A Smithers Neon sign aren’t just lights — they’re statements. Whether it’s bold, brash, sassy, or stylish, your neon deserves to shine bright every night. But just like any premium décor piece, it needs the right care to stay in top form.
From our design studio in Shoreditch to your home or business, here’s how to look after your neon sign and keep the glow going strong.
1. Know What You’ve Got — LED vs. Glass Neon
At Smithers, we deal in LED neon signs — built with flexible silicone tubes, mounted on durable acrylic, and powered by USB or mains. Why?
They’re:
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Cool to the touch
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Long-lasting (20,000+ hours)
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Energy efficient
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And most importantly — safe for homes, bedrooms, and commercial spaces
Old-school glass neon? That’s vintage, but it’s fragile, gas-filled neon, and high voltage. Ours? Same look, zero fuss.
2. Dust It — Gently But Regularly
LED neon signs attract dust like a disco ball on a Saturday night.
Here’s how to clean yours:
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Unplug first (always)
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Use a microfibre cloth or feather duster
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For stubborn marks, use a damp cloth with plain water only — no sprays, no chemicals
Pro tip: Don’t use glass cleaner or bleach. It can damage the tubes or the acrylic base.
3. Hang It Right – No Bodge Jobs Allowed
Most of our signs come with pre-drilled holes — use them. If you’re using command strips or hooks, make sure they’re weight-rated.
Quick hanging tips:
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Keep it away from direct sunlight
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Avoid damp areas unless you’ve got a waterproof model
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Leave a little breathing space between the wall and wires
Want inspo? Check out how our customers are hanging theirs in the Neon Lights Collection.
4. Power Up Properly
Your Smithers neon sign comes with either USB or mains plug. Treat it well:
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Use the switch, not just yank the plug out
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Don’t overload extension sockets
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If you’re not using it — turn it off, but no need to unplug every time
LED neon uses very little power — safe to leave on for hours.
5. Got a Flicker? Here’s What to Check
It’s rare, but flickering can happen. If so:
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Check the USB or plug connection
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Make sure the power source is stable
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Try a different plug — if it still flickers, drop us a message
We’ve tested every single neon sign. If there’s ever an issue, we’re here to sort it.
6. Store It Like a Pro (If You Ever Take It Down)
Taking it down for a move or a re-style?
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Wrap the sign in bubble wrap
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Label the cable ends
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Store flat, not upright
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Keep it in a dry, cool place
This stops warping and wire strain — especially for custom signs with longer tubing.
We know bars. We know neon. You need both. Explore the full guide.
🔥 Final Tip: Keep It Fresh
Every now and then, take a step back.
Does the wall still do it justice?
Does the room need a second sign (we’re not judging)?
Check out our full Neon Signs range for fresh inspiration — from pink bedroom accessories to custom LED names.