Custom Waterproof Neon Signs for Outdoor and Patio Spaces
Custom waterproof neon signs for outdoor and patio spaces are IP67-rated LED neon signs designed for exposure to rain, sun, wind and changing temperatures.
Echo Neon has been creating waterproof outdoor signs since 2015.
Indoor neon signs are not designed for permanent outdoor exposure. If a sign will be installed outside where the weather can reach it, it needs suitable outdoor construction.
The most common outdoor designs include:
- Personalised family name signs for patios
- Pool area signs
- Outdoor bar and BBQ signs
- Welcome signs for front verandahs and entryways
- Garden wall features
Outdoor neon also behaves differently during daylight and after dark.
A sign that has a strong glow in the evening will naturally appear less luminous in direct Australian sunlight, so brightness, colour and placement all need to be considered before ordering.
This page covers where outdoor neon signs are commonly installed, how they perform in sunlight and after dark, what IP67 weatherproof construction means in practice, how to size and mount signs outdoors, and the types of outdoor spaces Echo Neon creates signs for.
To browse other use cases, see all our shop by use case options.
Steps to get your custom neon logo
Design your piece
Looking for a graphic-based neon sign? Upload your file and drop us a line about its size, color, and how soon you need it.
Get your quote
Uploaded? Sit back, and relax. our team will jump right in and transform it into a proof ready for your approval within 24 hours.
Confirm your design
Once you're happy with your proof, just make the payment with our secure invoice and then the magic begins! Your handcrafted neon art will be ready to ship within one week.
Front door delivery
Enjoy free worldwide delivery for all custom neon sign orders! When it comes to the packaging, we don’t mess around with your neon art piece! It will be packed with protective bubble wrap in a sturdy cardboard box or custom wooden case ready for adventure.
Create a Custom Neon Sign
-
Learn moreDots will be represented as short lines. -
Font
Learn moreRGB Color is Not Available for Egypienne font. -
Color -
White tube when off
Colored tube when off
True ColorSize (Height of each line) :
The sign width will be proportional to the chosen font and word spacingW×H(approx.): 0.00cm × 0.00cm 0.00in × 0.00in
Free 3M Command Strips
For best results, we recommend using at least one pair of Command Strips per foot of width.
Free Standard Screws
Production Time: 1-2 weeks
Steps to get your custom neon logo
Design your piece
Looking for a graphic-based neon sign? Upload your file and drop us a line about its size, color, and how soon you need it.
Get your quote
Uploaded? Sit back, and relax. our team will jump right in and transform it into a proof ready for your approval within 24 hours.
Confirm your design
Once you're happy with your proof, just make the payment with our secure invoice and then the magic begins! Your handcrafted neon art will be ready to ship within one week.
Front door delivery
Enjoy free worldwide delivery for all custom neon sign orders! When it comes to the packaging, we don’t mess around with your neon art piece! It will be packed with protective bubble wrap in a sturdy cardboard box or custom wooden case ready for adventure.
Create Your Own Glass Neon Sign
-
Learn moreDots will be represented as short lines.
-
Font
-
Color -
White tube when off
Colored tube when off
Size (Height of each line):
The sign width will be proportional to the chosen font and word spacingW×H(approx.):
0.00cm × 0.00cm
0.00in × 0.00in
Backboard:
Choose Cable Color:
Production Time: 2-3 weeks
How to Order Your Outdoor Sign
Ordering a custom outdoor neon sign comes down to three steps and one critical requirement.
1. Design
First, design your sign.
Use the custom sign builder to enter your text, choose a font and colour, and set the size. The builder provides a live preview as you adjust the design.
For logos, images or more detailed artwork, upload your file or contact our design team.
2. Production
Second, we produce the sign.
Production typically takes one to three weeks, depending on design complexity and current order volume.
3. Delivery
Third, the sign ships.
Standard shipping is free on all orders.
The critical requirement is simple:
If the sign will be installed outdoors, specify outdoor IP67 weatherproof construction when ordering.
A standard indoor sign is not designed to handle permanent exposure to rain, sun, humidity and other outdoor conditions.
Before ordering, also decide where the nearest suitable outdoor power point is and how the cable will run safely from the sign to the power source.
For day-to-night brightness control, add a dimmer during the ordering process.
Outdoor neon signs also make personalised gifts for occasions such as:
- Housewarmings
- Birthdays
- Father's Day
- Christmas and other celebrations
Start with the custom sign builder to create your outdoor sign, or browse our pre-made designs for ready-to-ship options.
Where Outdoor Signs Go
Outdoor sign placement depends on the space, mounting surface and level of exposure to weather.
The patio wall is the most common outdoor location.
A personalised family name, welcome message or entertaining phrase can help anchor the outdoor living area.
A covered patio with a solid roof overhead gives the sign additional protection from direct rain and sun while keeping it visible from the seating and entertaining area.
An uncovered patio can also use neon, but the sign should have IP67 outdoor construction because it will be exposed directly to the weather.
The pool area and poolside wall is another popular location.
Pool signs may face:
- Water splash
- Sprinkler overspray
- High humidity
IP67 LED construction is designed for these conditions.
Even so, the sign should be mounted above the main splash zone where possible, on a suitable fence, column or pool-house wall.
Popular designs include pool rules, fun pool phrases and family name signs.
The outdoor bar and BBQ area can also have its own sign.
Common options include:
- Personalised bar names
- BBQ phrases
- Outdoor kitchen signs
Position the sign above or beside the cooking and serving area where it remains visible without interfering with food preparation.
The deck and pergola area can range from partially sheltered to fully exposed.
A sign positioned beneath a solid pergola roof receives better protection from direct rain and sun.
An open deck still requires IP67 LED construction.
A fully covered pergola with a solid roof is one of the few outdoor-style environments where traditional glass neon may be considered, provided direct weather cannot reach the sign.
The front verandah or entryway works well for:
- Welcome signs
- Family names
- Address signs
A covered verandah provides additional weather protection.
Where the entry is exposed to rain and sun, use outdoor-rated IP67 LED.
Garden walls and fence lines generally use smaller accent signs.
These positions often sit lower than patio signage and may receive full weather exposure, particularly on open fencing.
IP67 construction is required, with around 18–30 inches (46–76 cm) generally working well for this scale.
Exterior house walls can use neon for building identification, address signage or decorative accents. For commercial building exterior signage, see our storefront neon signs page.
These positions often receive full sun, wind and rain, making IP67 LED the practical format.
Size the sign according to the wall and the distance from which it needs to be viewed.
Day and Night: How Outdoor Signs Look in Sunlight vs After Dark
Outdoor neon has two very different visual modes.
Understanding that difference is important before choosing the colour, brightness and placement.
During daylight, the sign competes with natural sunlight.
Direct sun makes the illuminated glow less noticeable, so the sign may appear more like coloured acrylic wall art than a strongly glowing neon feature.
That is normal for an illuminated sign viewed in bright daylight.
The sign remains visible and decorative; the glow simply becomes less dominant.
At dusk, the effect begins to change.
As ambient light drops, the neon becomes increasingly visible.
After dark, the sign reaches its strongest visual impact, with the glow becoming one of the main features of the outdoor space.
Colour also affects daytime visibility.
Bolder colours such as:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
generally retain stronger visual presence during daylight than warm white or softer pastel shades.
If the sign needs to remain noticeable during afternoon gatherings or daytime entertaining, a stronger colour can be useful.
If the main purpose is evening dining, pool nights or entertaining after sunset, warm white and softer colours work well because their glow becomes much more noticeable as daylight fades.
A dimmer can also help manage the transition from day to night.
You may choose a higher brightness level around dusk while the sign is still competing with ambient light, then reduce it once the surroundings are fully dark and the neon no longer needs maximum output.
IP67 Weatherproof: What It Means and What It Does Not
IP67 is the weatherproof rating used in the US source for Echo Neon’s outdoor LED signs.
In practical terms, an IP67-rated enclosure is designed to provide complete protection against dust ingress and protection against temporary water immersion under the conditions defined by the rating.
For outdoor neon use, this means the sign is designed to handle conditions such as:
- Rain
- Pool splash
- Sprinkler overspray
- Humidity
- Condensation
- Moisture from fog and dew
It does not mean the sign can be installed permanently underwater.
Do not install the sign inside a swimming pool, spa or fountain.
The weatherproof rating also needs to be considered as part of the complete installation, not only the LED sign itself.
The power supply and connections used outdoors need to be suitable for the environment, while cables should be routed so they remain away from standing water and pedestrian traffic.
For Australian installations, outdoor electrical equipment should be used in accordance with its intended weatherproof rating, and electrical equipment used around wet environments should be connected through appropriate RCD protection. Queensland electrical safety guidance also recommends keeping cords and connections off the ground where they could contact water or become a trip hazard.
In practical terms:
- Use an appropriate outdoor-rated power point and power supply
- Keep connections protected from weather
- Route the cable along the wall, through suitable conduit or behind the mounting surface where appropriate
- Keep cords away from pooled water and normal walking paths
An IP67 sign does not make an unsafe electrical connection weatherproof.
The sign construction and the electrical installation both need to suit the outdoor environment.
Sizing and Mounting for Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor neon signs are usually viewed from farther away than indoor signs, so sizing needs to account for distance as well as wall space.
Patio and backyard wall signs generally work well at 30–48 inches (76–122 cm).
This size range keeps the sign visible from across the patio, seating area and surrounding yard without overwhelming the wall.
Pool area signs also typically work at 30–48 inches (76–122 cm).
Even though IP67 construction is designed to handle splash exposure, the sign should still be mounted above the main splash zone where possible.
The sign should remain easy to see from both the pool and nearby seating or lounging areas.
Front verandah and entryway signs generally work at 24–36 inches (61–91 cm).
Popular options include:
- Welcome signs
- Family name
- Address signs
Outdoor bar and BBQ area signs usually work at 20–36 inches (51–91 cm).
These signs can sit above the bar, cooking area or serving zone without dominating the rest of the outdoor setup.
Garden and fence signs generally work at 18–30 inches (46–76 cm).
These are smaller accent signs designed for lower mounting heights and more compact garden-scale spaces.
Exterior house wall signs should be sized according to the building and the viewing distance.
For residential applications, 36–60 inches (91–152 cm) is a practical starting range.
Larger commercial exterior signs may require different dimensions depending on the building frontage and viewing distance.
Outdoor mounting surfaces vary considerably, so the fixing method needs to match the material.
Echo Neon signs include pre-drilled holes in the acrylic backboard.
For common outdoor surfaces:
- Brick: use suitable masonry anchors or masonry screws
- Stone: use appropriate masonry anchors
- Rendered or stucco-style walls: use fixings suitable for the wall construction
- Timber fencing: use suitable exterior screws
- Cladding or siding: use appropriate mounting hardware for the material
- Concrete block: use concrete anchors
Outdoor signs also need to be secured against wind.
Unlike an indoor sign, an exterior installation may experience wind lift and lateral movement, so the fixings need to suit both the wall material and the exposure of the location.
LED for Outdoor. Glass for Covered Spaces Only
For exposed outdoor installations, IP67 LED neon is the required format.
Traditional glass neon is not IP67-rated and is not suitable for direct exposure to rain, wind, temperature changes or other outdoor conditions.
Glass neon can only be considered in fully covered outdoor-style spaces where direct weather cannot reach the sign.
Suitable examples include:
- Under a solid pergola roof
- Inside a fully protected verandah
- Beneath a deep covered patio with a solid overhead structure
- Inside a gazebo
In these environments, traditional glass neon can add the warmer, handcrafted character that LED does not reproduce in exactly the same way.
The key point is fully covered.
A pergola with open slats that allow rain to pass through does not provide enough protection for traditional glass neon.
If there is any doubt about whether the sign may be exposed to rain or other direct weather, choose IP67 LED.
Echo Neon manufactures both formats, but the installation environment determines which one is suitable. To learn more about hand-bent neon, see our glass neon process.
Outdoor Spaces We Build Signs For
Different outdoor spaces have different weather exposure, mounting surfaces and signage requirements.
Patios and Covered Outdoor Living Areas
Patios and covered outdoor entertaining areas are the most common outdoor locations for neon signs.
Popular designs include:
- Family name signs
- Welcome signs
- Entertaining phrases
A covered patio provides additional protection from direct rain and sunlight and may help reduce long-term weather exposure.
An uncovered patio requires IP67 LED construction.
Where the patio has a solid roof and the sign is completely protected from direct weather, traditional glass neon may also be considered.
Pool Areas and Poolside Spaces
Pool areas combine water splash, humidity and outdoor exposure.
IP67 LED is the practical format for these environments.
Mount the sign above the main splash zone on a suitable:
- Fence
- Column
- Pool-house wall
Popular designs include:
- Pool rules
- Fun pool phrases
- Family names
The sign should remain clearly visible from both the water and nearby seating areas.
Outdoor Bars and BBQ Areas
Outdoor bars and BBQ spaces often use signage to give the cooking or serving area its own identity.
Popular options include:
- Personalised bar names
- BBQ phrases
- Outdoor kitchen signs
Where the area is exposed to weather, use IP67 LED.
Position the sign so it remains visible without sitting too close to heat, smoke or cooking equipment.
For deeper bar signage guidance, see our pub and nightclub neon signs page.
Decks and Pergolas
Decks and pergolas can range from fully exposed to well protected.
A solid pergola roof provides better protection from direct rain and sun.
An open deck or pergola with gaps overhead still faces full outdoor conditions and requires IP67 LED.
Traditional glass neon should only be considered where the space has a solid roof and no direct rain can reach the sign.
Front Verandahs and Entryways
Front verandahs and entry areas work well for:
Popular options include:
- Welcome signs
- Family names
- Address numbers
A covered verandah provides additional weather protection.
An uncovered entrance requires IP67 LED construction.
The sign often becomes one of the first visual features visitors see as they approach the home.
Gardens and Fence Lines
Garden and fence signs are usually smaller decorative features.
Fence-mounted signs commonly face full weather exposure, so IP67 LED is required.
A size of around 18–30 inches (46–76 cm) generally suits the scale of most garden or fence placements.
After dark, the sign can add a visible glow to landscaping and outdoor entertaining areas.
Exterior House Walls
Exterior house walls can use neon for:
- Address signage
- Building identification
- Decorative features
These positions usually face direct sun, rain and wind.
IP67 LED is therefore the practical format.
Size the sign according to the wall dimensions and how far away it needs to be read, whether that is from the driveway, front path or surrounding outdoor area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, provided it is manufactured specifically for outdoor use.
For exposed outdoor installation, choose IP67 weatherproof LED construction.
Standard indoor neon signs are not weatherproof and should not be permanently installed outside.
IP67 outdoor construction is designed to handle conditions including:
- Rain
- Dust
- Splash
- Humidity
- Condensation
Specify the outdoor requirement during the ordering process rather than placing an indoor sign outside later.
IP67-rated LED neon is designed to handle rain, pool splash, sprinkler overspray and humid outdoor conditions.
It is not designed for permanent submersion.
Around swimming pools, mount the sign above the main splash zone where practical, even though the outdoor construction is designed to handle incidental water exposure.
The power supply and electrical connection also need to be appropriate for outdoor conditions.
For Australian installations, use a suitable weatherproof outdoor power point with appropriate RCD/safety-switch protection and keep connections away from standing water.
Outdoor neon is less visually luminous in direct sunlight than it is after dark.
Bolder colours such as:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
generally retain stronger daytime visibility than warm white or softer shades.
As daylight fades, the neon glow becomes increasingly noticeable, with the sign reaching its strongest visual impact after dark.
If daytime visibility is important for afternoon entertaining or pool use, a stronger colour is generally the better choice.
Typical sizing includes:
- Patio and backyard: 30–48 inches (76–122 cm)
- Pool area: 30–48 inches (76–122 cm)
- Front verandah and entry: 24–36 inches (61–91 cm)
- Outdoor bar and BBQ area: 20–36 inches (51–91 cm)
- Garden and fence: 18–30 inches (46–76 cm)
The final size should be based on both the available wall space and the viewing distance.
Outdoor signs are often viewed from farther away than indoor signs, so a design that looks large at close range can appear much smaller from across the yard or pool area.
Outdoor neon signs can be installed on a range of suitable surfaces.
Typical mounting approaches include:
- Brick: masonry anchors
- Stone: masonry anchors
- Rendered or stucco-style walls: fixings appropriate for the wall construction
- Timber fencing: exterior screws
- Cladding: appropriate mounting hardware for the material
- Concrete block: concrete anchors
Echo Neon signs include pre-drilled holes in the acrylic backboard.
Outdoor fixings should also account for wind exposure, not just the weight of the sign itself.
The electrical connection needs to be suitable for outdoor use.
Use an appropriate weatherproof outdoor power point and keep the connection protected from rain, pooled water and other outdoor exposure.
For an Australian installation, appropriate RCD/safety-switch protection should form part of the outdoor electrical setup.
Route the cable:
- Along the wall
- Through suitable conduit where appropriate
- Behind the mounting surface where possible
The sign itself may have IP67 construction, but the power connection also needs to suit the outdoor environment.
Traditional glass neon is not suitable for exposed outdoor installation.
It does not have the same IP67 weatherproof construction as outdoor LED neon and should not be exposed directly to rain, wind or changing weather conditions.
Glass neon can only be considered in a fully covered and protected area, such as:
- Beneath a solid pergola roof
- Inside a fully protected verandah
- Inside a gazebo
- Under a deep covered patio
The important point is that direct weather must not reach the sign.
For any exposed outdoor location, choose IP67 LED neon.
LED neon flex is rated in the US source for approximately 40,000 hours of operation.
At around 8–12 hours per day, the source estimates this at roughly 9–14 years of use.
Actual service life depends on factors such as:
- Daily operating hours
- Direct sunlight
- Weather exposure
- Installation environment
A covered location may reduce UV and direct weather exposure compared with a fully exposed installation.
Outdoor signs left operating for longer periods each day will reach their rated operating hours sooner.
Yes.
Popular personalised outdoor gift designs include:
- Family name signs
- Welcome signs
- Pool area signs
- Outdoor bar signs
They can work well for:
- Housewarmings
- Father’s Day
- Birthdays
- Christmas and other celebrations
If the recipient intends to install the sign outdoors, make sure outdoor IP67 construction is specified when ordering.
A personalised sign built for the actual installation environment can become a lasting feature of the outdoor entertaining space.
Build a Sign That Works Outside
Custom waterproof neon signs can give patios, backyards, pool areas and outdoor entertaining spaces their own identity after dark.
Echo Neon makes IP67 weatherproof LED neon for exposed outdoor conditions, while traditional glass neon is reserved for fully covered spaces where direct weather cannot reach the sign.
That might mean:
- A personalised family name on the patio wall
- A fun phrase beside the pool
- A custom bar sign above the BBQ area
Since 2015, Echo Neon has created outdoor signs for:
- Patios
- Pool areas
- Decks and pergolas
- Front verandahs
- Gardens and fence lines
- Outdoor bars
- Exterior house walls
The most important decision happens before production:
If the sign is going outside, specify outdoor IP67 construction when ordering. Indoor signs are not designed for permanent outdoor exposure
Start designing your custom outdoor neon sign with Echo Neon, or explore other neon sign applications to find the right option for your space.
