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: 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

[@gooddaymate1171]

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!

[@phase2ground]

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.

[@Playsinvain]

Be nice if the original handwriting was legible

[@staceycollins9232]

The joy of seeing your own cursive script! Very nice sign!

[@TKDFuel4Life]

Use 5mm plexiglass, using CNC milling machine do 3mm line engraving. Glue silicon stripe with silicone glue. It will look way cleaner. This job wasn't very clean as it could be so far, but result okay in darkness

[@SmittenKitten.]

Why so many thumbs down? People are jerks. This was an excellent tutorial, exactly what you'd want: straight to the point, detailed, no extra nonsense, and it works! Thank you so very much.

[@phase2ground]

Thank ya!

[@captaindookey]

Traditional neon sign building, (the actual neon gas in a glass tube method) is a dying art. Many folks in that community don't feel great about LED neon coming up. It's technically not real neon but either art looks great. Real Neon tube bending though is a treat to watch. It's incredible how skilled some of the people who do it are. You can imagine some people feel upset about losing a part of history.

[@SmittenKitten.]

@@captaindookey I had no idea! I was watching some "real" neon artists make signs recently (I must have been fed the videos after watching a bunch of LED videos), and it's really stunning to watch. It's almost a form of "magic." True artisans. I don't know if the same people buying/making the LED versions are the same people who would have invested in true neon signage, however. I would imagine the cost of entry paired with the sheer ability to create such pieces is part of the reason the art form is dying. I've only ever seen it in old diner signage or hotels, but I'm not well-traveled.

[@Curly_Maple]

How do you see how many thumbs down it got?

[@SmittenKitten.]

@@Curly_Maple I use a Chrome browser add-on called "Return KZbin Dislike" that lets me see them.

[@tbranch227]

"Always make the back as pretty as the front" < pro tip!

[@hammerofgodminiatures]

Great quality build , looks great and as an electrician I appreciate the clean wire routing.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Really beautiful job my friend!! looks like such a time consuming endeavor for someone who is just starting...lol

[@justthatjoeguy]

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

[@Hajjat]

Stunning! But man, the amount of effort you put into this!

[@edbohemier9785]

A real artist understanding balance hands on and impact w/out being too technical

[@molla6468]

Best video out here to understand it, thank you very much!

[@phase2ground]

Thank you, Molla! That’s my goal

[@acecleofas1313]

Nice planning to create my own

[@KymEdwards]

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!

[@phase2ground]

Thank ya! Any questions, reach out. And send me pictures of your sign!

[@stephaniewhitfield2008]

A list of materials example thickness of plexiglass

[@woohoo4813]

Super professional love it ❤

[@emadleiman47]

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.

[@CupsAndFlour]

Wow that helps! Now I'm thinking to make one for my shop

[@lovelaughlive2617]

Alot alot of work, kudos

[@tuliozeron6774]

Thanks, nice tutorial

[@tonka8080]

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

[@aidanamini8384]

Loved the halestorm in the background 😂😂

[@gabrieldavis121571]

Great work. I need one

[@thedr.feelgood]

Well done... it looks great !

[@chinedunwachukwu5227]

Wonderful piece ❤

[@brendanfitzpatrick7399]

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

[@WVRetreat]

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.

[@Lou101960]

Nice work! Thanks for sharing. Subscribed.

[@krzysztofhryniewicz1666]

Great video. I'm lovin' it ;-)

[@BeaudineM.]

This is goooood .

[@dc-wp8oc]

Awesome job! Why is this referred to as "neon" when no neon is used or am I missing something? Surprised that the final connections were solderless but it sure makes corrections easier.

[@veronicavelasco8456]

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.

[@phase2ground]

Thank you. Probably 8-10 hours. If you try it and have questions let me know!

[@B.R.O.S.H.A]

​@@phase2groundare you using a jigsaw to cut the plexiglass?

[@antongerrits]

Awesome help; thank you for that! Just two doubts; - is it feasible to stick the sube with glue in stead of clips? pro´s / cons? - you do the wiring in parallel; that ends up with a lot of wire! Why not in serie? Then only the end connects to the next start.

[@8teendiscover]

I'm new to the soldering and electricity, I've seen some and understand the baseline but is there some tutorials you make for that subject as I would have hard time doing this where I stand now on the learning process

[@workout320]

can you do a more detailed video on the soldering process.thanks

[@peninah.l.wambui5281]

"For beginners" is wild

[@MsMagnolia19]

Great video!

[@groendahll]

Awesome buddy!!!!

[@phase2ground]

Thank you!

[@B_RAD_AT_SOMETHING]

I have those same exact 'lectric tape bandages👍

[@jeffwoolfe]

Hey. Loved the vid!! When you cut the neon strip, don’t you need to make sure you don’t cut an actual LED light?

[@phase2ground]

Yessir! There’s little black marks showing the cut lines

[@tendertuna9157]

Watched the while video and still don't know what the sign says. Cool tutorial into how these are made!

[@jrmughal]

Music tooooooooo loud

[@navygurl4182]

I dunno about beginners but nice

[@stevereisman6872]

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?

[@phase2ground]

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.

[@ayethatsneem]

Where can I get the glass so that I can make my own shape to the words

[@IvanPerez-cg6le]

Very clean build! Can you please list the supplies in the description.

[@phase2ground]

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.

[@greenleavesfree971]

Fine sir

[@armandogonzalez6323]

@@phase2ground 3:11

[@panther105]

If anything, this video is making me want to learn how to make real neon signs..

[@BestMassageTech]

what type of wire are you using to connect the segments?

[@phase2ground]

24ga silicon coated. Make sure to use silicon coated, not pvc. Pvc is too stiff

[@xienancy753]

Nice work

[@joshears2003]

Nice work brother

[@Landmantx]

Awesome!!! Is it hard to make them waterproof?

[@irapashunnur8237]

Great. Pl share the details of the dimmer - its cute.

[@phase2ground]

amzn.to/3Pnxy7Y Here you go!

[@arslanmoghal5472]

Nice 👍

[@Starroad-yq5qk]

Cool

[@ElSoly]

Where can I order one for my studio?

[@bonniemarshall4535]

Nice

[@georgee.hickes2958]

Love your content bro…just wondering where you get your parts from,do you recommend anyone? Cheers from Australia 🤙🏾

[@PiptheElder]

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.

[@phase2ground]

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

[@kaws1704]

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

[@Realwattsbaby]

can it be repaired ? if so .. how much

[@Lee_Essex]

Nice job

[@phase2ground]

Thank ya!

[@mrsmith8240]

How do you.ou know which is positive and negative?

[@katrinasmeulders8433]

looks great , where do you order the lights ?

[@ryanmacewen511]

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?

[@phase2ground]

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!

[@p_fiction]

Lexan is UV stable too. You can also form it like metal without it cracking. 👍

[@kevinvitale8980]

Excellent pacing, editing and instructions on your process.

[@EdgarTorres-y6y]

Hi how are you This is amazing work ,,where I can order neons clips and what type of aclylic did you use 1/4 “ or 3/8”

[@phase2ground]

This sign was on 1/4” acrylic. Here’s some clips. I prefer metal ones like this amzn.to/4cOlA3m

[@xalexburzumx]

Man, acrylic laser cutting in helps you

[@amberdodson413]

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?

[@phase2ground]

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.

[@clashesimmons8775]

Can you give a roundabout how much does all the supplies etc cost??

[@delilapipoly]

lovely diy video 🥰👍

[@phase2ground]

Thank you!

[@AscensionPainting]

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😄

[@phase2ground]

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!

[@roaglipay]

What type of jigsaw blade are you using that will make a clean cut and not crack the acrylic glass?

[@phase2ground]

9-13 tpi has worked for me. Make sure your jig saw isn’t set on oscillating.

[@missicksjourney621]

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing.. im curious, did one LED STRIP WORK FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT?

[@phase2ground]

No I don’t think so. They come in 15’ lengths and I used more than that

[@evadefire8003]

Love the video!! Do you have a link for the dimmer switch housing that the knob sits in?

[@phase2ground]

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

[@phase2ground]

These might help you too. amzn.to/3inQHvQ

[@emecity1019]

I really luv ur work pls what is the name of the clip and the wire u are using

[@ianlizi7069]

This awesome can you share me the List of Materials and tools needed for this

[@phase2ground]

Thank you! Everything you need is in the description

[@mitchio83]

I know every time you look at it you second guess yourself on that "O"

[@monicaford3350]

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

[@phase2ground]

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

[@MostlySoberAdam]

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

[@phase2ground]

Yep! Everything you need is in the description! Thank ya and good luck!

[@MostlySoberAdam]

@@phase2groundthanks bud I found it

[@dariusotool7473]

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!

[@nicholaskehayias919]

Just make sure your AC Adapter matches the rating of the LEDs

[@maddengorilla1775]

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 KZbin 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.

[@maddengorilla1775]

Would you be so kind and let me know what mounting clips you are using

[@TheDuttonExperience]

I'm surprised they don't make quick connects

[@omarvidal77]

How long does it take you to make a sing like this one from start to finish

[@raneembilal1942]

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

[@cclingdev]

What’s your average cost on making these? Also where can you get these materials in bulk?

[@domnik9062]

Looks like you got flex tubes that can be cut every 10mm. Where to get them?

[@صالحباصليب-ك9ر]

Amazon

[@The_Greatful1]

Remind me how this is beginner friendly again 😩???

[@JayyWithTwoYs]

Can someone please tell me what I need to search up to find waterproof cuttable LED lights

[@dennisandrews8485]

How much does it cost to make a sign like this in materials?

[@explorewidKhan]

How much do you charge for this sign for example

[@texasrain4937]

But a nice job

[@69rjsg]

NEXT TIME GET WHITE WIRE WITH A LINE FOR YOUR NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE IT WONT SHOW IS A VERY SMALL BLACK LINE, AND USE HOT GLUE IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE IS EASY TO REDO, GREAT JOB BY THE WAY,

[@phase2ground]

I like that idea. I definitely will

[@BOOSTDTV]

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

[@phase2ground]

Maybe! I’ve never seen that before

[@BOOSTDTV]

@@phase2ground you should try some. much cleaner results than screwing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5KpeYZqeriqbbs

[@chrisdiaz7997]

I'm interested in a 48" wide sign for outdoor use on a business. How can I get a quote?

[@fitterhappier2666]

How thick is the acrilyc? Thanks for your video!

[@phase2ground]

1/4”. You’re welcome!

[@fitterhappier2666]

@@phase2ground thanks brother

[@fitterhappier2666]

@@phase2ground can it be less than that? Why 1/4?

[@ginyodquinoa7756]

hi i am just wondering if there's any short program to learn this buainess?

[@sslight]

good~~👍👍👍

[@leonardodalongisland]

Nice...if you use white acrylic-you'll hide the wiring.

[@Minasign]

hi, we are a sign company from China, we can make such led neon sign. Do you need a quote of a sign art?

[@aarticadin]

do you make for other people

[@TheMattdsinger]

What size acylic sheet did you use to start and cut from, it seems very large

[@phase2ground]

Usually 4x8 or 4x4 sheets

[@phase2ground]

And .22 in thickness

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

LED and neon are two different types of lighting. A more appropriate heading would have been "A neon style LED lighting".

[@phase2ground]

Should’ve reached out to you when I was naming it. Thanks

[@kevinwilliams7979]

The lights say 12 volt . Can I hook those to a car interior electrical system without adapter

[@phase2ground]

Yes you can!

[@altheaegasan]

How much will it be when you sell it?

[@tiffanysmith3210]

Maybe I'm lost but if you cut the strip how is it still conducting power through it???

[@phase2ground]

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

[@supertiger72]

Imagine if you had the WORX drill that has the two heads for drill and driver... I love mine it would save you time

[@brendanfitzpatrick7399]

I've never heard of a two headed drill and driver .. I LOVE it! Thanks for adding value to this post!

[@MoeMentos]

Neat gimmick, but doesn't really save time compared to having two guns handy. Might save some space in the toolbox though.

[@BestMassageTech]

if not using someone's handwriting, is there a font you'd recommend that lends itself well to this process?

[@phase2ground]

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.

[@heynoah2355]

Can you make me one? Lol