How To Make A Neon Sign!

Let's head down to Chris's workshop and get the neon light installed into the metal frame!
Thanks to Chris and Martin for showing me their skills, and making me a fantastic new neon light for my workshop! If you'd like to get your own #neon light made, head over to www.outline-uk... and get in contact. Make sure you mention me!
Facebook: / neonmanufacturers
Thanks for watching! If you're enjoying my journey, please subscribe for free! You'll receive notifications when I upload a new video - every Sunday at 5pm (GMT)!
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LINKS:
www.dominicchinea.com
Dom's Instagram: / dominicchinea
Ranalah Ltd's Instagram: / ranalahltd​​
Filmed & Edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@kuriakos]

Dom, you ought to make finding and documenting these specialized trades into either a regular segment on this channel or into like a proper TV show called like "The Old Ways" or something. Other shows have done this (like Dirty Jobs), but your enthusiasm and fascination with the work make this more like a love letter to the trades. It's brilliant and I bet people outside the KZbin world would love it.

[@stevespencer9001]

Yes exactly just like Out of Town with Jack Hargreaves 😁 perhaps take up fishing as well 👍😁

[@jameshowlin1460]

The modern day Fred Dibnah.

[@brianthoresen8475]

Dude, great idea. Dominic Chinea presents “The Artisan Trades”…..the mind boggles!

[@bobmchenry7993]

Dom is a very good presenter I love watching and listening to him he has great enthusiasm

[@TheXeroid]

Wow! Three artisans in one video. What clever guys they are and I hope that they are able to pass their skills onto youngsters.

[@vandyFixer]

I can't help thinking it would make a good series, Dom visits "Old-School " industries for a deep dive behind the scenes.

[@elainelewis1781]

Dom...that's astonishing! He may be an artist with glass but you are an artist with metal! Stunning!

[@Ian-Hall]

Chris and Martin are two amazingly talented men. I've been in the sign trade making signs for 33 years and never really understood neon signs or how they were made. This totally blew my mind. Brilliant vid Dom. Cheers.

[@Whitefirekith]

What a fantastic video! People like these don't nearly get enough credit for what they do!

[@paulcooper2897]

Spectacular! There are so many Niche trades like this ... and virtually all of them have guys those these two .. 40+ years experience, and nobody under 50 years old even trying it. In another few years we are going to lose so much if we dont get a new generation started using their hands. Best half hour I've spent this year!!! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@andrewdking]

That was hard to watch, expecting that glass tube to snap at any moment. Worth it in the end though, looks absolutely fantastic. My old factory in Hemel Hempstead (now demolished) in its original as built condition was called Rotax Aerospace or Rotax something anyway. On the corner of Marylands Avenue nearest the A414 roundabout which leads up to the M1 J8, it had an absolutely huge neon sign, mounted directly to the brickwork. It spelt the company name out and was at least 50+ feet long. Quite magnificent. When I joined the company in 1976, Rotax had been bought out by Lucas, so the lovely neon was already removed and a very boring backlit rectangular Perspex box in Lucas pantone green, erected in its place.

[@erichnoordhoff4244]

Just want to call out the Collingwood, Ontario shirt 🇨🇦 nice to see! Great video as always, thanks Dom!

[@musicmakelightning]

The skill involved in this - from the metal work/plating to the neon tubing, is absolutely amazing. You have completely discouraged me from even considering such an attempt myself :)

[@mrneon7745]

The glassworkers in Britain are phenomenal. Nice inside look at the neon studio and their Masonlite pumping setup!

[@philipdavis5572]

We had an art teacher who did this as a side line. In 1970 we had a field trip to the national gallery, but he took us to Piccadilly circus so we could look at his work high above the street. We went on to China town and there was a few of his signs there and he stopped to chat to the restaurant owner who gave all 15 of us a bag of prawn crackers each. He was rightly proud of his work and made a sign for our school but some little bastards smashed it. He was devastated.

[@thrift154]

Just sat here exclaiming "Wow!", again, watching one of your videos.

[@stevezz12011]

I used to rent a unit next door to Outline Displays and I can confirm that they turn out top quality work. Chris and Martin are masters of their trade......

[@matthewmclaren6092]

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant thank you Dom! Loved it 👍

[@leslieaustin151]

Skill, real Skill with a capital ‘S’. Thanks Dom. Les

[@jimcrossley8203]

That’s Brilliant. I Never knew it was so hands on. I thought the bending would have been done by machine. Proper craftsmen.

[@narrowboatbb]

Blimey that brings back memories after working in the sign industry for 25 years, great video keep it up..... marvelous.

[@DaveCurtis-b3u]

Truly amazing craftsman. Love your excitement

[@richardhavingago8753]

I was enthralled throughout - amazing story of the sign with the neon sign stars to finish off. Brilliant- keep them coming Dom

[@bobnorman4730]

We’ll done again! Amazing to see all the techniques learned over decades; blowing the holes; the newspaper, so clever, and what talent! I’m loving seeing all these artizans at work in so many trades throughout this whole endeavour. Also, you know you’re at the right place when the first thing you see are the Porsche emblem letters on the wall!

[@davidberlanny3308]

Thanks to Chris and Martin at Outline for allowing you to film in their workshop! What skill and it all fitted together perfectly. What a great result, looks really great. Good luck from Spain!!

[@stevedane787]

I must admit I was a little dubious when you went for the zinc plated finish rather than paint,but now I've seen the finished article I can only say it's absolutely brilliant! Chris and Martin aren't just artists, they're magicians!

[@Terry_Fritz]

Thanks for furthering my education, Dom. I've looked at neons turned off and couldn't work out why they did those complex bends at the sharp transitions. It really is simple; it only takes 40+ years to learn it. :D

[@bevm1938]

Wow those guys sure know their stuff. That was an absolute revelation, never realised how much was involved, will have more respect now for any signs I see, truly amazing

[@cuzsteve]

A beautiful demonstration of vintage craftsmanship, with all the appreciation it deserves in the presentation.

[@garrymatthews4430]

Man who knew these guys existed. They re true artist as all done by eye and feel. Great video Dom!!!

[@alan_wood]

Incredible skill!

[@nickmassey9104]

The finished item is amazing pure genius of the steps to make it 🙌

[@luciascalisi7172]

WoW! That is something special, beautiful craftsmanship & design & its NEON! Love Neon, brilliant video.

[@Bensgarage]

Another cracking video. Had never given any thought, to how Neon Signs were made. Really interesting.

[@peterpedroza6683]

Absolutely fascinating Dom. It's really great watching pure craftsmen at work, which of course is where the Ranalah will come in to it's own. Brilliant.

[@johnpage6592]

I’m liking the sign Dom it’s like you say we need to keep old trades going it’s a dying breed keep up the good work 👍

[@A2Z1Two3]

Yep, no sign of an apprentice sadly.

[@sktaylor99]

You certainly know all the right people Dom. What an incredible result.

[@nigelroberson8911]

So many mysterious trades to be discovered and documented Dom. Youve done casting and neon signs. What next? This is perfect for KZbin because its an audience that is interested in detail and happy to see a process in full..

[@philtaylor9038]

That can only be described as "WOW" What skill reminded me of an old aunt who used to be a glassblower she had a small furnace at home remember her saying that's mine showing us a bowl she made. She had a sign made and said she always knew she'd see her name in lights.

[@johnleith3161]

I loved that. It's fascinating to see skilled people at work like that. Thanks Dom.

[@dadofnoah]

Fantastic series with a beautiful end product - thankyou

[@eddiehenrard5251]

When I was considering what to do when leaving school, a neon apprenticeship was one skill I considered. If I had my work life over again, I would definitely have done it! Thanks for reminding me; I’m a little too old for it now, maybe…?

[@Liam1H]

What a wealth of talent and experience those men demonstrated! The sign looks brilliant! Full points all around.

[@farmerjohn6192]

I think the Ranalah sign is superb. Well done to Outline for the Neons. It’s so gratifying to see skilled craftsmanship in the raw. This reminds me of the glassblowing workshop in the bowels of the Chemistry department at Imperial College in the old RCS building in the 70s/80s. Those guys could blow any apparatus the Staff and Students needed for our experiments. Great video!

[@roadmantop3769]

I spy a neon Porsche sign on the wall 👀

[@gregorykingdesign8991]

Dom, thank you so much for sharing this fantastic craft, it’s so inspiring to see skilled craftsman and artists doing what they do best.

[@oberdiah]

Impressive stuff. Never realised the amount of work and skill involved in that kind of work. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobt3374]

Hi Dom That is an amazing sign but i can only say dont go down this road 5 years to train & another 35 to carry on leaning. Truly amazing well done to those men for there talent. Take care.

[@monicafaloona1293]

Intriguing, just one of the best videos I’ve seen. Love Neon had no idea what making it involved. Awesome 👏

[@davidbenn7199]

Well the sign looks FANTASTIC Dom, and another feather 🪶 in your cap , you have had a go bending glass for your sign. Brilliant well done 👏 😊👍

[@lesliedickinson198]

That is pure artistry with the glass, an amazing video

[@ian_morg]

That looks fantastic, yet another episode where you showcase the talents of artists that we don’t necessarily notice or see any more. Thanks.

[@henriksrestorations]

That is so cool! The way that he bended those glass tubes and got it lighten up. Very impressed!

[@johnroadley-battin4577]

Fascinating, thankyou for filming this, as you said this a rare opportunity to see this process.

[@mikehardy7060]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@BAHATI1943]

What a privilege to join you on your journey. Always wanted to know how a neon light was made. Thank You.

[@brendawilliams700]

What an amazing art. Could have watched that all day.

[@stewartross1233]

Amazing, loved it. If I had the kit and the skill I could spend everyday making things limited only by my imagination. Neon signs cannot be imitated, nothing looks like the real thing!

[@pgtips6143]

Dom, Another amazing video, great to see the process from end to end, so a big thanks for taking us along with you. Your sign looks fantastic and is a true credit to you. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@RalphDalton]

Absolutely brilliant! Many thanks for your time and effort sharing these skills with us Dom.

[@lou9007]

That was absolutely fascinating Dom, many years ago I watched a program showing a little of how the neon signs are made to see the full process was fabulous, I love watching all these artisans the skills they learn are incredible. Thank you for filming everything.

[@johnhart1096]

What a warm and inviting glow you get from neon, nothing gives that same essence of glowing embers that you get from neon, and what a treat to watch a master at work, I dread to think how much glass I would break before I got halfway as good as Chris and Martin, thanks for another thrilling instalment of look and learn with Dom, and the sign turned out fantastic Dom, cheers mate...👍

[@emdotdee]

Dom, I love these videos highlighting these craft/trades.

[@nicholasbrowett6806]

Truly fascinating A compelling watch start to finish 👏

[@billygoat810]

awesome video

[@TheVictorianPiper]

What an incredible end result. A fascinating series and the tube making was amazing. Another old art and skill that I hope continues.

[@vintagetinrandykehler4824]

I was looking forward to this episode. So very interesting!!

[@garym518]

I really enjoyed seeing the process. I believe you have the makings of a great series there of sharing those unseen craftsman.

[@richardtomkinson9951]

So interesting, watching the sign progress through the various stages, top job, well done.

[@Qspecialman]

FANTASTIC! They are true artists Dom. Thanks for all your efforts to create such an interesting and unusual video.

[@stevetheflub235]

Wow, that was the most entertaining 30 minutes I've had in a long time. Dom, You're right they truly are artists and and great engineer's. I knew basically how they worked but wow I have learnt slot. It's great they let the camera's in. One thing though, you couldn't get a sense of time. How long did it take? Another step closer Dom🙂

[@edpaget1002]

Enjoyed the video very much put a new perspective on neon signs, what absolute artist, would love to see more of this type of video thanks

[@Spinningininfinity]

How appropriate to have a tube creation master-class on KZbin. Congratulations to all artists involved both in metal and glass, everyone at the top of their game Without doubt a glowing report 😁

[@fransgeers7400]

What a splendid combination of old fashioned skills and technology! Loved it.

[@stevenbates7181]

I very much enjoyed watching the making of this sign, great result 👍 hopefully it’ll help promote Ranalah.

[@mechanoid5739]

I've always wanted to see the process of making 'Neon' signs. Thanks for sharing and those guys are true artists!

[@davidjowett8195]

Great to see these artisan trades being explained, and so glad that they made it look a lot easier than you did Dominic :) As it should be of course.

[@gmmooseblaster]

Incredible craftsmanship. I've never appreciated the skills required to make such a thing. You are to be applauded for bringing these to light (sorry about that). But seriously, bringing such things to the attention of the public can only be a good thing. I just hope that there are people who can carry on with these skills for future generations to appreciate

[@brenwyattm0rij909]

Wow Dom, cool stuff ! Must keep those trades going...The sign looks bloody brilliant !

[@MyOtherNick]

It was a real treat seeing you as a real apprentice, eager to try it all.. these are truly craftsmen indeed. Well done, Dom!!

[@Ozbert]

Great to see true artisans at work and creating bespoke neons to your own specification. Thanks for sharing this proper "behind the scenes" content showing us real craftsmanship. So glad that your drawings worked too. Congratulations to all involved.

[@brianmicky7596]

Fascinating could watch them all day, It also looks fantastic, another job ticked off , next please, All the Best Brian 🤗😎

[@PaintySniffers]

That's a beautiful looking sign and a wonderful series of videos on how it's made. Thank you for sharing.

[@ejharrop1416]

Brilliant is the only word, thank you as well. What a treasure you have made and the neon is the crowning glory. No wonder vintage working signs are so dear. Chris's workshop should get a segment on the Repair Shop. Thank you again and take care. Cheers!!

[@kingcal53]

Incredible, such a great watch.

[@nickcarophotography]

Amazing craftsmanship! I'm surprised Dom didnt ask for the half finished Porsche logo tubes on the back wall as well..

[@DominicChineas]

Haha I did!

[@johntisbury]

What a fantastic video showing crafts and skills that are phenomenal. We all know neon signs when we see them, but the making of them is to another level. No wonder they are so expensive!

[@samrodian919]

That looks fantastic Dom. The tube bending is a true work of art. And Martin is a true artist in the best sense of the word and a craftsman of the highest calibre in his trade. And up on the workshop wall it really looks good, as good as the Ranalah English wheeling machines you are going to produce.

[@trickyhickyincolour]

Dom this was a fantastic insight into as you said hidden talented artists. Support the little man and the world will be better for everyone. Love your channel please keep up the good work.

[@TR4zest]

What a result. Wonderful stuff Dom.

[@besenzon1]

Wow, what a video. An insight into another world. They need to pass on their skills to an apprentice

[@Jester68uk]

Propped job that, looks fantastic and a great series to watch from start to finish. Thank you Dom.

[@magnusrx7]

I used to work for a company in Sweden who at the time (late 90's early 2000's) was the biggest maker of neon in Sweden. We had 5-6 guys bending glas all days and as you say it's a work of art! Good to see that there are still companies around making neon!

[@genghiskhan7703]

I own a neon shop in the United States and some techniques they use in Europe is so crazy to me!

[@martinpook5707]

Just incredible! I am delighted to see how this is done.

[@jonno7910]

Wow, that has to be the most amazing thing I’ve every seen. How talented are those guys 👏

[@scottgoodski]

Incredible Dom, thank you for showing us these craftsmen at work, such skills

[@rogerdavis5914]

Outstanding Dom well worth waiting for 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Dom, Such skills Chris and Martin have... Isn't fun watching experience tradesmen at work... Thanks for making this video, really enjoyable viewing... Take care. Paul,,

[@busterboy7505]

Two lovely guys, lighting up Dom’s world, 👍👍👍.

[@bobwalker8907]

Amazing skill. I hope they are training the next generation in this art because as in so many things in the past, when it's gone It's gone

[@michaelmiller641]

Absolutely fascinating, see glaslinger's channel, he makes valves, vacuum tubes from glass!

[@garyhuston]

Brilliant conclusion to the series, it looks fantastic. Well done to all concerned. By the way, what font is that?

[@markjenney8808]

Miss your smithing vids

[@garyhuston]

@@markjenney8808 I hope to get back to them soon. I’m recovering from shoulder surgery and about to move workshops so a lot going on at the moment.

[@Terry_Fritz]

Ranalah font? :)