How can I cover an old business name on an awning?

Brief guide to determine the kind of lettering on an existing awning
and how to add to and cover over the old lettering!
See our main site here. Go to the awning section here

 

To begin tp determine the fabric and measurements, you may need assistance, a ladder, smartphone camera, tape measure and a wind-free day.

Review: Find out about the different kinds of awning materials and the most popular kind of lettering used so you can find the best solution for your project.

Kinds of awning materials you may have

CANVAS
Canvas awnings are lightweight, flexible and made to last. They are good

candidates for paint and self-adhesive fabric lettering.

ACRYLIC
Acrylic and acrylic-coated synthetic fabrics are capable of holding up much longer than traditional canvas. These are good candidates for vinyl lettering and paint.

VINYL
Awning fabrics or vinyl coated. These materials tend to be slightly heavier than acrylic and acrylic-coated materials. They have greater translucency, making them a good choice for backlit and illuminated awnings. These might be eradicated or decorated with vinyl.

Different kinds of existing lettering on awnings:

--painted names
These are usually the easiest to identify as paint tends to weather faster than the awning material and may appear cracked, rough or uneven.
To identify painted lettering: Run your finger over the lettering. If your finger gets chalky (common with older paints) or the letter feels raised, rough or cracked, it's probably paint. 
--vinyl names
These are usually individual letters that have been applied to vinyl awnings. How to identify vinyl lettering: On close inspection, you will be able to see a little ridge around the letters, as the vinyl and the awning materials are at slightly different elevations. Try lifting a corner of the letter to make sure its vinyl.
--eradicated vinyl names
You can identify eradicated (erased color) awnings by the fact that the awning is rubbery vinyl and the lettering is smooth, not raised. You can't feel it as you rub your finger across the letters. There's usually a light behind the awning that is made to shine through the eradicated parts.
--fabric names and panels
Most modern awning wording is made with our self-adhesive cut fabric AwnGrip letters or fabric panels with customization. 
How to identify fabric AwnGrip lettering: You may be able to see some fraying on older sign lettering made of AwnGrip™ or other self-adhesive fabrics but the best way to tell is by looking closely for a smooth woven fabric texture and by trying to lift a small corner of the letter or panel.

Now that you have identified the kind of awning fabric and type of lettering, let's look at how to cover them up or replace with a new business name (more on that below).

Painted letters: Until the late 1990s, paint was the most popular way to decorate an awning. Depending on the condition of the paint and awning fabric, you may have to sand the paint down some. You can do this easiest by removing the awning fabric from the frame and sanding with the fabric against a smooth flat surface.
Once the paint is sanded enough, the sanded areas should be washed until there is no more residue. You will still be able to see the letters but not through a coat of paint the same as the awning or with a AwnGrip self-adhesive fabric "mask" to cover it over. The AwnGrip 'Mask' self-adhesive fabrics are available plain or decorated with new business name graphics.

Vinyl letters: These are common on vinyl awnings. Best practice is to remove the awning from the frame and work on a solid flat surface. Heat is a popular method for removing vinyl. Care needs to be used as excessive heat may damage or delaminate the vinyl awning. Using a heat gun carefully, warm up the letters a few at a time, and as the letters heat up you should be able to lift a corner and remove them one by one. Remove any residue adhesive with orange oil.

Eradicated lettering:
This can't be removed, only covered up. Try a vinyl background with new lettering or AwnGrip 'Mask' self-adhesive fabrics, available plain or decorated with new business name graphics.

Fabric lettering and panels: These may require some diligence to remove. It may be best practices to cover over with another AwnGrip™ 'Mask' self-adhesive fabric panels, plain or decorated with new business name graphics.

Can I get a price quote for my awning project?

You sure can. Here's a checklist of what you need to know before sending the request:

_____ The DIMENSIONS of awning: This is the Height and Width of the area that you will be lettering or masking to cover over.

_____ A PHOTO of the awning: A 'shot' of the entire awning and a shot of the area that will have your lettering will make communication and suggestions much easier.

_____ The exact WORDING (and logo or image) you want. You can send a file with your layout, art and dimensions here.

_____ The TYPESTYLE, letter height and color of the wording.

_____ If there's a logo or artwork, send that file INCLUDING THE HEIGHT AND WIDTH of the logo/artwork file. 

_____ If you're working with a graphic designer, include a mock-up or layout so the overall effect can be easily assessed. 

Any missing information will delay pricing. Send your request here.

Color printed materials are available but are sold without warranty.

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