Awning Markings, Decals & Self-Adhesive GripAwn Fabrics: A Comprehensive Guide for Sign Shops
Awning signage is a cost-effective and impactful way for businesses to showcase their brand.
Updating existing awnings or adding new graphics is a common task for sign shops, especially as businesses relocate or rebrand. Below is an expert guide on materials, processes, and innovative products—such as GripAwn self-adhesive fabrics—designed for modern awning signage projects.
Types of Awning Materials and Lettering
Understanding the fabric and existing markings is essential before recommending or applying new graphics:
Canvas: Lightweight and flexible, ideal for paint and self-adhesive fabric lettering.
Acrylic: Highly durable, suitable for vinyl lettering and paint.
Vinyl: Heavier, often used for illuminated awnings; decorated with vinyl graphics or eradicated lettering.
How to Identify Existing Awning Lettering
Painted Names: Raised, rough, or cracked texture; chalky residue when rubbed.
Vinyl Letters: Small ridge around the edges, slight elevation difference; removable by lifting a corner.
Eradicated Vinyl: Smooth, flush with fabric; cannot be removed, only covered.
Fabric Letters or Panels: Might have fraying; check for a smooth woven fabric texture and lift a corner to verify.
Covering Old Business Names & Reusing Awning Fabrics
Most old markings can be masked or covered with modern self-adhesive panels:
Painted Lettering: Sand smooth, then repaint or mask with self-adhesive fabric panels.
Vinyl Lettering: Remove using gentle heat, taking care not to damage the underlying awning; clean any adhesive residue.
Eradicated Graphics: Must be covered, usually with self-adhesive panels or vinyl backgrounds.
Fabric Panels/Letters: Cover with new self-adhesive fabric masks for best results.
GripAwn™ Self-Adhesive Fabric: The Sign Shop Solution
GripAwn panels provide a versatile, durable, and easy-to-install alternative to awning replacement or painting:
Aggressive Adhesive: Formulated to bond securely even in harsh weather.
Flexible Application: Suitable for canvas, acrylic, vinyl, and other fabrics, provided they are not silicone-treated. Always pre-test adhesion.
Renewal & Masking: Ideal for masking old business names or adding new branding or logos. Can be applied directly to most awning surfaces.
Custom Graphics: Decals printed on highly flexible material, mounted on GripAwn for shipping and final application—owners can install by themselves, and removing the awning is unnecessary.
Color Options and Sizing: Available in several standard and premium colors; custom sizes and vector artwork can be accommodated. Larger projects may require minimum order quantities.
Multi-Purpose Use: Also suitable for repairing tears in sails, tents, pop-up canopies, and other fabric applications.
Best Practices & Ordering Tips for Sign Shops
Silicone Test: Always verify that the awning isn’t silicone-treated (stickers won’t adhere well to silicone finishes). Order a small random sample piece.
Measure Carefully: Determine exact height and width of the area for new graphics or cover panels.
Send Clear Photos: Include detailed photos of the awning and the desired logo or text layout.
Prepare Vector Artwork: Use high-resolution files (minimum 150 dpi at print size), and specify letter height, color, and font style.
Application: Bure patches and panels should be burnished thoroughly. For paint masks, consider using self-adhesive stencils for perfect typography.
Common FAQs from the Field
Will GripAwn work on all awnings? It is suitable for most non-silicone fabrics. Testing before full application is recommended.
Can colors match the original awning? Yes, with standard and premium color options; contrasting panels can create bold effects.
Size Limits? The maximum recommended section height is 52 inches, with no limit on length—projects are usually delivered in manageable sections.
Ease of Use? Pre-cut decals are the simplest; applying from rolls requires more skill.
This practical approach simplifies awning rebranding and maintenance, providing a cost-effective and less disruptive alternative to full replacements. For sign shops, offering self-adhesive GripAwn panels combines quality, speed, and durability, transforming awning signage projects into high-value solutions for business clients.
Order a small random sample piece.
