3M Scotchgard Films Protect Graphics from Vandals

Companies that pay to post ad messages on city buses, walls, and windows are understandably irritated when spray-paint-wielding vandals deface their carefully crafted graphics with their own, often-crude messages and drawings. But signs aren't the only surfaces being covered with graffiti these days. According to statistics gathered by 3M Commercial Graphics, the average cost of graffitti removal in New York City has risen from $300,000 a year in 1993 to $10 million this year. Nationwide, the cost of graffiti abatement programs is an estimated $10 to $12 billion. To protect all types of surfaces that vandals commonly target, 3M Commercial Graphics has teamed up with 3M's Consumer Safety and Light Management Division to develop adhesive films that not only can protect graphics, but surrounding surfaces as well.

3M Scotchgard? Graphic and Surface Protection Films protect nonglass surfaces such as bus panels and subway walls from gouging and enable paints and other markings to be cleaned without harsh chemicals. The film also makes it possible to remove annoying bumper stickers and other labels that can be time consuming to remove.

3M Scotchgard Anti-Graffiti Window Filmis an optically clear film for windows, mirrors, and other surfaces. Two thicknesses are offered, depending on the level of risk. According to 3M, the window film not only resists glass-etching vandalism, but also improves the shatter resistance of the glass while blocking 99% of damaging UV rays. (3M Commercial Graphics: www.scotchprint.com)