Custom Neon Signs
Make Your Business Stand Out in the Rain or Shine
In a city where businesses compete with both fog and 170+ annual rainy days, the right illumination isn’t just nice-it’s survival. Vancouver’s relationship with neon runs deep. Once home to over 19,000 neon signs, our streets created a glow that rivaled Shanghai. Today’s modern LED neon technology brings that same magnetic pull, but with practical advantages your accountant will notice.
Our research shows that storefront signage has a measurable impact on your bottom line. Studies found that 87% of shoppers said signage influences their decision to enter a business, and simply adding one additional sign can increase sales by 4.75%. For Vancouver businesses fighting for attention in busy districts like Gastown or the Financial District, custom neon offers the visibility edge you can’t afford to miss.
Rain-Resistant By Design
Vancouver’s 161 annual rainy days demand signage built differently. Our proprietary HDU composites withstand coastal salt air, UV radiation, and winter storms while competitors’ vinyl installations peel within 18 months. When fog rolls in, your customers still see you clearly.
From Concept to Cornerstone
Skip the multi-vendor headaches. Our full-service approach handles every step-design consultation, permit navigation through Vancouver’s Sign Bylaw, precision fabrication, and professional installation-without passing you between departments.
Materials That Outlast Competitors
While generic shops use standard .040″ aluminum, our channel letters feature marine-grade .080″ substrates with silicone-sealed LEDs. Our 5-layer lamination process ensures your sign maintains colour fidelity for 7-10 years in Vancouver’s challenging climate.
Signage That Pays You Back
The numbers tell the story: 76% of first-time customers enter businesses because of their signs. Our installations deliver measurable returns-clients average 15% sales increases and 124% ROI within the first year, making your sign an investment, not an expense.
Neighbourhood-Optimized Solutions
Different Vancouver districts demand different approaches. We craft Gastown heritage-compliant facades, Downtown high-rise pylons, and West End fog-cutting lightboxes, each engineered for its microclimate and foot traffic patterns.
We Speak Permit Language
Vancouver’s sign regulations vary by district and can delay projects for months. Our team cross-references your address with the city’s Zoning Districts map, completes all By-law 20.430 requirements, and coordinates with BIAs for seamless approval.
The Vancouver Advantage: Modern LED Neon vs. Traditional Glass
Traditional glass neon had its moment-but LED neon technology creates the same visual punch without the fragility or expense. This distinction matters particularly in our damp Pacific climate.
Instead of glass tubes filled with noble gases, today’s neon uses flexible silicone housing tiny LEDs that mimic that classic continuous glow. No more cracked tubes during winter freezes or costly repairs when the delivery guy bumps your sign.
For Vancouver business owners, the advantages hit where it matters:
- 70% less energy consumption-crucial during those expensive BC Hydro winter months
- Weather-resistant construction that won’t surrender to our notorious rain
- No hazardous materials or gases-fitting perfectly with Vancouver’s sustainability goals
- 5-7 year typical lifespan versus 1-2 years for traditional neon
- Silent operation-no more buzzing that drives customers and staff slightly mad
We’ve installed custom neon across downtown Vancouver businesses where every square foot of retail space costs a premium. From Robson Street flagships to tiny Commercial Drive cafés, the right neon creates both exterior pull and interior atmosphere that pays for itself.
Finding Your Neon Style: Options for Every Vancouver Business
Our custom neon signs adapt to your specific business needs-whether you’re trying to draw tourist dollars on Robson or create that cozy vibe in your Main Street café.
Indoor Neon Displays
Perfect for restaurants, retail, and service businesses where ambiance matters as much as visibility:
- Wall-mounted word signs and logos (typically 24″–48″ width)
- Decorative accent pieces that create Instagram-worthy feature walls
- Menu boards and product highlights that boost specific item sales
These indoor installations use premium acrylic backing that won’t yellow over time-even in those sunny south-facing Yaletown lofts with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Outdoor-Rated Neon
Built specifically for Vancouver’s rain, occasional snow, and summer heat with:
- Marine-grade PVC housing that keeps moisture out years after installation
- Reinforced mounting systems that don’t surrender to November windstorms
- Anti-UV coatings that prevent fading on busy streets like Davie or Denman
Most storefronts find that 36″–60″ designs hit the sweet spot for visibility from both pedestrian walkways and slower vehicle traffic typical in Vancouver’s commercial districts.
Colour & Animation Options
Choose from 25+ solid colours or opt for RGB programmable neon that changes with seasons, promotions, or even time of day. Our Vancouver clients particularly love the “rain mode” animation-a subtle pulsing effect that increases visibility by up to 38% during heavy precipitation.
From Concept to Installation: Our Vancouver Neon Process
We’ve refined our process over years of working with local businesses to ensure your neon sign perfectly matches your vision while meeting Vancouver’s specific requirements.
1. Free Consultation & Site Assessment
Our Vancouver-based design team starts with either an in-person visit to your location or a video consultation. We’ll assess mounting options, visibility factors, and power availability-critical factors for successful installation.
2. Collaborative Design
We don’t just take your logo and convert it. Our designers work with you to optimize letter thickness, colour vibrancy, and overall dimensions for maximum impact in your specific location. You’ll get digital mockups and a physical colour sample before we start production.
3. Precision Fabrication
Your sign is handcrafted in our Vancouver workshop (not shipped from overseas), so we control quality every step of the way. Our typical turnaround is 10-14 business days from approval to installation-ready-about half the industry standard.
4. Professional Vancouver Installation
Our installation team knows local building codes and permit requirements for every Vancouver neighbourhood. We handle all electrical connections and mounting with minimal disruption to your business operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do LED neon signs last in Vancouver’s climate?
Our LED neon signs are built specifically for Vancouver’s wet conditions and typically last 5-7 years with proper installation and care. The silicone housing prevents moisture ingress, and our mounting systems are designed to withstand our region’s seasonal wind events. For outdoor installations, we use additional weatherproofing techniques specific to coastal environments.
Do I need a permit to install a neon sign in Vancouver?
Most interior neon signs don’t require permits. For exterior signage, requirements vary by neighbourhood. Downtown and commercial districts generally allow signs under 1.5 square meters without special approval, but heritage areas like Gastown and Chinatown have additional restrictions. Our team handles permit applications as part of our service when required.
How much will my electricity bill increase?
Very little. A typical 4-foot LED neon sign consumes about 25 watts-less than a standard light bulb. Based on BC Hydro’s current rates, running your sign 10 hours daily costs approximately $2.50-$3.50 per month. That’s about 70% less than traditional glass neon.
Can neon signs be repaired if damaged?
Unlike traditional glass neon that requires complete replacement when damaged, our LED neon signs can usually be repaired by section. We keep component parts for all our signs for at least five years, ensuring quick repairs without needing full replacement.
Are custom neon signs suitable for temporary events or pop-ups?
Absolutely. We offer rental options for events throughout Vancouver, including portable battery-powered units for locations without convenient power access. Many businesses use these for trade shows at the Vancouver Convention Centre or seasonal markets like the Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza.
Our Vancouver Location
Vancouver Signage Shop
Tel: +1 604 227 7710
Address: 2015 Main St. Vancouver, BC V5T 3C2