Cheap custom neon: How to identify a safe and quality product?

The trend of using affordable custom neon has been gaining traction in event, home, and business decor. The visual appeal of these neon lights is undeniable, but when we set out to find cheaper options, are we truly making the best choice? It’s easy to be swayed by low prices, but there are several factors we should consider before deciding to purchase inexpensive custom neon lights.

In this article, we will explain how these more affordable alternatives differ from higher-quality options like those offered by Space Neon. And of course, we will address the question “Is it worth buying cheap neon signs?”.

Affordable Custom Neon: Is It Worth Sacrificing Quality for Savings?

The wallet rules. A simple Internet search leads us to dozens of stores and platforms offering cheap custom neon signs or affordable custom neon lights. However, as with other products that incorporate certain technology, it’s crucial to distinguish between those of good quality and others that don’t offer the same assurances.

To identify, for example, a budget-friendly wedding neon sign, we must consider the following aspects:

Lighting Quality

One of the main issues when choosing a cheap custom neon design is the quality of the light. These products often use low-cost LED strips that may not illuminate evenly. Take a look at the intensity of one of our neon signs:

This means that instead of a smooth, continuous light, you can see light points, which directly impacts the visual appeal of these cheap custom neon lights. Not to mention that lower-quality lights tend to lose brightness or fail prematurely over time. At Space Neon, we use the latest LED Flex neon technology, with a lifespan of over 50,000 hours.

Low durability materials

Most cheap custom neon signs are made with materials that are not designed to withstand the test of time. While premium products use high-quality acrylic or plexiglass, the cheaper options often rely on thin plastics or even recycled materials.

In addition to compromising the product’s durability, it can also impact its appearance and resistance to impacts or wear from daily use. This is why at Space Neon, we use acrylic sheets with a thickness of at least 6 millimeters. For proof, see the following image:

As if that weren’t enough, all our custom neon letter designs and bespoke neon signs offer IP65 protection to enhance their resistance against dust and even rain.

Flawed Design Finish

When you purchase a cheap neon sign and choose low-cost neon designs, you may encounter issues with the finish of the design. The lines might not be uniform, and the electrical connections could be exposed, which raises significant safety concerns.

After all, poor design and assembly can result in a product that doesn’t function properly or, worse yet, pose a fire or short circuit risk.

Lack of certifications

Cheap custom neon signs often lack the necessary certifications to ensure their safety. Certifications such as ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) or CE (European Conformity) guarantee that the product meets safety standards and does not contain hazardous materials like lead or mercury.

Ultimately, if the product you purchase lacks these certifications, you are putting your safety and that of those around you at risk.

Looking to buy affordable custom neon lights? This is how we create our bespoke neon signs

At Space Neon, we believe that quality is non-negotiable, which is why we choose not to highlight any product as a ‘cheap custom neon’. For this reason, our manufacturing processes ensure that each LED neon sign meets the highest standards. Here’s how we achieve this.

Design

Everything begins with bespoke design. We listen to the client’s ideas and preferences regarding colors, fonts, and size to create a unique sign. This design is crafted digitally and sent to the client for review and approval. The manufacturing process does not commence until everything is perfect.

CNC Cutting of the Sign

Once the design is approved, a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is used to shape the sign. The material used for the base, typically acrylic, is cut in two steps: first, to give the sign its overall shape, and then to create the channels where the LED strips will be inserted. This precise cutting ensures a clean and professional finish.

LED Neon Installation

The next step is assembly. The LED strip is inserted into the acrylic channel and soldered to the connection cables, which are transparent to maintain the sign’s aesthetic appeal.

To protect the lighting system, we apply a layer of silicone over the LED strips to achieve a smooth and appealing finish, while also ensuring the product’s durability. And if the sign is for outdoor use, we add an extra layer of silicone to guarantee its resistance to water and dust through the IP65 certification.

Quality Test

Once assembled, each sign undergoes a rigorous quality test. We light it up and keep it running for 12 to 24 hours to ensure there are no operational issues.

Finally, a visual inspection is conducted to ensure everything is perfect before delivering the product to the customer.

Safety and Certifications

All our products are certified with European safety standards CE and ROHS, ensuring they contain no hazardous materials and comply with the necessary regulations for sale in Europe. This guarantees that our customers receive a safe, durable, and environmentally friendly product.

Conclusion: Is it worth buying a cheap custom neon sign?

While a cheap custom neon sign might initially seem appealing due to its price, the lack of quality, certifications, and safety can lead to more problems than solutions in the long run. Choosing products from manufacturers like Space Neon ensures excellent lighting quality and durability, along with the peace of mind that comes from having a safe product for you and your environment. Whether you’re looking for a custom wedding neon sign or neon lights for clubs, we recommend avoiding cheap custom neon lights for all the reasons we’ve discussed throughout the article.