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Working with Awnings & Lettering

 Details below.

I want to put lettering or a logo on my awning

What do I need to know?
Important to test first: Find out what kind of material was used in making your awning In the 20th century, awnings were predominantly made of a vinyl or fabric material. You need to determine which kind of awning material you have before you proceed, so you can order the right products from us.
The lettering and logos are all custom made to order, so let's get it right the first time.
If you have doubt as to the kind of material, ask the awning installer (usually has a label on the inside of the awning) or send us a clear focused close-up photo so we may be able to tell you what we think it is. Once we make custom awning lettering, they're not returnable, so check first (we'll help).

My awning has letters on it already- How do I cover it up? REVISED JUNE 2014

Finding the best way to cover up existing lettering depends on the kind of awning material ou have. If it's fabric, you can have some sign paint mixed to match the awning. Be sure to clean the awning prior to matching the paint color, so you're not matching the color if the fabric has dirt and soot on it.
If the awning is Sunbrella™ or vinyl, you may need a special industry paint, like OneShot™.
You might also consider opting for a fabric (or vinyl) banner to attach temporarily to the awning, and to cover existing lettering.
Clean awning Determine what kind of material your awning is made from, and use the appropriate cleaner. Usually mild detergent and water with a scrub brush (the telescoping kind used for cleaning cars works well). Be sure to get all the soap residue off and allow to dry thoroughly. For fabric awnings, this may take several days.
Paint awning You can paint most awnings, but be sure to use the right kind of paint.
See "My awning has letters on it already- How do I cover it up?" above.

NEW Awning MASK to cover over existing awning words

In late February 2014, LetterBank™ introduced Awning MASK; a product designed to cover over existing lettering on most awning fabrics. The new lettering comes on a background of contrasting color fabric. A surprising advantage is that the single piece (background with new lettering) is much easier to apply than individually cut letters, for most people. Check it out here.


Apply letters to awning
Allow enough time to do this without rushing. A warm day with little or no wind is ideal. We encourage you to determine the placement of the wording before starting. You may want to ask a sign company person, or someone with high level of aptitude, to stand by to help incase you need help, before you get started. Some people ask sign companies to do the installation.

Replace awning? 
Sometimes, starting fresh may be the best start. Replacing the awning may be the most expensive option available, but it will allow you to create exactly the look you want.

Ordering the right kind of letters

Kinds of letters:

DuraStikself-adhesive fabric letters
For lettering on fabric awnings. The DuraStik™ fabric can be used on most woven fabric awnings except Sunbrella™ and other silicone-treated fabrics. DuraStik™ is a woven fabric made for outdoor use, and has an extremely aggressive acrylic adhesive. Individual colors only.
You can request a price quote for a full-color logo by sending your art and dimensions here.
Order a sample here

Vinyl self-adhesive letters and
Reflective self-adhesive letters.


Vinyl letters are good for lettering on Sunbrella™  vinyl and glass (non-porous surfaces). The vinyl letters may also be used on vehicles and any smooth, clean painted surface. See Applying Letters below.

Reflective self-adhesive letters
You can use these on glass, vehicles and on certain vinyl awnings, too. See Applying Letters below. Good for night-time visibility for installations illuminated by car headlights.




MASK System: letters already on a contrasting background panel, ready to cover old wording
Great for fabric awnings that have an old business name or service, phone number, logo or almost anything you want to cover up. Also great for much simpler installation! Awning MASK system

Paint Mask for painting letters (available by quote).
Letter Mask is a self-adhesive material, where instead of letters, you get the part surrounding the letters, so that you can use a paint roller to apply paint over the paint mask, then remove the mask to reveal accurately painted letters.

DuraStik Material in Bulk for sign professionals and hand-cutting designs. White and a few basic colors are available in rolls or by the foot.  Order by the roll or by the foot.

Designing your wording
We welcome vector files from your graphic designer.
LetterBank can also design your wording specifically for your needs. Our complete art department is available for as little as $60 per hour.

Maximum available space
Be sure to tell us when you have limited space! When ordering, tell us the maximum area available for the self-adhesive lettering or mask.

Applying letters
Note: Read through the directions before you begin. It is much easier to install lettering on a background mask all in one piece than to install individual letters. Get help if you need it!

Best to do the day before applying letters to your awning: Wash thoroughly and allow to dry cmpletely.
The day of application: Get help from a friend, especially if a ladder is required. Align the letters where you want them on the awning and tape into place with masking or other strong tape. You are taping the lettering into place so that you can be sure the letters are exactly where you want them (and not crooked) prior to installation.
Once the letters are straight and as desired, start by removing the backing carefully. This pay require un-taping a small part at a time. If it's colder than 60°ƒ, you may want to be extra careful to make sure the letters stay on the premask (the frisket/masking paper above the letters). Carefully burnish in place (rub the letter into the fabric) and proceed to the next letter.


Any Questions or comments?
That's why we're here. Send an email to MyDIYsigns



The awning mask is now available with full-color graphics, art, photo or logo printed and applied over top of awning mask. The mask itself comes in a rectangular shape or is available contour-cut. Send your file, project or idea for a price quote. Be sure to include artwork and dimensions.
©2013 LetterBank.com, ©2017 GiralMedia Group
All rights reserved. Limited permission to reproduce or link where credit is prominently featured.

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