Neon vs Traditional Signwriting: Speed, Maintenance, and Aesthetic

If you are thinking of getting a new sign for your business, most probably you’ll come across these two options. A neon sign or traditional signwriting. Both options have been around for years and both have their own charm, but the million dollar question is: what’s better for your business?

Let us help you with that with a deep dive into the qualities and differences of both sign types!

Neon usually refers to LED neon or classic glass neon tubes that are vibrant and glow very bright. Whereas, traditional signwriting can mean hand-painted signs, carved boards or other older fabrication styles that do not rely on lighting.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!

Which Sign is Made Faster; Neon or Traditional?

If you are opening a new business, speed matters a lot! Usually, modern LED neon signs are usually much faster to produce. Companies like Groovy Neon Signs often offer quick turnaround times because LED neon is easy to shape, safe to handle and can be prepared on acrylic backing within a short period!  

Once you go over your requirements, the cutting and assembling process is smooth and hassle-free. A good thing about LED neon is that it installs pretty easily as it’s lightweight. So basically, you can get it made and installed in no time!

Talking about traditional signwriting, they usually take time to produce depending on the complexity of the design. A hand-painted sign depends completely on the artist’s schedule and skill.

The process of making one includes sketching, tracing, painting and drying. Sometimes steps like cutting, shaping, polishing and sometimes applying several coats of paint are added which increase production times.

How Much Care Does Each Sign Need?

Honestly, maintaining a sign is a bigger hassle than buying it. After getting a sign, your next concern might be how well it holds up. 

LED neon signs are known for being low maintenance. They do not heat up, their lights last for years and they only need simple cleaning with a soft cloth. If a part ever stops working, you can get it replaced easily! Groovy Neon Signs and many other providers focus on LED neon because it has a long life and low running costs. What could be better than that!

Now let’s talk about traditional hand-painted and carved signs. You might have noticed that traditional signs look worn out. It happens as they age in their own way gradually. Usually, sunlight, rain and dust can make the paint fade or peel which gives them a dull look. 

To maintain them, they may need retouching every few years. You will observe that wooden signs warp or crack over time and metal signs may rust if not coated properly. Even though these signs can last for a long time, they usually need a lot more care than a LED neon.

The cost of upkeep for a LED neon is usually lower than a traditional sign. If you consider the maintenance costs of traditional signs and glass signs they add up pretty quick! We would recommend a LED neon sign as it stays bright with very little extra effort.

Which Sign Looks Better?

Let’s be honest, the main purpose of a sign is to attract customers to your business and relate to them. This is one of the most crucial parts you should consider while getting a sign because what shows is what sells, right?

 LED neon offers a soft and very smooth effect that looks modern and fun! You can choose from a wide range of colours, shapes and patterns which are trendy. Many cafés, salons and event planners prefer neon signs because it instantly adds personality to a space. 

If you want to have a strong presence on social media, neon is the way to go since it looks great in photos and videos too! Classic and instagrammable? No other better way to go!

Meanwhile, glass neon has the very cozy, nostalgic glow that feels vintage. It has a warm charm that stands out at night and everybody loves it! If your business is a diner, or a retro themed business, glass neons are the perfect vibe! 

Which Option Fits Your Brand Best?

Its important to understand that both of them have their own strengths. Neon is faster to make, easier to maintain and gives a modern glow that works well. Traditional signs take longer and need more care but give a warm, classic feel that some brands love.

If you want something quick, low maintenance and eye catching, LED neon from Groovy Neon Signs is a strong choice!  In the end, the right choice depends on the vibe of your business, your personal choice, your budget and time frame.