The Science Behind the Colors of Neon Signs: How Different Gases and Coatings Produce Different Hues
A custom neon sign is something you might consider if you want to buy one for your home or business. Although some lights can retain their color even when turned off, many others are clear. These lights can shine so brightly and vibrantly even if made from clear glass.
If you believe that custom neon signs contain only neon gas, you are grossly wrong. Read this article to learn more about what happens behind the scenes. It takes a skilled combination of gases to make neon signs shine as brightly and as often as they do. Each signage is a work of art.
Many manufacturers make neon signs by using various gases in a tough glass tube. Mixing different gases with neon, or filling the tube with another noble gas, allows you to create custom neon signs. Other than this, the color of signage depends on how much gas was used and what type of inert gases were used during manufacturing.

The following gases are found in a custom neon sign.
This was not difficult to understand. Neon signs are named after the staple gas used to make them. Therefore, it would have been illegal not to list it in the first position. Neon is a gas that exists in the air we breathe, even if you’re not a geek. Although it is present in trace amounts, it is still there.
Because they only need a tiny amount of neon to fill a glass tube quote, it’s easy for manufacturers and suppliers to obtain pure neon. Pure neon glows deep red at normal levels. The tube will glow paler, or even pink if you add more gas to it. This is why neon is one of the most widely used colors.
This is great news for business owners. Pure neon signs use less energy and are more efficient than their counterparts.
- Mercury Vapor
A manufacturer might use mercury vapor to create a cool color base. Mercury Vapor produces a subdued bluish glow. Mercury vapor is working its magic if you see the soft blue light coming on before the tube light completely turns off.
Signage can include neon or mercury vapor depending on the color that the client chooses. To produce cool colors, many manufacturers use mercury vapor.
- Argon
Argon is the best gas for stronger and more vivid blue colors. Sometimes, the manufacturer can paint the inside of the glass tube with ultraviolet-sensitive phosphorus to create the illusion of different colors. When mercury is exposed to phosphorus in the tube, it emits ultraviolet light that makes the phosphorus glow brightly. You will see neon signage with effervescent yellow, green, or white colors. This is likely to be argon.
- Helium
To make it more resilient, you can ask the manufacturer to add helium to your sign’s tube if you are putting it up in a colder area. The glow of pure helium is pinkish-red. Because of this, helium is often mixed with mercury or argon to give it a soothing glow. The most difficult gas to find is helium. Most industrial-grade hydrogen is created from radioactive decay or is siphoned from natural gas deposits.
- Xenon
The classic lavender glow is caused by xenon. It can be combined with other noble gases to reflect many colors. Although xenon is mainly used by manufacturers in photography and strobe lights, it can also be added to signage that contains pure neon.

- Krypton
Krypton has a low glow that is whitish to yellow. The gas can also be used to create different colors. Krypton is often added to neon sign manufacturing tubes to make the desired color. Krypton is also used in safety lighting including runway lights at airports.
Because neon signs are a complex chemical reaction, each one is unique. It produces vivid colors through a complicated chemical reaction.
You can also inquire from your provider about the available gases to change the color or the appearance of the neon sign.
Conclusion
Custom neon signs have become increasingly popular. These signs can be found at quirky restaurants or in business offices that aim to create a chill vibe. People are also using neon signs in their home decor to add personal messages and shine brightly in neon colors. These colorful signs have gained a large customer base.
Neon colors signify hip culture and are a common feature in restaurants and cafes that cater to them. It takes more than just what is visible to create a neon sign. It requires careful curation of gasses to create the exact color the client wants.
pure neon signs also have an energy-efficient design. Your sign’s lights can be left on all day, and you won’t have to pay any extra. You can blow your business apart with a custom-made neon sign and attract customers which will help you increase your revenue collection.
Don’t wait! Get yours today to be part of the trend.