For Cleaning Graphics with an Overlaminate Film
Use a cleaner designed for high-quality painted
surfaces. The cleaner must be wet, nonabrasive,
without strong solvents, and have a pH value
between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor
strongly alkaline.)
For Cleaning Graphics with an Overprint Clear
Use a wet, nonabrasive that contains NO solvents
and NO alcohol and has a pH value between 3
and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly
alkaline.)
Power Washing Exterior Graphics
Power washing, or pressure washing, may be
used. However, aggressive washing can damage
the graphic. Two common types of damage are:
- Excessive pressure during power washing can damage the graphics by allowing water to get underneath the graphic.
- Water lessens the adhesion of the graphic to the substrate allowing the graphic to lift or curl.
- These problems are magnified by wind. This is a critical problem for perforated window graphic film.
Caution:
Loose graphics could tear away from a moving vehicle or
from a building and cause an obstruction to motorists
and pedestrians. After washing, check all the graphics
carefully for edge lifting and repair, remove or replace
damaged graphics. To avoid edge lifting
or other damage to the graphics, follow these important
steps:
- Use a spray nozzle with a 40 wide spray pattern.
- Be sure the spray nozzle includes a nozzle protector (tip guard).
- Use a pressure of 2000 psi or less.
- If the system is heated, limit the water temperature to 180° For less.
- Hold nozzle at least 12 inches (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (90° +/- 10) to the graphic.
- Do not direct the water stream at a sharp angle to the edge of the graphic.
Automatic Brush Washing
Automatic brush washing may be used, but keep these two points in mind:
- Brushes can catch a loose edge of the graphic and cause further damage to the graphic.
- Brushes can dull the finish of the graphic.
Hand Washing Exterior Graphics
- Flush the graphic with clean water to remove loose dirt
particles. A trigger-type hose nozzle is convenient for this purpose.
- Use a mild liquid detergent and water solution and wash the
graphic with a soft brush, rag or sponge.
- Wash thoroughly from the top down.
- Avoid abrading the graphic by unnecessary scrubbing.
- After applying the cleaning solution, keep a steady stream of water flowing on the graphic to wash away dirt particles.
- Rinse the entire graphic thoroughly with clean water. Allow graphic to dry naturally.
Removing Difficult Contaminants
Some contaminants may remain after following
the normal cleaning procedures. Most contaminants
can be removed using one of these methods.
Other cleaning products and methods should
be used only on a customer test-and-approve
basis.
- To remove tar, oil, diesel smut or bituminous material:
- Wipe with a rag dampened with kerosene, mineral spirits, heptane, or VM &P naphtha. Do not use other solvents.
- Wash immediately with detergent and water and then rinse with clean water.
- To remove pollen and fungus:
- Wash the graphic with a 3% to 5% sodium hypochlorite (full-strength household bleach) solution or mild liquid detergent and water.
- Rinse with clean water immediately.
- To remove crayon, lipstick, or similar materials:
- Select an appropriate solvent and test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it
removes the contaminant without damaging the graphic. This must be done on a
customer test and approve basis.
- Wash immediately with mild liquid detergent and water, and then rinse with clean water.
Hand Washing Interior Graphics
- Use a mild liquid detergent and water solution and wash the
graphic with a soft brush, rag, or sponge.
- Wash graphic thoroughly from the top down.
- Avoid abrading the graphic by unnecessary scrubbing.
- Wipe the graphic with a water-soaked brush, rag or sponge
to wash away the detergent and dirt.
- Dry the graphic with clean toweling.
- Refer to Removing Difficult Contaminants, above, if necessary.
Graphic Repair
Sometimes graphic damage can be repaired; however,
repaired graphics are not warranted. These procedures
are for information only.
Damage to Face of Graphic
- Trim and clean loose areas of film before patching.
- Use a film or sheeting with pressure-sensitive adhesive, if
possible. The color or gloss of the new material
will vary slightly due to weathering of the
original material.
- Cut the patches so they overlap all sides of the damaged
area by at least 1/4 inch (6.4 mm).
- Position the patch over the damaged area.
- Hold in place at the top with a strip of Scotch Masking Tape.
- Remove the paper liner.
- Squeegee firmly into place using a plastic applicator.
- Use heat such as from a heat gun to heat all edges of the
patch, and then re-squeegee all edges.
Edge Damage
- Trim loose edges back to the point where the adhesive is firmly adhered to the substrate.
- Apply edge sealing, if desired. Edge sealant may help prevent further damage if the lifting is caused
by aggressive washing conditions.
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