KnillCraft Designs
Maintenance Services & Sign Care
Wood signs are a great way to add personality and charm to your home, office, or business. They can display your favorite quotes, family names, logos, or images. However, proper care and maintenance are essential to keep them looking beautiful and provide maximum longevity. Please utilize the sign care tips below, to keep your signs clean, protected, and preserved.
For sign maintenance services, please contact us for consultation and pricing.
Routine Cleaning
Clean your wood sign regularly to prevent dust, dirt, and grime from building up and damaging the wood or finish. Dust off your sign with a dry microfiber cloth or a feather duster to remove any loose dirt or debris. Clean with a microfiber cloth and mild dish soap and water solution. For oil-based finishes, you can use an oil soap (Murphy’s oil soap) instead of dish soap for extra shine and protection. Mix a few drops of dish soap or oil soap with warm water in a bucket, dip the microfiber cloth in the bucket, and wring it out to ensure it is damp but not wet. Wipe down your sign with the cloth in gentle circular motions. Avoid rubbing too hard or using abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the paint. Rinse the cloth with clean water and repeat until you have cleaned the entire sign. Dry your sign with a soft towel or let it air dry.
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Protection
Protecting your wood signs from moisture, sunlight, insects, and other elements will extend their lifespan and prevent them from cracking, fading, warping, or rotting. We recommend yearly maintenance on all outdoor signs. Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper to remove any high spots and debris. Apply a new clear coat of epoxy or marine-grade spar varnish to protect from water damage and UV rays. Avoid creating bubbles or drips that can ruin the finish.
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Preservation
Preserving your wood signs means keeping them in good condition and preventing them from deteriorating over time. There are some simple steps you can take to preserve your signs and enjoy them for years to come. Store your wood signs in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity levels that can cause them to warp or crack. Avoid placing your wood signs near heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, stoves, or candles that can dry out or scorch the wood. Sunlight can also cause the wood to dry out and crack. If you want to display your sign in a sunny spot, make sure it is shaded by a curtain, a canopy, or an awning. Repair any minor damage such as chips, cracks, peeling paint, or loose hardware as soon as possible with some glue, filler, sandpaper, paint touch-up kit, or new hardware. This will prevent the damage from getting worse and affecting the appearance and function of your sign.