The props you use for your themed environments, amusement parks, and similar displays are absolutely crucial to immersing your target audience and achieving your goals.
However, those props aren’t cheap. Especially the larger props that are often major features.
To keep you from having to frequently replace expensive props, we’ve put together this guide on how to maintain and store large props.
If you follow this guide, your props will last for many years and still look great.
1: Keep the Prop Clean
The first step you can take to increase the longevity of your prop is to keep it as clean as possible. There are important tips to consider when cleaning a large prop, but we’ll cover those throughout this guide.
Frequently cleaning your prop will ensure that any dirt, debris, or other things that get on it don’t stain the material and ruin its appearance, and it will prevent corrosion over time depending on the material.
How often you need to clean a prop depends on the material it’s made with and the environment it’s in. If you have a beautiful statue as the centerpiece of an indoor themed environment and no one touches it, cleaning is easier and doesn’t need to be done any more frequently than your normal cleaning routine with the rest of the display.
However, if your prop is outdoors, constantly being touched, and generally put through a lot, you might want to clean it every day to ensure it stays in the best condition possible.
2: Don’t Use Harsh Cleaning Supplies
The exact materials you need to use to make sure your prop is clean without damaging it with overcleaning will differ depending on the material it’s made with.
With foam sculptures, simple dusting and wiping them down is enough for most cleaning sessions indoors. If it’s outside and exposed to dirt and grime from the environment and people touching it, a mild soap and warm water is more than enough. You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to clean your props.
This is true for props made of most materials. Typically, if you can get away with warm soap and water, that’s the best route to take. You’ll preserve any paint that’s used on the prop, avoid damaging the material, and generally, increase its longevity while keeping it clean.
3: Ensure They’re Protected if Used Outdoors
If you use your props outdoors, the prop shouldn’t be bare. It should have a protective layer over the core material, such as a clear coat, that protects it from UV light, impacts, water damage, etc.
This isn’t something you typically add. It’s something the manufacturer provides if the core material requires it. In some cases, it’s not necessary, or it’s done along with the paint.
However, you should also work to preserve that protective layer if it is present. Once it’s off, your prop will start to wear and tear faster.
4: Repair the Prop ASAP
Damage is going to occur. When you’re operating a themed environment open to the public, someone is going to pull something off of it, chip it, scratch it, spill something that stains it, etc.
You cannot allow damaged parts of the prop to go unrepaired. The problem will get worse over time, and eventually, you’ll need to replace the prop altogether.
Make sure you frequently check your props for damage, and if you find any damage, get it repaired immediately. Some repairs might be possible to do on your own, and others might require you to call a suitable professional such as the manufacturer.
5: Store the Prop in a Proper Storage Space
Very few props are used year-round or 24/7. When you’re not actively using your prop, you need to store it in a space that is properly equipped to keep it safe.
This means the storage space should cover 3 main factors.
First, it needs to be climate-controlled. Excessive heat or cold can change the molecular structure of the material and either make it more susceptible to damage or damage it outright. A properly maintained temperature is crucial for any prop.
Second, there should be enough space for the prop and no moisture present. This means that you shouldn’t have the possibility for other props or materials in the space to fall and damage the prop or vice versa, and if there are any issues with leaks, you should get them repaired immediately.
Finally, the storage space should be secure. This doesn’t have much to do with maintaining the prop, but it does ensure that your prop isn’t stolen, vandalized, etc. That’s just as important as preventing wear and tear.
6: Record the Condition Upon Purchase and Compare Frequently
When you first get the prop, take pictures of it from all angles. This ensures that you have a hard copy of what it looked like when you first bought it.
Periodically, look around the prop to see if you find any signs of wear and tear or damage. If you do, take pictures and log the damage so you can quickly get the issue taken care of.
7: Shield the Prop from Excessive Weather Conditions
If you have the prop on display outdoors, and the weather takes a turn for the worse, you might not have time to get it into storage. If the event you’re running is still operating, you might not want to take it down, either.
However, you still need to protect it. Consider buying a suitable canopy to place over the prop in the event the weather turns bad at random.
Get Your Large Props and Prop Repair Services from Baker Studios
If you’re looking for amazing foam props to bring your themed environment to life, or you need a prop repaired, contact us.
We have a professional team of prop designers who work with the latest in foam technology, and we know exactly how to maintain props and ensure their longevity.
Get in touch today!
Comments