How To Make A Graphic LED Sign!
In this video, I go through the steps and materials it takes to make a backlit sticker sign. Very easy process and beginners welcome! Please reach out with any questions!
Video sponsors: @MidwestOutdoorExperience and StickerGeek in Union, Missouri. Thanks guys!
Materials and tool links:
White 7328 Acrylic Sheet: https://amzn.to/3GmweRH
LED Neon: I mostly use 8x16mm 12V Neon Flex made by Topatom Neon from The Vasten Store on Amazon. It diffuses the light better than thin 6x12mm neon flex, and is easy to work with.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3vgRNwf
Clips for LED Neon:
For straight lines and hard corners, I use these clips. Again, the link is for 8x16mm.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3x7oj6n
Screws for mounting clips:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3IRjodI
Back Lighting Adhesive LED’s:
LINK: https://amzn.to/38A1sGx
Wire for soldering lights:
24 Gauge wire seems to work best. The silicone coating makes it much more flexible than pvc coated wire.
LINK:https://amzn.to/3J8YPI5
Solder:
Thin solder will melt quicker and make attaching the wires easy.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3JeDGMy
Heat Shrink:
Heat shrink is used when connecting the wires on the back of the sign. Makes for a strong dependable connection. I use clear for the back of the sign, and black for the power chord.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3uQ5fGQ
*****Dimmer Switch:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3jqEhk9
Power Adapter:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3DM5bwc
Wire to Extend Power Adapter Chord:
The length of the power adapter chord makes it difficult to power the sign from a low outlet. I use this wire to extend it.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3M1agUj
TOOLS
Jig Saw Blade:
To cut the glass, I use a jigsaw. The blades are important; too many teeth won’t cut as quickly, and a dull blade with melt the glass as it cuts. This is the blade I’ve found to be best.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3DLivR6
T Shank Jig Saw:
LINK:https://amzn.to/3j6zOmi
Flap Disc:
To clean up the edges after a cut, I use a 120 grit flap disc on a grinder. You could also use files and sandpaper, if you don’t have a grinder. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the glass.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3JefaLN
Grinder:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3udv1WL
Drill bits:
This is the size drill bit I use to pre-drill the glass for the screws. 3/32
LINK: https://amzn.to/3JcsSyA
For Mounting holes, and holes to run the wires behind the sign, I use several sizes of drill bits. I’ve found a step bit works best and covers everything.
LINK:https://amzn.to/3ubDA4b
Drill:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3JeNxSJ
Phillips Bits for Mounting Screws:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3uanvLZ
Soldering Iron:
LINK:https://amzn.to/3j76A6H
Wire Strippers:
LINK: https://amzn.to/3uWUaE5
Utility Knife:
LINK: https://amzn.to/37k96UP
Heat Gun:
A lighter will work, but you will risk burning the heat shrink. Heat gun is very helpful.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3Kqxhze
Hose Cutters:
The hose cutters make cutting the neon very quick, easy, and accurate. The utility knife will cut the neon just fine if you just want to start with it. You can always add the hose cutters later.
LINK: https://amzn.to/35OaMpa
Additional Plugs:
The LED’s come with one female plug, and the power adapter comes with one male plug. Here are more if you need them.
LINK: https://amzn.to/3j776Sb