Protecting surfaces during production and outfitting of sailing craft

Few working environments provide the range of aggressive contaminants in combination with aesthetic surfaces, fabrics and delicate electronic equipment, as does the marine industry. From hull building and subsequent outfitting, through maintenance to out-of-water storage, almost every job undertaken will expose sensitive surfaces to the risks of damage from dust, dirt, abrasion and scratches or UV degradation.

Hulls, other polished surfaces, varnished decking, instrument panels, windows, portholes and chrome fittings are all exposed to impacts and scratches during the course of building and fitting-out. Together with carpets and seating textiles they are also subject to the adverse effects of airborne dust and other contaminants generated by work-in-progress. In the worst case damage can result in the need to replace costly fittings and furnishings, and even in the best case unnecessary additional costs are incurred by extra cleaning operations.

To combat these risks and expenses, surface protection films provide an effective shield for high value, quality craft. They deliver a solution to yacht and motorboat builders and outfitters that give major cost and time savings, as well as ensuring a vessel’s A1 appearance on completion or redelivery to its owner.

Designed to give maximum protection to all types of surfaces, 3M™ Surface Protection Film is suitable for covering a diverse range of applications and substrates. Simple to apply, offering high adhesion and high performance, even over long periods, and easy to remove cleanly and completely from plastics, glass, metals, wood, fibre glass, vinyl, leather and other textiles, these films are a complement to the marine craftsman’s tool box.

To enable specific application requirements to be met, 3M Surface Protection Film is available in a range of colours, thicknesses and adhesive strengths, as well as a choice of backing, in different widths. Moreover, it can be reverse wound and printed, to give the final touch for a quality presentation.

3M is a trademark of the 3M Company.