Tips for cleaning your bespoke neon signs
17.04.2017
In the last article we discussed the importance of leaving neon signs turned on. In this piece we would like to talk about how crucial it is to clean them periodically, particularly if you want the light to remain bright and capturing as much attention as possible.
Whether you install them indoors or outside, have the glass tubing exposed or placed in a clear, durable plastic box, over time dirt and grime will build up. As a result you will need to do a little bit of cleaning. Care and finesse is needed when dealing with the tubes themselves, especially if you have bespoke neon signs with complex designs and lots of crevices.
The first step is to turn off the sign and safely remove it if possible so you can lay it on a flat, level surface. By doing this you can access it much easier to clean rather than having to work from a ladder. This is better both from a safety perspective and in terms of reducing the risk of the glass tubing being damaged.
The next stage is to dust the sign; the idea is to get rid of as much dirt and grime before you get to washing the sign. Start off with a soft feather duster or an air compressor to remove loose materials. A soft bristled paint brush can be used to clean tight crevices. When dusting, take care not to use too much pressure on the glass as it will result in breakages.
It may sound strange to be thinking about washing neon signs but that is the next step. You should lightly dampen a cloth and gently work your way along the glass tubing. Make sure you don’t use an excessive amount of water or soap and steer clear of the electrical wires and black box. You don’t want moisture anywhere near them.
After you have removed all of the grime and dirt, gently dry the tubing with a lint free towel. You want the glass to be completely dried before you can re-install it and turn it back on.
With care you can clean up even the most complex bespoke neon signs and ensure they look great for many more years.