As businesses and public spaces continue to slowly open their doors to the public, temporary floor graphics have been used to meet regional requirements, and deliver healthcare best practice, helping to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
The reason for the rapid adoption of floor graphics as the go-to solution in the marketplace for temporary, reliable, and effective visual communication lies in the fact that if can be applied quickly and easily, in a wide range of environments.
However, as in all such rapid uptakes of graphics solutions, there are lessons that have been learned which will help you ensure you floor graphics always make a good impression, regardless of how harsh the environment or how much footfall they endure.
We have consulted with our product experts to provide you with some tips that will see you putting your best foot forward.
Top 7 tips for floor graphics application:
Tip #1 Before quoting, know the floor surface and type (smooth, textured, carpet) as well as the environment (indoor or outdoor). Making the right product choice ensures the decals do the job they are meant to.
Tip #2 Use the correct non-slip product. Installations require a minimum slip rating for the decal surface to meet floor safety standards. This requisite applies to all public areas and is referenced as P (pendulum) and or R (ramp) slip resistance rating. Products being used should have the minimum required slip rating, tested to Australian Standards AS 4586:2013. These testing certifications for relevant products will be available from your trusted supplier.
Tip #3 Graphic design and profiling cutting - avoid sharp corners and angles which can cause lifting. Circular decals are ideal, however adding radius corners to rectangular or square shapes will also limit corners peeling up.
Tip #4 Before application, ensure the floor surface is clean and dry. For outside surfaces especially, brush-off with a broom to remove any dust or dirt. Cleaning may involve the use of a mild detergent mixed with water and ideally, a final wipe off with a cloth and iso-propyl alcohol (IPA). Avoid applying pavement graphics when the surface is wet or damp. Plan your application at least 72 hours or longer since the last rain fall in the area. Moisture and rising damp through porous outdoor surfaces like pavers and tiles will reduce adhesion and may result in the decal failure.
Tip #5 During application, avoid grout lines, expansion joins and any uneven surfaces wherever possible to prevent graphics lifting or peeling up.
Tip #6 When applying floor decals onto sealed or varnished surfaces, conduct a spot test by applying the selected product to a small, discreet section of floor, then removing before undertaking the project. This ensures the correct sealant or varnish was used and removal will not result in any damage.
Tip #7 Current social distancing campaigns may require longer life-cycles for floor graphics, compared to the traditional shorter-term advertising campaigns for which they have been typically employed. However, it is important to remember that these graphics must still be replaced in a timely manner to negate signs of wear and tear, and damage that may result in safety risks and trip-hazards. Not only will a regular refresh of graphics ensure safety remains a key priority, but it also allows you to refresh and update messaging for maximum utility.
