Teach You How to Choose Good Quality LED Neon Signs? PVC vs. Acrylic

Recently, my website has seen a surge in inquiries about price disparities among neon sign vendors. Customers often wonder why similar-looking signs can vary significantly in cost. To help you make informed decisions and avoid overpaying,as a senior manufacturer of led neon lights with 5 years of experience,  I'll delve into the factors that influence neon sign pricing and provide insights into assessing quality.

Materials: The composition of neon lights is mainly composed of backboard and led light strip. Higher-grade materials, such as durable acrylic backing and energy-efficient LED strips, tend to be more expensive. The material of the backing is one of the biggest costs.

We dives into the two most common backing materials for neon signs: PVC and Acrylic. We'll explore their key differences to help you choose the perfect fit for your next dazzling creation.

The Humble PVC 

• Material: Polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic plastic known for its affordability and versatility.
• Pros:
  • Cost-effective: PVC is the more budget-friendly option compared to acrylic.
  • Lightweight: Its lighter weight makes it easier to handle during installation, especially for larger signs.
  • Flexible: PVC offers some degree of flexibility, allowing for slight curves in the backing if needed.
• Cons:
  • Durability: While functional, PVC is less durable than acrylic. It can become brittle and crack over time, especially with prolonged sun exposure.
  • Clarity: While some clear PVC options exist, they often lack the crystal-clear transparency of acrylic.
  • Aesthetics: PVC's plastic appearance can detract from the overall polished look of a high-end neon sign.

The Enduring Acrylic

• Material: A transparent thermoplastic known for its exceptional clarity and strength.
• Pros:
  • Clarity: Acrylic boasts unmatched clarity, offering a near-glass-like view of the vibrant neon tubes.
  • Durability: Acrylic is significantly more durable than PVC. It's resistant to cracks, scratches, and sun damage, ensuring your sign shines brightly for years to come.
  • Aesthetics: Acrylic's clean and polished look enhances the visual appeal of your neon sign, creating a more high-end presentation.
• Cons:
  • Cost: Acrylic comes with a higher price tag compared to PVC.
  • Weight: Acrylic's heavier weight can make installation slightly more challenging for larger signs.
  • Flexibility: Acrylic is less flexible than PVC and not suitable for applications requiring bends or curves.

Making the Choice: Consider Your Needs

The ideal backing material depends on your specific needs and priorities:

• Budget: For a cost-effective option, PVC may be suitable.
• Durability: If long-lasting shine is a must, choose acrylic.
• Clarity: For a truly transparent look, acrylic reigns supreme.
• Aesthetics: For a high-end, polished look, acrylic is the way to go.
• Location: For outdoor signs, acrylic’s UV resistance and durability in various weather conditions make it the better choice.

Identifying PVC Neon Signs

If you encounter neon signs at remarkably low prices, chances are they're made from PVC. How to check whether your neon lights are made of PVC? If your neon lights are used for a period of time after receiving them, the back panel is easily scratched, yellowed, and easily broken, then it is made of PVC.

Whether you’re creating a sign for your business, home, or event, understanding the differences between PVC and acrylic backing can help you make a choice that enhances the beauty and functionality of your LED neon sign.