In this next blog post, AGC will provide you with some helpful tips related to plexiglass repair. Learn what you can do to care for your plexiglass sign/barrier and when you might need help from professionals.
Click on the links above to learn more or contact staff at AGC Signs for direct assistance.
Keep reading to learn more about plexiglass repair and maintenance.
Plexiglass Repair Tips
1. Preventative Maintenance
Many businesses have at one point installed a plexiglass sign; however, during the pandemic, we saw a rise in the use of plexiglass barriers as a way to fight against the spread of Covid-19.
If this sounds familiar to you, chances are you are now wondering what to do when your plexiglass has become damaged or is in need of replacement. We’ll help answer these questions in this blog post, but first, let’s look at some ways you can prevent repair in the first place.
a) Don’t Drop It
We know this may sound obvious, but many people may not realize that plexiglass is breakable. While it is a highly durable acrylic and won’t shatter like glass, your plexiglass sign/barrier can break or chip if force is used. For example, if your plexiglass drops and hits a large object, it could break. Therefore, always handle your plexiglass with care.
Watch this fun video below to see how glass, acrylic and polycarbonate compare and stand up when force is used against them! Start at 1.52 to skip to the main event where Troy uses the baseball bat against these materials or watch the whole episode below.
b) Don't Clean It with Abrasive Materials
Plexiglass is damaged by abrasion (scraping, wearing) and erosion, so you’ll want to consider these cleaning tips.
Cleaning Tips:
Wipe off or dust plexiglass so you don’t grind dirt over the surface as you clean it
Avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals such as alcohol which can cause cracks and ammonia which can leave your plexiglass looking cloudy
Use a soft cleaning cloth as opposed to any abrasive scrubbers
Instead of using harsh cleaning products, try the following products:
Products Safe For Cleaning Plexiglass:
A homemade solution of gentle dish soap + warm water
Remember, proper cleaning helps prevent your plexiglass from cracking and corroding which prevents you from having to do plexiglass repair.
Only use your plexiglass sign or barrier as intended to prevent potential damage.
c) Don't Use It For UnIntended Purposes
Again, this may seem obvious, but people do attempt to use plexiglass for new and creative reasons. However, doing so may cause you to place too much weight on your plexiglass, which can break it, scratch it unintentionally, or cause the surface to become cloudy.
You CAN use plexiglass for:
Protective Barriers
Dividers
Interior Store Signage (E.g. Point of Purchase Signs and Menu Items)
Wayfinding & Directional Signs
Prevent having to conduct plexiglass repair by using it for its intended purpose.
Minor scratches can be repaired with products like Novus. (Image Source: Novus)
2. Minor Repairs You Can Do
In this section, we will look at common problems and minor fixes owners like you can do at home to improve the look of your plexiglass sign/barrier.
Minor Scratches
Follow these steps to repair minor scratches:
Using a microfibre cloth, clean your plexiglass with a mild liquid detergent and warm water or a professional product like Novus #1.
Rinse the plexiglass with warm water and then dry it off with another microfibre cloth.
Use Novus #2, an abrasive polish, and apply it to the scratched area. Using a clean rag, apply pressure to the area and polish in a circular motion until the acrylic appears smooth again.
Wipe off the polish with a clean microfibre cloth or towel.
Breakage
If you have broken a part of your plexiglass sign/barrier, you can repair it with adhesives from your local hardware store. There are different ways to bond plexiglass and you can see an example in this video from ePlastics.com.
For more details on plexiglass repair, please visit our other blog post Plexiglass Repair: How To Repair Plexiglass Scratches, where we have created a guide on DIY plexiglass repairs. However, some of these fixes are a bit complicated. That’s why we recommend that you hire a professional to fix your plexiglass sign/barrier - or replace it if needed.
Let others repair or replace your signage while you focus on your business.
(Image Source: Amina Filkins)
3. When To Call For Help
Sometimes it just makes sense to call for help. Here are some instances when it is best to call a professional company like AGC to replace your plexiglass sign/barrier:
Cracks Are Too Big/Long
Scuffs Are Too Large/Deep
Plexiglass Design No Longer Suits Your Needs
Sometimes people are presented with jobs that are too big or complicated to deal with alone. If this is the case, contact us.
Professional companies like AGC have the right equipment to work on plexiglass.
AGC Signs
For over 10 years, AGC has been In the signage industry offering custom signage including plexiglass barriers, dividers and signs.
Have a look at their gallery of plexiglass barriers and shields and read testimonials to discover why you’ll get the best value for your money with AGC Signs.
Whether you have questions about plexiglass repair or you need a new and high-quality plexiglass sign or barrier, contact AGC Signs.