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Due to the current situation, you can spot floor graphics films almost everywhere. They are a great way to guide people through buildings and remind them of the distance they should keep from each other. While walking, people have a habit of slightly looking down, making sure that there is nothing in their way that might make them trip. This makes floor graphics an extremely effective tool for advertising and as orientation aids. However, for many, the use of floor graphics also raises many questions. In this article, we will cover the ten most frequently asked questions when it comes to working with floor graphics.

1. Do I need to use laminating film?

Not all floor stickers need to be laminated. Floor stickers that feature a textured surface can be printed directly without lamination. These 2-in-1 floor graphics are extremely cost- and time-efficient. A product example from our range would be our print’n’walk portfolio. To find out, whether you have to laminate your floor graphics, check if the material already has an anti-slip certification. Many of the readily available floor stickers consist of  removable PVC with a textured, non-slip laminate. The laminate protects the design from dirt and damage and prevents people from slipping.

2. When do I choose a 2-in-1 floor sticker, and when do I need stickers with an additional laminate?

This choice greatly depends on the length of time you are planning to use the sticker for. Protective laminating films are ideal for long-term applications as they protect the inks from mechanical stress.
For short-term applications, ranging from a few weeks to  up to 3 months, 2-in-1 floor stickers can be used. They are a quick and cost-efficient alternative.

 

3. Which type of adhesive is suitable for my application?

Not all floor decals are suitable for every type of substrate. For difficult substrates like asphalt, concrete, wood, carpet, or pavement, it is best to choose a solution with a high-tack adhesive. This ensures optimal adhesion. Especially on substrates with wide joints, a high-tack adhesive is the best choice. For “regular”, smooth surfaces, floor decals with commonly available, removable adhesive are usually sufficient. If you choose a floor decal with a dot-shaped adhesive, the decals are easy to apply without air getting trapped underneath, making them ideal for large-scale applications.

 

4. Can I apply floor graphics outdoors?

Under normal conditions of adhesion, in very short-term and continuously dry conditions, it is possible to use floor stickers even outdoors. Moisture affects the slip resistance and possibly the adhesion of the film.

5. What is an anti-slip certification?

The commonly used anti-slip R rating makes it easy to decide which floor sticker to choose for what type of application. It is used to grade the slip resistance of all sorts of floor surfaces. R9 is the lowest anti-slip rating and material classified with an R13 grade has the highest slip resistance. Material that is not certified will always be less suitable than certified material. The required R-value depends on the type of environment the sticker will be used in.

Overview of R values:

 

R-value	Suited for
R9	R9 has the lowest slip resistance and is only suited for areas where there is a low chance that the graphics are subjected to damp or wet conditions. Examples include offices or staircases.
R10	R10 is suited for areas like entrances; stores; hospitals; classrooms; public restrooms; garages and basements…
R11	The high slip resistance of R11-materials makes them ideal for kitchens in restaurants or environments where they are subjected to wet conditions, such as laboratories and laundromats…
R12	R12-materials are suited for production facilities where fatty foods are handled, large catering kitchens, and industrial production facilities, where oil is handled.
R13	Suited for production facilities where large quantities of fatty and oily substances are being handled.

 

6. What is the easiest way to apply floor graphics?

 

• Make sure that the substrate is undamaged, clean, and free of dust and grease.
• If there are any signs of oil on the surface, you can use alcohol or a soft solvent for cleaning. Ensure that all types of residues are removed before proceeding with other cleaning methods.
• Proceed with a mild cleaning agent that is free of enzymes. Make sure that the entire surface is cleaned properly and that the cleaning agent is removed without leaving any residue.
• The cleaned area should be at least 20 cm / around 8 ″ larger (in all directions) than the actual area the graphic will be applied to.
• Make sure that the floor is dry and clean. When wiping the surface dry, use lint-free cloths only.
• Partially remove the film from its liner and press one part onto the application surface. Then slowly and evenly remove the remaining material from its liner while pressing the graphic onto the application surface. For best results, try to avoid that the edges of the sticker overlap over gaps or joints in the flooring. Use a squeegee or roller to evenly apply the sticker from the center towards the edges. Watch out for trapped air and make sure that the entire sticker has full contact with the substrate.
• If possible, use a design with rounded corners, such as circles, as sharp corners and edges easily peel off and curl.

 

7. What is the best way to remove floor stickers?

The correct removal of your floor graphics ensures that no adhesive residue is left behind. If you slowly peel off the decal at an angle (usually between 90° and 135°), it usually does not leave any residue behind.

8. How long do your floor graphics last?

How long you can use floor stickers for greatly depends on the type of application, the amount of foot traffic they are subjected to, and the type of environment they are used in. Recommendations in terms of durability can be found in the technical data sheet of each material. During a one-year test phase, Neschen tested various floor graphic media in a supermarket. The graphics were applied at the cash registers and subjected to around 12.000 pedestrians and 30 cleaning cycles of a heavy-duty cleaning machine. After the test phase, a team of experts evaluated each material. You can download the results of the durability test here.

9. Which type of ink should I use?

The type of ink you use affects the durability of your floor graphics. Not all inks are equally scratch-resistant. If you choose to combine PVC with an anti-slip laminate, the ink layer is already protected against scratches or abrasion. However, if you choose a 2-in-1 floor sticker material, it is important to consider the type of ink you will be using. These materials are best printed with UV inks, the durability is then about 3 months depending on the circumstances.

 

10. Can I test your materials?

The type of application you are planning usually determines the choice of material. Since it is impossible to test every material on every possible substrate and under all conditions, we advise our customers to test the material they are planning to use. For this purpose, please feel free to use our free samples.