How to Clean and Maintain Signage
All signage produced by ASI is made using high standards and consistent procedures. This means we can guarantee you a consistent and quality finish today and into the future as your organization grows. To help extend the longevity of your signage, there are a few simple rules to follow.
Proper care and maintenance helps signage uphold an attractive appearance and ensures a longer life. As well as being easier to read, clean signs convey a positive impression to both visitors and personnel.
Painted Surfaces:
Interior signs should be cleaned by a soft cloth moistened with water and a mild detergent.
Exterior signs should be washed with clean water and a car shampoo containing a UV resistant wax 3-4 times a year to best preserve the painted surface.
Acrylic Surfaces:
Use a moistened damp cloth. Take care not to damage any paper inserts used by making sure the cloth does not contain excessive water.
Always be careful to ensure no dust or dirt particles are rubbed into the surface and never use paper towels to clean the surface.
Plastic Surfaces or Components:
Use a clean soft cloth moistened with water and a mild detergent.
If vandalism should occur:
Commercially available graffiti cleaner specifically for painted surfaces enables you to remove most forms of graffiti without damage to either paint or text. Lightly spray the cleaner onto sign, wipe off gently with a clean rag and rinse with water. Be careful not to rub too hard in order to avoid damaging the finish.
Note that graffiti should be removed no later than one week after application – the sooner the better, as exposure to sun and heat makes it more difficult to remove.
Never Use:
- Methylated spirits, solvents or any acids
- Detergents containing abrasives
- Coarse cloths or cleaning brushes
- Powerful steam or high-pressure cleaning machines
- Dry cloth or paper towel
Environmental effects vary from area to area and the frequency of cleaning should reflect local maintenance considerations. Below are a few important items to consider for your signage cleaning:
Within industrial areas, corrosive particles are more prevalent. Lime, oil-based deposits, sulphur dioxide, acids and other types of air borne pollutants can all adversely affect painted surfaces if signs are not adequately maintained.
Deposits from trees and bushes (resin, pollen) and bird droppings, all rich in alkali, should be removed promptly to avoid damage.
In coastal areas high concentrations of salt, particularly if coupled with high humidity, may adversely affect the wear characteristics of painted finishes.
All painted and plastic components do fade over time, particularly in areas of strong sunlight. Appropriate color selection can minimize this effect as can treating the surface with a wax-based cleaning fluid. If the above suggestions do not work, please contact your ASI representative for further information.