Floor graphics work wonders whether you’re looking for a more immersive way-finding experience or showroom statement piece. And when you work with a member of the Signworld business alliance, you know you’re getting exactly what you need, from responsive support during the design process to high-quality materials for you, the end-user.
But even the best floor graphics fail if you don’t set your installation up for success.
With that in mind, today’s post is all about how to guarantee a quality floor graphic installation through proper selection and preparation.
Floor graphics can be flawlessly installed on a number of surfaces, including:
- Waxed vinyl
- Marble
- Sealed concrete
- Ceramic tile
- Sealed wood
- Terrazzo
And though the optimal type of floor surface is debatable, condition standards are universal. No matter what kind of graphic or flooring you’re working with, the surface you choose must be secure and in good condition. That means:
- Do not install floor graphic on loose or uneven tile. That’s a one-way ticket to poor results and significantly shortened life spans for your graphics.
- Ensure the floor finish is well-bonded before you begin. Concrete sealer, wood sealer, paint, and wax are all acceptable options. Failing to do means potentially tearing off bits of the surface when the graphic is removed. Moreover, poorly bonded finishes tend to lift, which will take your precious graphic with it!
- Remove all silicone coatings except those found in the grout line area of tile.
- Ensure that the floor surface application temperature range is 10° to 38°C. Temperatures outside these range will affect the graphics’ adhesion
Finally, like any other floor surface, graphics will be slippery when wet. Factor this into your choice of location. It’s generally a good idea to place your graphics in low-traffic area, or at least far enough away from entryways that they stay dry. But if that’s not possible, consider using doormats to minimize the amount of water being tracked in from outside, and be sure to clean up any spills immediately.
Preparing the Floor Surface
Once you’ve created your custom floor graphic and chosen the right spot, it’s time to prep the installation area.
All floor surfaces need a thorough cleaning before you begin. This still applies to floor that are sealed, waxed, or painted. Clean an area that is 6-8 inches wide than your graphic.
Isopropyl Alcohol is recommended, but this can get expensive for large spaces. If you’re installing a large floor graphic, use the following procedure:
- Spray down the floor space with a solution made by combining 50 drops of detergent per full liter of water. Avoid soaps or enzyme detergents. Like with smaller spaces, aim to clean an area that is 6-8 inches wider than the size of your graphic.
- Wipe the floor clean.
- Dry the floor using a lint-free paper towel. Be thorough and don’t leave any soil or grit behind.
- Finally, get rid of any troublesome oil or grease by wiping the floor with lint-free paper towel wet with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the surface completely dry with a fresh lint-free paper towel before the alcohol evaporates to eliminate any residue.
Now you’re ready to get started with your installation!
For next steps, or to book a free consultation with a member of the Signworld Business Alliance, visit our website at https://www.signworld.org. There you’ll find a quick contact form to field any questions, along with a wealth of free resources like this to guide your floor graphic install.
