Some people have the mistaken notion that in order to keep your etched plaques in perfect condition, all you need to do is to wipe it off occasionally, and you’re good to go. What they do not realize is that these plaques actually need a bit more than just the perfunctory wipe with a rag to prevent its deterioration. There are a number of things that you need to do in order to keep these metal plaques from falling to disrepair, and here are some of the dos and don’ts of plaque care and maintenance:
Do take into consideration the materials the plaque is made of – if the plaque is mounted on wood, this needs to be considered. If the plaque is made of a specific kind of metal, this also needs to be considered. All of these come into play when you are cleaning and maintaining your etched metal plaques. This is because you will need to use the right kind of cleaning methods and materials for these in order to ensure that these do not get damaged while being cleaned.
Don’t me careless about the cleaning agents you use – some cleaning materials can be too harsh for the metal and the backing material on it. This is why you should make sure that you choose the right kind of cleaning agent when maintaining your etched plaques. One of the best choices for cleaning these plaques with is a mild dishwashing liquid that is diluted with some warm water. Not only will this clean the surface dirt off the plaque, but it will also remove any greasy dirt on it due to the grease removing properties that this cleaner has.
Do make sure to use soft cloths when wiping these plaques off – no, you do not want your etched plaques to have scratches on them, even when these are supposedly made from tough metal. Metal can be easily scratched, which can mar the cleanliness and beauty of the surface, which is why it is advisable that you use soft cloths like microfiber rags on these to remove any dirt or to polish it with. Stay away from abrasive cloths and rough cleaning materials since these can damage the surface of these plates.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the grooves and indentations in the plaque – since these are etched plaques, there will be recessed areas where dirt can get trapped. You will need to get into these crevices by using a tool that can get the dirt out without damaging the metal around it. The best tool for this is a wooden cuticle stick. You can also use a bamboo skewer that has the pointy end wrapped in a thin layer of cotton. Spray the inside of these recessed areas with the cleaning solution, let it sit, then carefully gouge out the dirt that has now softened inside these recessed areas.
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