How to Make an LED Neon Sign In Personalized Handwriting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ม.ค. 2022
- Watch as I take some LED strip lights and transform them into a dimmable "neon" sign!
This particular sign was made in a future bride's handwriting to put behind the head table on her big day. Use these tips and tricks to make your very own custom LED Neon sign!
To see more custom and different style LED signs, follow me on Instagram: / nealfermann
#neonsign #neon #ledneon #led #howto #makersofyoutube
Music: www.bensound.com .
LED Neon and Backlit Sign Material List:
Acrylic link: amzn.to/3r5FfGy
I have also used thin aluminum diamond plate sheet to attach LED’s to. Gives the sign an industrial look. That’s also available in many sizes at Lowe’s or Home Depot, and your local fab shop as well.
LINK: amzn.to/3x5kuOW
LED Neon:
I mostly use 8x16mm 12V Neon Flex made by Topatom Neon from The Vasten Store on Amazon. It diffuses the light better than thin 6x12mm neon flex, and is easy to work with.
LINK: amzn.to/3vgRNwf
For thinner neon(6x12mm), I’ve used Lamomo neon flex. Again, I’ve found the 8x16mm neon listed above has better light quality and durability than 6x12mm. But, if you need thin neon for a certain project, here it is.
LINK: amzn.to/3KdlqEX
Clips for LED Neon:
These clips I use for curves in signs. The link is for 8x16mm neon only, but they do make the same clips for 6x12mm.
LINK: amzn.to/3JbPgbA
Clips for LED Neon (Cont.):
For straight lines and hard corners, I use these clips. Again, the link is for 8x16mm.
LINK: amzn.to/3x7oj6n
Screws for mounting clips:
LINK: amzn.to/3IRjodI
Back Lighting Adhesive LED’s:
LINK: amzn.to/38A1sGx
Wire for soldering lights:
24 Gauge wire seems to work best. The silicone coating makes it much more flexible than pvc coated wire.
LINK:amzn.to/3J8YPI5
Solder:
Thin solder will melt quicker and make attaching the wires easy.
LINK: amzn.to/3JeDGMy
Heat Shrink:
Heat shrink is used when connecting the wires on the back of the sign. Makes for a strong dependable connection. I use clear for the back of the sign, and black for the power chord.
LINK: amzn.to/3uQ5fGQ
Dimmer Switch:
LINK: amzn.to/3jqEhk9
Power Adapter:
LINK: amzn.to/3DM5bwc
Wire to Extend Power Adapter Chord:
The length of the power adapter chord makes it difficult to power the sign from a low outlet. I use this wire to extend it.
LINK: amzn.to/3M1agUj
TOOLS
Jig Saw Blade:
To cut the glass, I use a jigsaw. The blades are important; too many teeth won’t cut as quickly, and a dull blade with melt the glass as it cuts. This is the blade I’ve found to be best.
LINK: amzn.to/3DLivR6
T Shank Jig Saw:
LINK:amzn.to/3j6zOmi
Flap Disc:
To clean up the edges after a cut, I use a 120 grit flap disc on a grinder. You could also use files and sandpaper, if you don’t have a grinder. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the glass.
LINK: amzn.to/3JefaLN
Grinder:
LINK: amzn.to/3udv1WL
Drill bits:
This is the size drill bit I use to pre-drill the glass for the screws. 3/32
LINK: amzn.to/3JcsSyA
For Mounting holes, and holes to run the wires behind the sign, I use several sizes of drill bits. I’ve found a step bit works best and covers everything.
LINK:amzn.to/3ubDA4b
Drill:
LINK: amzn.to/3JeNxSJ
Phillips Bits for Mounting Screws:
LINK: amzn.to/3uanvLZ
Soldering Iron:
LINK:amzn.to/3j76A6H
Wire Strippers:
LINK: amzn.to/3uWUaE5
Utility Knife:
LINK: amzn.to/37k96UP
Heat Gun:
A lighter will work, but you will risk burning the heat shrink. Heat gun is very helpful.
LINK: amzn.to/3Kqxhze
Projector:
Having a projector makes sizing the sign super easy. You can also draw out your sign on paper and use that to trace over. Or have an office store print you out a picture to trace.
LINK: amzn.to/3JeNYwl
Hose Cutters:
The hose cutters make cutting the neon very quick, easy, and accurate. The utility knife will cut the neon just fine if you just want to start with it. You can always add the hose cutters later.
LINK: amzn.to/35OaMpa
Additional Plugs:
The LED’s come with one female plug, and the power adapter comes with one male plug. Here are more if you need them.
LINK: amzn.to/3j776Sb
This was the cleanest looking build I've seen so far, especially love that glue wasn't used. Could you tell me what grit you used for the disc sander? Also, what type of acrylic did you use? And Thickness? Thanks!
Thank you! I noticed most videos weren’t finished very well. I offer 1 on 1 coaching of my exact blueprint and process leaving no details out. It’s on my Facebook page @ Phase2Ground LED Neon and Backlit Signs.
Be nice if the original handwriting was legible
I’ve been thinking about neon signs for a while now, I really thought I’d have to get into CNC to get what I’ve been thinking and this video has really helped with a lot of ideas. Thank you so much
Great quality build , looks great and as an electrician I appreciate the clean wire routing.
Stunning! But man, the amount of effort you put into this!
A real artist understanding balance hands on and impact w/out being too technical
Wow that helps! Now I'm thinking to make one for my shop
Well done... it looks great !
Wonderful piece ❤
Super professional love it ❤
Nice tutorial! Can you show do a detailed video or instructions on how you were able to cut the ropes on angles so the connections will work? Thanks in advance.
Nice work! Thanks for sharing. Subscribed.
Loved the halestorm in the background 😂😂
Best video out here to understand it, thank you very much!
Thank you, Molla! That’s my goal
"Always make the back as pretty as the front" < pro tip!
Great job! Your video has inspired me to make an attempt, fingers crossed.
Some people are so rude and just hateful. I’m sure it’s irritated answering some questions 1,000 times, you definitely handle it well and with respect. Great job on your sign and dealing with idiots!
Thank ya! Any questions, reach out. And send me pictures of your sign!
Great video!
Great video. I'm lovin' it ;-)
Love your content bro…just wondering where you get your parts from,do you recommend anyone? Cheers from Australia 🤙🏾
What’s your average cost on making these? Also where can you get these materials in bulk?
Watched the while video and still don't know what the sign says. Cool tutorial into how these are made!
Nice work
You should get youn either a laser cutting or a cnc machine. It would make cutting and drilling so much easier. That being said these look fantastic
Nice work brother
I have those same exact 'lectric tape bandages👍
lovely diy video 🥰👍
Thank you!
Awesome buddy!!!!
Thank you!
I really luv ur work pls what is the name of the clip and the wire u are using
can you do a more detailed video on the soldering process.thanks
Great work! Liked and subscribed!. I'm assuming you are using acrylic? I know it's tougher to source, and pricier, PC/Lexan is a lot tougher plastic, and much more resistant to cracking or splitting. I looked at making signs myself over the last two years, but found there were a lot of variation in LED chips/length. The newer 'cob' styles were virtually void free but hard to source. I waiting until they dropped in the US market and were more common here. How do you like to source the LED neon?
Hey Ryan. Yes I use .22 acrylic. I have also noticed it’s hard to find US based supply of neon, and almost impossible to find a made in USA neon. Amazon has everything, or superbrightled. Go with 8mm wide when you purchase. Much better quality and no hotspots in the glow. Thanks for the comment!
Lexan is UV stable too. You can also form it like metal without it cracking. 👍
Excellent pacing, editing and instructions on your process.
Very clean build! Can you please list the supplies in the description.
Thank you! Most everything is available on Amazon. If you’d like more I offer 1 on 1 coaching of my exact blueprint and process leaving no details out. It’s on my Facebook page @ Phase2Ground LED Neon and Backlit Signs.
Fine sir
@@phase2ground 3:11
hi i am just wondering if there's any short program to learn this buainess?
Love the video!! Do you have a link for the dimmer switch housing that the knob sits in?
Thank you!
www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q11F7DS/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_M8CGVEWFS1RGDYP4EZEA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ml2&tag=nealfermann09-20
These might help you too.
amzn.to/3inQHvQ
looks great , where do you order the lights ?
nice work. I've been wanting to do this for awhile now. How many hours did this take you to do? I would love to do this in rainbow colors.
Thank you. Probably 8-10 hours. If you try it and have questions let me know!
@@phase2groundare you using a jigsaw to cut the plexiglass?
Nice 👍
Outstanding video, thank you for the time you took in making it. The plexiglass or clear plastic substrate you're using.....what is that and where can I get it? Also, if this were going outside in an area near the ocean, would you recommend sealing all the gaps and connections with clear silicone or perhaps put the whole unit in an enclosure, perhaps in a box with a large sheet of plexi in front of it?
Thank you Steve.
This sign was made on 1/4” acrylic. You can find it at Lowe’s and HomeDepot, but cheaper if you find a plastics distributor near you. There’s also plenty of online options, just check out how much shipping is. If I was making a sign as you described, I would use a matte black backer. And yes seal everything with silicon. I wouldn’t completely remove the little silicone flap you have to cut to get to the soldering points. Just cut it back enough to solder, then silicone it shut. And just understand it probably won’t last for ever, but keep it clean and will last years at least. The better covered and out of direct sun it is, the better.
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing.. im curious, did one LED STRIP WORK FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT?
No I don’t think so. They come in 15’ lengths and I used more than that
good~~👍👍👍
Awesome!!! Is it hard to make them waterproof?
Cool
what type of wire are you using to connect the segments?
24ga silicon coated. Make sure to use silicon coated, not pvc. Pvc is too stiff
Nice job
Thank ya!
Awesome video, could you say where you got your supplies?
Thank you! Mostly Amazon or lowes! I offer 1 on 1 coaching of my exact blueprint and process leaving no details out. It’s on my Facebook page @ Phase2Ground LED Neon and Backlit Signs.
if not using someone's handwriting, is there a font you'd recommend that lends itself well to this process?
I don’t. My clients seem to be big fans of using their own writing. I’m sure any script/cursive fonts will work and flow well.
Can you make me one? Lol
Great. Pl share the details of the dimmer - its cute.
amzn.to/3Pnxy7Y
Here you go!
Where can I get the glass so that I can make my own shape to the words
Where can I order one for my studio?
Awesome video! I want to make something similar as a Christmas gift. Question: On the electrical side of things, is there anything that needs to be considered with the current and all the connections being made? I'm basically clueless as far as that's concerned so I figured I'd ask before I accidently create a fire hazard. I'm willing to do my own research if needed but would love to get pointed in the right direction. Thanks!
Just make sure your AC Adapter matches the rating of the LEDs
Nice
Does it matter what temp you have your soldering iron on?
I’ve never used an adjustable soldering gun. I use the cheap one and does fine!
What type of jigsaw blade are you using that will make a clean cut and not crack the acrylic glass?
9-13 tpi has worked for me. Make sure your jig saw isn’t set on oscillating.
Imagine if you had the WORX drill that has the two heads for drill and driver... I love mine it would save you time
I've never heard of a two headed drill and driver .. I LOVE it! Thanks for adding value to this post!
Neat gimmick, but doesn't really save time compared to having two guns handy. Might save some space in the toolbox though.
Hi i want to ask u" how to set the size of every letter in order to send directly into laser-cut shop"?
Can i set the size on corel cuz i try to set size manually
But this way is too difficult for me
I’m looking for your Facebook page you keep mentioning in the replies but I can’t find it. Do you still have it? Love the video. Looking for more info on the exact tools you used
Hey Lisa! The page is called Phase2Ground. The profile picture is white letters on a black background. Hope you can find it and follow along!
I'm interested in a 48" wide sign for outdoor use on a business. How can I get a quote?
Do you recommend using plexiglass behind all neon signs or did you just use it on this because it was simply a lettered sign? I'm asking because I was thinking of making a wooden outline of mountains and having LED lights across the top. Do you think I can just put the LEDs across the top or would plexiglass in between make any difference? Or am I overthinking it and just putting the lights across the top will be just fine?
Also, thanks so much for making this video. It was very informative, resourceful (the material list), and has inspired me to give a shot at trying to make my own. Keep it up😄
Thank you for the comment! The neon will work just fine on wood. I’ve made a few on wood. The clips and screws I added in the description will work just as easily on wood. Good luck and send me a picture as you’re building it!
How long does it take you to make a sing like this one from start to finish
This awesome can you share me the List of Materials and tools needed for this
Thank you! Everything you need is in the description
Looks like you got flex tubes that can be cut every 10mm. Where to get them?
Amazon
Can you give a roundabout how much does all the supplies etc cost??
Can you link the speaker wire you use?
Great Work but I have a technical question. Looks like an awful lot of wiring is on the back. Does the LED strip not work just by linking them in series? So, jump the connections from one piece to the next "+ to +" and "- to -"? Why the need for a third wire. Or am I missing something.
A series connection would be about twice as much soldering, now you’d be soldering to each end of the light. And if one connection early in the chain failed, everything behind it would go out as well. I run them in a parallel circuit to prevent voltage loss and say one connection or the led gets broken, every remain piece will stay lit.
There isn’t a third wire. One main+ and one main - that ties all the + together and - together
is it safe to connect multiple wires? for example my sign is an odd shape and i want to attach 3 pieces back to the strip segment that has the main power and then i would have to do the same on the other end of the sign. @@phase2ground
Just a comment, I've never used these lights before but I don't think you need to run wires back to the source at each cut.. if you simply "jump" each "broken" set of lights that should be enough.. this is a parallel circuit, not serial so no need for direct power to each independent strip .. you would save LOTS of time and a little money
True, just keep in mind that with long strands of LEDs you will have brighter LEDs closer to the power source and this can be noticeable. I know this because I've run strands over hundreds of feet on my house and have had to use multiple connection points and heavy-duty power supplies. On a project like this in the video only one connection point to the power source would suffice. If you're doing a larger project I would recommend connecting power every 15 - 20 feet, but this is something you can test out as you're building because this may vary based on several variables (e.g. LED density, LED power, etc.). Also, if you have a very long strand it wouldn't hurt to connect power at both the start and end of your run. Of course the disadvantage of multiple connection points is the extra wire, extra holes and extra wiring routing.
What size acylic sheet did you use to start and cut from, it seems very large
Usually 4x8 or 4x4 sheets
And .22 in thickness
Nice video and thanks for making it. I am following your page on Facebook. I am into alot of things and I do pretty well at most but an electrician and solderer I am not. I would really love to learn how to wire these up though. How much do you charge for the one on one coaching?
Hey Robbie! Depending on how in depth you wanna go, we’ll make something work. I’m pretty easy going and can find something that works for both of us
@@phase2ground thanks for getting back to me. I will need to see when I will have some time and will check with you. I do have one quick question until then though. How did you make that jumper you are using? Like the female plug. What is it called? Thanks
@@imagineengine it’s a 12v female plug. amzn.to/3NpPeSw
@@imagineengine also if you are referring to the little chord I made for testing, you can also use alligator clips soldered to a female plug
Great Great Great job.. coming from a huge DIY'er myself..very informational content! I've made a few signs with super gel glue.. came out nice but I HATE USING GLUE!!! you are the first I've seen one that I've seen on TH-cam that thoroughly impressed me front to back!! You will always have atleast one ASSHOLE in your comments though . Keep up the great work. I am not on social media so I can't follow your Facebook unfortunately 😕 . But I def subscribed and will be a forever follower.
Would you be so kind and let me know what mounting clips you are using
can you acrylic weld the clips instead of screws? that's how we used to mount real neon clips to acrylic back in the day
Maybe! I’ve never seen that before
@@phase2ground you should try some. much cleaner results than screwing. th-cam.com/video/uaFHS4ESw7Y/w-d-xo.html
The clips to adhere the neon led strip-where did you get those?
All amazon. Several sizes available
@@phase2ground what are they called on amazon
What are the clips called to hold the led strip 🌵
Where do u get larger rolls of light
Is there a way to connect the LEDs to a battery power source? I’m doing a smaller project and it’s on a box for a cosplay! 7:45
Yes! I’ve used Milwaukee batteries. As long as it’s a 12v battery, it’ll work!
Can anyone send me links to the neon and the clips? Trying to do this for my house and future projects
Awesome. Good luck! Links are in video description
Do you have a course to teach how to make signs?
And where do you get your acrylic?
I do! I have 1on1 zoom coaching calls available. You can reach me on my Facebook page Phase2Ground LED neon and backlit signs.
And my acrylic comes from laird plastics in Maryland heights Mo
How can you be reached besides fb have no fb
the link in your bio for the LED is for a 16ft/5m. Where can i get the same large roll in the video? And does it matter if it's 24V?
I haven’t been able to find that long roll in stock for a while now unfortunately. And 24 volt is fine as long as your other colors and power supply are 24v.
@@phase2ground gotcha thank you! I'm only using 1 color but will have to switch the power supply. I agree with everyone else, this video is the best tutorial for beginners.
@@thatdiychick1164 I appreciate that!
I know every time you look at it you second guess yourself on that "O"
Where did you get this and what is its name? 6:25
can it be repaired ? if so .. how much
What spool of neon flex is that? I’m having a hard time finding one with such small cutting intervals.
Unfortunately they discontinued that spool. Here is the closest replacement I’ve found. Some come with 1 cm cutting length, some with 1”
amzn.to/3NbzIYN
@@phase2ground thank you! Also I’m fighting the soldering a bit. Either wants to not transfer or I over heat the contact. Any tips? Soldering iron set to about 300°C. And used very fine point tip up to a blade tip.
@@ALLFATHER23 I like to use a fine tip. Keep sand paper close by and when old burnt solder builds on the tip, scrape it off. Wet sponge can do the same. Also it helps for beginners to tin both the wire and the led solder points. Putting a little on each will help it melt together when you put the wire to the terminal solder points. You could also try using less solder. Then your soldering iron will better heat it up and make the process quicker. One last thing, buy the thinnest solder you can find
But a nice job
your explanation was perfect, but when I connected my first line of words it won't light up. what could I have done wrong? I am an artist, electrical is not something I am use to, so I am sure it's something I did. lol
You could double check each positive is tied to only positives, and all negatives are only tied to negatives. Could also undo a few pieces and see if the first half lights up. Test along the way
Can anyone tell what the plasttiic thing is called (see thru one)
Wowwww, are you still offering services?
Can you give me a link to the neon rope and the holders please and thank you getting married in November going to make a sign
Yep! Everything you need is in the description! Thank ya and good luck!
@@phase2groundthanks bud I found it
How much do you charge for this sign for example
How much for this
Where do u buy the neon flex hose?
amzn.to/38YxIDD
Can you use any thinner acrylic sheet and still be able to use the mounting clip?
1/4” is thinnest I’d go. 1/8” may work but it’ll be very flexible and almost flimsy
I love this video however you lost me a bit when it came to attaching multiple wires together on the back. I just assumed you connected one cut to the next and kept going. Any further details on connecting of the multiple wires on the back?
Thank you! And sorry it can get a little chaotic on the back. But you’ve pretty much got it. In simplest terms, tie all positives together, then tie all negatives together. Sometimes if the wire out of one light doesn’t reach the next wire, I add a longer wire to connect them.
What size bit/screw did you use?
3/32 and a #4x1/4” or if you can’t find 1/4, a #4x1/2” cut in half works great
Can someone please tell me what I need to search up to find waterproof cuttable LED lights
Maybe I'm lost but if you cut the strip how is it still conducting power through it???
It’s kind of like how some Christmas lights work even when one bulb goes out. There’s certain spots on the light where you can cut it and not effect it
I need one of those please! the Lima’s.if you can make it let me know thank you in advance
Hey Vick! Message me on Facebook and we’ll work out the details!
Will do thanks
How much does it cost to make a sign like this in materials?
Do you just cut the angle cut wherever and it won't break the current?
No it has cut marks every 1/2” you have to hit.
@@phase2ground but how do you do that at an angle?
@@taylorannh24 it takes a little practice. use a box cutter at the angle you need, making sure that it passes thru the cut mark. The led strip inside is thin, and easy to hit with some practice
hi, we are a sign company from China, we can make such led neon sign. Do you need a quote of a sign art?
You're doing such a good job so far but why are you not soldering your connections?
Thank you. I don’t because the twisting and folding method holds them just fine, especially with heat shrink. Just quicker and still dependable
The lights say 12 volt . Can I hook those to a car interior electrical system without adapter
Yes you can!
Is there a remote dimmer option?
Yep! Something like this would work for you. amzn.to/40InY76
Do you have links to the supplies?
Yep! I have a complete list of everything I use with links. It’s $10. Message me on Facebook and I’ll get it to you!
How much money does it take to start this business? (With all these equipments)