Neon signs are iconic, and you can find them scattered all around California and the rest of the country. In fact, the state is home to the oldest constantly running neon light in the world,  a neon light that was found at Clifton’s Cafeteria in Los Angeles.

They’re a popular choice for bars and restaurants because they look classy and give off a fun vibe that fits with food, drinks, and entertainment. But how do neon signs hold up in cold weather? This is a question that many business owners ask themselves when looking for ways to increase their business.

If you are wondering the same thing, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will discuss everything from how neon signs react to different temperatures to what materials are used in making them. So read on and find out more about what you need to know about neon signs and cold weather.

Neon Signs & Cold Weather

To understand how a neon sign will react in cold temperatures, you first have to understand what’s happening inside the tube of the sign when it gets too chilly outside. In short, two things that can happen: Either the gas inside of the glass tube can cool off and turn into a liquid, or it can crystallize on the inner walls. When you see your neon sign begin to flicker as if it is having trouble working properly, then this means that that gas has turned into a liquid inside its glass tube. Flickering neon doesn’t necessarily mean a broken sign; it simply means the sign needs to be re-pressurized most of the time.

Different Types of Neon Signs

Below are the types of neon signs you are most likely to see in the United States:

• • Pure neon: These are glass signs that use only neon gas as the source of their light. They emit red photons, which results in very vivid and bright red neon lights. Pure neon signs are less susceptible to cold weather.
  • Neon/argon blend: This type of sign is similar to pure neon signs, but they contain a small amount of argon with the neon to create different colors. Argon reacts strongly to cold weather, and the ratio of it to neon will determine how the brightness and performance of a neon sign are affected in the winter. They also dim and flicker more than other neon signs in cold weather.
  • Neon/helium blend: These signs have helium added to lower their operating temperature range. They emit a very bright blue color which is visible from great distances at night, especially if they are backlit. Also, both helium and argon blended neon signs in blue, green, yellow and white colors are more prone to discoloration in cold weather temperatures.

Do Southern California Winters Get Cold Enough to Affect a Neon Sign?

As mentioned, argon gas is especially susceptible to cold weather. Its atoms can become affected at temperatures 45˚F and under. This causes the gas molecules to move more slowly and may cause your neon sign to appear slightly dimmer. As such, if you live in Southern California, you may wonder if it gets cold enough here to affect a custom neon sign.

Winter weather temperatures in Southern California get down to around 60˚F in the day and with cooler lows ranging around 40-50˚F at night. This means it’s not uncommon for some neon signage to experience a slight dimming at night. Especially those filled with argon.

What Can You Do for Your Neon Signs?

Placing your neon signage on the inside of the store’s windows vs. outside will typically cut down on the negative effects cold weather can have on your glass neon sign. It will keep the tube a bit warmer and also protect it from being hit by debris. Additionally, you can place your sign in front of an air vent to help increase airflow around the tubes; this will prevent moisture buildup inside them when they are not on.

LED Neon Signs

If you are looking for neon signage that will perform better than traditional ones in cold weather, consider opting for an LED version instead. LED illuminated signs emit the same halo glow you see with glass neon, but they run on electricity instead of gas. Also, having LED signs instead of neon ones means that there is no need for warming up and the light will not experience any dimming in cold weather conditions.

Contact Dave’s Signs for Your Custom Sign Needs

If you notice that the lights from your neon sign seem dimmer than usual or if they start flickering for no reason, you should turn the sign-off and give us a call as soon as possible. We will be happy to come out and take a look at your neon sign and let you know what we would recommend that you do.

Neon signage attracts attention like no other type of signage, and Dave’s Signs is a leader in the industry for creating this popular type of handmade signage. If you need to have your custom neon sign replaced or repaired, our experts are available to assist with any questions or concerns that you may have about maintaining your signage throughout the year. Our goal is to ensure our customers have great signage at all times of the day.

Whether your business is looking for something warm or cool-colored, glass neon or LED neon, we have what you are looking for at great prices. Simply call us at (805) 641-1387 or fill out our online form to get a fast and free estimate.

Outdoor lighted business signs are an effective way to attract customers and stand out on the street. Whether you’re looking for a permanent sign or want something that can be easily changed when new tenants move in, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to choosing the right sign for your business or location.

Halo-lit channel letter signs like this one for Bank of the Sierra really make a statement at night.Lighted commercial business signs offer a range of creative possibilities to draw attention and communicate with customers after dark.

Come with us as we go over these 10 best commercial signs examples.

What are the 10 Popular Types of Outdoor Light-Up Signs?

Did you know that there are many different types of outdoor lighted signs for your business? There are.

Lighted signs for business can be a great way to improve visibility, which is essential if you want potential customers to come in. Here we discuss the varieties of exterior illuminated signs and what they are best used for.

From classic neon lights, lightbox signs to creative halo-lit channel letters, these ten ideas for outdoor lighted business signs will help you create a memorable first impression with potential customers.

1) Outdoor LED Signs – Custom Deck Signs for Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co.

If you’ve been searching online for “Outdoor LED Signs near me,” we’ve got you covered. For example, Outdoor LED Signs like the one used at the Deck for Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co. are prevalent and can be used for many different purposes.

These types of signs can be made in various shapes and sizes and utilize LED bulbs, making them perfect for outdoor signage. They also increase customer curiosity with eye-catching illumination, with everyone wanting to know more about you. Plus, it’s 24/7 advertising for your business.

2) Illuminated Blade Signs – Midici Wood-Fired Pizza

Illuminated Blade Signs are impressive and elegant. Outdoor commercial signs like this cabinet-styled Blade Sign we created for the outside of Midici’s can really put your restaurant on the map. Custom shapes, sizes, and colors, the possibilities with these types of functional, cute outdoor signs are endless. If you need your business name to stand out and capture a particular essence, you can create it with this kind of exterior illuminated sign.

3) Monument Signs – Star of CA

Good for the hospitality and property management industry, a lighted Monument Sign works well for businesses that have multiple locations or if there are multiple buildings in an office park. They direct customers where they need to go by simply pointing them in the right direction.

Sometimes you want to make a big statement with commercial outdoor signs like this Star of CA sign does. These type of free standing business signs can be seen from the freeway and really stands out.

You can also attract customers at night with standalone business road signs like this GANAS Pole Sign in Oxnard. Really – it can literally be seen by drivers and passengers that are miles away!

4) Outdoor Neon Signs – Toppers Pizza

Dazzling and beautiful, Neon Restaurant Signs elevate you and set your business apart from the rest.

Take a look at the gorgeous neon adorning the outside of Toppers Pizza in the Channel Islands Harbor. The vintage neon makes its presence known. How could you resist going inside?

Neon signs have a beautiful glow and can come in just about any color you want. Believe it or not, they are actually pretty energy efficient and long-lasting. And being that the technology is over 100 years old, they will never go out of style.

5) Custom Illuminated Shop Front Signs – Toxic

Just like restaurant signs, Custom Neon Storefront Signs  are a great way to add a unique, eye-catching style to your business. Whether you want to attract customers with a bright, bold design or create a vintage atmosphere, custom neon storefront signs offer unlimited design possibilities to give your business an edge over the competition.

Just look at this sign we did for Toxic – electrifying!

6) Halo-lit Channel Letter Signs – Fluid State

No off-the-shelf sign will make your brand stand out better than a custom-made Halo-Lit Channel Letter Sign. 

Check out the sign we did for Fluid State. They’re located in a historic bank building in downtown Ventura. They wanted something unique to grab attention, so we wrapped the sign around the corner of the building and lit it up with LED lights.

Since the building is on a corner, the sign can be seen around the block. However, if you are passing by up close, you’ll want to go around the restaurant to see the whole sign. Now that’s getting attention!

Note that the commercial business signs cost for illuminated signs can fit in your budget, too, with prices depending on the size of the sign you choose and the lighting method.

7) Front-lit Channel Letters – Regency Theatres

Are you looking for a highly visible and well-proven sign that will grab people and draw them into your business when they pass by? If so, look no further than Front-Lit Channel Letter Signs. You can’t go wrong.

These types of signs have been created for every business imaginable. From shopping malls, grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, and movie theaters – like this one we did for Regency Theatres in Agoura Hills – you can almost smell the popcorn inside!

These signs are durable, energy-efficient, and will stand the test of time.

A well-designed and installed front-lit channel letter sign can give your business a professional and polished appearance, which can help to attract customers and improve brand image – making it a worthwhile investment.

8) Custom LED Logo Sign – Pandora

Custom signs like LED Logo Signs are great for every industry. Companies use them outside their store, on monument signs, pole signs, and more. The best thing about these signs is the quality of the lighting – they’re beautiful. 

We can make Channel Letter Signs in several styles, such as front-lit (the most common), halo-lit, front/back-lit, and open-face-lit channel letters.

Our top pick here is a glowing Halo-Lit Channel Letter sign using LED lighting that we did for the jewelry retailer Pandora.

9) Externally Lit 3D Acrylic Sign – ACH Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Small businesses don’t always have the budget for fancy channel letter signs. 3D Signs or Dimensional Letter signs look fantastic and professional without the higher cost.

The good news is that they can be lit up with external lighting, as we did for ACH Mechanical Contractors, Inc. We designed this acrylic 3D sign for ACH and mounted it to the wall on the outside of the building. We lit it up using classic barn lighting. It looks great on the brick. Plus, anyone driving by at night sees it, too.

10) Custom Marquee Lighted Signs – Garry Marshall Theatre

If you’re looking for a way to add character to your business or want your message seen by all, then consider getting a Marquee Sign.

A Marquee Sign like this one for the Garry Marshall Theatre is a great way to evoke the timeless charm of old Hollywood while also getting people’s attention. Plus, it’s low maintenance and energy efficient.

Types of Businesses that Use Marquee Signs:

• • Retail Stores
  • Restaurants & Bars
  • Entertainment Venues
  • Medical Offices & Clinics
  • Schools & Universities
  • Churches & Religious Organizations
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Financial Institutions
  • Automotive Dealerships

No matter the setting, adding a Marquee Sign can bring life to any business. 

11) Illuminated Cabinet Signs or Lightbox Signs

Wait, there’s one more! Let’s not forget the ever-popular and budget-friendly Cabinet or Lightbox Sign.

Lightbox Signs or Cabinet Signs are illuminated signs that typically use fluorescent or LED lamps to provide a bright and eye-catching display. You can typically find Lightbox Signs in storefronts, retail spaces, hotels, and just about every gas station. They are usually made from an aluminum frame with a translucent graphic face to make the design visible from both sides.

Monument signs like the one below are similar free standing business signs that function the same way as cabinet and lightbox signs. You can light monument signs with LEDS, neon or barn lighting to give your brand some serious mojo.   

Benefits include:

1. High Visibility: Lightbox Signs are highly visible due to their bright display, making them ideal for drawing attention to your business.
2. Customization Options: We can design Lightbox Signs to fit any space or message. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
3. Durability: Lightbox Signs are weather-resistant and have a long lifespan, making them a great investment for businesses wanting to get maximum value out of their signage.

Another nice thing about Lightbox Signs is that if a tenant moves out, the cost to update the sign for the new occupant is minimal since you are only changing the face.

Get Noticed with Custom Illuminated Signs

Dave’s Signs has a wide range of illuminated signs that will help you stand out in any environment. Whether it’s an eye-catching neon sign to draw attention or a classic marquee sign for your theatre, our team can help you create the perfect custom signage solution for your business. Our experts specialize in creating striking illuminated signs explicitly designed for your company that can help you stand out and gain the attention you deserve.

The Benefits of Using Lighted Business Signs versus Standard Unlit Signs

When it comes to advertising, it’s essential to consider the impact of lighted and unlighted signs in your strategy. Lighted business signs, in particular, offer 24/7 visibility for your business, a benefit that unlit signs simply can’t match.

While unlighted signs may look appealing during the day, studies have consistently shown that illuminated signs draw attention more quickly and leave a lasting impression compared to non-illuminated designs.

Whether you choose a super sophisticated sign with a custom design using multiple lighting technologies or a simple dimensional letter sign with external lighting. We recommend you build your brand recognition by creating an eye-catching and more memorable customer experience that a lighted business sign provides.

We Serve Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties and Ship Nationwide

As the premier provider of lighted business signage, Dave’s Signs proudly serves businesses across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties. Our superior-quality signs are available for local installation, and we ship nationwide. However, if you have a big enough job, we will come to your location nationwide.

We are proud to provide our clients with outstanding services that cover every step of their illuminated business signage needs. From design, permitting, fabrication through installation and maintenance, we ensure that your signs look their best!

Contact Dave’s Signs with Your Questions about Outdoor Lighted Business Signs

Who makes business lighted signs that command attention? Dave’s Signs! Here, we specialize in every type of illuminated sign. We also help clients ranging from small mom-and-pop operations to corporate clients with locations nationwide.

Since 1992, we have been helping storefronts, small businesses, shopping malls, restaurants, property managers, apartment complexes, business parks, hotels, hospitals, residential communities, corporate offices – you name it, we’ve done it.

Looking to enhance your business or organization with eye-catching electric signs for business? We’re glad to help! If you have any questions about lighting up your establishment, simply give us a call at ‭(805) 641-1387‬. Our friendly experts are always happy to assist you.

For your convenience, we also offer the option to request a free quote online. Illuminate your business today!

Highly visible and professional-looking business signage can be responsible for up to 85% of your walk-in revenue, making it one of your most important advertising tools. And if you’re looking for commercial sign services in the Camarillo area, then look no further! We are your one-stop-shop, providing beautiful, custom commercial signage for Camarillo and all of Ventura County.

Our Services in Camarillo

To bring commercial signage to our valued clients in Camarillo, we specialize in the design, fabrication, installation, service & repair, and maintenance of commercial signage. We also provide neon restoration services. What follows is a list that details these services we offer and more. Use the list to help guide your decision and allow us to meet all your commercial service sign needs.

Design

If you want something custom made, then no job is too big or too small for Dave’s Signs. We offer consultations to help you decide how best to use your signage. Also, we pride ourselves on our high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. That means we will leave you with eye-catching, attention-grabbing signage for your business or organization every time.

Fabrication

After creating the design, comes the process of manufacturing your sign, also known as the fabrication process. The fabrication process can vary, depending on the type of sign and materials utilized in its build. If you’d like to learn more about the different types of fabrication we do, you can contact one of our sign experts at (805) 641-1387. You’ll be glad you did! We work hard to ensure that you get a beautiful, professionally-made sign that closely matches your vision and brand.

Installation

Remember how we said no job is too big or too small for Dave’s Signs? Well, with commercial sign installation, this is where the rubber really hits the road. For example, check out the impressive “W” signage above that we did for Oakwood Communities’ Wagon Wheel town square landmark sign in Oxnard.

In addition, our technicians know the local ordinances that govern custom signs in Camarillo. We’ll work with you to make sure your sign is installed safely and meets all city ordinances.

Service & Repair 

As a part of Camarillo sign service & repair,  if signage is damaged in an accident, neglected, or was subjected to bad weather or vandalism, we can work to repair, maintain, or restore all aspects of the sign. This includes the sign’s structural integrity, electrical and lighting componentry, and overall visual appeal of the sign.

Dave’s Signs can also improve on the signs you already have. And there are many benefits to improving them – particularly if you are experiencing a business slow down or slump. The resulting sign will really demand attention, providing you with the kind of signage that changes your message or attracts more attention.

We can also evaluate any sign that is overdue for service and make repairs or restorations as needed. In addition, our team will work closely with you to make sure that your project is completed on time and within budget.

Maintenance 

For our maintenance services in Camarillo, we have a fleet of boom trucks to get to any hard-to-get-to areas. Common maintenance services we do include anything from replacing burnt-out bulbs to cleaning dirty signage, Here’s a little bit more about what these services entail:

• • Replacing burnt-out bulbs: Illuminated signage typically runs night and day, causing the bulbs to eventually burn out. Burnt-out bulbs in a sign can reflect on your business adversely, especially if the remaining word has nothing to do with your original message or is embarrassing. We can easily replace burnt-out lights in your illuminated signage.
  • Cleaning dirty signage: Interior and exterior signage are constantly exposed to grime and pollution. The smudging left behind can make lettering and logos hard to read. Additionally, dim bulbs may have lost their illumination. We’ll clean your signs, so they can regain their allure and get your business noticed once again.
  • Fixing dullness: Outside signs take a lot of abuse from the weather and other external elements. The result? Signs deteriorate and begin to look dull. We can repaint your signs or UV laminate them to shield them from the sun’s rays.

Neon Restoration 

Our professionals are also available for the restoration of neon and LED signs. We know how important it is for businesses such as movie theatres, restaurants, and hospitality industries to continue operating 24/7. Our team will give you a fast response, often on the same day

We understand the requirements of our national sign customers, and we have worked closely with large companies for many years. We also have an on-site neon facility staffed with an experienced, professional team of technicians.

Other Specialty Services

Other specialty services we offer (but are not limited to) include sign LED retrofit, parking lot light service, site surveys, and permit acquisition.

In addition to servicing local clients in Camarillo, Dave’s Signs also provides restoration, repair, and maintenance services to national companies that are working on projects in the greater Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County areas.

Who Needs Custom Business Signs?

Establishments that use custom business signs include retail stores, convenience marts, car dealerships, shopping centers, and hotels.  You’ll find that we have an extensive portfolio of projects that range from local business owners who needed exterior signs, to property management companies who needed interior wayfinding signage, to national customers who needed extra visibility with tall pole signs.

Attention-Grabbing Custom Sign Services in Camarillo 

A creative approach is a must, and this is exactly what we deliver.  Moreover, signs in Camarillo must attract attention to be valuable to a business. At the same time, there are several rules in place specifically to ensure that the look and feel of the city are maintained. We’ll make sure your signs do all that and more.   You can contact Dave’s Signs today at (805) 641-1387 to learn more about the sign services in Camarillo we provide! Alternatively, you can fill out our online form for a free quote.

Mexican restaurants, with their spicey and deliciously flavored foods, put us in a festive mood. Meanwhile, California has the highest number of Mexican Restaurants in the United States. In fact,  industry reports put the numbers at nearly 75,000 for 2021. With that much competition comes the need for commercial signage that sets you apart from the rest. However, what’s the best way to do this? To answer that, we’ve put together a guide of Mexican restaurant sign styles that help get your business noticed.

Channel Letter Signs – El Dorado

The legend of El Dorado and its treasures enticed the Spanish Conquistadors to come to Mexico and South America to find it. Likewise, diners today are lured to the popular El Dorado Mexican Restaurant by their densely packed menu of all the usual tasty suspects and the bold & gold channel letter sign on the building’s facade.

 Neon Restoration Sign – Pepe’s 

California has a rich history when it comes to Mexican restaurants and culture. Amazingly, several of these eating spots are still owned by descendants of the original owners. Unfortunately, as time passes by, these nostalgic and beautiful signs fall into disrepair. When they do, sign companies restore them to their original glory. The beautiful neon sign Dave Signs restored for Pepe’s is an excellent example of this.

Illuminated Sign – Beach House Tacos

The theme is sunny beaches and to-die-for tacos at Beach House Tacos in Ventura, CA. Additionally, beachgoers who wonder what good seafood and other fare await them inside are guided there by the bold, Illuminated Sign.  Barn lighting illuminates eye-catching dimensional letters and gives them a drop shadow effect.

Made to Last – Spencer Mackenzie’s

Spencer Makenzie’s, like Beach House Tacos, offers Mexican food oceanside. Of course, the sea spray can be tough on any beachside sign. Therefore, a rugged design is a must-have. Dave’s Signs creates beachfront signs that can withstand the surrounding ocean elements, while still grabbing passerby’s attention.

Grand Opening – Fast Food Mexican Restaurant Sign for Lalo’s Jr

Grand openings can be exciting, and Mexican food devotees often can’t wait to try out the new offerings. The Mexican restaurant sign we created for Lalo’s Jr.’s Fast Food Restaurant’s opening is as varied and colorful as their menu.

Contact Dave’s Signs for Your Mexican Restaurant Sign

For over 20 years, Dave Signs creates attention-grabbing, custom signage.  locally here in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties; and Nationwide. To find out more about beautiful Mexican restaurant signage we can provide your business, please get in touch with us at (805) 641-1387. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form for a quick quote.

Hospitality signs direct guests to where they need to go and be. Without them, they find navigating the building and ground a virtual maze. Of course, experiences like this are frustrating to them. Therefore, you can rely on excellent hospitality signage to enhance the guest experience. No matter what the reasons guests head to a hotel, one thing is clear:  They want every aspect of their stay to be easy and as streamlined as possible. 

Below are a few excellent examples of hospitality signage ideas that help guests plan and enjoy their stay.

For Clarity& Simplification

• • Entrance & exit signs: Signs at the entrance & exit are typically the first part of the guest experience. Because of this, strategically placed, colorful monument signs let guests know how to get in and out of your business.

• • Illuminated signs: Eye-catching illuminated hotel signage leads guests to the right place. They simplify and improve their stay. For instance, the illuminated blade sign we created for Castillo Inn at the Beach lets Beachgoers know at a glance if there are vacancies or not.

For Relaxation & Safety

• • Maps and directional signs  Guests expect relaxation and organization during their vacation or staycation. So, clear maps and directional signs at check-in counters, rooms, and corridors really elevate the guest experience by helping guests quickly find their way around.
  • Safety signage:  Safety directional signage assists people, including those who are handicapped, in finding anything from the elevators to an escape route during an urgent evacuation scenario. Above all, hotels must meet ADA standards. If they don’t – they are at serious risk of facing large fines. Dave’s Signs knows all the ADA rules and can help with these special types of hotel signs.

For Branding & Satisfaction

• • Hotel wayfinding signs: Wayfinding signs help people navigate their way around the building. They create a consistent and seamless experience for hotel guests. Furthermore, hospitality wayfinding signs also maintain branding. This ensures that all signs look the same around the entire property.  The best part about wayfinding signs? It’s like having an attendant in every area of your hotel. Your guest has a question, they find the answer, they follow the answer, and voila! They’re satisfied.

Look to Dave’s Signs for Your Hospitality Signage

If you are searching for the perfect sign company for your hotel signs, look no further than Dave’s Signs. We have been furnishing beautiful signs for hotel businesses for over 20 years. Given these points, let’s work together to build excellent hospitality signage for your business. You can contact us at (805) 641-1387 or request a quote online.