Commercial signage can play a vital role in building your NJ business. Quality business signage can boost your brand presence in your local area, showcase your brand identity, attract your target audience to your business, and ultimately create a positive lasting impression on customers and passersby.
If you are looking for light-up indoor or outdoor signs, light-emitting diode (LED) and neon signs are two of the most popular choices on the market. But what's the difference, and which is best for your New Jersey business?
In this post, we will compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of LED and neon signage to help you make an informed choice for your business signs.

Understanding Commercial Signs: LED and Neon Business Signs

Before you can make an informed choice about whether to opt for neon or LED signs for your business, you will need to understand the difference. Both neon and LED are forms of illumination that can be used to craft light-up signs, but they work in very different ways.

What is LED Signage?

LED stands for light-emitting diode. They are small bulbs that pass an electrical current through a microchip, creating the light we see. LED signs consist of LED bulbs arranged as pixels, creating a display.

LEDs are ideal for various signage types, from static channel letters and backlit signs to complex and programmable digital displays.

LED signs are commonly used in dynamic, programmable signs, billboards for marketing and advertising purposes, and variable informational signs such as those located in stations or along highways. They are ideal for any situation where excellent visibility is imperative or where the content of the signs will need to change over time.

What is Neon Signage?

Neon signs are a traditional option offering a fun, vintage feel. They are made of electrified glass tubes or bulbs with an electrode at each end, one positive and one negative. The tubes are filled with a noble gas, which undergoes a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with the electricity. Particles called ions and electrons collide with each other, releasing light particles called photons. These photons create the light that we see.

Traditional neon signs cannot change color or design. This means that they are only useful for static signage. However, skilled makers can create neon signs for virtually any design you can imagine, making them ideal if you are looking for a unique, eye-catching piece.

Neon signs give off a bright and vivid glow, making them an aesthetically appealing option for businesses seeking that classic, retro look.
 

Comparing the Benefits and Drawbacks of LED and Neon for Your Custom Signs

LED and neon signs each have advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will consider several factors to help you make an informed decision and make the best investment in signage for your specific needs.

Brightness and Visibility

LED signs are brighter than neon signs and easier to see from a distance, allowing them to show up well at all times of the day and in all weather conditions. Neon signs, on the other hand, can be seen better in low lighting conditions. This brightness can make your business stand out more effectively, attracting foot traffic and drawing in potential customers.

These factors can make LED signs a smart choice for your New Jersey business, particularly if you are looking for outdoor signs.

Energy Efficiency and Cost

LED signs are usually cheaper than neon signs due to the simpler manufacturing process and lower cost of their component parts. They can cost anywhere from one-third to one-half as much as traditional neon signage. In addition, neon signage products require a qualified electrician to install, maintain, and repair, adding an additional cost to your signage investment.

LED signs are also cheaper to run as they are far more energy-efficient than neon.

In addition, neon signs have a shorter life than LED signs. They will eventually run out of gas and need to be refilled or replaced entirely, resulting in a further cost to your business.

All of these factors mean that, for cost-conscious businesses, LED signs are a superior choice to neon signage.

Durability and Maintenance

As we mentioned above, LED signs will last longer than neon signs. A traditional neon sign can last up to 15,000 hours with ideal use, while an LED sign can offer anything from 30,000 up to 100,000 hours of runtime.

LED signs are also more durable, making them more resistant to damage and breakage. This can be a factor in the changeable climate and harsh weather conditions here in New Jersey.

LED signs are low maintenance, requiring little more than occasional cleaning. Traditional neon, on the other hand, will require additional upkeep and more frequent servicing and sign repair. Neon signs also require careful handling as they are made of glass and, therefore, fragile and prone to breakage.

Customization, Corporate Identity, and Aesthetic Appeal

LED signs offer far more flexibility in the colors, designs, and effects available. Many LED signs are also programmable, allowing you to change your displays in response to the seasons, special events, or promotional offers.

However, neon signage offers an authentic vintage look, which can be highly appealing to some businesses. It is also customizable; a skilled neon sign company can create signs to your specifications.

Your business's needs, branding, and corporate identity will inform your signage choices. A good local sign company can support you in choosing the perfect sign and bringing your unique vision to life.

Compliance and Local Regulations in NJ

Like many locals, New Jersey has strict regulations and requirements to which businesses must adhere. Understanding compliance requirements and local laws is vital before you choose your signage. A local New Jersey sign company will have the expertise to help you.

For example, you might be restricted in the size, brightness, or location of your sign. Signs that require additional landscaping, such as monument signs, are restricted or prohibited in some zones. Message frequency on digital signs is restricted in certain residential and protected scenic zones. Window graphics and signs require permits if more than 20% of the window is occupied, and neon signs are banned or restricted in some areas.

Don't forget about ADA sign requirements, too. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets out strict requirements to ensure all business signs are accessible. For example, factors such as color schemes and large format printing can help to ensure your signs are ADA-compliant and do not exclude customers with disabilities.

Always check the regulations and ensure that your chosen sign company offers compliance support before you begin.

Best Business Signage Options and Their Use Cases for Businesses in NJ

As you can see, there are numerous factors to consider when selecting quality signs for your New Jersey business. To ensure that your new sign has a positive impact on current and potential clients and customers, you will need to understand your brand identity and use it to inform your choices.

LED signs are likely the best choice for corporate environments, high-tech businesses, and eco-conscious brands. They are also an excellent choice for those on a budget and anyone looking for long-lasting, low-maintenance visual solutions.

Conversely, neon signs can be ideal for businesses seeking a retro or classic aesthetic. Bars, vintage stores, and artistic companies are some clients we regularly see opt for neon signage.

Hybrid solutions are also available, combining both technologies for a unique effect. For example, some sign makers are now offering neon-look signs utilizing LED technology, combining the traditional aesthetic of neon with the practical benefits of LEDs.

Commercial Signs NJ: Illuminated Signs that Meet Your Business Needs in the Garden State

Businesses in New Jersey face a lot of competition, and attention to detail matters when it comes to making a lasting impression. That's why quality signs are crucial.

At DCI Signs and Awnings, we have been helping NJ companies with their custom signage needs since the early 1990s. We help them stand out from the crowd and attract customers with eye-catching storefront signs, window graphics, banners, monument signs, carved signs, billboards, and much more.

As a local sign maker with extensive knowledge of the Garden State's regulations, a focus on quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to affordable pricing, we are proud to be a one-stop shop for custom signs in New Jersey and to make the process easy.

We also offer sign repair services, ensuring your custom signs look beautiful and perform well for many years. With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, your project is in safe hands with the DCI sign company team.

Regardless of your business needs and budget, contact us today to discuss your needs with one of our New Jersey-based custom sign experts and to start bringing your vision to life with a custom signage project that reflects your brand perfectly.