs can be left on for extended periods of time without significant wear, turning them off when not in use can extend their lifespan, especially when signs are aging.
- Extreme temperatures (< 40 F and >120F)can affect functioning of neon. Similar to air in your car tire, noble gas expand and contract in extreme temperature. Continuous extreme heat has little effect on the gas tubes or gases inside, however other elements such as casing, plastic or electrical components can degrade over time Extreme cold temperature may cause your sign to take longer to reach full brightness when turned on, especially if it has not been illuminated recently. Once the sign warms up, it will return to its normal brilliance.
- Paper weatherproofing for outdoor signs, ventilation in extreme conditions, or controlled conditions can extend the life of your piece.
ALL NEON SIGNS CARRIED AT KINMANN'S CLASSIC GAS ARE BOUGHT DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR ARTISANAL PARTNERS WITH OFFICIAL TRADEMARK LICENSING, AND COME WITH A ONE-YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY DUE TO DEFECTS NOT CAUSED BY DAMAGE OR MISHANDLING.
A NEON LOVE STORY
One of our favorite "love" stories is that of Fremont Street's Iconic Vegas Vic and Vegas Vicki.
Vegas Vic is a neon sign depicting a waving cowboy with human-like qualities of talking and waving his arm, that was originally erected outside the Pioneer Club in Las Vegas, in 1951 and quickly became a mascot for Fremont Street. After the Pioneer Club closed in 1995 and years of disrepair occurred, Vegas Vic became owned by The Neon Sign Museum and The Fremont Street Experience. He has since been restored without animation and can be seen at 25 E Fremont Street.
Vegas Vick gets a girlfriend! Vegas Vickie, the iconic sassy kicking cowgirl, originally hung over the main entrance of the Glitter Gulch Casino, and was erected in 1980. Time eventually took its toll on Vegas Vickie as it does all good showgirls, and she had fallen into disrepair as the cost of her makeovers became increasingly costly and involved. The Glitter Gulch closed its doors in 2017, Vickie was taken down, and her future in Las Vegas and that with Vegas Vick was uncertain. Luckily for the love birds, Vicki was rescued by one of the newest Vegas casino's the Circa, which opened a few feet away from Vickie's original homeplace on Fremont Street. She can be seen in hanging in the indoor atrium of the circa next to "Vegas Vickie's Cocktail Lounge.
In true Vegas fashion, Vegas Vic and Vegas Vickie were officially"married" in a 1994 ceremony during the construction of the Fremont Street Experience.
That is a romance for the ages!
