A simulated neon sign according to the present invention satisfies this need
. Such a simulated neon sign comprises a frame, non-neon internal lighting means such as fluorescent or incandescent lighting within the frame, and a special front plastic panel. The front plastic panel, which is held by the frame, has an outer face that comprises outwardly projecting indicia and a non-projecting region. The non-projecting region is substantially opaque to light from the internal lighting means while the indicia are translucent. This is accomplished by applying a first pigmented translucent coating to the indicia so that light from the lighting means can pass through the indicia and pick up color from the pigment. There is an additional pigmented coating on the non-projecting region of the panel adjacent to the indicia. The additional coating is of substantially the same color as the first pigmented coating so that it appears that light from the lighting means passing through the indicia is refracted off the opaque non-refracted region. The purpose of this is to simulate the halo effect of neon lights. This additional coating is preferably applied by air brushing.
The simulated neon sign lends itself to easy manufacture. The plastic panel with its projecting indicia can be formed by vacuum forming a plastic sheet. The indicia are then masked with masking means. An opaque coating is applied to the non-projecting region but not the indicia, the indicia being protected by the masking means. The masking means is then removed from the indicia, the first pigmented translucent coating is applied to the indicia, and then additional pigmented coating is applied to the non-projecting region over the opaque coating immediately adjacent to the indicia. Generally the first pigmented coating and the additional "halo" coating are applied simultaneously with an air brush.
Although the neon sign has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.