How to properly install and maintain dimensional letters?

Expoline » Blog » How to properly install and maintain dimensional letters?

1. Introduction

Volumetric letters are a great way to attract attention to your business and emphasize its style. They create a striking, dimensional effect suitable for both exterior and interior advertising. However, for volumetric letters to work effectively and last a long time, proper installation and regular maintenance are essential. In this article, we’ll explore how to correctly install and maintain advertising volumetric letters so they serve you for many years.

2. Preparation for Installing Volumetric Letters

Before starting installation, several preparatory steps are necessary.

Assessing the Installation Location

Determine where your letters will be installed: on a building facade, inside premises, or on other surfaces. Consider height, accessibility, lighting, and the possibility of connecting to electrical networks if the letters will be illuminated.

Selecting Letter Materials and Installation Methods

The material of the volumetric letters affects the installation method. Acrylic letters can easily be attached using double-sided tape or glue; plastic letters may be mounted with screws, while metal letters require stronger fastening.

Preparation of Tools and Equipment

Prepare all necessary tools for installation: a level, tape measure, drill, screwdriver, and equipment for handling electrical components, if necessary.

3. Steps for Proper Installation of Volumetric Letters

Step 1: Marking the Placement

Before installation begins, properly mark the placement for the letters. Use a level to ensure letters will be positioned evenly. Identify exact locations for each letter to maintain symmetry.

Step 2: Checking Alignment and Symmetry

Check whether the marked positions are accurate, and ensure letters have equal size and spacing. This will help avoid misalignment during installation.

Step 3: Mounting the Letters

Depending on the letter material, various methods can be used:

  • For acrylic letters, double-sided tape or special adhesive is best.
  • Plastic letters can be attached using screws.
  • Metal letters require stronger fasteners such as anchors or bolts to support the weight of the structure.

Step 4: Connecting Illumination

If letters are illuminated, connect the lighting system to the electrical network. Verify that the illumination functions correctly, without overloads or short circuits.

4. Recommendations for Installing Exterior Volumetric Letters

If letters will be used outdoors, additional factors should be considered:

  • Facade Mounting: For external mounting, it’s better to use metal or reinforced acrylic letters with additional fasteners.
  • Protection Against Weather: Choose materials resistant to moisture, sunlight, and wind. Metal letters might need additional treatments to prevent corrosion.
  • Fastener Selection Recommendations: For outdoor conditions, select steel or other durable fasteners to ensure reliability.

5. Tips for Maintaining Volumetric Letters

To ensure longevity and maintain their attractive appearance, proper care for volumetric letters is important.

Cleaning and Material Care

  • Acrylic: Clean acrylic letters using a soft cloth and special plastic cleaning agents. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch surfaces.
  • Plastic: Plastic letters can be washed with soapy water; avoid aggressive chemicals that may damage the material.
  • Metal: Regularly clean metal letters from dirt and dust. If exposed to moisture, inspect regularly for corrosion and clean as needed.

Regular Illumination Checks

If letters are illuminated, regularly inspect electrical components and replace burnt-out bulbs promptly. This prevents partial or total illumination failures.

How to Avoid Damage

To avoid scratches on acrylic letters, prevent contact with hard objects. For metal letters, routinely inspect for rust and corrosion, and restore coatings promptly.

6. Common Issues and Their Solutions

  • Replacing Illumination Bulbs: If a bulb burns out, replace it promptly, ensuring correct connection of the new lighting source.
  • Scratches on Acrylic Letters: If acrylic letters get scratched, you can polish the scratches using a soft cloth and polishing products.
  • Corrosion on Metal Letters: To eliminate corrosion, use specialized metal cleaners and then apply a protective coating, such as paint or varnish.

7. Tools and Materials for Maintenance

For maintenance of volumetric letters, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

  • Soft cloths for cleaning.
  • Specialized cleaners for acrylic and plastic.
  • Polishing products for acrylic.
  • Anti-corrosion treatments for metal letters.
  • Replacement bulbs and other electrical components for illumination.

8. Safety Guidelines for Installation and Maintenance

When installing volumetric letters, especially at height, adhere to safety standards. Use specialized equipment for high-altitude work, such as ladders or lifts. When working with electrical components, ensure the lighting system is switched off.

9. Conclusion

Proper installation and maintenance of volumetric letters are essential for ensuring their durability and effectiveness. With simple steps, letters can easily be installed, cared for, and maintained in top condition. Pay attention to material quality and regularly inspect letters to ensure they always function properly.