Installing Your Neon Sign the Right Way

Getting your neon sign on the wall seems simple — but doing it safely and securely takes a little planning. Whether you're hanging a lightweight LED neon piece or a heavier custom sign, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What You'll Need

  • Your neon sign with mounting hardware (usually included)
  • Drill and appropriate drill bits
  • Wall anchors (for drywall) or masonry anchors (for brick/concrete)
  • Screwdriver
  • Spirit level
  • Pencil for marking
  • Stud finder (optional but recommended)
  • Cable clips or conduit (for managing the power cord)

Step 1: Choose Your Location

Before you drill anything, hold the sign up against the wall and take a photo. Walk away, look at the photo, and assess the positioning. Consider:

  • Is there a power outlet nearby to avoid long trailing cables?
  • Is the sign at eye level or the intended viewing height?
  • Is it centered on the wall or aligned with furniture below it?

Step 2: Check the Wall Type

Identifying your wall type determines which fixings you need:

  • Drywall/plasterboard: Use hollow wall anchors if you can't find a stud. For heavier signs, always locate a stud with a stud finder.
  • Brick or concrete: Use masonry drill bits and masonry anchors. These walls hold weight well once properly anchored.
  • Timber/wood panels: Screw directly into the wood — no anchors needed.

Step 3: Mark Your Mounting Points

Hold the sign's backing plate or hanging bracket against the wall in your chosen position. Use a pencil to mark the exact hole locations. Use a spirit level across the marks to ensure the sign will hang straight — even a 2-degree tilt will be obvious once lit.

Step 4: Drill and Insert Anchors

Drill at your marked points using the correct bit for your wall type. Keep the drill straight and perpendicular to the wall. Insert your wall anchors by tapping them gently until they sit flush with the wall surface.

Step 5: Mount the Sign

Align the sign's mounting holes with your anchors and drive in the screws. Don't overtighten — snug is enough. Give the sign a gentle tug to confirm it's secure before stepping back.

Step 6: Manage the Power Cord

A dangling power cord ruins the look of even the most beautiful sign. Options for keeping cables tidy include:

  • Cable clips: Small adhesive or screw-in clips that guide the cord along the wall to the outlet.
  • Cable raceways: Paintable plastic channels that conceal the cord entirely.
  • Behind the wall: For a permanent installation, consider having an electrician run the cable in-wall to a new outlet directly behind the sign.

Step 7: Power On and Inspect

Plug in your sign and check the full length of the LED or gas tube for any dark spots, flickering, or uneven brightness. Stand back and confirm the sign is level and positioned exactly where you want it.

Safety Reminders

  • Never hang a sign near water sources without confirming it has an appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
  • Ensure the power adapter is not buried under insulation or covered — it needs airflow.
  • Do not hang signs from the power cable itself — always use the provided mounting hardware.
  • For large or heavy signs, always anchor into a wall stud or use multiple heavy-duty anchors.

With the right preparation, hanging a neon sign is a satisfying DIY project that takes under an hour. The result — a glowing, personalized piece of art — is absolutely worth the effort.