We put up some 3'x5' lusterboard signs about 6 months ago. They are 2 feet off the ground for model homes identification. We wanted to use a material that was very durable and easily maintained. We used 1/2" thick lusterboard with high performance vinyl. Unfortunately they have accumulated a lot of dirt on the face (even though they are not exposed to dirty conditions). When I tried to clean the face with the typical household cleaners, the lettering cleaned up real easily but the dirt did not move off the lusterboard surface. I was amazed at this because in the past whenever I used aluminum for sign blanks with a baked enamel finish it was very easy to clean. My supplier suggested I use oven cleaner(!) to clean the sign face. NO way am I messing around with that toxic stuff! I've got a bad situation here. I may have to replace all these sign faces at my own cost. @#$%! Anyone else have a solution other than oven cleaner?
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
I can't make any claims here, I didn't design any products "just for this purpose".
Now, with that said, why don't you try Rapid Tac, TacII, Rapid Prep, one of these will PROBABLY clean it up !
Roger Posted by R T Thomas (Member # 355) on :
Jean, If you try Rapid Poger's stuff and it still doesn't work my first line of action would be denatured alcohol. I'd be willing to bet that Rapid Remover will do the trick however. Denatured is pretty neutral stuff on most things. It MIGHT work here as long as it can't get to the adhesive and cause the vinyl to release. That is doubtful if the vinyl has been down and IS down good on the surface. Hope this helps, R.T.
Sorry, forgot about your concerns over toxicity. In my opinion I'd rather buy some good plastic gloves and a really good respirator than to redo the sign faces. But then I use DA almost every day anyway.
Posted by VICTORGEORGIOU (Member # 474) on :
I would bet on Rapid Prep doing the job, but you want to take out several alternatives in case the others don't work. If you don't like denatured alcohol, just take along a bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and give that a shot. It won't hurt the vinyl. It does a pretty good job on dirt partly because it has water in it. Also, don't rule out plain old soap and water with one of those green plastic scrubbing pads, or a chamois if you are worried about scratch marks.
Be sure to tell us what works when you work it out. Vic G
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
Sounds like mildew. If it doesn't clean with anything else, try a product called JOMAX. Be AWARE it is acid based. Mist it on and let sit and hose off with a forceful spray. You may not have to touch it.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
hahahahaha yeah right Santo, use acid. I've used acid in the past, guess thats why I am the way I am!
Posted by VICTORGEORGIOU (Member # 474) on :
Jean, if it is mildew like we get out here, it is blackish and makes it look like the paint is failing. It will not wash off with anything. You have to kill it.
Mix up one part clorox to three parts water in a misting gun. Have a second very large spray gun filled with clear water. Mist the spots where the discoloration. Don't breathe the fumes. Stay upwind. If it is mildew the color will change in less than a minute. Then hose off all the clorox before it can do any damage.
There is a redwood sign here in town that gets this treatment about twice a month. It does'nt hurt the paint if you get it off as soon as the mildew has changed color.
Clues for mildew are, no sun exposure/full shade. Source of dampness during the night - dew, sprinklers. Dust carrying mildew spores by wind or construction. Mildew spores are everywhere and pop up when the conditions are right.
There's nothing you can do about mildew after the fact except keep it killed. If you expect mildew before you make the sign, Kelly Moore and the other large paint companies can add mildew killer to the paint, but it is only good for about a year.
Hope this is helpful. Vic G
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
If it is mold or mildew-use bleach.If you are working outside there is plenty of ventilation. Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Thanks for the info on mildew, but it's definitely not mildew. It's just dirt and dust, which is why it's maddening because it cleans right off the vinyl lettering effortlessly. There is also a vinyl panel and vinyl border that cleaned up just by wiping with window cleaner and a rag.
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