Need to keep your custom sign clean? Click on the links below to learn how you can clean and maintain your sign:
1. How To Clean a Small Acrylic Sign
2. How To Clean a Large Acrylic Sign
3. How To Clean a Metal Sign
4. How To Clean Vinyl Banners
5. How To Clean Vehicle Wraps
6. How To Clean Magnetic Vehicle Signs
7. How To Clean Pylon & Monument Signs
8. How To Clean Storefront Signs & Channel Letters
Continue reading to learn about the process of properly cleaning different types of custom signage so that they will always look their best and last longer. To learn more about custom signage maintenance, you can also reach out to AGC!
Use either a mild soap or a cleaner designed for cleaning acrylic
Image Source: ePlastics
Step 1: Clean your acrylic sign with either clear lukewarm water on its own, or if necessary, add some mild soap or detergent to the water. If you have more stubborn dirt or debris to remove, you can purchase a cleaning product that is made to safely work on acrylic.
Make sure that you check the label to see that it is safe for acrylic surfaces and follow the instructions carefully. Cleaners that aren't designed for acrylic can ruin the surface of your sign.
Step 2: Only use a soft cloth to clean your signage. Rough or abrasive scouring pads, cloths or brushes will scratch the surface of your sign.
You also want to avoid the temptation to dust off your signage with a dry cloth as this can also grind the small particles of dirt into the acrylic and cause tiny scratches on the surface.
Step 3: Once your sign is clean, you can gently blot it dry with a soft, clean cloth.
How to Clean a Large, Out-of-Reach Acrylic Custom Sign
A large exterior custom sign that is installed higher off the ground is harder to clean but it’s still worthwhile to make sure it looks its best.
A pressure washer works well for harder to reach signs
Step 1: Using a pressure washer set on a lower setting, spray the surface of your custom sign with a back and forth sweeping motion until all the dirt and debris have been removed.
Step 2: Let your sign air dry.
A pressure washer is an easy DIY way to clean a hard-to-reach sign. However, you can also contact a professional signage company to more thoroughly clean and maintain difficult-to-reach signs that may be dangerous for you to clean on your own.
How to Clean a Metal Custom Sign
Metal signs are usually quite easy to clean. However, you should check with the company that manufactured your sign to see if it has any special coatings that need special treatment, or if they have any specific proper handling instructions for the care of your sign.
If there are no special instructions, you can use the following steps to clean your metal sign to keep it looking great.
Tips for cleaning custom signs: Always use a soft cloth to clean
your metal sign
Step 1: Take a soft cotton cloth and gently wipe off any loose dirt or debris from the surface of your custom sign. Be very careful to use very light pressure so you don't scratch the metal.
Step 2: Fill a bucket with warm water and mix in a cup of white vinegar and a cup of mild liquid dish soap. This solution works well on metal. Never use strong chemicals to clean your metal sign.
Step 3: Using a clean soft cloth, dip it into your prepared cleaning solution and ring it out well. Never use abrasive materials or scrubbing brushes to clean your sign as this will scratch the surface.
Step 4: Gently clean your sign using a gentle touch so that you don't scratch the metal surface.
Step 5: Carefully blot your sign dry with a clean, dry soft cotton cloth.
How to Clean Vinyl Banners
Hanging a vinyl banner is a great way to advertise an upcoming event like a grand opening or a special promotion.
If you keep your banner up for a long period of time or if you hang it on multiple occasions, it will begin to get dirty. To make sure that your banner gives the best impression of your business, here is an easy way to clean it.
Custom business signs like banners should be regularly cleaned to keep them looking professional!
Step 1: Take your banner down and lay it out on a flat surface.
Step 2: Using a sponge or soft cloth and a mixture of mild soap and water wash off all the dirt and debris that has built up on the surface.
Do not use any aggressive chemicals or abrasive materials like a wire brush or harsh cleaning pad as this might damage the surface or remove the printed design.
Step 3: Rinse your banner off with water to make sure that you have completely removed any soap residue. You can use a hose for this if you are outside.
Step 4: Let your banner dry completely.
Step 5: If you are not putting your banner back up immediately, roll it up with the printed side on the outside. Rolling it will ensure that you don't get any crease marks on your banner.
How to Clean Vehicle Wraps
Custom signage maintenance: It’s best to hand-wash your vehicle wrap
Even though you can take your vinyl-wrapped vehicle through a brush-less or touch-less car wash, it is better and safer to hand-wash it.
Never take it through a car wash with brushes as it will be too hard on the protective film and it could cause the edges to start to peel. For hand-washing, do the following:
Source: Amazon
Step 1: Once a week wash your vehicle wrap with a gentle car wash soap such as 3M Car Wash Soap 39000 or a similar gentle car detergent product.
Step 2: Using an automotive sponge or clean soft cloth, wash your vehicle according to the instructions on the product label.
Step 3: Rinse your vehicle well with clear water.
Step 4: Wipe your vehicle with a chamois or silicone squeegee to remove the excess water and prevent watermarks.
Step 5: Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Magnetic Vehicle Signs
Even if it rains often in your location, your magnetic vehicle sign will still need to be cleaned on a regular basis to cleanse the debris that rain simply can't remove. These tips will help you with your custom signage maintenance on vehicles.
Dirt and debris can also get trapped underneath your sign and scratch your vehicle so it is important to keep it clean. You should clean your magnetic vehicle sign when you clean your car or about every two weeks.
Step 1: Remove your sign from your vehicle.
Step 2: Using a soft cloth or sponge and a solution of mild soap and water, thoroughly clean both sides of your sign.
Step 3: Wash your vehicle
Step 4: Let both your sign and your vehicle dry completely before placing your sign back in place.
How To Clean Pylon & Monument Signs
You can clean monument and pylon signs by power washing away debris
When it comes to pylon and monument signs, you can do simple cleaning and maintenance by clearing them of debris (more of a problem for monument signs, that are lower to the ground and may collect dead leaves, sticks, etc.) like cobwebs or old birds nests!
You can also power wash them. For this type of custom business sign, it can be more of a challenge to safely clean them.
When it comes to cleaning custom signs like pylon and monument signs, It is a good idea to call on the professionals for more thorough maintenance and cleaning. This is especially true for tall signs that may be hazardous for you to reach on your own.
How To Clean Storefront Signs & Channel Letters
Custom signs outdoor: How to clean & maintain storefront signs and
channel letters
Storefront signs are typically located high above the doorway of your business. Similar to pylon sign maintenance, you can try to power wash them yourself, but you will want to rely on a professional company who can provide you with custom sign maintenance for the safest and most thorough cleaning.
Channel letters often accompany storefront signs, though they may be located in other areas of your building.
Channel letters have gaps between the letters, as they are 3D. This provides an opportunity for spiders to build webs, bugs to find a home, and birds to make nests.
For channel letter signs that are low to the ground, you can reach them yourself to clear any debris that has built up within your letters. For signs that are high up, you will need to rely on professionals.
Advantages of Professional Custom Sign Cleaning & Maintenance
for all of your custom business signs
To keep your custom business signs looking their best, you should clean them from time to time and have maintenance done such as changing any lights that have burned out.
It’s not always the best use of resources to pay your staff to clean your signage instead of their regular duties.
You could hire a professional signage company that has the proper equipment and can do it in a fraction of the time.
It may also be dangerous for your staff to clean your signage, especially if it is located at a great height or includes electrical components. When it comes to cleaning custom signs, it’s best to rely on professionals who specialize in custom signage maintenance.
When you get your new sign installed, you can ask the professional signage company how to properly clean and maintain it. They can give you tips on what you can do yourself - and what you should leave to them!
Custom signs outdoor: AGC can help you design and install the perfect sign!
Contact a professional signage company to safely do it for you. AGC Signs can even set up a maintenance schedule that will meet your particular needs and budget.
Work With The Pros At AGC Signs
If you are looking for a custom sign for your business, contact AGC Signs. At AGC Signs, our signage experts have been producing effective custom signage for more than 10 years.
You can trust us to help you design the perfect custom signage for your business, whether you are looking for a storefront, exterior, interior, vehicle, backlit signage,
or more! Whatever your signage needs, we can make it for you.
AGC Signs is a locally owned and operated custom business sign company working in the Toronto, Clarington, and Durham regions. We know this area and are familiar with what works best for signage here, whatever your business may be.
Learn more about custom business signs by AGC!
We understand and keep up-to-date with all the rules and regulations set out by the local municipalities.
We will help you determine which permits are required for any signage that you want to put up and will make sure that your signage complies with all of the region's by-laws.
We are a full-service signage company so we will work with you through every step of the process. We will design, manufacture, install, and maintain any type of custom sign you need. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
“AGC Signs was a pleasure to deal with. They were clear in communication, quick to book a date to measure, gave tons of options, and followed up as it was required but above all else, their price was so competitive. I am beyond happy with my new sign and I love it. I'll have AGC Signs do my exterior sign next on my building. Very satisfied with their team and would recommend without question.”
Jesse Morra - Read More Testimonials
