If you have a business sign, you know the importance of keeping up its appearance. These signs can help customers form a favorable impression of your brand before they even walk through the door. A well-maintained sign reflects that you are a customer-centered business. For that reason, you want to keep those signs clean throughout the year. However, there are right and wrong ways to clean a sign. If you’re going to reach for a power washer, you need to think twice before cleaning your sign.
Maintain Your Signs
Before grabbing the power washer, you should know the importance of cleaning a sign. A dirty or faded sign with peeling paint and low-quality lighting is not a good look for your business. You want to perform routine maintenance and timely repairs to show that you care about your company. Along with sending the right message, cleaning the signage can help extend its life and lower your operating costs.
You can protect your custom signs with a preventive maintenance plan and a regular cleaning routine. A maintained sign should always look attractive, and it must be operational every day of the week. These signs are not inexpensive, and they are a significant investment on your part. With that, you want them to draw in new clients and returning customers for years to come.
With regular maintenance, you can freshen up the appearance of your signage. In addition to that, it allows you to inspect for any minor damage. If you spot signs of wear, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Damage can lead to premature failure for your business signage.
Now that you know why you should clean your signs, there are proper ways to handle that task. Many people reach for a high-powered washer, but that might not be a good idea.
Power Washers Are Always a Bad Choice
This method might seem like an easy way to clean a surface. A pressure washer can be a quick way to get rid of built-up grime, stains, and other gunk on your sign. Pressure washing is used to clean algae and stains from walkways, driveways, and decks.
Should you use this handy machine for your business sign? In most cases, the answer is no.
If you don’t know how to operate a pressure washer, it can result in damage to your sign’s surface, leaving pits and gouges. Along with that, many people misuse the high-powered stream of water. There is a technique for using a power washer. Most people think they just point and spray away, but that is never a suitable method. You need to know what pressure to use and how to spray the sign’s surface.
Power washers use a high rate of pressure. If you set the machine above 200 PSI, it can cause significant damage to your sign. Along with that, you need to check the temperature of the water. Anything above 180 degrees can damage the surface, especially if you have a painted sign. The last thing you want to do is accidentally remove the name of your business from the signage.
While you can rent these machines from any hardware store, that doesn’t mean that they are the best choice for cleaning. You need to read up on the proper way to handle them.
You want to operate these machines with care. Follow the proper instructions if you plan to use a power washer. You might think that there is one type of pressure washer, but there are various models. Even the nozzle tips are designed for specific jobs.
In addition to that, you need to find the right cleaning solution for the project. You might have to mix the water with another type of chemical. Water just can’t cut through grime and debris by itself. Before spraying your sign, make sure that the solution is safe for the surface.
If you are determined to use a power washer to clean your sign, set it at the lowest level and be gentle in the process. Make sure to clean one area at a time. When you spot any damage, immediately stop and inspect the sign.
How Should You Clean a Business Sign?
You already know the importance of cleaning a business sign. If you want to maintain the sign’s appearance, it needs to be cleaned regularly. After any heavy rain, blowing winds, or other types of storms, you should be out there cleaning your sign. This process can help to prevent a heavy build-up of grime and debris.
To prevent any injuries, always disconnect the power to the sign. You don’t want to wash the sign and get injured from the electricity. While a pressure washer is not a great choice, you can use a similar method. Attach a nozzle sprayer to a garden hose. Keep the hose about a foot away from the surface to avoid damaging the sign.
You will want to clean a reachable sign by hand. Make sure to use soft sponges and a mild liquid to wipe off any dirt or debris. You can even take a soft brush and work around the corners and crevices where dirt can collect.
After cleaning the sign, always wash off any excess detergent from the surface. If you leave those chemicals on the sign, it can dull the colors and leave behind streaks. Take a cloth and dry the signage to avoid unsightly water spots on the surface.
That’s it! You don’t need a power washer to get a clean sign for your business. These power washers can cause more harm than good. While it can make for an easier job, you put your signage at risk for damage.
Get the Best Signage for Your Business!
If you are interested in a sign for your business, make sure to reach out to Tupp Signs. We have the experience to find the best signage for your business or organization. Our team can even offer tips to maintain your signs. Schedule a consultation by calling 302-322-1600.