First 48 hours after fitting or collection
The first two days matter most, especially after sign installation, vehicle fitment or when a banner has just been hemmed and finished. Let adhesives settle before you wash, flex or reposition anything. In hot weather the glue may feel set quickly, but full bond strength still takes time. If a sign was installed on a wall, gate or vehicle panel, keep it dry for the first 24 to 48 hours unless you were told otherwise. This helps reduce lifting at the edges and keeps dust from sticking to fresh adhesive.
For items collected from our Paarl shop or sent out to Wellington, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Worcester, Malmesbury, Klapmuts or Simondium, check the surface before use. If there is any loose corner, bubbling or a mark from transport, leave it as is and contact us through the enquiry form so it can be checked properly.
- Do not wash fresh graphics with a hose, bucket, pressure cleaner or solvent-based cleaner.
- Do not pull at corners to test the bond.
- Do not roll banners tightly for storage on the same day if the print is still warm from finishing.
- Keep magnets flat and clean before the first fitment.
How to clean banners without damaging the print
Banners pick up dust, soot and road grime, especially near busy roads and workshop yards. Clean them with lukewarm water and a soft cloth or sponge. A small amount of mild dish soap is fine, but rinse well so no residue stays behind. Never scrub hard on the printed side, and avoid rough brushes because they can dull the finish. If the banner is used outdoors, check the top hem and eyelets from time to time so wear is spotted early.
If a banner has been exposed to coastal moisture, or has hung through wind and rain, let it dry fully before rolling it up. Damp storage can cause mould spots and a stale smell. Keep it out of direct sun while drying if possible, and make sure the folds are not pinched by clips or tied too tightly. One small crease is normal, but repeated hard folds can shorten the life of the material.
- Use a soft cloth, not a scourer.
- Wipe from one direction rather than circular scrubbing.
- Dry before packing away.
- Store rolled, not folded, where practical.
Vehicle graphics and wraps: washing and parking habits
Vehicle decals, contra-vision and full or partial wraps need a gentle wash routine. Hand washing is best. Use clean water, mild car shampoo and a soft mitt. Rinse first so grit does not scratch the print. Avoid pressure washers close to panel edges, door handles, fuel flaps and seams. If a washer is used, keep the nozzle at a safe distance and do not aim it straight at lifted corners or badge edges.
Park under shade when you can, especially in summer when metal panels heat up quickly. In Paarl and the wider Boland, sun exposure can be strong and repeated heat cycles may affect vinyl over time. If the vehicle is parked for long periods, wash off bird droppings, tree sap and road tar as soon as practical. Those marks can stain if left on too long. Small chips or scuffs should be handled early so they do not grow into a bigger repair.
- Wash by hand, not in a brush tunnel where possible.
- Use soft water flow around edges and seams.
- Remove bugs, tar and sap quickly.
- Check for lifting after long trips or high-speed travel.
Magnets and removable decals: daily checks
Magnetic signs and removable decals are popular with drivers who need a flexible display. They work well if the surface is clean, dry and flat. Before fitting a magnet, wipe both the vehicle panel and the back of the magnet with a clean cloth. Tiny bits of grit can scratch paint and cause the magnet to sit unevenly. A magnet should never be applied over dirt, wax build-up or raised body filler. If the panel is wet, wait until it is completely dry.
Remove the magnet now and then to clean underneath. This helps prevent moisture traps and marks on the paint. If the vehicle has been through mud, rain or coastal humidity, inspect the sign before placing it back. A bent corner or trapped grit can reduce the hold and may cause movement at speed.
- Take magnets off regularly for cleaning underneath.
- Store them flat and away from heat.
- Do not use on badly curved panels.
- Replace damaged magnetic sheets promptly.
Outdoor signs, light boxes and safety signs
Outdoor signs need a quick check every few weeks. Look at fixings, brackets, screws, cable ties and mounting points. If a sign is on a wall, fence or pole, make sure wind has not loosened anything. In areas with strong sun, rain and dust, dirt can build up around edges and affect the appearance. A light wash with water is usually enough for face panels and safety signs. Keep harsh cleaners away from reflective surfaces and printed graphics, because they can leave a cloudy finish.
Light boxes should be kept free from insects and debris inside the frame where possible. If a sign flickers or looks uneven, switch it off and arrange a check instead of trying to force the panel or wiring. Safety signs must stay readable, so replace faded or damaged panels as soon as the message starts to lose clarity. For workplaces, farms and driveways where compliance matters, a clean sign is easier to read and better on site.
- Check fixings after strong wind or heavy rain.
- Keep reflective faces clean and readable.
- Report flicker or water ingress early.
- Replace faded safety notices before they become hard to read.
Storage, transport and reprints when things wear out
If you are storing signs for a later event or job, keep them flat, rolled or upright in a dry room away from direct sun. Do not lean heavy items on printed faces, and avoid stacking sharp objects on top of banners or boards. When transporting, secure items so they do not slide around in bakkies, trailers or vans. A small shift in transit can leave a crease or chip on the edge.
Sometimes a sign gets damaged by weather, a scrape in parking, or plain wear from daily use. That does not always mean the whole job needs replacing. Reprints and updates are often the simplest fix for changed numbers, refreshed branding or a cracked panel. If you need a replacement graphic, keep the old one if possible so the size and layout can be matched properly. That saves time and keeps the new piece aligned with the original fitment. If you are unsure about the condition of an item, send a clear photo through the enquiry form and we can advise on the next step.
- Store in a dry place with no direct sun.
- Secure items during transport.
- Keep old artwork or sample sizes for matching.
- Ask about reprints when the print is faded or damaged.
When to ask for a check or repair
Some issues can wait, but others should be looked at sooner. If vinyl is lifting, a banner eyelet has torn, a magnet is curved, or a light box has a water mark inside, it is best to speak up early. Small faults are usually easier to sort before they spread. For vehicle wraps and window frosting, early attention also helps prevent dirt getting under a lifted edge. If you work on the road, on a site or in a busy yard, the wear can show faster than expected.
We help businesses, riders and drivers across Paarl, Wellington and the wider Boland keep their printed work in good condition. If you need advice on cleaning, storage or replacement, use the enquiry form and include a photo plus the size if you know it. That makes it easier to give the right guidance without guessing.
