Signage Care & Maintenance Guide

At Alef By Cordoba, we bring branding to the masses with durable, high-impact signage. Whether you’ve invested in a grand opening banner or a fleet of magnetic truck signs, follow these professional maintenance tips to ensure your message stays bold and professional.

1. Vinyl Banners

• The Golden Rule: Roll, Don't Fold. Never fold your banner for storage. Folding creates permanent creases and can cause the ink to crack or "transfer" between layers. Always roll your banner with the printed side facing out.

• Wind Safety: In the high-wind conditions of the Permian Basin, banners act like sails. To prevent grommets from tearing, use bungee cords to allow for "give" during gusts. If a wind storm is forecasted, we recommend taking temporary banners down.

• Cleaning: Wipe down with a soft, damp cloth and mild dish soap. Avoid solvent-based cleaners (like Windex) or citrus-based degreasers, as these can strip the UV-protective layer.

2. Magnetic Vehicle Signs

• Daily Maintenance: Remove your magnets daily to clean both the back of the magnet and the surface of the vehicle. This prevents moisture and road grit from being trapped, which can damage your paint.

• The Heat Warning: In extreme West Texas heat, magnets can "bond" to the vehicle's clear coat if left on for weeks at a time. Periodically change the placement of the magnet to prevent "baking."

• Flat Storage: When not in use, store your magnets on a flat, clean surface. Never store them leaning against a wall or rolled up, as they will lose their "memory" and may fly off the vehicle at highway speeds.

3. Rigid Signs (Aluminum, Coroplast, & Acrylic)

• Aluminum & Alumalite: These are highly durable, but the edges can be sharp. Avoid dropping them on concrete, as this can chip the protective powder coating and lead to oxidation.

• Corrugated Plastic (Yard Signs): To prevent the "flutes" from bending, always push the H-stake into the ground first, then slide the sign onto the stake. Avoid "hammering" the top of the sign.

• Acrylic Signs: Acrylic is beautiful but can scratch easily. Use a clean microfiber cloth and specialized acrylic cleaner. Never use paper towels, as they contain microscopic wood fibers that will create a "haze" over the clear surface.

4. Window Graphics & Storefronts

• Wait to Wash: Do not clean windows with new graphics for at least 72 hours after installation to allow the adhesive to fully cure.

• Avoid the Scraper: When cleaning your storefront, never use a razor blade or squeegee with a metal edge near the graphics.

• Perforated Film: For "One-Way Vision" window film, avoid using a high-pressure hose directly against the holes, as water can get trapped and temporarily cloud your view.

General "Pro-Tips" for the Permian Basin:

• UV Exposure: If your sign is facing South or West, it will receive the most intense sun exposure. If possible, consider rotating your signs or placing them under an eave to double their lifespan.

• Dust Management: West Texas dust is abrasive. Always rinse your signs with water before wiping them down to ensure you aren't rubbing sand into the print.