How A Beer Bar Neon Sign Works

Neon signs are a big deal in advertising, like TVs in pop culture. Bars, taverns, pubs, and restaurants love them. Hotels and entertainment spots use them to draw in customers. People are drawn to neon signs, even if they can't read them yet.

These signs are colorful and sometimes move. Even the simplest neon sign is more eye-catching than regular lights. They stand out in a crowd.

The neon lamp was first shown at the 1893 World's Fair. The 1910 Paris Expo had the first neon sign display. The first commercial neon sign was in 1912.

Since then, advertising has changed a lot. Neon signs caught the eye of pub and bar owners. Now, they're all about fun and entertainment.

Creating a neon sign starts with bending glass tubing. The glass is heated to shape the letters or designs. It then cools in its new form.

Electrodes are welded to the ends of the tubes. Vacuum pumps fill the tubes with gas. Neon signs can use neon, argon, helium, xenon, or krypton.

Applying voltage makes the gas glow. This creates the neon sign effect we know.

Different gases make different colors. Only inert gases are used to avoid reactions. Neon signs glow pink-red.

Argon signs are pale lavender. Adding mercury makes them ultraviolet. Phosphorescent coatings on the tubes create more colors.

Animated signs change by switching tubes on and off. It's not clear why someone trapped neon in glass and applied high voltage. But it started the neon sign era.