How to Clean & Refurbish Your Donor Plaque
How to Clean and Maintain a Donor Plaque
Many organizations purchase donor plaques individually as needed and then allow them to remain on a wall for decades. To get the most longevity out of a donor plaque or donor recognition wall, consistent maintenance is essential.
By learning how to properly clean a donor plaque, you ensure that the investment made to honor charitable donors stays in pristine condition for years to come—while also encouraging future donors to follow in their footsteps.
Restoring an Older Donor Plaque
The plaque shown below was originally cast in the mid-1950s and had tarnished over time, becoming an unusable eyesore due to years of neglect. Donor Signs, Inc. restored the plaque by:
Cleaning and sanding the surface
Refinishing the brass letters and border
Applying a new protective clear coat
Once the cleaning and refurbishing process was complete, the plaque looked brand new and will continue to do so for years with minimal maintenance. The material of the plaque is also an important factor to consider when refurbishing older donor recognition pieces.
Extend Longevity With a Modular Insert System
The most significant improvement was the removal of the existing name plaques and the addition of a modular insert system. This upgrade:
Makes donor names extremely easy to update
Allows names to be added or swapped quickly
Gives older plaques new life
A modular insert system is a smart investment because it allows organizations to update donor names easily and inexpensively. It is especially recommended for organizations that welcome a large number of new donors each year.
Preserve History While Reducing Costs
Refurbishing an old donor plaque:
Saves money
Helps preserve your organization’s history and legacy
Maintaining donor recognition displays sends a strong message to potential donors that your organization values charitable contributions—often encouraging continued or in-kind donations.
Get Expert Help With Donor Plaque Restoration
If you have questions about how to clean a donor plaque or are considering refurbishing or replacing a donor wall or plaque, reach out to our team of design experts at Donor Signs.