Kay Jansen
Merchant Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3M Issues New Wall Preparation Recommendations to
Maximize Graphic Film Adhesion
Tips help graphics installers ensure success on low-VOC painted surfaces
ST. PAUL, Minn. – (April 14, 2014) – As paints low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) become increasingly popular, installers are discovering that graphic films are not adhering to walls as reliably as they have done in the past—a challenging and potentially costly problem. While some might assume that the adhesives in graphic films have changed, it is actually the new and changing low-VOC paint formulations protected by trade secrets that are causing the issue. To help graphics manufacturers and installers address this problem and ensure reliable results with its graphic films, 3M has developed the new 3M™ Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method, a wall preparation procedure that it is strongly recommending users adopt.
By using the new 3M™ Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method and testing the film's adhesion to the walls, graphic manufacturers and installers can quickly, easily and successfully adhere almost any 3M wall film to nearly any paint. It is simple - first clean an area of the wall with a mixture of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and 30 percent water. After using this solution to clean the area TWICE, apply strips of the film to the cleaned areas on each wall where the graphics will be installed and observe their release characteristics after 15 minutes. Once the film adhesion is confirmed to be satisfactory, the same cleaning method should be used to prepare the entire installation area. Research at 3M has shown that following this cleaning protocol can significantly boost adhesion for nearly any wall film applied to a painted substrate. 3M recommends establishing this cleaning method as a best practice for every film adhesion test as well as every actual film installation.
The new 3M™ Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method is outlined in detail at http://3mgraphics.com/lowVOC, where visitors can read and download step-by-step instructions. Graphic manufacturers and installers can also visit the site to download an updated Instruction Bulletin 5.37 - A Guide to Understanding and Applying Graphics to Common Smooth and Textured Wall Surfaces which gives a more thorough overview of wall film test procedures and graphic installation.
“Low-VOC paints are affecting the performance of films from all manufacturers,” said Joe Walton, 3M advanced technical service engineer. “At 3M, it’s important to us that we act fast to help installers learn how to adapt their techniques. These simple new recommendations can help prevent costly failures, making them well worth the small time investment to implement.”
To download instructions for the new Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method or the updated Instruction Bulletin 5.37, visit http://3mgraphics.com/lowVOC.
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3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
About 3M Commercial Solutions
3M Commercial Solutions help customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions‚ graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ as well as inks and toners used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. Learn more about 3M graphics products and programs by calling 1-800-328-3908‚ visiting www.3Mgraphics.com‚ following us @3MGraphics on Twitter or at facebook.com/3Mgraphics.
About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
FROM:
3M Commercial Solutions
3M Center Building 220-12E-04
St. Paul, MN 55144 USA
Contact:
Mary Prevost
Karwoski & Courage
(612) 342-9716
m.prevost@creativepr.com
Connie Thompson
3M Public Relations & Corporate Communications
(651) 733-8914
csthompson1@mmm.com
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3M Issues New Wall Preparation Recommendations to
Maximize Graphic Film Adhesion
Tips help graphics installers ensure success on low-VOC painted surfaces
ST. PAUL, Minn. – (April 14, 2014) – As paints low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) become increasingly popular, installers are discovering that graphic films are not adhering to walls as reliably as they have done in the past—a challenging and potentially costly problem. While some might assume that the adhesives in graphic films have changed, it is actually the new and changing low-VOC paint formulations protected by trade secrets that are causing the issue. To help graphics manufacturers and installers address this problem and ensure reliable results with its graphic films, 3M has developed the new 3M™ Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method, a wall preparation procedure that it is strongly recommending users adopt.
By using the new 3M™ Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method and testing the film's adhesion to the walls, graphic manufacturers and installers can quickly, easily and successfully adhere almost any 3M wall film to nearly any paint. It is simple - first clean an area of the wall with a mixture of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and 30 percent water. After using this solution to clean the area TWICE, apply strips of the film to the cleaned areas on each wall where the graphics will be installed and observe their release characteristics after 15 minutes. Once the film adhesion is confirmed to be satisfactory, the same cleaning method should be used to prepare the entire installation area. Research at 3M has shown that following this cleaning protocol can significantly boost adhesion for nearly any wall film applied to a painted substrate. 3M recommends establishing this cleaning method as a best practice for every film adhesion test as well as every actual film installation.
The new 3M™ Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method is outlined in detail at http://3mgraphics.com/lowVOC, where visitors can read and download step-by-step instructions. Graphic manufacturers and installers can also visit the site to download an updated Instruction Bulletin 5.37 - A Guide to Understanding and Applying Graphics to Common Smooth and Textured Wall Surfaces which gives a more thorough overview of wall film test procedures and graphic installation.
“Low-VOC paints are affecting the performance of films from all manufacturers,” said Joe Walton, 3M advanced technical service engineer. “At 3M, it’s important to us that we act fast to help installers learn how to adapt their techniques. These simple new recommendations can help prevent costly failures, making them well worth the small time investment to implement.”
To download instructions for the new Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method or the updated Instruction Bulletin 5.37, visit http://3mgraphics.com/lowVOC.
###
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
About 3M Commercial Solutions
3M Commercial Solutions help customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions‚ graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ as well as inks and toners used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. Learn more about 3M graphics products and programs by calling 1-800-328-3908‚ visiting www.3Mgraphics.com‚ following us @3MGraphics on Twitter or at facebook.com/3Mgraphics.
About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
FROM:
3M Commercial Solutions
3M Center Building 220-12E-04
St. Paul, MN 55144 USA
Contact:
Mary Prevost
Karwoski & Courage
(612) 342-9716
m.prevost@creativepr.com
Connie Thompson
3M Public Relations & Corporate Communications
(651) 733-8914
csthompson1@mmm.com
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