How to Make Nuka Cola LED Sign (Fallout Craft DIY)

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How to Make Nuka Cola LED Sign (Fallout Craft DIY)

If you’re a fan of the Fallout series or games, then you already know one thing for sure — the Nuka Cola logo deserves to glow.

There’s something about vintage-style neon signs that fits perfectly with that retro-futuristic Fallout aesthetic.

Instead of working with real glass neon (and the wiring stress that comes with it), I made an easy faux neon version using a battery-operated LED sign blank and my xTool S1 diode laser.

The result? A glowing Nuka Cola sign, worthy of Nuka Girl, that any fallout wastelander would proudly hang in their vault.

Be sure to check out the video tutorial too!

Instead of working with real glass neon (and the wiring stress that comes with it), I made an easy faux neon version using a battery-operated LED sign blank and my xTool S1 diode laser. The result? A glowing Nuka Cola sign, worthy of Nuka Girl, that any fallout wastelander would proudly hang in their vault. Be sure to check out the video tutorial too!

Supplies You’ll Need for Nuka Cola LED Sign:

affiliate links

Round scalloped LED sign blank (Walmart--I can't find these on their website anymore)
Plaid’s Martha Stewart Acrylic Craft Paint (Satin Finish – Red)
Baby wipes
xTool S1 diode laser
White acrylic sheet with black core
Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
Nuka Cola logo file sized to fit your sign (FREE FILE AT END OF POST)

OPTIONAL:

You could make the logo with a Cricut Machine and White Adhesive Vinyl instead of acrylic.

Step 1: Paint the Sign Base

Start by removing any protective film from your LED sign blank.

Paint the entire face of the sign red using Martha Stewart satin acrylic craft paint.

The satin finish gives a smooth surface and allows the light to glow beautifully once turned on.

While the paint is still wet, use a baby wipe to carefully remove any paint that gets onto the LED strip.

This keeps the light bright and crisp.

Allow the paint to dry completely before adhering the vinyl or acrylic.

Set it aside and work on the logo next.

Step 2: Cutting White Acrylic with a Diode Laser

Here’s the trick that makes this project work. **LIFE HACK**

Most diode lasers can’t cut white acrylic because they don’t react well with light-colored materials.

To solve that, I used white acrylic with a black core.

Since diode lasers cut dark materials effectively, this allows for a smooth and clean cut.

Step 2: Cutting White Acrylic with a Diode Laser Here’s the trick that makes this project work. Most diode lasers can’t cut white acrylic because they don’t react well with light-colored materials. To solve that, I used white acrylic with a black core. Since diode lasers cut dark materials effectively, this allows for a smooth and clean cut.

Upload your Nuka Cola logo into your laser software, size it appropriately, and cut the design from the acrylic sheet.

The result is a crisp logo with sharp edges and a professional finish.

Step 3: Use the Negative Space as a Stencil

Don’t throw away the leftover acrylic sheet after cutting.

The negative space from your cutout is the secret to perfect alignment.

Lay the acrylic sheet over your painted sign. It acts like a stencil, showing you exactly where the logo should sit.

Apply Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue to the backside of your acrylic logo. Carefully drop the logo into the open space of the stencil. This ensures perfect placement every time.

CRICUT AND VINYL USERS:

If you are using a Cricut Machine and Vinyl, be sure to weed the vinyl.
Place transfer sheet over the top and remove the backing.
Then press the vinyl down right in the center of the wood blank.
Remove the transfer sheet for the perfect Nuka logo.

Using the cut out shape is the best way to ensure the letters and shapes get placed perfectly.

Otherwise the logo will look a little bit wonky.

Once the shapes are glued down, gently remove the leftover acrylic “waste” sheet to reveal your perfectly aligned Nuka Cola logo.

Step 4: Turn the LIGHT On

After the glue has dried completely, insert the batteries and flip the switch.

Your faux neon sign now glows like a classic piece of retro signage — no glass tubes, no electrical wiring, and no complicated handling fees like you might encounter when ordering custom neon signs.

Vault Decor Styling Ideas

This faux neon Nuka Cola sign fits perfectly in:

A Fallout-themed gaming setup
A retro-inspired office or craft room
A shelf display with soda memorabilia
A streaming or TikTok backdrop — make your content glow
Add clock hardware to make it a Nuka Cola Clock

It adds that perfect pop of post-apocalyptic nostalgia to any room of the house!

Vault Decor Styling Ideas This faux neon Nuka Cola sign fits perfectly in: A Fallout-themed gaming setup A retro-inspired office or craft room A shelf display with soda memorabilia A streaming or TikTok backdrop — make your content glow Add clock hardware to make it a Nuka Cola Clock It adds that perfect pop of post-apocalyptic nostalgia to any room of the house!

That's it!

This project is simple, affordable, and completely customizable. Using a diode laser with black-core acrylic is a great workaround for cutting white designs cleanly.

If you love the best Fallout games and retro décor, this glowing Nuka Cola sign is such a fun addition to your space.

And honestly? It looks like something you’d find lighting up a settlement in the wasteland.

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This project is simple, affordable, and completely customizable. Using a diode laser with black-core acrylic is a great workaround for cutting white designs cleanly. If you love the best Fallout games and retro décor, this glowing Nuka Cola sign is such a fun addition to your space. And honestly? It looks like something you’d find lighting up a settlement in the wasteland.

A Quick Note About Fallout Files:

Click here to download the Nuka Cola logo file (and all my wasteland freebies) from Google Drive.

There will be no physical product sent, no order confirmation, handling fees, shipping address, order number, tracking number, new address or phone number needed, etc.

All images and logos are property of the Fallout franchise and Bethesda.

I've just collected them in one place for PERSONAL USE only.

Your email address will be added to my mailing list for the best Fallout games themed craft tutorials.

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