Call us at (805) 641-1387


Call us today for an Estimate at (805) 641-1387 or

Request a Quote Online

Call us at (805) 641-1387


How to Make a Neon Sign

Neon Tubing has been a popular solution for both creating and accenting signs for over 100 years. Today the process still requires a specialist who has been trained in crafting them.

1. Creating a Pattern 
The process begins with laying down a pattern to form the tubing over.

Making a Neon Sign Creating a pattern

2. Bending the Glass
The glass tubing is held over a flame until it is hot enough to be pliable.

Making a Neon Sign Bending Glass

3. Forming the Glass
The glass is then set over the pattern, where it is quickly, but gently bent into the intended shape.

Making a Neon Sign Forming Glass

4. Adding Electrodes
Once the tubing is fully formed, it is capped with electrodes. These electrodes are are the connection point for an electricity source. Each separate tube that make up the sign requires these connection points.

Making a Neon Sign Adding Electrodes

5. Bombarding
This is a technique used to heat all of the impurities out of the glass. Once complete, all of the air is removed from the tubing to create a vacuum.

6. Gas
The vacuum is then filled with either neon or argon gas vapor and sealed. Neon gas will produce colors in ranges of red, while mercury produces colors in the blue range. The tubing itself is sometimes coated inside with a powder called phosphor, which gives the tube a different color when lit, depending on which gas it is filled with.

7. The Tubing is complete, and ready to be mounted. 

Neon Sign Mini Billboard Inherent Vice

While neon signs briefly fell out of fashion, they have made a resurgence particularly in the art and architecture world. This has also brought them back to the forefront of commercial signs, because their steady, colorful light has a piercing quality and therefore a high visual impact.

Here in Ventura, there is a particular emphasis on commercial neon signs because of the historic feel of the city. Neon signs are both current and reminiscent, and when crafted in a certain way they lend themselves nicely to the nostalgic tone of the Ventura skyline.

Dave’s Signs Blog

This is a blog about signs. We highlight the different types of signs: signs we’ve created for our customers, history of sign design and today’s cutting edge sign technologies. Ask a question about signs, and you’ll likely find the answer here.

Case Studies

Spencer Makenzies Neon Sign

Here we go into detail on some of the custom signs we’ve done. Including Spencer Makenzie’s Neon Sign, Topper’s Pizza Neon Signs in the Oxnard Harbor, and The Historic Ventura Pole Sign. Check back with us. We’ll have more case studies of signs posted in the near future.

Custom Signs Near You

Saloon BBQ Custom Sign

We’ve designed, fabricated, installed and serviced signs all over southern California. Here are some highlighted areas near you including Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Barbara. Check back soon for more updates.

Call us today for an Estimate at (805) 641-1387 or

Request a Quote Online

Call us at (805) 641-1387


Neon Sign Design Computer

We Make Beautiful Neon Signs in Our On-Site Facility

Dave’s Signs has perfected the art of neon signs. We can handle all sizes of neon signage, from the small intricate signs to the eye-catching, large neon signs. Ask us for a personalized quote or contact us for any questions you may have about neon signage.

See Our Neon Sign Gallery


Dave’s Signs Makes Custom Office Signs

Whether you need a lobby sign, directional signage or ADA signs, Dave’s Signs can help you with all your office sign needs. We can use your logo and create a beautiful, distinctive sign for your office. We can also create custom building directory signs, suite signs, and directional signs to give the building a unique unified theme. Call us today to help you with all your office sign needs.

See Our Custom Signs

Custom Sign Design Grove Avenue