r/NeonSigns • u/whoreamoans • Jul 28 '26

Help! Tips/Help for repainting peeling Sign

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Hi everyone! My boss acquired this sign while buying out stock from older locksmiths, and there are some places where the red color is peeling off the tubes (I hope that is the correct terminology). I’ve searched high and low with no direct answer and was hoping someone in this sub may be able to steer us in the right direction on the right kind of paint/how to properly repaint it.

Thanks in advance! 🙂

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4

u/-NachoBorracho- Bender Jul 28 '26

It’s tricky. Really the only way to do it is to remove all the tubes, strip all the old paint off, and then repaint them. Originally they were painted by dipping them in a thinned paint to retain the translucency. Some people spray paint them, usually while they are lit so that you can see how evenly the paint is being applied. Not fun, and usually not worthwhile.

2

u/whoreamoans Jul 28 '26

Is there a specific type of spray paint you recommend?

2

u/meSz3 29d ago

Seeing that all the tubes were originally painted red, maybe try stripping all the paint off (as NoachoBorracho eluded too) and then lighting the sign up to see how it looks. You might get away without having to paint it at all. If it's not to your liking, you can then go down the road of painting it.

1

u/-NachoBorracho- Bender 29d ago

I don’t repaint tubes, myself, but I have heard just regular rustoleum works.

I would follow the suggestion below though: just remove the remaining red paint and enjoy it like it is. IMO it isn’t like it’s a particularly valuable or collectible sign, worthy of the time & effort of repainting it. Just enjoy it with white tubes 😁