What do I do if my sign doesn't light when I receive it?
First make sure that you have it plugged in completely to any wall outlet. Do not use an extension chord for testing. Can you see any light through the hole in the box? If yes, then it is ok to take your sign out and hang it. If no then you want to make sure an contact Austin Neon within the 24 hours (one business day) that is stated on the paperwork.
The letters or logo in my sign looks like there is a wavy line running through part of the neon.
That is not unusual and it happens with certain colors of neon sometimes. Just leave it plugged in constantly for 2-3 days and the wavy line should rectify itself within that time period.
What size letters should I get on my neon sign?
Some of the decision is based on the amount of letters you want on your sign and the size of the backing that we will be using. The taller the letter, the wider the letter which will restrict some signs from being too small if a lot of text is required on the sign. General rule of thumb is 4" letters can general fit 12 letters across the backing. 5" 11 & 6" 10. The next thing you want to consider is the distance from you to the passing traffic. 5-6" letters can be seen up to 200 feet away. So paying for overly large letters isn't always best. Yes, it gets attention but it may not be necessary to incur the additional cost to get the job done just as effectively with smaller letters. We are happy to assist you with those decisions and discuss your options.
How long will my transformer last?
Like a car battery there is no absolute but as a rule of thumb they will last anywhere from 2-7 years. Some have been known to last far longer.
Can I get my sign to flash?
Yes, you can. However, you want to be aware that this will add to the cost of your sign. If you want the whole sign to flash that requires only one transformer. If you want only a portion of your sign to flash then it requires two transformers. Remember: Two different functions = two separate transformers.
What if I want my indoor sign to be used outdoors?
We can do that for you but the price for the outdoor sign will be different than it is for indoors. The reason is because we use an outdoor transformer, aluminum vs. acrylic backing, glass tube supports and a clear acrylic front to protect the neon from the elements, birds, rocks etc. We never recommend putting your indoor sign outdoors. The transformers cannot handle condensation or moisture of any kind. Should that get into your transformer it will stop working and any remaining warranty will be null and void.
