Metamark Technical Films is new. So are its products…
When wrapping is the subject under discussion thoughts turn, naturally enough, to vehicles. Thanks to a new development from an equally new division of Metamark – Metamark Technical Films, wrapping’s vocabulary now includes panel clad buildings.
Metamark Technical Films’ first product is Renolit REFACE(TM) and other products are in development. “Reface” to use the familiar, is a novel Engineered Filmic Material(TM) or EFM.
EFMs are homogenous products comprising multiple layers. Each of the included layers imparts a component of functionality that’s demanded of the particular application that the product is designed for.
In the case of Reface, the first layer that daylight sees is PVDF. PVDF is clear, in this case it’s slightly textured, and it’s practically inert. Being inert, the layer simply shrugs off airborne matter like dirt and it gives wind and weather the cold-shoulder too. The consequence is, buildings with panels clad in Reface, can be cleaned with the same equipment and ease that’s associated with windows.
Behind the layer of PVDF is an acrylic inclusion. This gives Reface extraordinary resistance to fading and other modes of photo-degradation. Buildings don’t just look great, they look great for much longer than those clad in panels with traditional paint finishes.
Next in the construction detail is a layer of dyed-in-the-mass PVC which imparts the product’s colour and substance. Lots of standard colours are available, and, if needed, practically anything in the Pantone(R) swatch can be matched too.
One the reverse of the PVC layer is a specifically engineered pressure sensitive adhesive with an air evacuation feature. This adhesive builds to the reliable bond needed to support the film. Reface installations are self-supporting and need no fixings.
The final layer isn’t part of the applied film, it’s a liner that will be familiar in terms of handling to most signmakers. It’s construction is novel though reflecting the specialist mission Reface has.
Applying Reface involves a survey process and specialist application techniques that Metamark Technical Films teaches suitably qualified companies. Access to the product and to the opportunity that refurbishing buildings and offering customised construction presents will be conditional on a number of factors and full training will be required in handling Reface. Metamark invites interested companies to get it touch.
Metamark Technical Films has other product in development to address the opportunity for facade decoration, refurbishment and construction. These new products will broaden the application base and allow qualified partners to address an even wider range of opportunities.
According to Metamark Technical Films, its Reface product addresses an unmet need for applied finishes that both beautify existing structures and which deliver a range of functional benefits too. Reface, once installed, protects the fabric of the buildings to which it’s applied and significantly lowers establishment costs for management and required maintenance.
Being filmic in nature, the product requires handling skills which, when fully trained and developed, deliver many benefits beyond sprayed finishes. Installation disruption in minimal and premises being worked on can remain in use. There’s no odour, no noise and application is more tolerant of weather conditions than paint or other traditional finishes.
Reface is delivered to the end user with an impressive warranty. The applied product will endure for years without significant changes in colour or finish. In short, buildings look great and stay that way once they are protected with Reface.
Metamark Technical Films has full details of the available range and technical data describing its significant new development.
European Sign Federation