How to Make an LED Neon Sign In Personalized Handwriting

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: https://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: https://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: https://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: https://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: https://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: https://amzn.to/3x7oj6n



Screws for mounting clips:

LINK: https://amzn.to/3IRjodI


Back Lighting Adhesive LED’s:

LINK: https://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:https://amzn.to/3J8YPI5

Solder:

Thin solder will melt quicker and make attaching the wires easy.

LINK: https://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: https://amzn.to/3uQ5fGQ


Dimmer Switch:

LINK: https://amzn.to/3jqEhk9

Power Adapter:

LINK: https://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: https://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: https://amzn.to/3DLivR6

T Shank Jig Saw:

LINK:https://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: https://amzn.to/3JefaLN
Grinder:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3udv1WL

Drill bits:

This is the size drill bit I use to pre-drill the glass for the screws. 3/32

LINK: https://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:https://amzn.to/3ubDA4b

Drill:

LINK: https://amzn.to/3JeNxSJ

Phillips Bits for Mounting Screws:

LINK: https://amzn.to/3uanvLZ

Soldering Iron:

LINK:https://amzn.to/3j76A6H

Wire Strippers:

LINK: https://amzn.to/3uWUaE5

Utility Knife:

LINK: https://amzn.to/37k96UP

Heat Gun:

A lighter will work, but you will risk burning the heat shrink. Heat gun is very helpful.

LINK: https://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: https://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: https://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: https://amzn.to/3j776Sb