Maintenance Method

The cleaning method suitable for each material depends on the surface finish. The products finished with coatings require some cleaning methods suitable for the coatings, and metal composite materials like TCM, SCM and ZCM require a cleaning method for each surface metal. The cleaning method is detailed in the technical manual of each material. The typical cleaning methods are as follows.

ALPOLIC/fr, ALPOLIC/fr LT, ALPOLIC, AL-LEADER
The topside of these materials is a coating with paint materials. Therefore, the cleaner shall suit to these coatings.

1. General cleaning

Firstly, try water rinse using soft sponge with modest pressure to remove the stain. If the stain remains after dry, then use neutral detergents or household cleaners diluted with water. Typical cleaning procedures are as follows.

  • Dilute a detergent or a cleaner to 1-5% with water.
  • Apply the solution and spread on ALPOLIC™ surface with soft rags or sponges. Wait for 1 minute, then the foam will blacken.
  • Dry the solution with a squeegee and wipe the remaining solution with wet cloth containing clean water.


According to our test, dilute Magiclean is suitable for all finishes of ALPOLIC™. Magiclean is a household detergent with pH 8 from Kao Corp. If you use other detergent, pre-test it in a small area.

2. Stubborn stain

According to our test, alkali cleaners such as Sharpshooter and Windex are applicable to strong stain, however some coatings of ALPOLIC™ requires good rinsing with water afterward. It is because no water rinsing may cause a color change in the future due to remaining alkali on the coating.

Note:
Sharpshooter is a versatile cleaner from 3M (alkali, pH12), and Windex is a glass cleaner from Johnson (alkali, pH11). As these are alkali solutions, prevent eye and skin contact. Follow manufacturer’s safety instructions.

If you use other strong cleaners or stain removers, pre-test in a small area. Do not use strong organic solvents, such as MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), MIBK (Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone), Triclene and paint thinner. Do not use strong alkali, strong acid or abrasive cleaners. Use of these solvents and cleaners may result in the paint becoming swollen or removed.

To prevent scratching the coated surface, make sure that cleaning sponges and rags are grit-free. Avoid over cleaning or excessive rubbing.

TCM, SCM, ZCM
TCM and SCM show an excellent corrosion resistance, protected by an inactive layer. But stain, caused with various factors, must be removed with suitable cleaners. Refer to technical manual of each material. In ZCM, the initial chemical conversion layer is gradually replaced with natural zinc carbonate layer that shows good weathering. Therefore, we do not need special cleaning, but the chemical substance, adhering and accumulating on the surface, must be removed with water rinse. Refer to technical manual of ZCM.