How To Make Your Own Neon Sign

Night life has been marked by the words spelled out in neon.The same effect can be recreated using a few simple tools.A sign that spells out a phrase is a few steps away.

Step 1: You have to come up with a word to shine in neon.

The phrase can be made up of only two to three words.It is possible to make designs with this technique.Imagine what you want the sign to look like.

Step 2: Draw a design with a pencil on a piece of paper.

Since the whole thing needs to be connected, draw it as if you can't pick up a pencil.It's a good idea to use cursive when writing a word.Try to draw something simple that looks clear.

Step 3: Use the string to trace the design.

Measure the length of the string to find out how much wire you need.Make the letters smaller or use a shorter phrase if the string is longer than the amount of wire you have.

Step 4: The metal wire should be in the shape of your letters.

Use pliers to shape sections that are harder to bend, such as the stem of an "n".You can keep the wire's shape by having another person hold down the initial sections.

Step 5: Attach the EL wire to the metal wire with a hot glue gun.

This section is done by section.Hold the wire down to the metal wire for a few seconds to make sure it's set in place.

Step 6: Wrap the remaining cord in white tape and hang the sign from the location you want it to shine.

Step 7: A wooden board or piece of plywood can be used as a background for the sign.

To make the words stand out, paint the board the same color as the wall.

Step 8: The letters of a word or phrase use mostly straight edges.

It is easier when it is written in capital letters.

Step 9: One letter per sheet of computer paper is how to print out the letters.

They should be placed in the correct order.

Step 10: One blue and one red pen is required.

The wooden board will be used to map out how to thread the wire.The visible wire is represented by a blue pen.The part of the wire that is hidden behind the board is represented by a red pen.

Step 11: To create a visual path for the wire, use the pens on the printed paper.

The blue pen should be used to draw an "X" at every entry point.When the wire goes back behind the board, use red pen at the end of the first letter.Think about how the wire will have to leave the board.

Step 12: Where there are "X"s, punch holes throughout the paper.

To make sure there is enough wire for the design, thread the string through the path owned by the EL wire.

Step 13: To begin drilling holes in the board where the original "X"s were written, tape the paper to the plywood board.

Remove the papers from the board after drilling.

Step 14: Start at the back of the board and thread the wire through the first hole.

Attach the battery pack to the back of the board.

Step 15: Attach the wire through the holes.

Attach the excess wire to the back of the board to make it easier to hang.

Step 16: Hang up the plywood where you want it, turn on the battery pack and watch your sign come to life!