{"id":2358,"date":"2020-01-08T15:55:10","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T15:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.speedpro.com\/towson\/?p=2358"},"modified":"2020-10-06T18:00:36","modified_gmt":"2020-10-06T18:00:36","slug":"how-to-install-and-remove-floor-graphics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speedpro.com\/towson\/how-to-install-and-remove-floor-graphics\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install and Remove Floor Graphics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Properly installing and then removing vinyl\u00a0floor graphics<\/a>\u00a0are crucial parts of any graphic strategy. You\u2019ll likely want to improve the look and feel of your business, and floor graphics are excellent options to complete these goals. Custom floor decals and floor clings are especially appealing to companies that want their brand to be more visible, while also giving their business space a complete appearance.<\/p>\n

WHAT ARE FLOOR GRAPHICS?<\/h2>\n

Floor graphics are a form of signage that can be used in a variety of settings. For instance, floor decals for businesses can act as advertisements or stylish accents, while a sports team might use a large floor logo decal at the center of their court or field to brand their space. Whatever you use them for, there are many\u00a0benefits to using floor graphics<\/a>\u00a0as they put your stamp on a location and display your creative vision.<\/p>\n

WHERE CAN YOU APPLY FLOOR GRAPHICS?<\/h2>\n

\"Surfaces<\/p>\n

Before you install floor graphics, you\u2019ll want to make sure that the graphics are suited for the surface. Generally, floor graphics can be applied to surfaces such as sealed wood, ceramic tile, marble, vinyl and concrete.<\/p>\n

While the flooring material is important, it also needs to be in good condition for the floor graphics to hold up over time. For example, they shouldn\u2019t be installed over uneven or loose tile. Additionally, they shouldn\u2019t be applied on a surface that has loose or missing grout, along with any chips or cracks.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re installing concrete floor stickers or other graphics, you\u2019ll want to pay particular attention to the bumps, uneven terrain and cracks that will often occur on those surfaces. In general, the floor surface should be secured firmly, smooth as possible and not have any parts that are loose in any way.<\/p>\n

You should also avoid floors with silicone on the surface, as it can prevent the graphic from properly adhering to the surface of the floor. If you have a floor finish on the floor\u2019s surface, you\u2019ll also want to ensure that the finish is well bonded to the surface. If you don\u2019t check that finish is well bonded, it may release or separate from the floor, causing the graphic to lift off of the floor before you want it to.<\/p>\n

HOW TO APPLY THE GRAPHIC<\/h2>\n

Applying a graphic to a surface is not a long process, but it does require a few steps to make sure the graphic is secured to the floor properly. Here\u2019s what you need to do to prep before you apply the graphic:<\/p>\n

1. PREPARE THE SURFACE<\/h3>\n

After you\u2019ve decided where to place the graphic, you\u2019ll need to prepare the surface of the floor. Printed floor graphics have a similar installation process to other vinyl graphics applied to other surfaces. To begin, you need to make sure that the floor is ready to have a graphic applied to it.<\/p>\n

\"Not<\/p>\n

Not preparing the floor\u2019s surface will reduce the graphic\u2019s durability, making it more susceptible to damage and coming loose. To prepare the surface, you\u2019ll first need to check to make sure that the surface is appropriate for graphics. If it doesn\u2019t have the problems that were detailed previously, you can move onto the next steps. The preparation process will aim to make sure that the surface is smooth, clean and dry.<\/p>\n

Follow these steps for a comprehensive preparation:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Spray the floor:<\/strong>\u00a0Start preparing the surface for installation by spraying the floor. Use roughly 20 drops of appropriate detergent for every pint of water. You shouldn\u2019t use enzyme detergents or soaps in this process, as it could damage the floor\u2019s surface.<\/li>\n
  2. Clean the surface:<\/strong>\u00a0Using the appropriate cleaning supplies for the surface, clean the area where you are going to apply the graphic. It\u2019s best practice to clean more of the surface than the graphic will actually require. By giving yourself a few extra inches around the location of the graphic, you\u2019ll have room for error and greater flexibility for the graphic\u2019s placement.<\/li>\n
  3. Wipe floor:<\/strong>\u00a0After you have cleaned the floor, wipe it down to get rid of any moisture with a lint-free paper towel to get rid of any remaining grit or debris that have not been removed. Like with the cleaning of the surface, you\u2019ll want to wipe in the area where the graphic is going to be placed as well as a few inches surrounding the graphic to give room for error.<\/li>\n
  4. Remove grease or oil:<\/strong>\u00a0To make sure there is no grease or oil on the surface before installation, dip the towel you use to wipe up the floor in rubbing alcohol that does not contain any lotions. This rubbing alcohol will help to remove any oil and grease that have built up on the surface. After you\u2019ve applied the alcohol, wipe it dry rather than letting it air dry.<\/li>\n
  5. Paint test:<\/strong>\u00a0If the surface area where you\u2019re applying your floor graphic to has paint on it, you\u2019ll need to test the paint first. For wood floor graphics, a paint test will be especially important. This paint test will let you know if the paint will be removed from the floor when the graphic is eventually removed or re-positioned. You\u2019ll need to check to see if the adhesive used to place the graphic will pull the paint off of the floor.<\/li>\n
  6. Review manufacturer guidelines:<\/strong>\u00a0While the above tips will help the general preparation of surfaces for your floor graphics, you\u2019ll want to consult the manufacturer guidelines of your floor graphic. These guidelines will let you know if the floor graphics have any special requirements that you should be aware of. They might also give information about how strong the adhesive is, helping you know what surfaces will be appropriate for it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    2. INSTALLING FLOOR GRAPHICS<\/h3>\n

    Once the preparation process is over, you\u2019ll next move onto the installation of the floor graphic. Your manufacturer should provide you with instructions for how to properly install the custom floor graphics, but there are a few guidelines that you should follow unless otherwise instructed:<\/p>\n

    TIPS FOR OUTDOOR DECAL INSTALLATION<\/h2>\n

    Outdoor decals need to hold their own against the elements, no matter what is thrown at them. You need to consider several factors when selecting and installing a floor graphic outside. Asphalt and concrete are two of the main locations for exterior decals. Graphics here are often used as wayfinding floor decals to help people find their way around the grounds of a facility.<\/p>\n

    However, directional floor decals are not the only option for the outdoors. Floor graphics can also add an extra flair to the outside of a store or\u00a0call attention<\/a>\u00a0to a company\u2019s brand as floor advertising decals.<\/p>\n

    Here are some tips for the installation process that will keep your outdoor floor decal looking as good as it did on its installation, months, even years, in the future:<\/p>\n