Many businesses will be giving their sites a deep clean during lockdown for this reason, but this can cause damage or wear to signage and graphics.

David Morgan, technical assistance at Drytac says: “Wall murals, decals, floor graphics, window displays and signage may all need cleaning, but how to approach this will depend on the graphics material, especially that of its overlaminate product.

“An overlaminate is used to enhance graphics but is also essential to protect an underlying image or surface from damage caused by UV exposure, scratches, graffiti and indeed cleaning chemicals.”

While most overlaminating films are designed to withstand everyday cleaning products and disinfectants, Morgan suggests that for more intense cleaning, it’s best to check the film’s chemical resistance first. This is because PVC, polyester and polypropylene films all have different levels of chemical resistance.

Morgan adds: “PVC has good resistance to aliphatic alcohols such as isopropanol, a widely used disinfectant within pharmaceutics and hospitals and dilute acids/bases found in common cleaners like bleach.

“However, organic solvents such as ketones (for example acetone), aromatics like toluene, and esters should be avoided as they will damage the PVC material.”

For all films being used, Morgan advises washing the graphic with a soft, non-abrasive wipe to avoid surface damage and scratches.

One thing to be aware of is that chemicals and liquids can damage adhesives if allowed to ingress, therefore it is important to be careful with exposed edges. The reason being that on applications such as floor graphics, reduced adhesion can be a tripping hazard.

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