Muraglass provides a cost-effective etched glass effect.
A clear vision of office interiors
A new range of polyester window films from UK firm Muraspec is providing an attractive, cost effective option for office interiors.
01 April 2003
The average office interior has changed considerably over the past 10 years with the emergence of open plan designs and the increased use of glass partitioning instead of traditional solid walls.
When your business is wall covering, this might seem a threat, but market leading British firm Muraspec says it saw this as an opportunity. Essentially, glass is just a see-through wall, and Muraspec - whose mission is to be 'the leading creative force in wall enhancement systems' - set about designing a product to cover it.
Thus, a new range of polyester window films was launched recently. Specifically designed to make glass in any situation look more attractive and part of an overall interior design, Muraglass currently offers nine designs, from geometric 'Honeycomb' patterns to optical effects such as 'Illusion', which turns a flat surface into a series of curves. The unique designs offer varying levels of privacy and are manufactured using specially-formulated ink, which gives the effect of glass etching at a fraction of the cost, Muraspec claims.
Muraspec chose polyester in preference to PVC as the base material for Muraglass for several reasons. By using polyester, Muraglass is 'optically clear', so there is no distortion or clouding when installed. The aim was to create a product which was 'at one' with the glass in such a way that it is difficult to tell that it is a window film at all. Muraglass also has a patented scratch-resistant coating, absorbs 99 per cent of the ultraviolet (UV) rays and achieves a class 0+1 UK fire rating (BS476 Part 6&7), the firm adds.
Installation is as per the industry standard 'wet application' technique whereby the film is attached to the glass using a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which is applied to the back of the product at the time of manufacture. The adhesive layer is then covered by a release film, which is removed at the time of installation.
A special 'slip' solution is sprayed on the glass and the film is then slid into place. When the film in the desired position, this solution is then pushed out from under the film using a hard edge, the pressure from which causes the adhesive to take effect and a bond between the glass and the film is made. Once on in ideal conditions, Muraglass will last much longer than the five-year warranty period, but can be stripped from the glass at any time using mild heat, Muraspec says.
Muraglass has been manufactured in conjunction with CP films, a leading supplier of specialist films for solar and blast protection. CP's expertise with printing 'film on a roll' made an ideal partner for Muraspec's designer flair and with dual branding under CP's Llumar name, Muraglass had an instant badge of quality, the company points out.
Muraglass is covered by an unprecedented service promise from Muraspec, including extensive sampling and prompt order delivery, according to the company. Several projects have now been completed in the UK, and Muraspec says it is now looking forward to a positive response to the Gulf launch.
