Care & Maintenance for
Thermoplastic Coatings
Storing
Thermoplastic coatings can be formulated differently. Poor storage conditions will affect them in different ways despite having the same storage and condition period. Variations in storage temperatures may lead to a reaction within the container that will ultimately make the thermoplastic difficult to apply. Here are a few tips to follow during the storing process. Under these conditions, our thermoplastic coatings will have a shelf life of at least 12 months.
– During transport, avoid over-stacking containers leading trailer roof if you take care of logistics.
– For storage, stockpile containers in an area with an ambient temperature of 27 ̊C (80 ̊F) at no more than 55% relative humidity.
– Prior to the application, set a few containers in the application room for a few hours before production if the temperature differential between the application room and the warehouse varies significantly (± 20 ̊F – ± 10 ̊C).
Cleaning
The frequency of recommended cleaning will first vary depending on the environment and end-use:
level of moisture and condensation or airborne contaminant level (interior) or environment and surroundings such as cities, rural, industrial or coastal environment (exterior). Indoor and outdoor usage both have circumstances that command more frequent cleaning.
Cleaning your coated surface is as easy as one, two, and three:
1. Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge by gently rubbing.
2. Clean by gently rubbing the surface with a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a dilute solution of a mild detergent, e.g. pH-neutral liquid hand or dishwashing detergent in warm water to remove dust, salt, and other deposits. For stubborn stains, use only recommended solvents on the affected area, e.g. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or methylated spirits, and rinse off with clean water.
Do not use other aggressive solvents.
3. Rinse the surfaces with clean fresh water after cleaning to remove all residues.
Maintaining
Some of the influencing factors that can affect the life of Protech Group thermoplastic coatings include:
– Ultraviolet light
– Levels of atmospheric pollution including salts, dirt, and grime that can accumulate over time;
– Winds carrying airborne debris that can cause erosive wear of the coating (e.g. sand causing abrasion)
– Change in environmental circumstances (e.g. if rural became industrial)
Use the following table to identify the recommended minimum maintenance schedule for your product or project:
| Environment | Conditions | Corrosive Zone | Example Environments | Recommended Minimum Cleaning |
| EXTERIOR | Mild | Low | Light | Every 12 months |
| Medium | Arid Urban Area | Every 6 months | ||
| Severe | High | Sea Shore (calm) | Every 6 months | |
| Very High (Industrial) | Heavy Industrial | Every 3 months | ||
| Very High (Marine) | Sea Shore (rough) | Every 3 months | ||
| Tropical | Tropical | Humid | Every 3 months | |
| INTERIOR | General | Very Low | Dry | Every 12 months |
| Low | Minor Condensation | Every 12 months | ||
| Moderate | Medium | High Moisture | Every 6 months | |
| High | Significant Contamination | Every 3 months |
Protecting
DO ✓
Clean in mild conditions
Clean coated surfaces when the surface
temperatures are below 25°C (77°F)
Remove unwanted paint & sealants
Ensure all paint splatters or excess sealants are
immediately removed before they dry
Use recommended solvents for stubborn stains only
Use only Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or methylated spirits
and rinse off with clean fresh water
DO NOT ✖
Use aggressive solvents
Do not use turpentine, white spirits, thinners, citrus-based cleaners or other aggressive solvents on coating
Rub powder-coated surfaces excessively
Do not rub powder-coated surfaces excessively,
especially metallic finishes.
Neglect recommended care and maintenance schedules
To comply with Protech Group thermoplastic coating
warranties the recommended care and maintenance
schedules must be adhered to.