We've been making real glass neon signs here in Illinois since 1932. As of October 2018, we're in the process of adding new neon sign colors from the Netherlands. Unique colors that you won't find on any other web site. By January 2019 we'll be stocking more than 50 beautiful neon colors from sources in the United States, Italy and the Netherlands.
New colors for October 2018: Lemon Yellow, Orange Red, Orchids Lilac and Emerald Green.
The history of neon sign colors is a fascinating journey that intertwines scientific discovery, technological innovation, and cultural trends. Here’s an overview of the key milestones in the development of neon sign colors:
Early Beginnings: Discovery of Neon
1898: Neon, a noble gas, was discovered by British scientists Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers. They identified neon as one of the noble gases, which are colorless and inert under standard conditions.
1902: French engineer and chemist Georges Claude began experimenting with neon gas and discovered that it glows with a bright red-orange color when an electric current is passed through it.
The Birth of Neon Signs
1910: Georges Claude displayed the first neon lamp at the Paris Motor Show. His neon lights gained immediate attention due to their vivid brightness and unique glow.
1912: Claude created the first commercial neon sign for a Parisian barber shop. The striking red-orange glow became synonymous with neon lighting.
Expansion of Colors
1920s: As neon signs gained popularity, the quest for a broader color palette began. Researchers found that filling glass tubes with different gases or using different coatings could produce various colors.
Argon and Mercury: Introduced to create a blue glow when combined with a phosphor coating on the glass.
Helium: Produced a pale yellow light.
Krypton: Created a white or yellowish light.
Phosphor Coatings: Different phosphor coatings inside the glass tubes allowed for the creation of additional colors. When UV light from the gas discharge hit the phosphor, it would emit visible light in various colors.
Technological Innovations
1940s-1950s: The use of colored glass tubes and advances in phosphor coatings allowed for even more vibrant and diverse colors. Neon signs became a staple of advertising and nightlife, especially in cities like Las Vegas and New York.
1960s-1970s: The cultural shift and the rise of new technologies, such as fluorescent and later LED lighting, began to influence the design and color use in neon signs. However, the classic neon glow remained popular for its aesthetic appeal.
Modern Era
1980s-Present: Despite competition from LED lights, neon signs have experienced a resurgence, particularly in artistic and nostalgic applications. Modern neon signs benefit from improved materials and manufacturing techniques, offering a broader and more vivid color spectrum than ever before.
Technological Enhancements: Advances in neon gas mixtures and phosphor coatings continue to expand the range of available colors. Custom neon signs can now be tailored to exact color specifications, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
Cultural Impact
Iconic Status: Neon signs have become cultural icons, symbolizing urban nightlife, entertainment, and the vibrancy of city life. They are celebrated in art, cinema, and popular culture, often evoking a sense of nostalgia and aesthetic appeal.
The evolution of neon sign colors reflects a blend of scientific ingenuity and cultural trends, transforming from a singular red-orange glow to a versatile medium capable of producing a dazzling array of colors. Neon signs continue to captivate and inspire, maintaining their unique place in both commercial and artistic realms.
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