Refinishing Official Texas Historical Markers

When details on historical markers fade or are damaged, it's cleanup time! With a few supplies and a bit of effort, you can renew your local markers.

In our example, the finish on the Littlefield Home historical marker located on the University of Texas at Austin campus has been damaged by the hot Texas sun and a harsh climate, making it difficult to read.

You are welcome to print out these instructions.

Tools and materials you need to clean or repair the surface of a marker on a post

painter's mask
stiff wire brush (stainless steel works best)
soft bristle scrub brush
spray bottle or bucket of water
soap
towel
can of clear lacquer spray paint
can of black lacquer spray paint
cotton rags
lacquer thinner
80 grit and 120 grit sandpaper
power sander or hand sanding block
roll of two-inch painter's masking tape

NOTE: If refinishing a marker attached to a building or surface, cover the surrounding surface with poster board, paper or a tarp to prevent over-spray of the paint.

Step by Step Instructions for Repairing Your Marker

Step 1

Hands hold a brush running over a Texas state historical marker sign Use a stiff wire brush to remove flaking or other debris; always use a side-to-side or left-to-right motion while cleaning the surface. Debris may also stick inside the raised lettering. If this happens, carefully use a sharp tool or knife to remove debris.

Step 2

A hand paints a historical market sign Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust and other debris around letters. If available, use a portable air blower to remove fine particles.

Step 3

A hand scrubs a historical marker sign Thoroughly clean the marker surface with soap and water. Towel dry and allow time for the marker surface to dry completely.

Step 4

Hands place painters' tape along the edge of a historical marker Apply two inch painter's masking tape to the border and base of the marker.

Step 5

Black lacquer covers the entire surface of a historical marker in the process of restoration Apply two even coats of an automotive black lacquer (spray) to the entire surface of the marker. Allow the black lacquer to dry completely. Use a painter's mask to avoid inhalation of spray paint.

Step 6

A hand wipes black lacquer off the type and logo on a historical marker in the process of restoration Remove dried black lacquer from the medallion and title letters with a soft cotton cloth and lacquer thinner. Use care not to remove the black lacquer on the flat surface portions of the medallion and area surrounding title letters. Allow marker to dry completely.

Step 7

A person sands the letters on a historical marker to remove black lacquer in the process of restoration After removing masking tape from the marker border and base, use a battery-powered or electric sander and 80 grit sandpaper or a hand sanding block to remove black lacquer from raised text. Use care not to remove black lacquer from flat surface areas. Lightly use the sander to clean marker border and base. Use 120 grit sandpaper to manually polish border and raised medallion.

Step 8

A hand uses a small brush to brush off letters on a historical marker in the process of restoration Remove fine debris with paint or bristle scrub brush. If available, use an electric or battery-powered air blower to remove fine debris.

Step 9

A clean historical marker Apply two even coats of clear lacquer spray paint to the entire surface of the historical marker.

Step 10

A newly restored historical marker in front of a victorian style home Step back and admire your work; you now have a historical marker that has been renewed to its original splendor.