3M Introduces a Versatile‚ Cost-effective Refurbishment Solution

10/24/2007

Some of the challenges inherent in refurbishing retail and public spaces can be met by a new product just released by 3M — 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes.

This versatile and cost-effective refurbishment solution is perfect for retail establishments‚ restaurants‚ hotels‚ banks‚ hospitals‚ offices and buildings‚ exhibits and a host of other applications.

DI-NOC architectural finishes are durable‚ cleanable‚ flexible PVC films with 3M’s revolutionary Comply™ Adhesive with air release channels for fast‚ easy and virtually bubble-free application. With their excellent adhesion‚ durability and flexibility‚ these 8.5-mil films may be used indoors or outdoors on flat or complex curved surfaces‚ walls‚ floors‚ furniture‚ fixtures‚ etc. Some of the films can also be applied to 3D surfaces and/or thermoformed.

Expected durability for the films depends on the installation. For example‚ films specified for indoor use with no direct UV exposure have an expected durability of up to 12 years. Films for outdoor applications have an expected durability of up to four years generally and for up to three years in the U.S. Desert Southwest.

The number of finishes available is expansive. Five hundred patterns may be selected from 20 different product families. The designs range from traditional to modern and are updated regularly.

Some of the finishes or patterns include: Fine Wood‚ Wood Grain‚ Metallic‚ Suede‚ Leather‚ Weaves‚ Embossed‚ Stone‚ Sand‚ Stucco‚ Terra Cotta and solid color.

Key product benefits include:

• The wide range of patterns and designs‚ many with texture‚ provide the look and feel of traditional materials while providing the opportunity for increased design and architectural creativity.
• The films can be applied on site with no need to remove existing substrates and with minimum or no down time.
• Bubble-free installation with 3M’s Comply™ Adhesive speeds up the application process and helps ensure perfect appearance.
• Abrasion‚ impact and scratch resistance keeps an application looking good for years.
• Resistance to solvents and other liquids means the film is easy to clean with detergent and water.
• The film𔄋s optimum opacity helps hide substrate flaws.
• Thin and flexible‚ the film is conformable to most substrates and easy to handle.
• Dimensional stability ensures minimal or no shrinkage.
• Most of the films can be thermoformed for added dimensionality.
• All films‚ except 3M™ DI-NOC™ Floor Film‚ are rated Class A1 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Primers are available to enhance adhesion for the most demanding substrates and shapes. Use of primer is recommended at any overlap‚ at the end/edge of the film and whenever the material is stretched. It is also recommended if the surface energy of the substrate itself is low.

Although DI-NOC architectural finishes may be removable‚ application techniques and recommended use of primers increase adhesion so that clean removal without substrate damage is unlikely. The best alternative is to apply a new surface finish over the DI-NOC product.

For more information about the complete DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes system by 3M‚ contact jmamidon@mmm.com.

About 3M Graphics Market Center
3M Graphics Market Center helps customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ inks and toners‚ as well as software and hardware used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. For more information call 1-800-328-3908‚ or go to www.3Mgraphics.com.

About 3M — A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day‚ 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are‚ whatever they do‚ the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M’s brands include Scotch‚ Post-it‚ Scotchgard‚ Thinsulate‚ Scotch-Brite‚ Filtrete‚ Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world‚ the people of 3M use their expertise‚ technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety‚ security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch‚ Post-it‚ Scotchgard‚ Thinsulate‚ Scotch-Brite‚ Filtrete‚ Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

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