Architecture & Construction Press Release
A new line of window films for commercial buildings to help combat the damage caused by graffiti has been introduced by 3M™. Graffiti — such as etching, scratching, painting and marking of glass — is an expensive and rapidly growing problem worldwide. The new product offers the opportunity for major cost savings for owners and managers of commercial and public buildings.
Scotchgard™ anti-graffiti window film is an optically clear, distortion-free film for windows, mirrors and other surfaces. Useful for interior or exterior windows, mirrors or glass, the film comes in two thicknesses for graffiti abatement in low-risk or high-risk situations. This film is particularly effective in resisting damage from glass-etching solutions used by vandals. When applied to glass, Scotchgard™ film also offers extra benefits by blocking heat, glare and 99 percent of damaging ultraviolet rays.
“When you consider that, in New York City alone, the average cost of removing graffiti has increased from $300,000 a year in 1993 to $10 million today, this new protective film adds important economic value,” said Rochelle Knops, sales and marketing coordinator, 3M™ Consumer Safety and Light Management Department.
When applied to surfaces that vandals often target, such as interior and exterior windows, mirrors, and other glass, the film provides protection by taking the brunt of graffiti damage. Paints, permanent markings and other stains can be easily removed from the protective surface without the use of harsh chemicals. That’s because film damaged by etching or scratching can be easily removed and replaced with new film. Using the protective film also eliminates the expense of conventional graffiti cleanup or the even-costlier total replacement of graffiti-damaged equipment or property.
“In the United States, the annual cost of graffiti abatement programs is estimated at $10 to $12 billion,” added Knops. “Scotchgard anti-graffiti window film offers a cost-effective, common-sense solution to the growing problem of vandals defacing public and private property. It also adds to the many innovative solutions that 3M™ products represent, and it makes a positive contribution to the environment and enjoyment of public places.”
3M holds the original window film patent and has been a leader in both adhesive and film technologies for more than 30 years. These products are sold by the 3M™ Consumer Safety and Light Management Department. 3M™ brings together these disciplines to create the finest products available for both consumer and commercial use. The company offers the most comprehensive warranty in the industry for both film and installation. To find the authorized 3M™ window film dealer nearest you, contact 3M™ at 1-800-480-1704.
About 3M™
3M™ is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M™ businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M™, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. For more information about 3M™ go to www.3M.com.