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Person cleaning an honours board

A 'How To' Guide

Care and Maintenance of Honours Boards

Learn how to preserve the beauty and longevity of your honours boards with these simple yet powerful care and maintenance tips.

Introduction

This guide walks you through best practices for routine care, cleaning methods, and how to protect your honours board from everyday wear and tear. It covers both acrylic / perspex honours boards as well as wooden honours boards.

General Care for All Honours Boards

  1. Clean Gently as Required.

    1. Mild Soap Solution: Mix a little mild soap with lukewarm water.

    2. Damp Cloth: Dip a soft, lint-free cloth (like microfibre) into the solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe the board.

    3. Avoid Snagging: Lettering can lift if you scrub too hard, so be mindful around text and logos.

    4. Dry Thoroughly: After wiping, use a second clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

  2. Steer Clear of Harsh Products

    1. Skip Strong Chemicals: Abrasive cleaners, bleach, or alcohol-based sprays may damage finishes or lettering.

    2. No Excess Water: Don’t drench or soak your board, especially wooden ones, as water can cause swelling or warping if left to soak into the board.

    3. Gentle Tools Only: Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, or anything else that might scratch or tear the surface.

  3. Ideal Placement

    1. Avoid Strong Direct Sunlight: Prolonged UV exposure can cause colour changes in both wood and some acrylic options.

    2. Moderate Environment: Extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect wood (causing it to swell) or undermine the adhesives used for lettering.

    3. Regular Dusting: A quick wipe with a soft cloth every so often will keep dust from building up and dulling the finish.

  4. Internal Location:

    1. ​Wooden honours boards are designed to be installed inside a building in a stable environment and should not be installed outdoors.

    2. Acrylic boards can be installed outdoors but they will require different barrel fixings (stainless steel).

Specific Care for Wooden Honours Boards

  1. Routine Dusting

    1. Gently dust weekly or as needed. This helps prevent debris from embedding in the wood grain or finish and makes it easier to clean with a damp cloth.

  2. Polishing

    1. Consider a Gentle Polish: If you like a glossier look, choose a non-silicone polish suited for your board’s finish. Always test in a small corner first.

    2. Minimal Application: Too much polish can create build-up, so apply sparingly with a soft cloth. A surface with polish on it will make it very hard to install new yearly lettering updates.

  3. Handling / Moving Your Board.

    1. Move with Caution: Carry wooden boards by the edges, supporting the bottom edge at all times.

  4. Updating Your Board.

    1. Adding New Names: Wipe the surface gently beforehand so lettering adheres well. Let the board dry thoroughly before applying any new decals or painted letters.

    2. We have an instructional video showing how to apply lettering.

  5. Long-Term Preservation

    1. Minor Scratches: Touch-up markers or wood-specific pens can mask small blemishes. For serious damage, consult a professional.

    2. Humidity Check: Keep your board in an environment with stable moisture levels. If an area is too damp, wood can warp or the finish may be effected.

Specific Care for Acrylic Honours Boards

  1. Safe Cleaning Methods

    1. Acrylic Sensitivity: Acrylic can scratch more easily than wood, so always use a soft, damp cloth, microfibre is best.

    2. Mild Soap Works Wonders: Usually, a gentle wipe with a mild soapy water is enough to remove fingerprints or small marks. For stubborn spots, look for acrylic-friendly cleaning products.

  2. Prevent Scratches

    1. No Abrasives: Avoid scrubbing pads or polishes not specifically designed for plastic surfaces.

    2. Specialised Polishes: If you notice light surface scratches, acrylic polishing compounds or scratch-repair products can help when used properly.

  3. Handling and Installation

    1. Fixings Provided: Acrylic boards often come with barrel fixings or stand-off mounts. Follow the instructions carefully—overtightening can lead to cracks in the acrylic. A simple hand tightening is often plenty.

  4. Updating Your Board.

    1. The process is similar to wooden boards; ensure surfaces are dry and dust-free before applying new lettering.

    2. An instuctional video is available on our website.

  5. Long-Term Care

    1. UV Considerations: Acrylic can be be effected under strong prolonged direct sunlight. Place your board in a shaded or indirectly lit area if possible.

    2. Transporting: If you need to move it, wrap the board in a soft cloth or bubble wrap to guard against accidental impact or scratching.

Conclusion

Your honours board deserves thoughtful upkeep. Whether you have a wooden board that adds a timeless warmth to your space or an acrylic board that brings a modern vibe, a little care goes a long way.
By cleaning gently, avoiding harsh chemicals, and staying mindful of environmental factors like humidity and sunlight, your board will stay in top shape for years to come. Regular maintenance is very easily carried out and we hope this guide has been useful. With these tips, you’ll have a stunning, well-cared-for honours board that continues to inspire and delight.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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