An outdoor sign has to do two jobs. It needs to be seen from the street, and it has to survive rain, wind and humidity day after day. LED neon flex handles both well, but an outdoor sign is not simply an indoor sign hung outside. This guide covers what changes when a neon sign moves outdoors, so you can order the right build for a shopfront, café, bar, gym or event space.

What is an LED neon flex sign?

LED neon flex is a flexible LED tube that recreates the glow of traditional glass neon. Because it uses LEDs, it runs cool to the touch, uses far less energy than glass neon, and contains no toxic gases. It can be shaped into lettering, logos and artwork, which is why it has largely replaced glass neon for business signage.

Indoor build vs outdoor build

At The Neon Factory, every sign is made for where it will live:

• Indoor build is made for dry indoor spaces: shop interiors, bars, offices, studios and homes.
• Outdoor build uses IP67-rated LED neon flex, a waterproof dimmer and an outdoor power supply sized to the sign, so it can handle the heavy rain an outdoor sign will see.

Choose the Outdoor build for any sign that will be rained on, splashed, or installed somewhere permanently humid, even if it sits under an awning most of the time.

What IP67 does and does not mean

An IP rating describes how well a component is sealed against dust and water. IP67 means the LED neon flex itself is protected against dust and against temporary immersion. On a real sign, two points matter more than the number:

• The rating applies to the neon flex. The plug and power supply still need a dry, protected position, such as inside the building, in a weatherproof enclosure, or under cover.
• No sign should ever be submerged. Outdoor build means rain-ready, not underwater.

If you need the rating that applies to your exact build confirmed for a landlord, local authority or insurer, ask us and we will confirm it in writing.

Planning an outdoor sign: a quick checklist

1. Where will it be seen from? Measure the distance from the street or parking area. Signs read from further away need bigger lettering and simpler wording.
2. Day or night? LED neon is at its best from dusk onwards. If daytime visibility matters most, keep the design bold and high-contrast.
3. How exposed is the spot? Full weather means the Outdoor build. A covered entrance that still catches rain or spray also means the Outdoor build.
4. Where is the power? Plan where the power supply will sit so it stays dry and accessible, and how the cable will reach the sign.
5. What are you mounting to? Brick, render, glass and timber are all mounted differently. Have a qualified installer or electrician check the wall and the power connection.
6. Any approvals? Some landlords, shopping malls and local authorities have rules about exterior signage. Check before you order.

Design tips that work outdoors

• Keep it short. A business name, a single word like OPEN, or a simple logo reads better from the street than a long phrase.
• Pick a script that reads at a distance. Very thin or tightly joined scripts can blur together from across the road.
• Use contrast. Consider what is behind the sign. A bright sign on a busy, bright wall can disappear, while the same sign on a dark wall stands out.
• Use your logo. A well-known logo in light is one of the most effective ways to make a venue easy to find at night.

Why businesses choose LED neon for outdoor signage

• Energy efficient: LEDs use a fraction of the power of glass neon.
• Safer: minimal heat and no toxic gases.
• Low maintenance: no glass tubes to break and no gas to refill.
• Fully custom: lettering, logos and artwork made to your design.

Ready to plan your outdoor sign?

You can design your own sign, upload your logo or an image, or see more about our outdoor signs. If you are not sure whether your spot needs the Outdoor build, send us a photo of the location and we will help you choose. Looking for ready-made signs for a venue? Browse our business neon signs.