4.Versatility of HPL
Basically, HPL surfaces can be labeled. However, since there are a wide range of pens and different HPL surface textures available and new variants are always coming onto the market, the coverage rate of the colour pigments varies depending on the combination. This also applies to the effort involved in cleaning a surface that has been labeled, which can vary significantly depending on the combination. Textured surfaces increase cleaning efforts.
The smoother, and thus the shinier a surface is, the easier it is to wipe off the markings. In the simplest scenario, this can be achieved using a dry, absorbent cloth – or a damp cloth, if necessary – with relatively little effort. With frequent use, textured surfaces, long-dried inks and certain types of pens, a dry, absorbent cloth will often no longer be sufficient for obtaining a clean surface. For pens with water-soluble inks, we recommend an absorbent cloth and window cleaning product (i. e. non-moisturising soapy water with 5 – 10 % alcohol content). Non-water soluble inks should not be used. They have to be removed with an absorbent cloth and alcohol or acetone (warning: some plastic edges are not resistant to acetone) and washed off with non- moisturising soapy water. Nail polish remover and other solvents may leave residues on the surfaces.
If blackboard chalk is used to write on HPL, it is advisable to use a finely textured, matt surface. Some abrasion of the chalk on the board is required to achieve a beautiful, high-contrast typeface. On a smooth or less textured surface, this is not the case. Clean by using water and an absorbent cloth. When using liquid chalks, select a surface that is as smooth as possible because finely textured surfaces require more effort to clean, particularly when it comes to dried-on markings. To prevent streaking, we generally recommend drying the surfaces subsequently with a clean cloth.
