Genuine Neon signs belong in more places than hipster bars and edgy bedrooms — but what about the great outdoors? Can a neon sign handle the elements, or will it fizzle out the second the sky opens?
Let’s cut through the fog. Here’s what you really need to know about putting neon signs outside.
🔧 Real Neon vs LED Pretenders
First off — we’re talking about real neon, not flimsy LED strips you find on marketplaces. Real neon is made of gas-filled glass tubes, which means it needs proper sealing, protection, and mounting if it’s going to live outdoors.
At Smithers, we craft both indoor and outdoor-grade neon signs — but not all signs are created equal. If it’s going near the elements, you need to know what you’re buying.
☔ What Makes a Neon Sign Weatherproof?
A true weatherproof neon sign includes:
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IP-rated casing (water and dust resistant)
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UV-resistant backboard (so the sun doesn’t yellow your sign)
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Fully sealed wiring and adapters
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Often mounted in a custom acrylic or metal housing
This setup protects the glow without ruining the vibe.
❌ What You Shouldn’t Do
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Hang a standard indoor neon on your garden wall and hope for the best
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Leave exposed wires where they’ll get soaked
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Use LED signs and assume they’re just “like neon” (they’re not — they fade fast, they warp, and they scream cheap)
💡 Where Do Outdoor Neon Signs Look Best?
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Garden bars & patios – think cocktails and glow after dark
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Outdoor kitchens or hot tub decks – total vibe
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Front-of-house signage – make your business pop day or night
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Wedding & event backdrops – especially with custom neon signs
From chill zones to statement walls,
The Glow Guide has what you need.
🔗 Want the Real Deal?
We build bespoke outdoor neon signs right here in our UK studio. Fully sealed. Weather-rated. Zero plastic fakery.
👉 Explore our collection of neon signs
Want it custom-built for your outdoor setup?
Drop us a brief — we’ll build it to shine in the rain.
💬 Outdoor Neon Signs – FAQs
• Can I use a neon sign outside?
Yes—but only if it’s made for it. Indoor signs won’t survive the weather. For outdoor use, you need a neon sign with waterproof casing, sealed wiring, and UV-resistant materials. Anything else is asking for trouble.
• What makes a neon sign weatherproof?
Look for IP-rated protection (for water and dust), fully enclosed wiring, and a solid backplate that won’t fade in the sun. We often mount our outdoor signs in custom acrylic or metal housings to keep them safe and glowing.
• Will LED signs survive outside too?
Most won’t. Marketplace LED signs warp in heat, fade in sunlight, and aren’t waterproof. They’re fine indoors, but outside? They crack under pressure. Real neon or professionally sealed LED neon is the only option.
• Where’s the best place to hang an outdoor neon sign?
Some killer spots:
• Garden bars and patios
• Hot tub decks
• Outdoor kitchens
• Shopfronts or front doors
• Wedding and party photo walls
Just make sure there’s a sheltered plug point or hardwiring option.
• Do you make custom outdoor neon signs?
Absolutely. Send us your phrase, logo, or idea, and we’ll design a fully weather-rated neon sign that looks just as good in the rain as it does under party lights. No plastic rubbish—just the real thing.