Hand-blown glass neon signs with porcelain enamel faces and heavy steel cans....
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Neon is one of the most misunderstood materials in modern signage.
Today, many signs marketed as “neon” are actually plastic LED tubes designed to imitate the look—often without the depth, warmth, or longevity that made neon iconic in the first place.
This page explains the real differences between authentic glass neon and LED neon-style signs, including how they’re made, how they look, and where each one makes sense—so you can make an informed decision before buying.
Real neon signs are made using hand-blown glass tubing filled with noble gases. When electricity passes through the gas, the tube emits a continuous, glowing light. This is the same process used in original neon signs that lined American highways, diners, theaters, and service stations throughout the 20th century.
Each tube is bent by hand over a flame, making every real neon sign slightly unique. The result is a glow with depth and character—something that can’t be replicated with plastic materials. That's Why You Should Always Buy Real Neon.
Real neon has been used for decades because it:
LED “neon” signs are not neon at all. They use plastic or silicone tubes with small LED diodes inside to mimic the appearance of neon.
These signs are lightweight, inexpensive to produce, and widely used in modern décor. While they can resemble neon from a distance, the light they produce is fundamentally different—individual points of light diffused through plastic rather than a continuous glow.
LED neon-style signs are typically chosen for:
Real neon produces a living glow—the light is created within the glass itself rather than projected outward. This creates depth, warmth, and subtle variations in brightness that LED signs can’t replicate.
When paired, real neon porcelain signs, reflects and diffuses light in a way that feels dimensional rather than flat. This is why real neon photographs differently, feels heavier in person, and immediately stands out in a space.
LED neon-style signs are not “bad” products—they’re simply built for different purposes. LED signs may be a practical choice for:
Real neon is often the better fit when:
Porcelain Advertising was built by people who grew up around original signs. After years in the antique advertising and auction world, it became clear that many modern reproductions had moved away from the materials and craftsmanship that made the originals special.
In fact, after a lifetime in the antique reproduction and home decor manufacturing industry, plus 15 years as a licensed auctioneer specializing in vintage advertising signs. Once I saw The Racket In the Neon Sign Industry, I couldn't wait for someone else to do something about it.
Rather than imitate neon with plastic, we chose to build signs using real glass neon, paired with porcelain enamel and steel, because those materials are proven to last—and proven to matter to the people who care about them.
LED signs often appear brighter in photos, but real neon produces a deeper, more natural glow that’s easier on the eyes and more visually dimensional in person.
Modern neon transformers are energy-efficient. In many cases, real neon uses comparable power to LED signs of similar size.
Yes. Individual neon tubes can often be repaired or replaced, which is not typically possible with sealed LED tubing.
Real neon requires skilled glass bending, heavier materials, and more labor. LED signs are mass-produced using plastic components, which lowers cost.
Both can be safe when properly built. Real neon operates at low current, and modern transformers are UL-rated for indoor use.
| Feature | Real Neon | LED |
|
Light Source |
Handblown glass filled with noble gas | Plastic tube with LED diodes |
| Glow Quality | Continuous, deep, warm. |
Diffused, uniform, flatter |
| Materials | Glass, steel, porcelain enamel | Plastic, silicone, lightweight frames |
| Visual Depth | High | Low |
| Repairable | Yes | Rarely |
| Longevity | Decades with proper care | Next week |
| Historical Accuracy | Authentic reproduction | Decorative imitation |
No. All original vintage neon signs used hand-blown glass tubes—LED technology did not exist at the time.
Both real neon and LED signs have a place. The key difference is intent. Is it here to stay or is for a single night? Whatever design idea you have for your space, our collection of real neon signs become the focal point of your room and brings to life that authentic vintage feel, retro vibe you've been looking for.
If you want something lightweight and decorative, LED may be sufficient. If you want the glow, depth, and presence that made neon iconic, real glass neon remains unmatched.
Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, not mass-produced overseas. Quality like this doesn’t come off an assembly line.
You won’t find acrylic, stickers, or fake glow here. This is real neon—heavy, durable, and made to last a lifetime.
These neon cans aren’t for lighting up a dorm room—they’re made for guys who know the difference between real and replica.
Try it out. If it’s not what you expected, send it back. We cover return shipping—no questions asked.
Our signs are crafted using real porcelain enamel on heavy-gauge steel, kiln-fired layer-by-layer - Just like the originals. No stickers. No cheap shortcuts.
Yes! Unlike most reproductions, our signs are made with real porcelain enamel, which means they won't fade, peel, or scratch like printed metal signs or acrylic.
All our signs are proudly made in the USA using traditional methods that honor the craftsmanship of the past.
We stand behind our work. If you're not 100% happy, just send it back for a full refund. No questions asked.
I just want to say thank you. No outside funding, no backup plan—just long nights, hard work, and hope. So when you place an order or share what we do, it’s not just another sale. It’s the reason we get to keep going. And that means more than I can ever explain.
