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PVC PRODUCT CARE FABRIC GUIDE


Product care documentation

The produce you have purchased from Flex-Europa has been made with care and precision. Every effort has been made to ensure the product arrives in good condition. In order to maintain the good condition of the product throughout its expected life, periodic cleaning must be undertaken to ensure the image remains as intended and conforms to warranty obligations. Each Flex-Europa product is produced to differing specifications to suit the various uses and warranties required by our clients. Individual coatings provide product characteristics for each type of decoration method. Failure to follow recommended periodic cleaning procedures will affect warranty conditions. Flex-Europa cleaning products differ depending on which product specification you have chosen. You should consult the individual product technical guide to ascertain the exact cleaning schedule for your material. Care of products after installation is as important as the care you take in manufacture of the original design, In order for you to keep your image looking as intended, Flex-Europa have a full range of approved cleaning agents. Recommended Cleaning Periods:

Product Normal City Centres
Eurolite 6 Months 3 Months
Euroflex CE 6 Months 3 Months
Cooleybrite 6 Months 3 Months

Cleaning periods can be extended when products are in conjunction with Flex-Europa's unique barrier coatings Please contact Flex-Europa for Technical Information. Coating option and extended warranty details along with recommended cleaning products.

CLEANING PROCEDURES

How To Use Flex-Europa-Clean Sign and Awning Cleaner & Product

Notice: This application is suited for light or routine, warranty maintenance for all types of awning materials FLEX-EUROPA-CLEAN SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT is specifically designed to gently clean awning materials and remove surface soil, and a UV inhibitor has been added to help reduce sun fading and to seal the vinyl facing. Required Materials:

- FLEX-EUROPA-CLEAN SIGN AND AWNING APPEARANCE RESTORER
- Soft towelling
- 8 Litre or larger pail
- Window extension ladder
- Water source and hose
- Awning cleaning pole

I. Hand Cleaning

1.Fill pail with one gallon of water.
2.Add 0.225 litres of FLEX-EUROPA-CLEAN AWNING CLEANER AND PROTECTANT
3.Position ladder on the metal ribs of the awning frame,
4.Thoroughly rinse away with fresh water
5.With sponge or towel, gently scrub awning in a circular motion, starting at the bottom and gradually moving to the top of the fabric to eliminate streaking (wash no more than about 0.5m2 at a time, do not allow cleaner to fry on fabric without rinsing)
6.Rinse awning thoroughly with clean water.

II. Professional awning cleaning pole

1.Assembly pole, hose and FLEX-EUROPA-CLEAN AWNING CLEANER AND PROTECTANT according to pole manufacturer's printed instructions.
2.Insert pick-up tube into FLEX-EUROPA-CLEAN AWNING CLEANER AND PROTECTANT container.
3.Turn both pole valves off, turn water faucet on, open detergent valve. Detergent should be metered at 1 ounce per minute. (refer to pole manufacturer's instructions to answer any questions)
4.Gently scrub awning from bottom to top (wash no more than about 0.5m2 at a time, do allow cleaner to dry on fabric without rinsing.
5.Close detergent valve completely and open water valve to rinse thoroughly.
6.Adjust pole length to conveniently reach all areas of the awning.

Remember. FLEX-EUROPA-CLEAN AWNING CLEANER AND PROTECTANT is a maintenance product designed to clean and maintain awnings that are new or have been well maintained according to manufacturers requirements. For awnings requiring more thorough cleaning, FLEX-EUROPA-DEEP CLEAN SIGN AND AWNING APPEARANCE RESTORER may be required to restore optimum appearance.

HOW TO USE FLEX-EUROPA DEEP CLEAN SIGN AND AWNING APPEARANCE RESTORER

NOTICE: This system is specifically designed to clean heavily soiled and neglected awnings.
Required Materials:

- FLEX-EUROPA DEEP CLEAN SIGN AND AWNING APPEARANCE RESTORER
- Soft towelling and stiff brush or awning sponge.
- 2 gallon or larger pail
- Window Extension ladder
- Water source and hose or
- Awning cleaning pole

I. Hand Cleaning

1.Fill pail with one gallon of water
2.Add 32 ounces of FLEX-EUROPA DEEP CLEAN SIGN AND AWNING APPEARANCE RESTORER
3.Position ladder on the metal ribs of the awning frame.
4.Thoroughly rinse awning with fresh water.
5.With sponge or brush, vigorously scrub awning in a circular motion, standing at the bottom and gradually moving to the top of the fabric to eliminate streaking (wash no more than about 4 sq.ft at a time, do not allow cleaner to dry in fabric without rinsing).
6.Rinse awning thoroughly with clean water.

II. Professional Awning Cleaning pole

1.Assemble pole, hose and FLEX-EUROPA DEEP CLEAN SIGN AND AWNING APPEARANCE RESTORER according to pole manufacturer's printed instructions.
2.Insert pick-up tube into FLEX-EUROPA DEEP CLEAN AND AWNING APPEARANCE RESTORER Container.
3.Turn both pole valves off, turn eater faucet on, open detergent valve. Detergent should be metered at 4 ounces per minute (refer to pole manufacturer's instructions to answer any questions).
4.Scrub awning from bottom to top (wash no more than about 4 sq ft. at a time, do not allow cleaner to dry on fabric without rinsing)
5.Close detergent valve completely and open water valve to rinse thoroughly.
6.Adjust pole length to conveniently reach all areas of the awning.

HOW TO USE FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT

NOTE: Apply FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT on all new awnings to protect and seal the new vinyl and seams. FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN and AWNING PROTECTANT may be applied straight or diluted with equal parts of water. FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT cannot be over used, so apply generously. Apply only to clean awning materials. Apply after every deep cleaning. Use of FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT will prevent serious re-soiling and will make subsequent cleaning much easier.

A.FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT may be used Straight or diluted with equal parts of water for easier application. Diluting with water extends drying time and is preferred for hot weather.

B.Clean awnings and rinse thoroughly before applying FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT.

C.Apply a generous amount of FLEX-EUROPA ARMOR VINYL SIGN AND AWNING PROTECTANT to a soft, clean towel and rub gently into the clean vinyl with circular motions.Buffing is not required.

STORAGE & HANDLING

Standard Storage & Handling Procedure For All Flex-Europa Flexible Products

Flex-Europa's unique range of flexible products are durable, long lasting sign printing and awning materials. For optimum performance, please read the following instructions for handling:

1.Inspect all materials to be used prior to any decoration or installation. View material for reflection (daytime viewing), and where applicable transmission (Backlit night-time viewing). Be certain you have the proper amount of material before starting the job.
2.When matching the panels do not mix lot numbers. Products may vary slightly between batches.
3.Do not cut any products on the floor. Use a table or a smooth surface.
4.Do not drag the coated surface across the floor or a table. It may cause scratches or marks to the membrane.
5.Do not fold or bunch the material particularly when sewing or grommenting. When sewing it is recommended that you double stitch on the backside with anti-wick treated polyester thread. We do not recommend topstitching. High frequency welding is the preferred method of seaming.
6.Never fold the product, always roll it.
7.Do not lean the roll against any sharp edges.
8.Store the product in its original packing tube. Always store the rolls standing on end, not flat.
9.If not in original packing tubes, rolls should be suspended from a central core.
10.Make sure the product is completely clean before decorating
11.Reverse panels when matching pieces.
12.Ensure all staples used to secure end cap of packing tube are removed before product is taken out of tube. (Failure to do this will result in damage to the product).
13.Always transport Flex-Europa membranes in the proper packing tube.
14.Flex-Europa membrane should be stored in a cool, dry environment, free from direct sunlight and humidity.
15.It is not advised to mark flexible vinyl with a ballpoint pen, as this may be difficult to remove. When marking on flexible vinyl, a china craft pencil will be easy to see and remove. Take care in the transportation of finished material and ensure the flexibleface does not come into contact with sharp objects.
16.If faces are clipped and then rolled, ensure the clips do not contact the decorated face.
17.When rolling flexible product, make sure a central core is used. Failure to do this may result in the roll creasing and collapsing may result in damage.
18.Always keep the batch and roll number for your records with all relevant information.

REPAIRING PVC

Repairing Flexible PVC Vinyl

A. Tools

1.Isopropyl alcohol 30% (used to clean NON DECORATED side of membrane).
2.Knife or scissors (for cutting repair material).
3.Piece of ½" (12mm) plywood (used to support areas of the face being repaired) – length and width to be determined by size of damaged area.
4.Clear (reinforced) Cooley Seam Tape repair material.
5."HH-66" Vinyl Adhesive.
6.Clear removable vinyl tape.

B. Temperature & Drying Time

For best results, temperature of adhesive, membrane and repair material should be at least 65 deg F (16 deg C); However, drying time is dependent on temperature of handling. Important: Maximum bonding strength is obtained after 8 hours drying time at 65 deg F (16 deg C)

C. Moisture

It is extremely important that the area to be repaired is completely dry. Moisture on the membrane will cause poor adhesion. A clean soft cotton cloth should be used to dry the sign face in the damaged area.

D. Surface Cleanliness

Prior to the application of any repair material, thoroughly clean the back side of the Cooley-Brite SM-42 sign face around the damaged area with 30% Isopropyl alcohol. DO NOT USED DENATURED ALCOHOL, LACQUERTHINNER, GASOLINE, OR OTHER SIMILAR REDUCERS. DO NOT USE ANY SOLVENT IN THE FRONT (DECORATED) SIDE OF THE FACE.

1.Dampen a clean cloth with alcohol mixture and clean an area 3"-6" (15-76mm) out from the nearest point.
2.Dry the surface with a lint free cloth before the alcohol evaporates.

E. Repair Procedure

1. Cut one or more strips of clear removable vinyl tape and apply to front surface of the face over the damaged area. This will hold the damaged edges of the sign face together and prevent adhesive from coming through on the front of the face.
2.In some situations, it may require one or both of the following steps to perform proper repairs.
a. Release tension from face at hardware mounting points. This will permit edges of the membrane to be fitted together.
b. Have a second person position a ½" plywood over the damaged area on the front side of the face. This will provide support while applying the repair patch.
3.Cut a piece of membrane repair material, which will overlap, beyond the damaged area being repaired.
4.Brush a uniform coat of "HH-66" vinyl adhesive on the inside surface of the membrane and the repair material. Allow both surfaces to dry until slightly tacky. (2-3 mins) when it will adhere but not transfer to the knuckle when touched. NEVER APPLY ADHESIVE OR REPAIR MATERIAL TO THE FRONT (DECORATED) SURFACE.
5.NOTE: IF VINYL ADHESIVE SHOULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE FRONT (DECORATED) SURFACE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WIPE IT OFF!! Allow it to dry completely and then rub off.
6.Centre the repair material over the damaged area and smooth out with a squeegee or finger to prevent air bubbles. Wipe off excessive adhesive before it dries, using a clean cotton cloth.
7.Allow patched area to dry for at least 4 hours (preferably for 8 hours) before tensioning the sign face. Bond Strength increases with age as cement sets.
8.Carefully remove vinyl tape applied to the front surface of the face. If decoration method used is translucent vinyl letters and/or background, be careful not to pull off when tape is removed.

(The above is only a suggestion)