Maintenance

Frequency

The frequency of such cleaning will depend on many factors including:

• The geographical location of the building
• The environment surrounding the building, i.e., marine, swimming pool, industrial, or a combination of these environments, etc.
• Levels of atmospheric pollution
• Prevailing wind
• Protection of the building by other buildings
• Possibility of airborne debris e.g. sand/dust etc. causing erosive wear of thecoating
• If the environmental circumstances change during the lifetime of the building (e.g. rural becomes industrial)

The frequency of cleaning depends in part on the standard of appearance that is required and also the requirements to remove deposits that could, during prolonged contact with either the powder film or the metal substrate (if exposed) cause damage.

In hazardous environments the normal frequency of cleaning should be at a maximum of three monthly intervals.  However where there is high atmospheric pollution or an extremely hazardous atmosphere (i.e. a combination of factors above or others) the period between cleaning should be reduced.

Where the atmosphere is deemed to be non-hazardous, e.g., rural or a “normal” urban environments, then the period between cleaning can be extended up to a maximum of 12 months.  However if heavy soiling occurs, more regular cleaning is required.

Typical Cleaning and Inspection Frequencies

Records of all cleaning schedules and frequencies should be kept and maintained.

Method

The best method of cleaning is by regular washing of the coating using a solution of warm water and mild detergent.  All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge, using nothing harsher than natural bristle brushes.  Cleaning of window sections etc. can be conveniently carried out at the same time as glazing cleaning.

If the atmospheric pollution has resulted in heavy soiling of the coating, then nothing harsher than the white spirit should be used for cleaning.

Do not under any circumstances use strong solvents or solutions containing:

• Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
• Esters
• Ketones
• Abrasive Cleaner or polish

Architectural Aluminium

Where damage has exposed the metal, the prepared metal only should be primed with a Two Pack Chromate (or Chromate-Free) Etch Primer.

Repair small isolated areas

• Clean all surfaces to be painted with a solvent-based degreaser by applying liberally using a clean lint-free cloth and wipe dry using lint-free cloths physically removing all sealants and mastics, etc.
• Abrade all areas to be coated with abrasive paper up to 320/400 grade to ensure a suitable keyed surface, ready to be coated, then wipe clean using lint free tac-rags.
• Apply by brush to exposed metal surfaces only one thin coat of Two Pack Chromate-Free Etch Primer and allow to dry.
• Apply by brush or spray one coat of Two Pack Polyurethane Topcoat, matched to shade and gloss.

Repair of larger areas of damage

• Mask all surrounding surfaces of the damaged areas to the edge of the panel or a suitable breakline.
• Clean all surfaces to be coated with a solvent based degreaser by applying liberally using a lint free cloth, and wipe dry using lint free cloths, physically removing all sealants and mastics etc.
• Abrade all areas to be coated with abrasive paper, up to 320/400 grade to ensure a suitable keyed surface, ready to be coated, then wipe clean using lint free tac-rags.
• Apply by brush or spray to the exposed metal surface only one thin coat of a Two Pack Chromate-Free Etch Primer and allow to cure as recommended.  Apply by spray a minimum of 40 microns the Two Pack Polyurethane Topcoat matched to shade and gloss.

Steel and Galvansed Surfaces

Products Required

• HMG 2800 Prep Clean
• P320 Sandpaper
• Tak Rag
• 3M Acrylic Putty
• P240 Sandpaper
• HMG Chromate Free Etch Primer Grey
• HMG 14 Fleet Line Polyurethane

Repair small isolated areas

• Use a lint free cloth to degrease the area using HMG 2800 Prep Clean
• Abrade the area with P320 abrasive paper over the scratch (about 10 times as a rough guide) ensuring the edges of the repair are well feathered to provide key for paint.
• Open the Chromate Free Etch Primer and apply to the bare substrate with the brush provided
• Allow to dry for 60 minutes.  Take tak rag and rub primed surface gently (about 10 times as a rough guide) to remove any dust or loose particles.
• If scratch is still too deep to apply finish coat, take 3M Acrylic Putty and spread evenly over the damaged area.  When dry, sand with P240 abrasive paper
• Take Tak Rag and remove any dust or loose particles (rub over scratch about 10 times as a rough guide).
• Unscrew lid from the Fleet Line Polyurethane container and, using brush provided, apply carefully over area until full coverage is achieved.  Allow to dry for 30 minutes.  Unscrew lid from paint container and using brush provided, apply very carefully along the scratch (wipe off excess paint onto Tak Rag to leave minimum amount of paint required).
• When satisfied with coverage screw lid back on container and store ready for further applications if required.