Sign Care and Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Business Sign Looking New
A clean, bright sign tells customers you are open and you care. Here is how to clean each material, what to avoid, how long LEDs last and when it is time to call us. From the team that services signs across New Jersey. In the city? See our NYC service area.
How to Clean Each Type of Sign
Mild soap, water and a soft cloth handle most signs. Here are the details.
| Material | How to clean | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic and polycarbonate | Mild soap and water, soft microfiber cloth | Ammonia glass cleaners, paper towels, scrubbing pads |
| Painted and brushed metal | Mild soap, wipe with the grain | Abrasive cleaners, steel wool |
| Brass and bronze | Damp cloth; a little wax on bronze | Harsh polishes on coated finishes |
| Vinyl decals and wraps | Soap and water, gentle sponge | Pressure washing close up, scraping edges |
| Fabric and vinyl awnings | Brush off dirt, rinse, mild soap | Bleach, hot pressure washing |
| Lit sign faces | Turn off power first, then soap and water | Spraying water into seams or lights |
Caring for LED Channel Letters and Light Boxes
LEDs last for years, but the parts around them need checks too.
Signs Your Business Sign Needs Repair
Small problems are cheaper to fix early.
- A letter, section or face goes dark or flickers.
- Faces are cracked, faded or yellowed.
- Water stains or rust appear on the sign or wall.
- The sign, bracket or awning frame is loose.
- You smell burning or hear buzzing. Turn it off and call.
We replace LEDs, power supplies, faces and awning covers. See sign repair.
Sign Care FAQs
Common questions about keeping signs looking new.
How often should I clean my sign?
A few times a year for most signs, and more often on busy streets or near the shore.
Can I use glass cleaner on an acrylic sign?
No. Ammonia based glass cleaners can cloud and crack acrylic. Use mild soap and water with a soft cloth.
How long do LED signs last?
LED lighting lasts for many years. Power supplies and individual modules may need replacing before the whole sign does.
Can I pressure wash my sign or awning?
Only gently and from a distance. Close, hot pressure washing can lift vinyl, damage fabric and push water into lit signs.
My sign is flickering. What should I do?
Turn it off if you smell burning or hear buzzing, and call for service. Flickering often means a failing power supply.
Do you offer sign maintenance?
Yes. We repair and service signs we made and many we did not. See sign repair.
Have a Technical Question?
Reach out to our product specialist. We will make sure you get the right help and guide you with our best knowledge, whether it is sizes, materials, colors, lighting or permits.