When to Replace vs. Refurbish Your Commercial Sign
Your commercial sign does more than tell people who you are—it’s a daily advertisement, a brand ambassador, and a first impression rolled into one. But over time, even the best signs start to show wear and tear.
So when is it time to give your sign a little TLC, and when should you invest in something brand new?
Let’s break down the difference between refurbishing and replacing your business signage—and how to know which is right for you.
When It Makes Sense to Refurbish Your Sign
Refurbishing is often a great choice when your existing sign still has a solid structure but could use some visual or functional upgrades.
1. The Structure Is Still in Good Shape
If your sign’s frame, cabinet, or steel supports are intact and not rusted, cracked, or sagging, that’s a good sign (literally!). Many exterior signs are designed to last several decades or more, and small updates can extend that lifespan further.
2. Your Branding Has Slightly Changed
If your logo or color scheme has evolved—but not dramatically—you may not need to tear down and start over.
You can often update your sign with the new logo and colors. Refurbishing helps keep costs low while keeping your image current.
3. Your Sign Just Looks Dull
Over time weather can take a toll on your signage. Signs can fade, accumulate road grime, or lose their brightness.
A good cleaning, fresh paint, new vinyl graphics, or an LED retrofit can breathe new life into your sign for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
4. Your Budget Is Limited
Startups, non-profits, and small businesses often need to balance visibility with affordability. Refurbishing an existing sign can cost significantly less than designing and installing a new one—and still deliver strong results.
When You Should Replace Your Commercial Sign
There are times when refurbishing simply isn’t practical or effective. Here’s when a full replacement makes more sense:
1. There’s Structural or Safety Damage
If your sign is physically deteriorating—leaning, cracking, rusting, or falling apart—it could be a safety hazard. In these cases, replacement isn’t just a branding decision—it’s a compliance and liability issue.
Warning signs include:
- Rusted frames and steel structure
- Exposed or damaged wiring
- Missing or loose components
2. Your Branding Has Completely Changed
If you’ve renamed your business, changed your core services, or gone through a major rebrand, your old signage probably doesn’t align with your identity anymore.
Customers notice these things—especially when your online presence and physical signage don’t match.
3. It’s Visibly Outdated or Worn Out
Faded colors, cracked plastic, warped surfaces, and unreadable lettering are red flags. If your sign looks dated or neglected, it can reflect poorly on your business—even if your services are top-tier.
4. You’re Upgrading for Visibility
Sometimes, the problem isn’t wear and tear—it’s design. Maybe your original sign was too small, poorly placed, or not illuminated.
New signage gives you the opportunity to:
- Improve visibility with larger or better-positioned signs
- Add lighting for nighttime exposure
- Comply with updated city zoning or ADA regulations
5. Technology Has Changed
If your sign still uses a changeable copy board, you’re missing out on the brightness of modern LED signage. New sign technology allows for digital display that grab attention and drive more traffic to your business.
Quick Decision Guide
Still not sure what to do? Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
If your current sign can be affordably updated and still reflect your business professionally—refurbish it.
If it looks outdated, is damaged, or no longer fits your brand—replace it.
Need Professional Guidance?
At Johnson Sign Co. we’ve helped hundreds of businesses make the right call. We offer:
- On-site inspections
- Honest recommendations
- Refurbishing and full sign replacement
- Help with permits, lighting, and compliance
Whether you’re reviving a faded storefront sign or planning a completely new look, we’ll help you get it right—from design to installation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll inspect your sign, explain your options, and give you a quote that works for your budget and brand.