Letters and Logos Cleaning Guide
How do I clean my signs?
All letters and logos will require cleaning to retain their original luster over time. Depending on the installation environment, we recommend cleaning all outdoor and indoor letters every few months.
To clean your signs, use a soft cloth, rag, or sponge and warm, soapy water. Dry with a soft rag or cloth. We recommend using gentle, liquid dish soap. Always carefully wipe letters, logos, and plaques in the same direction as the grain.
Note: Refer below to the corresponding material for additional notes and cleaning information.
Warning: Never wash any letter, logo, plaque, or plate with common harsh detergents or chemicals such as Comet, Ajax, Soft Scrub, or similar abrasive solutions as they will scratch finishes.
Metal
Gemini metal letters, except anodized and stainless steel, are top coated with a clear polyester paint to protect the metal from corrosion. We recommended cleaning letters with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth.
Anodized Aluminum
While the finish is durable and weather-resistant, do not use solvent-based thinners such as petroleum distillates or abrasive cleaners. They will degrade the chemical seal and may cause the finish to fail. Clean letters and logos with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth.
Stainless Steel
Cleaning stainless steel letters will preserve the appearance and maintain metal strength. Frequent exposure to salty air or water containing chemicals or hard minerals may stain stainless letters. Periodic cleaning will minimize this impact. Use the recommended cleaning method with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth.
- Always wipe letter faces in the same direction as the grain.
- Excess dirt: If there is excess dirt and grime, use warm water, white vinegar, and a soft cloth. Dry with a soft cloth.
- For fingerprints: To remove fingerprints, use glass cleaner and white vinegar. Or a soft rag, soda ash paste, and water. Follow with a thorough, warm water rinse and dry. Do not use any cleaners that contain chlorine.
- Polishing stainless steel letters: If you need to polish your letters and logos, use a stainless steel polish, such as Wenol, and a soft cloth to re-shine the letters.
- For surface rust: If a surface impurity, such as rust, is visible, carbon steel or iron contamination is likely on the surface. A surface chemical treatment can dissolve carbon steel without damaging letters and logos. Citric acid passivation products can be used but are less effective than other options. Bar Keepers Friend and Zud contain oxalic acid and a fine abrasive that will not scratch the finish of your product. Make it into a paste by adding water and apply to the metal surface. Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes before rubbing it with a soft cloth or rag. Thoroughly rinse off after and wipe dry.
Plastics
Use recommended cleaning method with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water on plastic and painted plastic letters and logos. Dry with a soft cloth.
Laminates
Use the recommended cleaning method with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth.
Repairing Paint Scratches
- Scratches in letters can be a distraction, especially with interior installations.
- Smaller paint scratches can be minimized by first washing the letter, then applying car wax and buffing the scratch with a soft cloth.
- Deeper paint scratches can be removed by wet sanding with extra fine grit sandpaper.
- Sand the scratch, wipe dry with a soft cloth and apply a liquid paste such as Finesse-it to the scratch.
- Buff out the scratch with an auto paint repair buffing wheel.
- Deep scratches that cannot be buffed out will have to be sanded with 1200 grit sandpaper, then re-painted.
More About Letters and Logos
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