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.