Floor graphic Installation

We have prepared this information to help you understand the best way to stick down floor graphics. We supply the highest R12 rated anti slip, long life waterproof floor/wall graphics. That said proper application and siting is the key to getting the maximum longevity from the product.

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Where to place the graphic
Before you set out to install a floor graphic, you need to be sure the vinyl will stick to the flooring material. Our floor graphics use a permanent style adhesive, which is extremely aggressive.
Generally, floor graphics can be applied to waxed vinyl, sealed concrete, marble, ceramic tile, sealed wood and Terrazo, industrial painted and other surfaces can work such as smooth cement/pavements/ tarred surfaces but it is very much down to the preparation and location siting.

The floor surface must be secure and in good condition. We suggest avoiding the temptation to install floor graphics over loose or uneven surfaces. The floor surface to which the graphic is applied should also be well secured, and free from cracks and chips, and missing and/or loose grout. The floor surface should also be free of silicone, as the presence of silicone will inhibit anchorage of the graphic to the floor surface.

For interior application you’ll also want to be sure the floor finish is well bonded to the floor surface. That’s because floor finishes that aren’t well bonded may separate or release and result in the graphic lifting prematurely. What’s more the floor finish may come off with the graphic when the graphic is removed and demand the reapplication of the floor finish.

It’s also important to note that the floor graphic can become more slippery when wet just as regular paving or anything gets more slippy when wet. Even with the highest R12 ratinglike ours  this is still vinyl so it’s best not to choose an installation location that where heavy rain or snow is likely to find its way onto the graphic and stay for a while in high trafiic areas. If you are installing floor graphics in a warehouse setting then keep in mind that forklifts and tow motors can compromise the integrity of the graphic by spilling oil and tracking grime over the image.

Preparing the surface
Once you’ve determined the most appropriate location for the floor graphic, you’ll need to go through similar steps as you would to install vinyl on any other substrate. In other words, you need to prepare the surface for the graphic application.

If you don’t prepare the floor surface, then you compromise the durability of the floor graphic. In short, the application surface needs to be clean, smooth as possible , and dry.

You can Spray the floor.
Although  not required you can do this for graphics that are large and air bubble free is critical, 90% of graphics dont need this especially the stand here keep 2 metres types of 300mm 400mm etc.

First, spray the floor area where the graphic will be applied. Use a solution of 20 drops of detergent per pint (400 ml) of water. Do not use soaps or enzyme detergents. Clean the area.
Next, clean an area that is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) larger than the graphic. This gives you a margin for error. Wipe the floor clean.
Now, wipe the floor clean and then dry it with a lint-free paper towel. The point is to make sure you remove all the soil and the grit without leaving lint in its wake. It is important to clean not only the area to which the graphic will be applied, but also eight to 10 inches around that area.

Remove any oil or grease from dirty areas.
This can’t be emphasized enough. You’ll need to wipe the floor with a clean, lint-free paper towel that has been moistened with rubbing alcohol that contains no lotions. Again, to avoid leaving a residue, wipe the surface completely dry with a lint-free paper towel before the alcohol evaporates.

If you are working with a painted floor, you have to do a paint test to make sure that if you have to reposition the graphic or when you remove the graphics, you are not also going to remove the paint with it. Consider this: Most permanent style floor graphics are going to use a permanent style adhesive, which is extremely aggressive.

AND ABOVE ALL if in any doubt call us and request a sample for testing