Maintenance

Product definition

Dobel is PVC film laminated onto galvanized steel sheet. The film thickness is 120 – 300 µm, and the film is available either in single colours or in a patterned version with embossed surface structure. The main components of the film are polyvinyl chloride, a plasticizer of phthalate type, and pigments.

Washing

Superficial dirt can be removed with a damp cloth. Do not wipe the surface dry. If the surface feels greasy, use water containing a neutral detergent without ammonia. Note that a detergent containing ammonia may cause yellowing of the material. A stronger cleaning effect can be achieved by using 5 % caustic soda solution together with some detergent. Rinse with clean water and leave to dry.

Stain removal

The basic rule is that spillage should be removed as soon as possible with absorbent paper, preferably before the stain has dried. Take care not to spill stronger organic solvents. The film will be damaged by toluene, acetone, trichloroethylene, perchlorethylene, thinner and petrol (gasoline).

Certain water-soluble substances such as lipstick, ink, spirit based markers, shoe polish, rubber heel marks, tar and asphalt can be removed by means of white spirit or methylated spirit. These substances, however, may leave permanent marks if they are left for any length of time. Remove the stain immediately, then rinse with clean water and leave to dry.

Rust stains can be treated with a 10% oxalic acid solution.

Surface treatment

The material must not be treated with polish or other surface treatment agents,  other than the substances mentioned above for washing and stain removal.

Repairing of scratches

Scratches can be treated by heating, painting or relaminating the film surface.

Very superficial scratches can often be removed by heating the film to around 70 – 80ºC. A suitable source of heat is an air gun of the type used for welding plastics. Deeper scratches can also be partially removed by heating and pressing the edges of the scratch together.

It should be pointed out that deep scratches are very difficult to repair with successful results. Filling and painting produce unsatisfactory results, since the embossing, colour pattern and gloss of the film are difficult to replicate. For single-coloured films a water based acrylic paint of the same colour as the original film is recommended, e.g. NordjöBindoplast 20. When painting, a coat thickness not exceeding 40 – 50 µm should be applied to ensure that the original embossing in the film will emerge. If the coat of paint is thicker, the embossing will become diffuse or totally invisible.

Touch-up painting can also be carried out locally, and painting should then not cover a larger surface than the damage itself. Such painting will often have a different appearance, but it may nevertheless be necessary in order to protect the steel sheet material against corrosion. In corrosive environments, damage down to the metal coating layer should be primed with a wash primer recommended by the paint supplier.

Before painting, clean the surface with an alkaline degreasing agent, e.g. 5% caustic soda with some detergent added to it. Rinse the surface with clean water and leave it to dry.

Major damage on a film laminated steel sheet surface can be remedied by bonding a new film. Before re-laminating, clean the surface as described under the heading “cleaning before painting” above.

There are two different procedures recommended when re-laminating:

1. For re-laminating a water based flooring and wall adhesive for vinyl coverings (non-polyurethane based) should be used. Experience and laboratory experiments have shown that Bostik Floor and Wall adhesive for vinyl produce good results. This adhesive can be purchased from most paint retailers in most countries. On laminating, it is important to apply the adhesive in a thin coat to prevent extended drying time. Apply the adhesive to the laminated steel sheet surface, and the press the new film down onto it, preferably using a rubber roller with a handle. It is important to remove all air bubbles immediately from under the film, to ensure that the surface will be smooth and attractive. SSAB Laminated Steel can supply small quantities of separate film within the standard range.
2. Using foil with integrated tape adhesive (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, PSA) supplied with release paper. For more information and retailers, contact SSAB Laminated Steel.

N.B. Painting and re-laminating an area in which a fire-classified surface coating is required, should be carried out only to a limited extent to ensure that it fulfil the regulations of SOLAS 1974 (IMO FTP code) Regulations and the Council Directive 96/98 EU on Marine Equipment. A double layer of foil do not fulfil the above regulations.