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Re: "Crackle Neon"


>  Well, we were just asked how much we charge for "Crackle" neon (where you

I tell the client - note we call them clients in this case, not customers
:-) upfront that I charge three times the normal rate and that there is no
guarantee on the life expectancy.  I also explain that I've had a good track
record but the 3X deal is simply because it can take that many times at
least, to get it right from the point of view of low heat and also just a
decent look.

The no guarantee seems harsh - but hey that's how it is.

>   I have a few questions for the experts out there.
>
>   Does anyone have much experience in "crackle" neon?  Does anyone know a way
>to guarantee a good "crackle"? (We had some problems getting a consistant
>crackle before.) How much more do you charge for crackle glass (since you need
>to put the glass inside)?

I agree with the suggestions already given for cleaning and baking.  There
are also some decent and clean glass beads normally intended for the furnace
pot.
Another way to control heat is to use self regulating solid states such as
the Allanson. But make sure that the tube's requirement is within the range
(3k-9k).

Another neat trick by way of Larry Albright is to use a single tube through
the middle of a larger tube and then fill the space between the two tubes
with cut tubulation tubing.  This technique eliminates a huge mass of
actually unnecessary junk in the middle.  i.e. you need far less filler
glass, much less gas, etc, etc. It also seems to help distribute the heat
more evenly both in the baking process and in the tube's life in general.

>
>    We're kind of hoping we DON'T get the job because of the problems involved

I like to think of this sort of thing not as a job but rather performance art.

On large scale projects - such as the 5 story high lightning bolts I did
here in NYC, I redirected the client toward my animating several circuits of
interwoven squiggling lines.  The price was not much different, I could
guarantee the work, and the effect is far more dramatic.

Kenny

Kenny Greenberg   Neon Artist, Scenic Specialist, Columnist - Internet World
c/o KRYPTON NEON 34-43 Vernon Blvd Long Island City, NY 11106
      Ph: 718-728-4450   Fx: 718-728-7206  Email: kenny@neonshop.com
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