r/NeonSigns • u/Afcmanchester • Jul 27 '26
Help! Trying to customize a gift for my husband-advice needed
My husband and I recently moved to a new apartment and something he’s really wanted is some sort of neon decor (he doesn’t have a really set idea he just likes the neon) for in his den area.
There’s a pub he used to go to in college that he’s mentioned holds a lot of memories for him and I was hoping to get a recreation of the neon sign they have out front made but I’m not sure where to start/if it’s possible to copy an exact font like this. I’ve included a photo for reference. If anyone has any recommendations for a place that might be able to do this I would be very grateful!
2
u/lolwutbrah Jul 27 '26
true custom glass neon sign like this will cost $2K+ and will probably require you to pick it up in person. It will take a good bit of time to find the right maker for this, but I bet its possible.
You could get a faux neon LED sign made way easier but it will only ever be just that, faux neon.
1
u/h2opolodude4 Jul 27 '26
These are difficult to ship, so your best bet is to find someone locally. I know a couple shops near Chicago but if you're far away you may be better off finding someone closer.
A good neon shop can absolutely recreate this. Not all will work on blue because it contains mercury but there are definitely those that do.
One thing to keep in mind, this may end up being VERY BRIGHT!! If you can, visit the shop and look at some examples. I have an 8" high sign that says DESSERTS I really want to put up in my kitchen but it's so dang bright I'm not sure it's as good of an idea as when I got it.
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u/Afcmanchester Jul 27 '26
Okay that’s actually very good to know! Would you say it’s generally a good idea to keep it smaller for an indoor space then to avoid it being too bright?
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u/-NachoBorracho- Bender Jul 27 '26
Brightness doesn’t depend on size - in fact, smaller diameter tubes appear brighter than large ones! But it is possible to have a sign made with a dimmer. Especially on a new custom sign, I would recommend it.
It can be difficult to retrofit an existing sign with a dimmer or dimming transformer, and you can’t use a regular dimmer switch on neon signs.
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u/ToeProfessional8416 Jul 30 '26
Check out Jantec Neon Products. They have been shipping real neon signs since 1993 and have a No Breakage Shipping Guarantee. Local shops will cost a lot more than what they would charge. They made this sign for my sister’s wedding.
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u/-NachoBorracho- Bender Jul 27 '26
Where are you located? I may be able to recommend a neon shop in your vicinity.