Graffiti Removal Guidelines
Graffiti Removal Guide on 3M Protective Film 8993.
HONBLUE Customer Resource Guides are valuable tools designed to streamline your printing projects. They offer step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and best practices for optimizing print quality, installation efficiency, ensuring accuracy, and saving time.
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General Graffiti Cleaning Procedure
For best results, remove graffiti within the first 48hrs after application.
- Use a cleaner such as the kind used for high-quality painted surfaces.
- The cleaner must be wet, non-abrasive, without strong solvents, and have a pH value between 3.0 and 11.0 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline). A cloth, soft bristle brush or sponge can be used to apply or wipe the cleaner.
- Wash thoroughly from the top down.
- Avoid abrading the graphic by unnecessary scrubbing.
- Pressure washing is not recommended and not warranted. The abrasive effects of this type of washing may damage or abrade the sign faces and decorations and cause film to lift.
This table shows the recommended cleaning method for various stains on graphics protected by films:
| Cleaning Method | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballpoint Pen Ink | X | X | ||
| Crayon | X | |||
| Coffee/Tea | X | |||
| Fruit Juice | X | |||
| Grease | X | |||
| Lipstick | X | |||
| Sauces (i.e. Ketchup) | X | |||
| Paint | X | |||
| Permanent Marking Pen | X | X | ||
| Shoe Polish | X |
Recommended Cleaning Process
(These steps may vary depending on the product you are using.)
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the adhesive remover product. Use the product only as directed and only in a well-ventilated area.
- Follow the manufacturer’s safe handling instructions, including wearing appropriate protective equipment such as rubber gloves and safety goggles.
- Test the remover by applying it in an inconspicuous area to make certain that it does not damage the substrate.
- Apply the remover as directed and allow the prescribed time for the chemical to penetrate the stain.
- Use cloth or soft bristle brush can be used to apply or wipe the cleaner the softened adhesive by scraping with a plastic applicator or rivet brush.
- Repeat steps 4 through 5 as needed.
- Wash the entire substrate with a solution of mild detergent and water.
Removing Difficult Contaminants
- The following solvents are recommended only for normal cleaning procedures to remove graffiti and paint spills. Regular and prolonged exposure due to soaking and/or aggressive scrubbing is not recommended or warranted and may reduce the life and durability of the product.
- Some contaminants may remain after following the normal cleaning procedures. Most contaminants can be removed using one of these methods.
- 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.
Different types of graffiti based on their own chemical makeup will require different solutions for removal. Here is a list of recommended chemicals:
Water & Mild Detergent
3M All Purpose Cleaner & Detergent
3M Citrus Cleaner
Goo-Gone
Over the Counter Cleaners
SOLVENTS
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
Di-isobutyl Ketone (DIBK)
Ethyl Acetate
PM Acetate
Toluene
Xylene
VM&P Naphtha
Mineral Spirits
Methyl Alcohol
Ethyl Alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol
Lacquer Thinner
Disclaimer:
- Always use the least aggressive cleaning method that provides satisfactory results.
- Do not use any abrasive cleaning tools or abrasive cleaners.
- Old and/or thicker stains may require longer soaking time or reapplication of the cleaner.
- Graphics damaged by improper cleaning are not covered by the 3M Warranty.
For any inquiries or assistance, please reach out to your HONBLUE representative.
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