By Peter Spencer, European Technical Services Manager for CPFilms, CPFilms Solutia UK Ltd.
SubscribeGlass is an easy target for graffiti. But LLumar® anti-graffiti films from CPFilms offer a cost effective solution to the graffiti challenge.
The problem
It is easy to damage glass: certain chemicals etch glass and small, easy-to-conceal tools scratch it. The beauty of the window is destroyed and, worse still, vision through the glass is obstructed. Etching and scratches are difficult to remove and become a moving advertisement of the damage caused by the graffiti ‘artist’.
Graffiti-damaged glass makes people feel uncomfortable about using buildings, trains, buses and other public areas. Plus, ‘graffiti attracts graffiti’ – when some graffiti is present, more graffiti will often appear.
Replacement and polishing
Of course, the window can be replaced, but high performance glazing in buildings and transport can cost hundreds of Euros per window to replace. And there can be hidden costs of replacement – for example, a train may have to be taken out of service for some hours just to replace one window, using the valuable time of highly trained engineers to do the replacement, who could otherwise do more productive and satisfying work.
Scratches can be removed by glass polishing but will reduce glass thickness, introduce distortion; and can reduce glass strength. And if the glass is scratched again the glass has to be replaced anyway!
The best solution!
Chemicals etch glass after a few seconds, but…
LLumar® anti-graffiti film protects against etching
LLumar® ‘sacrificial’ anti-graffiti window film is your solution! This special type of film from CPFilms, the world’s largest window film manufacturer, is designed to protect glass surfaces from deliberate or accidental damage, including attacks by etching, scratching, felt tip pen, and paint. When needed, LLumar® anti-graffiti film is simply removed from the glass, taking the damage away with it!
LLumar® anti-graffiti film, using high strength ultra-clear DuPont Teijin Mylar® polyester film, offers a virtually invisible appearance after installation. Installation and replacement by professionally trained staff is quick and easy.
The disruption (for both buildings and transport) caused by replacing a window is avoided. Trains or buses can be out of service for a mere few minutes.
LLumar® anti-graffiti films are already used by many organisations throughout the UK and in the rest of Europe, including major train, bus and coach companies. (Obviously, we do not wish to advertise which organisations have our excellent anti-graffiti protection!)
Recovery from Etching and Scratches
The adhesive used with all LLumar® anti-graffiti films is able to ‘flow’ into surface imperfections. Mild scratches and etching on glass can usually be completely hidden by the application of LLumar® anti-graffiti film, leaving the glass looking undamaged. Even heavy scratching and deeper etching, including ‘tags’, can be reduced to a few less obvious and unreadable marks!
CPFilms is currently developing a complete scratch repair film that will not only provide anti-graffiti protection but will leave even heavily damaged glass looking in pristine condition.
LLumar® anti-graffiti film is attacked and the surface coating scratches but…
…the damage is removed with the film, leaving the glass unmarked!
Our unique surface coating
All LLumar® anti-graffiti films have a unique, patented scratch resistant coating, the industry’s toughest and most durable surface coating. Not only does the thickness of the film provide a barrier against glass damage, but the scratch resistant coating, when deliberately damaged, appears as if the glass is being vandalised.
Better still, the scratch resistant coating allows care-free maintenance because, unlike other films, it can be cleaned with a simple soapy water solution.
Fire testing
Testing on various LLumar® anti-graffiti films for fire safety includes
- Fire Propagation Index to BS 476 Part 6
- BS 6853:1999 Annex B.2 Toxic Fumes emissions
- NES 713 Smoke Toxicity
- Surface Spread of Flame to BS 476 Part 7
- BS 6853:Annex D Clause D.8.4 Smoke Density
- 4R-E207 & 4R-E208 Toxic Trace Elements
LLumar® anti-graffiti films can meet the requirements for a Category 1a type railway vehicle (defined in BS 6853:1999), which includes metro and underground trains where fire safety is of the highest concern. They can also achieve a Class 0 surface as defined by current Building Regulations, Approved Document B, Appendix A, paragraph A12b.
LLumar® anti-graffiti films save you money
The cost of using LLumar® anti-graffiti film is much lower than replacing the glazing and, once cured, its adhesive can even hide mild scratching and etching, saving the cost of replacing some damaged glass! All LLumar® anti-graffiti films have at least 95% rejection of UV radiation, enhancing the products resistance to environmental degradation.
LLumar® anti-graffiti films not only protect glass against attack: the glass looks better and more graffiti is discouraged. And the expense of business disruption, including taking transport out of service for long periods, is minimised.
Finally, LLumar® anti-graffiti film can be used to protect other surfaces besides glass – ask us how!
