Author: Laura

Bronze and aluminum signs are a staple on golf courses, serving as tee signs, tournament plaques, memorials, and sponsorship displays. Their durability and customizable designs make them a preferred choice for golf course managers, tournament organizers, and businesses looking to create long-lasting signage. However, proper maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity, retain their aesthetic appeal, and protect their finishes from environmental wear. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best methods for how to clean bronze and aluminum golf signs, helping you keep them looking great for decades.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters for Your Golf Course Signs

Golf courses rely on high-quality, durable signage, and knowing how to clean bronze and aluminum golf signs ensures they stay sharp and professional. Custom bronze and aluminum signs add a polished look to tee markers, directional posts, and sponsor displays—while also honoring dedications, memorials, and tournament plaques.

Regular maintenance of bronze and aluminum signs:

• Enhances their lifespan and prevents deterioration.
• Maintains readability and sharpness for players, sponsors, and visitors.
• Protects the finish to avoid costly replacements.
• Preserves the integrity of customized logos, colors, and engravings.

How to Clean Bronze Signs: Preserving Beauty & Durability

Understanding Bronze and Tarnish Formation

Bronze is a durable metal, but it is susceptible to tarnish due to exposure to moisture, salts, and oils from handling. Over time, this can result in a green patina or dark spots that obscure the details of engravings, borders, and logos, which some people love for its aged look, while others prefer to remove. To maintain the sign’s thick, high-quality surface, regular cleaning is necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Bronze Signs

1. Gather Your Cleaning Materials

Before you begin, assemble the following items:

• Warm water
• Mild soap or a small amount of dish soap
• Baking soda (for tougher stains)
• Lemon juice or vinegar (to help remove tarnish)
• Soft-bristled brush or sponge
• Clean microfiber cloth or soft towel
• Gloves (to avoid oils from your hands affecting the metal)

2. Remove Surface Dirt & Debris from Bronze before Cleaning

• Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe off dust, dirt, or debris.
• Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the plaque’s finish.

3. Wash with Mild Soap and Water

• Mix warm water with a small amount of mild soap.
• Dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into the mixture.
• Apply the soapy water to the bronze plaque and gently scrub in circular motions ensuring you cover all engravings, logos, and artwork.

4. Removing Tarnish with Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

If your bronze sign has developed tarnish, follow these steps for how to clean:

• Mix baking soda with lemon juice to create a paste.
• Apply the paste to the tarnished areas and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Gently scrub using a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly.

5. Polish for Enhanced Shine (Optional)

• If the goal is to restore shine and remove oxidation, use a bronze polish and a soft cloth.
• Avoid polishing if you prefer a natural aged patina look.

6. Protect Bronze from Future Tarnish

• Clean your sign every 3-6 months to prevent dirt buildup and maintain their ideal appearance.
• After cleaning, apply a thin layer of clear wax or a bronze-specific protective coating.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or acid-based cleaners, as they can damage the metal.
• If located near high-moisture areas, schedule periodic tarnish removal.
• Consider installing a frame or cover for outdoor bronze plaques to minimize exposure.

Cleaning Aluminum Signs: Easy and Effective Methods

Why Clean Aluminum Signs Regularly?

Aluminum is rust-resistant and generally requires less maintenance than bronze. However, dirt, pollution, and environmental moisture can still accumulate on aluminum surfaces, leading to dullness. Keeping aluminum signs clean and bright is key to preserving their professional look.

Step-by-Step Aluminum Sign Cleaning Guide

1. Gather Your Supplies

• Mild soap and warm water
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Non-abrasive cleaner (for stubborn stains) such as glass cleaner, or white vinegar
• Soft-bristled brush
• Clean water for rinsing
• Clean microfiber cloth or soft towel

2. Dust Off Dirt & Debris

• Use a soft cloth or a microfiber duster to remove surface dirt.
• If the sign is heavily soiled, rinse it off with lukewarm water before wiping.

3. Wash and Rinse

• Mix mild soap with warm water.
• Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the solution.
• Wipe down the aluminum surface thoroughly, ensuring all dirt and oils are removed.
• Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

3. Addressing Stubborn Stains

For stains or oxidation, use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water.

• Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Scrub gently using a soft-bristled brush.
• Rinse and dry completely.

4. Preventing Damage to Aluminum Signs

• Clean your sign every 3-6 months to prevent dirt buildup and maintain their ideal appearance.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, pressure washing, or wire brushes that may scratch and corrode the metal over time.
• If your signs are painted, check for peeling or fading and repaint as needed.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean bronze and aluminum golf signs is essential to preserving their beauty and extending their life. Proper cleaning and care will keep them looking great for years to come. By following the right maintenance directions, you can maintain their durability and shine. If you’re considering purchasing new bronze signs or aluminum signs, JFM Golf offers high-quality materials, customizable shapes, and a variety of border options to meet your needs.

Request a Quote – Let’s Get Started!

Need a sleek, low-maintenance upgrade? Explore our custom bronze signs or our custom aluminum signs at JFM Golf—crafted for durability, style, and long-lasting impact on your course. Request a quote or call us to speak with a specialist directly. Our team is happy to assist with design options, material recommendations, and installation guidance.

Upgrading your golf course with high-quality custom bronze or aluminum signs has never been easier.