What Is The Difference Between PVC Vs Silicone LED Neon Flex?

Are you thinking which one to choose between PVC and silicone LED neon? Then, you should know that each one differs in features and uses.

Well, since silicone is strong and has a long lifespan, you can use it for long-term projects. On the other hand, PVC is moderately durable and affordable. 

Therefore, they have different advantages, and which one to pick is up to you and your requirements. Below, I have described both of the materials in detail; check them out–

What Is The Material Of LED PVC Neon Flex Light? 

PVC neon flex is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is flexible, durable, and known for its weather resistance and insulation properties. Besides, it mimics the look of traditional glass neon but is safer, more energy-efficient, and easier to install. The PVC casing protects the internal LED strip from moisture, UV rays, and impact. Therefore, you can use it both indoors and outdoors. 

Unlike fragile glass neon, PVC neon flex is bendable. This way, you can create unique shapes and lettering. It’s widely used in signage, architectural lighting, and decorative applications. With low maintenance, PVC neon flex offers a cost-effective alternative to classic neon lights.

What Is The Material Of LED Silicone Neon Flex Lights?

Silicone neon flex is an LED lighting solution made from durable silicone material. This light is designed to offer conventional neon lights. And it offers bright, consistent illumination while being safer, more energy efficient, and easier to install. 

Besides, silicone flex provides excellent UV, water, heat, and chemical resistance. Therefore, you can use this lighting in architectural accents and creative lighting designs. Available in various colors and shapes, silicone neon flex is bendable and cuttable. Also, it allows for custom designs with minimal maintenance and a long lifespan, often exceeding 30,000 hours.

Key Chart Of Comparison Between PVC Vs Silicone LED Neon Flex

Features	PVC LED Neon Flex	Silicone LED Neon Flex
Material	Polyvinyl Chloride (harder, less elastic)	Silicone (softer, more elastic, durable)
Flexibility	Less flexible	Highly flexible; ideal for tight bends and intricate designs
Durability	Can become brittle and fade under UV exposure	Durable and resists yellowing, cracking, and deformation
Heat Resistance	Lower heat resistance	Withstands extreme temperatures
UV Resistance	Tends to fade and degrade in sunlight	Excellent UV resistance
Light Diffusion	Less uniform light output	Produces vibrant, consistent colors
Weather Resistance	Suitable for outdoor use, but degrades over time	Ideal for outdoor and harsh environments
Lifespan	Shorter lifespan	Longer lifespan
Cost	Affordable, cost-effective	Expensive

Main Differences Between PVC Vs Silicone LED Neon Flex 

Here, I have deeply described the distinction between the two materials. For instance–

Performance

In terms of performance, silicone LED neon flex outperforms PVC in UV resistance and color retention. This way, it maintains brightness and structural integrity over time. Also, this material performs better in extreme temperatures and outdoor environments, so you can use it in any outdoor lighting projects. 

Meanwhile, PVC flex can degrade under prolonged sunlight, leading to discoloration and brittleness. Hence, it is best to use it in indoor and mild outdoor spaces. 

Heat Dissipation

Silicone LED neon flex comes with excellent heat dissipation capabilities. And it can tolerate temperatures from 50°C to 150°C without deformation or aging. This way, silicone flex has superior thermal stability and can extend the lifespan of the LEDs in a harsh environment.

On the other hand, PVC neon has a narrower temperature range, which can be -15°C to 80°C. It is more prone to heat damage and leads to cracking and hardening.

Flexibility

Silicone neon is more flexible than PVC. It is easy to bend, shape around curves, and create complex designs. In contrast, PVC is stiffer mainly at low temperatures and may deform or become brittle with repeated bending. Therefore, more natural bending is the best option for silicone flex.

Durability

Silicone LED neon flex is more durable, resisting UV exposure, weathering, and mechanical stress. It doesn’t yellow or crack easily over time and maintains softness and impact resistance. Although durable, PVC flex tends to degrade faster outdoors, becoming brittle. And this is prone to damage from sunlight and environmental factors. For long-lasting, outdoor-safe LED strips, silicone is the more durable option.

Color Temperature

Both materials can support a wide range of color temperatures, but silicone provides better stability over time. And PVC can yellow slightly, especially in sun exposure, affecting the perceived color. While silicone keeps light tones true, whether warm white, cool white, or RGB.

Light Diffusion

Silicone provides softer, more even light diffusion. It minimizes hot spots and ensures a smooth glow, even with tight LED spacing. This is due to the material’s clarity and elasticity, which evenly disperse light. In comparison, PVC diffusion tends to be harsher, with visible light points unless densely packed. Due to its uniform diffusion properties, silicone is preferred for seamless, neon-like illumination.

Lifespan

Generally, silicone LED flex has a longer lifespan than PVC. It can run for five years in outdoor conditions without much degradation. However, PVC is vulnerable to heat, UV damage, and harsh surroundings. This way, it has shortened lifespan. 

Cost

PVC LED neon flex is more cost-effective, around $1.96-2.98 per meter, and suitable for budget-conscious projects. In comparison, silicone LED neon flex is more expensive, about $3.5-4.5 per Meter, due to its advanced material properties. However, the higher initial cost is offset by a longer lifespan, better performance, and suitability for outdoor and high-end applications. 

Which Is Better? PVC Neon Flex Vs Silicone LED Neon Flex?

Typically, silicone LED neon flex is better than PVC Neon Flex for most applications. The silicone features are superior flexibility, UV resistance, and durability in extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. 

Unlike PVC, which can become brittle and discolored under sunlight, it resists yellowing and cracking over time. Silicone also provides better waterproofing and is more environmentally friendly. However, PVC neon flex is cheaper and can suit temporary or budget projects. If you prioritize long-term performance and quality, silicone is the better choice. For short-term or indoor use, PVC is still a viable, cost-effective option.

Conclusion

As you can see, silicone is far better than PVC in terms of performance, durability, longevity, and more. So, selecting silicone neon flex can be your best option. However, if you have a low budget, consider choosing PVC.

If you want high-quality LED neon flex, contact Mylikeled. We have different types of neon flex to match unique consumer needs, and our customization option is also available. 

FAQs

Which is more durable PVC or Silicone LED Neon Flex?

Silicone LED Neon Flex is more durable than PVC because it offers superior resistance to UV rays, extreme temperatures, and weathering. Unlike PVC, it does not yellow or become brittle over time. PVC tends to fade and crack under prolonged sun exposure and harsh conditions. Also, silicone provides better impact resistance and a longer lifespan.

Can the PVC and Silicone LED Neon Flex be cut?

Yes, both PVC and Silicone LED Neon Flex can be cut to size. They typically have designated cutting points marked along the strip to ensure safe trimming. And cutting allows customization for specific installation lengths.