Anyone who’s gone through the process of creating new exhibits knows the importance of keeping them looking great for a long time. It’s not simply up to the fabricator though. Once those exhibits are installed, the client has a large role to play in helping them stay beautiful. We include maintenance procedures for all of our exhibits as part of a Closeout Manual, so that’s the source of the following cleaning techniques. After reading them, you may wonder why we seem to suggest such a light hand when cleaning exhibits. While our creations can handle quite a bit of abuse, using the wrong kind of cleaning over many years will definitely affect the appearance of your exhibits. It’s better to clean gently whenever you can so that the groundforms, models, and graphics look fresh and new for ten or more years.

Cleaning Static Models and Lifecast Figures

Use a vacuum with a soft bristle brush attachment to remove dust from animal models and human figures. If the figure has a wig, loose clothing, jewelry or accessories, be very careful not to let the vacuum pull these out of position (or completely off). While wigs are securely attached, the figure’s particular hairstyle can still be affected by cleaning.

For spot, scuff, and basic grime removal, use mild soapy water and a clean white rag to lightly scrub the area. Common grease cutting dish washing liquid is recommended. Using a rag containing dye or dirt can stain the finish. Harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive cleaners, or scrubbing pads will mar the finish and should not be used.

Cleaning Groundforms

Due to the organic materials used in the top layers of the groundforms, care must be taken when cleaning as to not knock loose these materials. Remove as much foreign debris by hand as possible.  When vacuuming, use only a soft bristle brush attachment and a regular domestic vacuum. A shop-grade vacuum would be too powerful to safely clean a ground form.

If materials (leaf litter, small rocks, twigs) are knocked loose on a ground form, re-attach the items with clear silicone or construction adhesive.

Foliage should be dusted with a Swiffer or similar product. Canned air can be used to clean out crevices. If foliage is torn off, re-attach with either hot glue (easier to find and less expensive) or two-part epoxy (stronger bond).

Cleaning Acrylic Surfaces

All acrylic surfaces should be wiped with a clean, soft, cotton cloth and an acrylic cleaner such as Novus or Brillianize (both available on Amazon). DO NOT use glass cleaner or any cleaner containing ammonia, which will harm the surface. DO NOT use Goo-Gone or any cleaner containing petroleum products, which will harm the surface.

If you have acrylic, you need this!

Cleaning Graphics

Since there are several types of graphic surfaces, knowing what type you have is important.

If your graphics are faced/covered with clear acrylic, follow the cleaning procedures outlined in the prior section.

If the graphics are vehicle vinyl (often called wrapped graphics) or laminated prints, then the order of products to use are (from least damaging to most) is 1.) soap and water, 2.) All Purpose 409, 3.) Simple Green, 4.) rubbing alcohol.

Lambda c-prints are photographic prints, so a slightly dampened cloth is the first step, followed by film cleaner (available from a camera store).

Exterior graphics can be a wide variety of types, but we install what are called High Pressure Laminate or HPL graphics. These graphics are resistant to common household products, solvents, mild alkalis, and diluted mild acids. Stains can usually be removed by an application of soap and water. Spray paint, lacquer, and crayon graffiti can be easily removed with paint thinner, lacquer thinner, or similar solvents, but may possibly discolor the graphic slightly. Apply a coat of a polymer-based car wax annually to HPL graphics (including the edges) to prolong their life and aid in the removal of dirt, grime, and graffiti.

Cleaning Painted Surfaces and Murals

Painted wall murals and painted surfaces are often finished with a thin clear coat. Scuffing or dirt can be removed by gently rubbing with a slightly dampened, white, cloth rag. Rubbing too hard can result in paint being removed.

Cleaning Audio Visual Components and Interactives

Flat screens and touch screens should be wiped with a Swiffer to remove any loose surface dust or grime to prevent scratches on the finish. If smudges or dirt remain, use Windex for Electronics or an equivalent product formulated for LCD screens. These are available as a spray product or as a wet wipe. Always apply the cleaning agent with a clean, cotton cloth.

Sound Sticks, pushbuttons, knobs, and handles should be cleaned with a Chlorox wipe weekly or more often as needed for germ control. Remove dirt with soap and water with a clean rag.

If the exhibit can’t be cleaned with these techniques, call the company who fabricated your exhibits for next steps. While these techniques cover day-to-day cleaning, they do not address (for the most part) actual damage to your exhibits due to accident or vandalism. Repairs are best dealt with by the company who created your exhibits or another museum fabrication firm. And I’d like to take this opportunity to mention that Taylor Studios does offer cleaning services for all our exhibits, since we like them to look just as spiffy as they did when we installed them! 🙂

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Disclaimer: Taylor Studios is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned. We have not been paid to endorse these brands; they are simply the products that have worked best for us over the years.