custom neon signs Dubai

LED Neon vs. Traditional Neon: What to Know Before You Order

LED neon uses flexible light strips and consumes far less power, making it safer, longer lasting, and easier to customize than traditional neon, which uses glass tubes filled with gas. 

Most of the businesses considering making custom neon signs Dubai firms nowadays prefer to use LED neon as a more feasible option, but there are some exceptions where the old-school neon is more suitable for a particular look.

Did you consider purchasing neon signs in Dubai for your business, cafe, or home and find yourself tangled in a complex debate between LED and traditional neon during your research?

It can confuse many people since these two types of signs are very much alike at first sight, glowing letters, bright shapes and colors, etc.

But the closer you will get to understanding the production process and functionality of these neon signs in Dubai, the more important the distinctions between them will become. Let’s figure everything out.

What Traditional Neon Actually Is

Now traditional neon lighting has been in use for close to a hundred years. Neon works on the principle of passing an electric current through glass tubing filled with either neon or argon gases, creating the signature light. 

This is true craftsmanship, skilled workers carefully bend the glass, creating the uniqueness and imperfection associated with traditional neon lights.

However, there are disadvantages with traditional custom neon signs Dubai lights too; firstly, glass is breakable. Besides, it is more costly to manufacture, consumes more energy, and if the tube breaks, the whole segment will require replacement.

What LED Neon Actually Is

LED Neon, or also known as neon flex, is a new technique which recreates the effect of a classic neon but utilizes flexible LED lighting covered by silicone or PVC material. 

This kind of neon is easily bendable, does not contain any glass or gas and consumes much less energy compared to the classic one.

For companies who order neon signs in Dubai, LED neon became the first choice because of its greater resistance, safety (no glass), and affordable price in terms of both the cost of initial order and lower costs on electricity consumption.

The Real Differences That Matter for Neon Signs in Dubai

Now let us clarify what differences will actually exist when choosing one option or another.

One of the most important advantages of LED Neon lies in higher durability. It can resist all possible mechanical damage much easier than classic custom neon signs Dubai in glass tubes.

The use of energy is yet another aspect that should be considered. Traditional neon consumes power via high voltage transformers and thus consumes more energy. 

LED neon consumes less power since it runs cool through low voltage, and therefore it will incur lower electricity expenses, especially in situations where the neon signs in Dubai remain active for a long period of time like in business advertisements.

Furthermore, LED neon is flexible in terms of color and design. Since LED neon lights are flexible strips of light, it is easier to shape them into intricate designs compared to traditional neon lights, whose tube shapes make the process a bit difficult.

Where Traditional Neon Lights Win Over

At this point, we should note that traditional neon lights remain relevant and still offer some advantages over LED neon lights.

In situations where one seeks to achieve a unique retro glow similar to the one seen in an American style diner or an arcade game, traditional neon will work well.

Comparison Table

FeatureLED NeonTraditional Neon
DurabilityHigh, flexible and shock resistantLower, glass can crack
Energy UseLow voltage, energy efficientHigher voltage, more electricity
CostMore affordable overallHigher production and running cost
Design FlexibilityVery high, tighter curves possibleLimited by glass bending techniques
Best ForModern signage, retail, cafés, home decorVintage aesthetic, retro branding

Practical Tips Before You Order

  • Think about where the sign will be installed, indoor LED neon can be less rugged than outdoor rated versions, so always confirm it’s built for your specific location.
  • Ask about the warranty, LED neon typically comes with a longer warranty period than traditional neon due to its durability.
  • Get your design finalized before production, since traditional neon in particular is harder and more expensive to modify once the glass is shaped.
  • Consider your daily running hours, if the sign stays lit for long stretches, LED neon will save you noticeably more on electricity over time.
  • Ask for a physical sample of the color and brightness level, screens don’t always represent the true glow accurately.
  • If you want a specific vintage look, be upfront about that with your sign maker, since it changes the material and process they’ll recommend.

FAQs

Is LED neon as bright as traditional neon?

Yes, modern LED neon can match or even exceed the brightness of traditional neon, depending on the strip quality used.

Which option lasts longer, LED or traditional neon?

LED neon generally lasts longer since it doesn’t rely on fragile glass or gas that can degrade over time.

Is traditional neon more expensive to maintain?

Yes, repairs on traditional neon usually involve replacing glass sections, which costs more than typical LED neon repairs.

Can businesses order custom neon signs Dubai for outdoor use?

Yes, both LED and traditional neon can be made outdoor rated, though this needs to be specified before production.

Does LED neon use a lot of electricity?

No, LED neon runs on low voltage and uses significantly less power compared to traditional neon signage.

Which option is better for a modern storefront look?

LED neon is usually the better fit for a modern, clean aesthetic, while traditional  custom neon signs Dubai suits a more vintage or retro branding style.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

In the final analysis, the cost involved, the level of maintenance required, and how the neon should look will determine the choice. The businesses that require long life hours and low running costs of the signs opt for LED neon while others that desire the vintage look opt for the traditional glass. The Color Print provides the services for both types of neon signs in Dubai for businesses.

Final Word

As earlier indicated, there isn’t any one option that is better than the other because the choice mainly depends on the needs of the individual business. 

It is evident from the discussion above that the LED neon stands tall when compared to the traditional one concerning durability, energy saving and design flexibility.

It would be prudent for one to have a brief discussion with Color Print prior to the order if still unsure of which type of sign to go for.

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