Good signage plays a key role in customer engagement and perception building. Good signage reflects the quality of a business and its products, according to the FedEx Office survey. Among different signage materials, acrylic holds some unique properties that make it an ideal choice for businesses, hospitals, law offices, accounting firms, etc. Its sleek and shiny glass-like finish, professional appeal, and versatility are some of its exceptional features.
These transparent or translucent signs add value and clarity to your space. These signs, like any other signage, tend to become dusty and scratched and lose their shine over time if not properly cared for. If your signage is dirty, dusty, or full of scratches, it will lose its purpose, as it will be difficult for potential customers to read it. So it is crucial to take proper care of your acrylic or Lucite signage to maintain its shine and graceful look as well as readability.
How to Clean Lucite and Acrylic Signs Without Damaging Them
Always choose higher-quality acrylic material for signs, as they require maintenance less often. Zero Signs is a well-known signage service provider in the UK that provides superior-quality signage at affordable and reasonable prices. Although you have chosen superior-quality acrylic signage, you still have to do some things to keep it clear and shiny.
Precautions While Cleaning Acrylic Signs
While cleaning acrylic signs, you need to know some dos and don’ts specified for acrylic material. Never use ammonia-based chemicals, gasoline, thinners, kitchen scouring agents, or acetone-based agents, as they damage acrylic surfaces instead of cleaning them. These agents cause the acrylic surfaces to be cloudy and dull.
Materials for Cleaning
- A piece of microfiber or soft cotton cloth
- Soapy Water
- Fresh Lukewarm Water
- Pressure washer (If necessary)
Cleaning
The best way to start cleaning acrylic signage is to remove any visible dirt or debris by blowing or using a blower for large signage. Then, clean the surface with fresh water and a soft cloth. Use soapy water if necessary. Move the cloth on the surface in a circular motion. Don’t exert too much pressure, as it will result in scratches and abrasions. After cleaning, use the dry side of the microfiber cloth to remove water residue and buff the cloth a little to restore its shine. If your signage is extra large and hard to reach, a pressure washer can be used to clean it.
Techniques for Restoring Acrylic Signs
Sometimes, acrylic signs become so dirty and vague that regular cleaning does not work. They need restoration in order to regain their lost shine and pristine condition. Some of the techniques are explained here.
Sanding and Polishing
Acrylic signs with minor scratches and abrasions can be restored by sanding the surface with finer-grade sandpaper and then polishing and buffing the surface. A thin layer of acrylic material that has scratches and abrasions is removed by sanding. Buffing and polishing then restores the original shine and beauty.
Flame Polishing
Flame polishing is a technique used to restore acrylic signs with deeper scratches or abrasions. In this process, a high-temperature flame is used to melt down and set again the upper surface of acrylic, resulting in the disappearance of deep scratches. This may cause a change in the thickness of the acrylic sign as it undergoes partial melting of the surface. However, this method should be left for professionals only, and don’t try this at home
Vapor Polishing
Vapor polishing is another technique used to restore dull acrylic signs and improve the finish of the sign. It involves exposing the acrylic surface to chemical vapor in a controlled environment that smoothens the surface by melting the very top layer and removing minor scratches. If there are deep grooves and scratches, they need to be sanded first. Vapor polishing works at a microscopic level and does it in seconds.
Final Thoughts: Proper Care for Pristine Acrylic Signs
Acrylic is a beautiful material for signage. If handled with care and attention, it will be a good investment for signage with enhanced longevity and better ROI. Minor scratches can be managed at home as DIY. Deeper scratches and damages can be left for professionals. Whether you’re cleaning your acrylic sign or restoring an old one, the key is to be gentle and patient and use the appropriate tools and cleaning methods.
