Neon Sign Cut to Shape Vs Cut to Letter: Which Style is Right for You?

If you’re looking to buy a new neon sign for your shop or your home, you may have come across these two styles: Cut to Shape neon sign and Cut to Letter neon sign.

You may be wondering which one of these is better for you considering your particular needs and requirements.

Here in this post, we’re going to look at what these styles exactly are, what benefits they provide, and where they look best. This is a comparison of neon sign Cut to Shape VS Cut to Letter.

Let’s get started.

Understanding the Styles: What is the Meaning of Cut to Shape and Cut to Letter?

Here is a brief definition and explanation of both sign styles.

If a sign is cut to shape, it means that the neon tubing has been cut into a background for the actual content of the sign, such as a backdrop for the text. The neon sign, in this case, is quite large and has a significant volume as it contains not only the text/image itself but it makes up all the surrounding parts as well.

On the other hand, if a sign is cut to letter, it means that the neon tubing has been cut to form the individual letters. There is a lot less mass in these types of signs as the neon tubes only show the letters. There is no neon sign backing.

Pros and Benefits: Neon Sign Cut to Shape Vs Cut to Letter

The best way to understand which sign is better for you is to look at the perks they both come with. Keep in mind: what one of these styles does good is what the other doesn’t.

Below, we have provided a quick overview of the pros of each style in a table. In the headings after that, we will talk about them in more detail.

Benefits of Cut to Shape Neon Signs

Let’s first talk about the neon signs that are cut to a broad and general shape instead of precisely down to the letters.

1.  Cut to Shape Neon Signs Are More Durable

Since these types of signs are cut to a big, continuous shape, they are more durable as compared to cut to letter signs. You don’t have to worry about the individual letters falling apart when the sign is hung or breaking easily when you’re bringing it in from the store.

Even if these signs get bumped around when they’re hanging, you don’t have to worry about them coming apart.

Thanks to this durability, you can stay relaxed in your mind all the time you have them installed.

2.  Cut to Shape Neon Signs Are Easier to Handle and Install

This is basically a branch-off from the previous benefit that we just mentioned.

Due to the large and uniform construction of these signs, they are easier to handle and install. The entire transportation and installation process is quick and simple, and you don’t have to make a constant effort to try and not break anything.

In Cut to Letter signs, you have to make quite elaborate arrangements on how to carry them to your home/office/shop and then have a few people with you to install them. It’s a bit of a hassle.

3.  Cut to Shape Neon Signs Give You More Customization Options

Cut to Shape neon signs give you more space to work with, which means you can have them customized in different shapes and sizes. You can add complex elements to the signs and make them really stand out from the rest.

On the other hand, with Cut to Letter signs, you don’t have a lot of customization options. If you want a really intricate design, they’re not very suitable because it can be impractical to have the tubing cut to exact and precise measurements and angles.

4.  Cut to Shape Neon Signs Give More Illumination

Since a Cut to Shape neon sign usually has a bigger body, it tends to give more illumination. This, of course, depends on how much neon tubing is present in the sign itself and what text/graphic it shows.

Cut to Letter signs, on the other hand, while aesthetic and visually pleasing, don’t give as much illumination. They will light up the space where they are installed, sure, but they won’t be as bright.

For many people, and in many usage scenarios, this could even be a good thing.

Benefits of Cut to Letter Signs

Now let’s talk about the benefits of Cut to Letter neon signs.

1.  They Are *Very* Aesthetic and Stylish

As you will see in this list, the salient benefits of Cut to Letter neon signs aren’t as many as Cut to Shape signs, but whatever few there are, are quite awesome.

The first one of those benefits is that these signs can look very aesthetic and stylish, in a way that Cut to Shape signs just can’t. When installed, the detached and stand-alone look of the letters floating in midair can add style to any room and space.

Due to the way they’re made, these signs can go well with all types of rooms, whether it’s a bedroom in your house or a meeting room in your office. They can also look good for all types of signs, whether it’s one to welcome visitors to your home or one to tell your customers when your shop is closed or open.

Cut to Letter signs are very minimalistic, and they don’t overbear the appearance of the room. Their presence is subtle—they fade away in the background if you’re not focusing but when you look at them, they look outstanding.

This one benefit of Cut to Letter signs alone weighs out two or three of the ones that we mentioned for Cut to Shape signs.

2.  They Are Affordable and Less Expensive than Cut to Shape Signs

Cut to Letter signs use up less materials than Cut to Shape. Due to this, they are not as expensive.

Their affordability can be a major factor for a lot of people. Especially business customers. If you’re looking to buy a whole bunch of different neon signs for an office building, you can save money if you go for Cut to Letter rather than Cut to Shape.

Another factor to consider, when it comes to costs, is that since Cut to Letter signs are smaller and usually have lesser illumination, they won’t use up the same amount of electricity as Cut to Shape. For one or two signs, the difference may be negligible but it could count for a bigger setup.

3.  Cut to Letter Signs Can Be Made and Customized Quicker

These signs can be made/manufactured more quickly than Cut to Shape signs. They use less materials and generally have fewer details involved. This is the same reason why they are affordable.

Usually, time is not the biggest concern for people who are buying neon signs. But there are some exceptions. For example, if there is an event coming up and you need the signs made quickly, you can go for Cut to Letter.

Which Sign is Best for You? Cut to Letter or Cut to Shape?

Now that we’ve talked about the comparison of neon sign Cut to Shape VS Cut to Letter, let’s talk about which sign is best for you.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Budget: First things first, and that’s the budget. If you have a tight budget and need to buy something affordable, you should go for a Cut to Letter sign instead of Cut to Shape. As explained above, these signs are usually less costly. On the other hand, if you have a loose budget and no qualms about spending money, then you can go with either one. (In that case, you can make your decision based on the other factors that we’ve mentioned below.)
• Area of installation: The area/spot where you want to install the sign also decides which type is better for you. In places like restaurants, cafes, and shops in general, looks are of the essence. It is better to go for a Cut to Letter sign in areas like this. The not-so-bright aesthetic sign can improve the looks of the place. On the other hand, for homes and offices, where the contents of the sign matter more than how it looks, it is better to go for Cut to Shape
• Complexity of the design: For complex and customized designs, it is better to go with Cut to Shape signs as they are sturdier and give more space to work. For simpler text-based signs, Cut to Letter can be better.

Final Thoughts

Both Cut to Shape and Cut to Letter signs are excellent in their own regard, and they are both suitable for different situations.

In the post above, we’ve talked in detail about each sign’s pros and benefits. We also mentioned how you can choose the best one for yourself based on your budget, the area where you want to install the sign, and the complexity of the design that you want to have the sign show.