Big Picture - June/July 2019 - 22

TRENDS THAT TRANSFORM:
MATTE FINISHES
In today's digital world, new trends are always being introduced
and shared across platforms. One design movement growing in
prominence and showcasing its staying power is the incorporation
of matte finishes in interior spaces. As a look that flips the coin on
what used to be considered the norm - a glossy shine - matte finishes are distinctly different, even labeled at the forefront of 2019
design trends by Forbes, Architectural Digest, and more.
What does this mean for the world of graphics? As the craze
for matte vehicles settles, the interest in matte wall wraps, wayfinding signage, and textured graphics is rising. Expanding your
inventory to include matte overlaminates and films is a simple
way to appeal to customers and expand your offerings.

BIG PICTURE

June/July 2019

MAKE IT MATTER
Giving graphics a matte look is done for multiple reasons, including both design aesthetic and user functionality.
Popular on car wraps, matte accents and graphics are trickling
into the floor and wall space, as well, because of the unique visual
composition. From a design standpoint, the muted façade creates
a minimalistic and modern statement, and it can also be used
to contrast any existing metallic fixtures and high-gloss finishes
within a space. A matte wall, for instance, can also conjure more
depth because of its nonreflective nature.

The matte movement is also gaining traction due to its more
practical benefits. Because it doesn't reflect any light back,
matte overlaminates can disguise wall scratches and other
surface imperfections. For wayfinding and signage, placing a
matte overlaminate over the graphics' text enhances the readability for visitors and guests, promoting an overall positive user
experience. Matte overlaminates give these types of graphics the
appearance they were painted on textured surfaces like brick or
outdoor stucco.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Using a matte overlaminate and print film is a fairly easy way to
change the look of a surface - especially if a laminate was going
to be utilized anyway. Achieving the matte look doesn't require
extra steps or unnecessary complexity.
One overlaminate that is easy to work with and can give
glossy graphics a matte look is the 3M Envision Matte Wrap
Overlaminate 8550M. Along with being versatile enough to wrap
diverse surfaces, the film is non-PVC and can contribute to your
- as well as your customer's - sustainability goals.
Squeegees are an important tool for the installation of any
overlaminate - just be sure you don't have any nicks or divots on
the edge, as this can scratch the matte finish during application.
Installation tip: Be mindful of how much you heat and stretch
matte products. Overdoing it can result in gloss banding,
creating visible stripes of shine where the film is overworked and
overall diminishing the look of the final graphic.
TRY IT OUT
The popularity of matte finishes isn't only transforming the
look and feel of a space, but the industry itself. The growing
demand for this design element can lead to new customers and
bigger projects.
Harnessing these kinds of trends is a great way to stay
relevant and try something outside your normal repertoire. The
momentum of matte finishes is not likely to slow down anytime
soon, and your expertise and ability to deliver this trendy look will
help you stand out with customers and among your peers.
Continue your education of window, wall, and floor applications at
3M.com/windowswallsfloors.

http://www.3M.com/windowswallsfloors

Big Picture - June/July 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Big Picture - June/July 2019