Do Wall Graphics Need Special Care?

Do Wall Graphics Need Special Care?

by Jerry Pappalardo on October 10, 2013 

Unless wall graphics are outside, or in a dusty environment, cleaning wall graphics is typically not necessary. But you may run into the occasional situation where it’s sorely needed.

Typically if you have to clean wall graphics, you just clean them like you would any other surface: use a mild detergent or cleaner and wipe them down. That’s because most wall graphics have an over-laminate on them to protect them from things like food, water, and mud splatters.

For example, we did a project for a pizza restaurant where their menu board sat within a few feet of their oven, in an area where the food is prepared. There is always a possibility of food being splashed onto the board, so we put on an over-laminate. Then, if the board needs to be wiped down from splatters of tomato sauce and light grease, there’s no problem or worry.

It doesn’t take anything special to clean wall graphics. We recommend using something like Windex or a liquid cleaner, mild solution of Mr. Clean, Formula 409, or other common household detergent. Also, avoid heavy scrubbing, because your wall graphics shouldn’t need it. The laminate is a clear, heavy vinyl material that doesn’t let things like food or dirt stick to it.

The way we make wall graphics is part of what gives them their protection. Normally, the graphics are printed out on a wide format printer onto an adhesive backed vinyl. Next, the printout is put through a laminator where a vinyl over-laminate is applied, and then fed back into the printer for computer-aided cutting. The finished products are then mounted to the wall just by peeling and sticking, or by using a process called back masking, where the letters and elements are laid out, applied to the wall in a single piece, and the masking is peeled off.

The extra lamination step is what makes the graphics so durable. While the adhesive-backed vinyl is able to withstand a great deal, the lamination improves its durability and ability to withstand the occasional tomato sauce splatter.

Wall graphics are a low-maintenance approach to add an interesting visual component to any business, room or home. For more information on wall graphics from Signarama, please visit our website. You can also find the Signarama store nearest you by using our online store locator.

 Jerry Pappalardo has owned the Signarama Murrieta franchise in California since 2008. Jerry came to Signarama with a previous background in the sign making industry, having spent several years as a product manager for Hewlett-Packard, specializing in large format printers and their products. Signarama Murrieta handles typical sign projects, and has done some excellent work with wall graphics and wall letters.