10 Different Ways for Displaying & Hanging Porcelain Signs

Understanding Porcelain Signs

Before we dive into the hanging methods, it’s crucial to understand what porcelain signs are. These signs are made from steel that has been coated with a thick layer of porcelain enamel, providing durability and a glossy finish that’s resistant to weather and wear. They were commonly used from the late 19th to the mid-20th century for advertising, making them not only decorative but also historically significant.

Preparation for Hanging Porcelain Signs

Inspection and Cleaning your porcelain sign:

 

Condition Check: Examine each sign for rust, chips, or cracks.

Cleaning: Use a mild soap and water solution for cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the enamel. For stubborn grime, use a soft brush, but be gentle.

Choosing the Right Spot:

Consider Lighting: Porcelain signs look best under good lighting, which can highlight their colors and textures.

Wall Assessment: Check for studs if you’re planning to mount directly. For lighter signs, drywall might suffice, but heavier signs need more support. A 12 inch pump plate sign should be okay with mounting into drywall but use more than one hole to ensure it is safe.

Hanging Methods by Location

Garage shop or basement man cave collection wall.

 

Method 1: Mounting with Nails

Tools Needed: Hammer, nails, level, stud finder.

Process for Hanging porcelain signs:

Use a stud finder to locate studs for support.

Hold the sign against the wall, ensuring it’s level, then gently hammer nails through the holes in the sign or into the holes you’ve drilled if there aren’t any.

If no studs are available at the desired spot, use wall anchors. This is recommended for signs that are 15 inches or bigger.

Method 2: Using Hooks and Chains

Tools Needed: Drill, screws, hooks, chains.

Process for hanging porcelain signs:

• • Drill holes into the sign or use existing ones for attaching hooks.

• • Secure hooks into the wall, again using studs if possible.

• • Attach chains from the sign to the hooks for an industrial or rustic look.

Gas & Oil Collection

Method 3: Antique Brass Easels

 

 

Advantages: No wall damage, easy to move, adds an extra layer of vintage appeal.

 

Process for hanging porcelain signs:

• • Choose easels that are sturdy enough to support your signs.

• • Place signs on easels on shelves, tables, or directly on the floor if space allows.

Method 4: Framing

Process

• • Select frames that complement the era of the sign. Shadow box frames can give depth and protect the sign.

• • Mount the sign inside the frame, either using adhesive or small screws from the back, ensuring no part of the screw or adhesive touches the front of the sign.

Home Bar

Method 5: Magnetic Mounting

Tools Needed: Strong magnets, magnetic plates if the sign isn’t naturally magnetic.

 

Process:

• • If the sign isn’t magnetic, glue magnetic plates to the back.

• • Attach magnets to the wall or bar surface where you want the sign.

• • This method is ideal for temporary setups or if you frequently rearrange decor.

Method 6: Decorative Chains

Process:

• • Similar to the hooks and chains but use decorative chains or ropes for a more thematic bar look.

• • Secure the chains to the ceiling or high on the wall, allowing the signs to hang down.

• • RCH Hardware has a great selection of decorative chains and hooks.

DIY Basement

Method 7: Wire Hanging Systems

Tools Needed: Picture hanging wire, screws, anchors.

 

Process:

• • Thread wire through the back of the sign (drill if necessary).

• • Secure the wire to wall anchors or directly into studs for a clean, modern look.

Method 8: Adhesive Strips

Process:

• • For lighter signs, use heavy-duty adhesive strips that can be removed without damaging the wall or sign.

• • This is perfect for those who rent or prefer not to make permanent changes.

• • Be careful as adhesive might stick to the backside of the side and will require you to pick it off in the future. This could result in damage to the backside of the sign. This is not recommended for fragile porcelain or expensive porcelain signs.

Garage Shop

Method 9: Ceiling Hooks

Process:

• • Install hooks from the ceiling to hang signs overhead, freeing up wall space for tools or storage.

• • This can create an interesting visual effect and keep signs out of harm’s way.

Method 10: Pegboard Display

Process:

• • Use pegboard for a utilitarian yet effective display.

• • Hang signs on hooks or use adhesive strips on the back of the signs to attach to the pegboard.

Additional Display Ideas for Antique Signs

Shelf Display: Place signs on custom or antique shelves. This not only protects the signs but also allows for a layered look with other memorabilia.

Sign Stacks: For a unique look, consider stacking signs on the floor or a low shelf, leaning against the wall. This works well for larger collections where space is at a premium.

Integrated into Furniture: Turn signs into functional pieces by integrating them into furniture. For example, use a sign as the back panel of a bar cabinet or as the top of a coffee table.

Lighting: Install specific lighting like spotlights or backlights to make signs pop. This can be particularly effective in dimly lit areas like bars or man caves.

Interactive Elements: In garages or basements, consider making one sign interactive, like a secret door or a compartment behind the sign.

Maintenance and Preservation

Regular Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a duster to keep signs clean.

 

Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can fade the colors over time. Most porcelain signs can handle years and years of sunlight. However it is still recommended to try to avoid direct sunlight.

Humidity Control: Keep signs away from areas with high humidity to prevent rusting on the steel base.

Conclusion

Hanging porcelain signs and displaying antique porcelain signs is both an art and a science, blending functionality with historical appreciation. Whether you choose to mount them directly to your walls, use them as conversation pieces on easels, or incorporate them into your furniture, each sign tells a story. By following the methods outlined above, you can ensure that these pieces of history continue to shine in your personal space, providing both beauty and a nod to the past. Remember, the display is as much about preservation as it is about aesthetics, so choose your methods wisely to ensure your signs last for generations to come.

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