Wall graphics or wall murals are a great way to reinforce your company brand and company culture. For some examples, click here.
Recently, installers are finding it challenging to install graphic films on low VOC painted surfaces. So what has changed? Have vinyl and film manufacturers changed? No! What has changed are the new low VOC paints on the market today.
Paints that are low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are now the most commonly available wall paint. These newer paint formulations are being driven by laws intended to help protect the environment – something we can all appreciate. However, the new paint formulations have reduced how well a film can adhere to a painted wall. Because the paint formulations are protected by trade secrets, it is difficult for any film manufacturer to understand how film adhesives interact with these paints. That’s why 3M has devoted many resources to learning the cause of this problem and how to resolve it.
The new low VOC paints very so much that one film may adhere satisfactorily to one paint, but very poorly to another. The way a graphics manufacturing installer can be assured of the successful installation is by using the right advanced wall cleaning method and film adhesion testing before installing the finish graphics. No Sign or Graphics business wants a graphic installation failure! This is costly for business (wasted materials) and the business reputation, so rather than risking it take the time during your site survey to evaluate the wall prep and take the time to test material adhesion.
Apply samples of the film you intend to use to the surface. Wait 15 minutes and then measure its adhesion value as you pull down on the film. Researchers at 3M and found the cleaning the wall twice with the mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol parentheses (IPA) and 30% water can significantly boost adhesion for nearly any wall film applied to a painted substrate.
If you are a company looking for a professionally printed and installed wall graphic, wall mural, or wall wrap then give us a call at 657-346-2281
