Alright, fellow DIY enthusiasts, wondering how to hang a neon sign without drilling? That dazzling neon is going to transform your decor into an Instagrammable backdrop or a hip haven. But the thought of ruining your walls by drilling holes gives you the heebie-jeebies. It could also be a rental and your landlord has strict rule not to be a handyman on their property.
Well, who said you have to drill holes when you hang neon sign on wall? We’ve crafted several simple and useful DIY methods of putting your neon on display without drilling any holes.
5 Simple Ways on How to Hang a Neon Sign Without Drilling
Since we’ve ruled out drilling, the only feasible methods to use involve using adhesive products, which if properly employed can hold a considerable amount of weight. So, let’s dive into it right away!
1. Using The Command Hook
First on the list are the almighty command hooks. Even though they may seem tiny, they can hold a surprising amount of weight without creating a mess when you decide to remove them from the wall. Follow these straightforward steps to hang your neon sign on the wall using command hooks.
Choose the right hook
Find out the weight of the neon sign and get command hooks with the rating that can support that much weight. You don't need to be thorough about it because most neon signs, especially by Oasis Neon Signs, are relatively light. But to be on the safe side, match the hook rating to the neon sign weight.
Clean the mounting surface
Clean the surface where you intend to stick the hooks by using rubbing alcohol. Sticking these hooks on even the faintest dust will easily ruin their adhesive strength. Also, don’t use wipes, sprays, bleach, or other household cleaning products as they will ruin the adhesive strength of the hooks.
Attach the hooks
Give the wall some time to air-dry before attaching the hooks. You also want to make sure that the hooks are level so your neon sign will be too. Use a spirit level to align the hooks.
Following the instructions, stick the hooks on the cleaned surface and give it an hour to bond properly.
Hang your neon sign
Now, gently place the neon sign on the firmly attached hooks. Voila! You’re now a DIY wizard!
Perhaps you’re wondering whether you can hang neon sign with command strips instead of hooks. Yes, you can. While the hooks often do a better job, the command strips can still do the job especially if the neon sign comes with a flat back and doesn’t weigh much.
If you decide to go with a command strip, don’t forget to check and match its rating against the weight of your neon.
2. Heavy-Duty Adhesive Strips
We’ve briefly talked about command strips. How are they different from heavy-duty adhesive strips? Well, as the name suggests heavy-duty adhesive strips are ideal for neon signs that pack a lot of weight. Just for your peace of mind, these strips offer a much better service and, therefore, are your best friend for heavy strips. Here’s a step-by-step process of hanging your neon signs using heavy-duty adhesive strips:
Find the right strips
Again, it’s important to match the weight of your neon sign against the rating of the strip. Go for top-notch brands such as 3M or Gorilla for total peace of mind.
Prep the wall
Same as with Command Hooks, you need to clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and ensure it’s free of dust and other foreign particles.
Level the strip
You wouldn’t want your neon sign to be misaligned on the wall. So use a spirit level and a pencil to mark aligned spots where you’ll apply the strips.
Apply the strips to the sign
Carefully peel the cover and stick the strips to the back of the neon sign. Press firmly for about a minute to ensure it’s properly stuck.
Mount the sign
Position the neon sign on the cleaned and marked wall surface and press firmly for three to five minutes. The mounting will eventually bond firmly to the wall after a couple of hours.
Heavy-duty adhesive strips offer a clean way to hang neon sign without cord showing. You can simply hide the cord behind the neon as you attach it to the strip, leaving only the power connector exposed.
3. Fishing Line: The Invisible Hanger
If you’re the type that fancies a more invisible and minimalist approach, the fishing line offers a clean nice way to hang neon sign without damaging the wall. It’s strong, barely leaves a trace, and is ingenious.
For this, you’re going to need a hand to help you safely tie the fishing line to the neon sign and then to the fixture. You could also use your ceiling, if it’s strong enough, to float your neon sign.
Find a sturdy anchor
Identify spots that can anchor the fishing line. It could be an existing fixture or a sturdy piece of furniture.
Tie the fishing line
Securely tie the line around the mounting points or hooks of your neon sign.
Hang the neon sign
With the second person holding the neon, tie one end of the line to the chosen anchor. While doing this, measure the hanging height to ensure it’s just right. Now, adjust and level the other end then tie it securely to the anchor.
Take a step back to admire your handiwork. Your dazzling neon sign is now a floating piece of modern art.
4. Brick Clips: Ideal for Exposed Brick
Is the spot where you intend to hang the neon sign composed of exposed brick walls? Brick clips got your back. Their mode of action is gripping onto the brick without drilling, and they give your space that perfect edgy, modern look. Here’s how to hang a neon sign without drilling using brick clips.
Find the right size of brick clips
Ensure the brick clips are of the correct size according to your bricks. Before placing your order, measure the bricks twice so you can place the order once.
Hook and hang
Find the perfect spot for hanging your neon and attach the clips to the bricks, ensuring they’re level and perfectly secured.
Hang your neon sign
Now, place the neon sign onto the clips. You don’t need to worry much about the weight since brick clips are pretty sturdy and can hold a decent amount of weight.
5. Suction Cups: Perfect for Smooth Surfaces
It’s not always that you’d want to hang a neon sign on the wall. Sometimes you’d want to hang it on the window. So, if the surface is smooth, such as glass, suction cups can do a decent job of hanging the neon sign without drilling. They’re easy to install and work like a charm.
Clean the surface
Use rubbing alcohol to clean the tile or glass surface and the suction cups thoroughly. Allow them some time to air dry naturally.
Attach your suction cups
Firmly press the suction cups against the cleaned surface, making sure they’re secured and moving around.
Hang your neon sign
Now, steadily attach the neon sign to the suction cups and make sure that the grip is firm enough to support the sign.
If done correctly, suction cups can support up to 90kg (about 200lbs) of weight. That’s more than enough to hold any neon sign from Oasis Neon Signs, which are not only dazzling but also lightweight.
6. Velcro: Perfect for Lightweight Signs
Dealing with a lightweight neon sign? You don’t need heavy artillery, for this, a simple Velcro will do the job perfectly. Velcro offers a simple way to hang neon signs without nails or any other tools. It works similarly to command strips and there’s no learning curve to using them. Plus, if you want to relocate the neon sign, all you’ll need to do is strip the Velcro off the surface.
Clean the surface
Use rubbing alcohol to clean the surface and ensure it’s free of contaminants that might weaken the adhesion. Allow some time to dry naturally.
Mark the surface with level marks
To avoid your neon sign being misaligned on the surface, use a spirit level to mark the aligned points where you’ll attach the Velcro.
Attach the Velcro
Remove the Velcro backing and stick it to the marked surface. Do the same for the other side and attach it to the back of the neon sign. Press firmly to bond.
Hang the neon sign
Now, attach your neon sign to the Velcro, ensuring it is held firmly in place.
How to Manage the Cords When Hanging Neon Signs
When you finally hang your neon sign without drilling holes, it certainly looks appealing, but there’s one problem; hanging cords and cables. So, how do you hang neon sign without cord showing? We’ve tackled the bigger chunk of the task, and now what’s left is minimal but still significant to give your installation that perfect clean look.
One of the most effective, but not so easy ways of hiding the cables is by routing them behind the walls. This will need some DIY skills, which not everyone can be good at, but if you can do it, the installation will be streamlined, clean, and elegant. If you want such finesse but don’t have the expertise, then it’s a good idea to engage a skilled installer.
Alternatively, you can do it yourself using raceway systems or electrical conduits, which come in different styles and colours to match your décor. Another option would be to use cable ties and clips to keep the wires tidy and organised. Cord covers come in handy when you want to hide any unsightly wires.
Where to Find Dazzling Lightweight Neon Signs in the UK
Now that you know several ways how to hang a neon sign without drilling, the next step would be to find where to source your neon signs. Oasis Neon Signs offers the most dazzling and lightweight neon signs in the UK. Choose from a variety of signs for all your applications, from weddings, birthdays, and Christmas, to Easter, Mother’s Day, and more.
If you have a unique design you’d like to bring to life, simply upload it here and Oasis Neon Signs will create a beautiful personalised neon sign for you. So, don’t hold yourself back, transform your spaces with the neon glow!