Description

3M Controltac Changeable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 3500C

3M Controltac Changeable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 3500C

3M Controltac Changeable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 3500C

3M Controltac Changeable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 3500C

For Solvent and UV Screen Printing Only
4-mil, opaque white vinyl film with a matte finish
Excellent hiding power
Pressure-activated adhesive for easy sliding, tacking, snap up and repositioning
Air release channels for fast, easy, bubble-free graphic installation
Changeable for clean removable without heat or chemicals

Scotchcal

Product Bulletin 3500C – 1
Product Bulletin 3500C
Release I, Effective May 2013 (Replaces H, Nov 09)
See Bulletin Change Summary at end of Bulletin
Controltac™ Changeable Graphic Film
with Comply™ Adhesive
3500C
For Solvent and UV Screen Printing Only
1. Product Description
A. Product Features  4-mil, opaque white vinyl film with a matte finish
 Excellent hiding power
 Pressure-activated adhesive for easy sliding, tacking, snap up and repositioning
 Air release channels for fast, easy, bubble-free graphic installation
 Changeable for clean removable without heat or chemicals
B. Recommended Types of
Graphics and End Uses
When constructed and used as described in this Bulletin, these types of graphics and end
uses may be warranted by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty. Please read the entire Bulletin for
details.
 Commercial vehicle, transit or fleet graphics, emblems or striping
 Outdoor and indoor graphics and signs
 Vending or dispensing machine and cooler graphics
C. Performance Overview 3M tests the performance of both individual products and finished graphic constructions.
This table shows the best performance expected from this product both without a Warranty
Period and with a Warranty Period.
For detailed graphic construction and application options along with specific Warranty
Periods, please see the Warranty Information, Section 5.
Expected Performance Life. This is the estimated period of time the product should perform satisfactorily.
Unprinted film with no graphic protection, applied to a flat vertical outdoor surface. 2 years
Unwarranted Period
3M™ MCS™ Warranty. This is the maximum period of time 3M will warrant the finished graphic performance.
Printed film with the best 3M ink and graphic protection option, applied to a flat, vertical, vehicle
surface.
2 years
Warranty Period
D. Limitations of End Uses This 3M product is not designed or recommended for the following uses. Please contact us
to discuss other options.
(1) Unsuitable End Uses for This
Film
 Graphics applied to:
– corrugated, channels, complex curves, or highly-irregular surfaces or sharply raised
areas.
– stainless steel.
– graphics printed with 3M four-color UV screen printing inks.
– non-3M films.
– paint that is not thoroughly cured or dried.
– substrate surfaces that are not clean and smooth (little or no variation in texture).

Product Bulletin 3500C – 2
 Film without graphic protection when:
– used for vehicle graphics.
– exposed to abrasive conditions, harsh cleaners or chemicals.
– where warranty table does not indicate a construction option.
 Graphic removal from:
– applications with poor paint-to-substrate adhesion.
– painted wallboard.
– existing graphics on flexible substrates that must remain intact.
– aged paint or metal that may have surface oxidation or chalking.
– outdoor, horizontal applications.
 Prespaced letters or emblems.
 Graphic subjected to gasoline vapors or spills at gas pumps, automobile fuel-tank ports,
or top-feeding petroleum tankers.
(2) Wall Graphics Two-mil cast films are typically the best choice for indoor smooth surface wall graphics,
although thicker films may be suitable for intermediate or short term applications. In any
case, the user is responsible for determining the product’s suitability, including adhesion
and, if required, removal characteristics. Due to the wide variability of smooth indoor walls,
neither finished graphics nor removal is warranted, even for removable or changeable films.
Instruction Bulletin 5.37 provides comprehensive information for the most successful wall
graphics film selection and application.
(3) Important Information
About Bus Applications
Film used on buses must not be applied so as to restrict the safe use of emergency window
exits. See the most current version of Instruction Bulletin 5.4 for details.
2. Compatible Products This section provides a list of products that are approved by 3M for use with the base film
covered in this Bulletin, and used for the creation of a graphic that is covered by the 3M™
MCS™ Warranty. Refer to the Product and Instruction Bulletins listed in 3M Related Literature
at the end of this Bulletin for more information about the compatible products.
This section provides a list of products that are approved by 3M for use with the base film
covered in this Bulletin, and used for the creation of a graphic that is covered by the 3M™
MCS™ Warranty or 3M Performance Guarantee. Refer to the Product and Instruction
Bulletins listed in 3M Related Literature at the end of this Bulletin for more information
about the compatible products.
See the Warranty Information section to determine which compatible products are approved
for your graphic construction.
A. Screen Printing  3M™ Screen Printing Ink Series 1900 line color and 4-color
 3M™ Screen Printing UV Ink Series 9800 line color and 4-color
B. OEM Inkjet Printers and Inks
for the 3M Performance
Guarantee
 For the most current information, please click here: 3M Performance Guarantee Matrix.
C. Graphic Protection  3M™ Screen Printing Gloss Clear 1920DR
 3M™ Screen Printing Matte Clear 1930
 3M™ Screen Printing Gloss UV Clear 9740i
 3M™ Screen Printing Gloss UV Clear 99800CL
D. Application Tapes  3M™ Premasking Tape SCPM-44X
 3M™ Premasking Tape SCPM-3
Product Bulletin 3500C – 3
3. Characteristics These are typical values for unprocessed product; processing may change the values.
Contact your 3M representative for a custom specification.
A. Physical Characteristics Characteristic Value
Material Vinyl
Color White, opaque
Gloss Matte
Thickness Without adhesive: 4-mil (0.10 mm)
With adhesive: 4.5 to 5-mil (0.11-0.13 mm)
Adhesive type Pressure activated with air release channels
Adhesive color Gray
Liner Polyethylene-coated paper
Tensile strength 13.5 pounds/inch at 73F (2.3 kg/cm at 23C) (minimum)
Adhesion
24 hours after application
Aluminum, anodized: 1.8 pounds/inch (0.32 kg/cm)
Fruehauf pre-painted panels: 0.6 pounds/inch (0.12 kg/cm)
Chemical resistance Resists mild alkalis, mild acids, and salt
Flammability Call 1-800-328-3908
B. Application Characteristics Characteristic Value
Finished graphic
application
recommendation
Surface type: Flat, with and without rivets
Substrate type: Acrylic, aluminum, glass (uncoated), painted
metal, polycarbonate, rigid vinyl, and painted wood (smooth)
Application temperature: 28 – 100F (-2 – 38C)
air and substrate
Application method: Dry
Applied film shrinkage 0.015 inch (0.4 mm)
Finished graphic
exposure temperature
-40 – +150F (-40 – +66C)
Graphic removal Removable without heat and chemicals when ambient and
substrate temperature are greater than 28F (-2C)
4. Definitions
A. Exposure U.S. Vertical
Exposure
face of graphic The face of the graphic is +/- 10 from vertical.
U.S.
Non-vertical
Exposure
face of graphic The face of the graphic is greater than 10 from vertical
and greater than 5 from horizontal. This includes
non-vertical surfaces of vehicle wraps or fleet graphics.
U.S. Desert
Southwest
Exposure
Any outdoor graphic exposed to solar energy more than half of the daylight
hours in Arizona, New Mexico and the desert areas of California, Nevada,
Utah and Texas is subject to reduced warranties. Click here for a detailed
map.
Product Bulletin 3500C – 4
B. Changeable The film is easily removable with no adhesive residue.
C. Graphic Construction The products used to make a graphic, which may include film and/or flexible substrate, graphic
protection, ink, printer and application tape.
D. Graphic Protection Overlaminate films or clear coats used to protect the graphic and/or change gloss.
E. Graphic Types
As identified in Product
Durability Tables
Indoor Signs Stationary graphics applied indoors and not exposed to the elements.
Outdoor Signs Stationary graphics applied outdoors and exposed to the elements.
Vehicles Straight Trucks. Semi­Tractors and Semi­Trailers. Straight trucks,
semi­tractors and semi­trailers used for commercial business purposes.
Excludes air shields.
5. Warranty Information
A. Warranty Coverage
Overview
The warranty coverage for each graphic is based on the user(s) both reading and following
all applicable and current 3M Product and Instruction Bulletins. 3M will honor the Warranty
Period stated in the base film’s Product Bulletin that is current when the film was
purchased. The Warranty Period may be reduced and stipulations may apply for certain
constructions and applications, as covered in this Bulletin.
The following is made in lieu of all other express or implied warranties, including any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or implied warranty
arising out of a course of dealing, custom or usage of trade.
B. 3M Basic Product Warranty This product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and manufacture at the time of
shipment and to meet the specifications stated in this Product Bulletin and as further set
forth in the 3M Commercial Graphics Warranty Brochure.
C. Limited Remedy 3M will replace or refund the price of any 3M materials that do not meet this warranty
within the specified time periods. These remedies are exclusive.
D. Limitation of Liability Except where prohibited by law, 3M SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE
TO PURCHASER OR USER FOR ANY DIRECT (EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED REMEDY PROVIDED
ABOVE), INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LABOR, NON-3M MATERIAL CHARGES, LOSS OF PROFITS,
REVENUE, BUSINESS, OPPORTUNITY, OR GOODWILL) RESULTING FROM OR IN ANY WAY
RELATED TO SELLER’S PRODUCTS, SERVICES or THIS BULLETIN. This limitation of liability
applies regardless of the legal or equitable theory under which such losses or damages are
sought including breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, or any
other legal or equitable theory.
E. Additional Limitations See the 3M Commercial Graphics Warranty Brochure, which gives the terms, additional
limitations of the warranty, if any, and limitations of liability.
F. 3M™ MCS™ Warranty
Subject to Stipulations set forth in
Section G.
Finished graphics constructed with the materials specified and the exposure specified in the
Warranty Period tables, Section F.(1), is eligible for the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty. For warranties
for other exposures, see Section G.
(1) Warranty Period Table
for Finished Graphics in a
Standard U.S. Vertical
Exposure
VEH = Fleet and Standard Vehicle Graphics
OUT = General Outdoor Sign
IN = General Indoor Signs
Warranty Period for Finished Graphics, In Years
Graphic
Protection
No Printing Ink Series 1900 Ink Series 9800
Most Colors
Ink Series 9800
Metallic
VEH OUT IN VEH OUT IN VEH OUT IN VEH OUT IN
1920DR — — — 2 2 2 — — — — — —
1930 — —— 2 2 2— ——— — —
9740i — —— 2 222 222 2 2
9800CL — ——— —— 2 222 2 2
None — 2 2 — — — — 2 2 — — —
Product Bulletin 3500C – 5
G. General Warranty
Stipulations for 3M™
MCS™ Warranty
These stipulations apply to both the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty. General provisions for these
stipulations are covered in the 3M Commercial Graphics Warranty Brochure.
(1) Reduced Warranty Period for
Other Graphic Exposures
For other graphic exposures, multiply the Warranty Period (in years) for your graphic
construction as shown in the applicable Warranty Period tables, Section F. (1) and G.(1), by
the percentage shown for the intended graphic exposure.
If the Graphic Exposure is:
Use this Percentage of
U.S. Vertical Exposure,
Warranty Period Calculation Examples
U.S. Non-vertical 50% (0.5) 0.5 x 2 years = 1 year
Desert Southwest Vertical 70% (0.7) 0.7 x 2 years = 1.4 years
Desert Southwest Non-vertical 35% (0.35) 0.35 x 2 years = 0.7 years
Horizontal 0% 0
(2) Removal Warranty without Heat or Chemicals
a. For the 3M™ MCS™
Warranty Only
Within the stated Warranty Period, if this film cannot be removed without heat or chemicals,
or more than 10% of the adhesive residue remains on the substrate, 3M will reimburse a
reasonable portion of extra removal costs.
a. Removal Warranty
Exceptions
The following exceptions are not covered by the Removal Warranty.
 Substrate damage due to:
– removing film from a pre-existing graphic.
– removing film that was applied to painted wallboard or unapproved substrates.
– removing film from paint that is not firmly bonded to the substrate.
 No guarantee is made for:
– paint staining. 3M does not warrant vehicle paint staining that may be visible after
removing an inkjet printed graphic with an overlaminate. To reduce the risk of this
problem, always remove the graphic by the end of the Warranty Period.
– ease or speed of removal of any graphic.
– removal from paint that is improperly cured.
– removal from aged paint or metals, surface oxidation or chalking; user must test,
approve and accept liability for such applications.
– removal from horizontally-exposed outdoor applications.
(3) Paint Refurbishing
Reimbursement Policy for
Automobiles, Vans, Buses,
Recreational Vehicles
This Policy applies to automobiles, vans, buses, and recreational vehicles only, and specifically
does not include Watercraft. Refer to Instruction Bulletin 5.36 for complete details.
 A Pre-Installation and Inspection Report (in Bulletin 5.36) must be completed prior to
graphic installation and submitted with any claim for paint damage sustained during
the removal of 3M removable or changeable graphic film from vehicles.
 A separate report for each vehicle involved in a claim is required.
(4) Rivets Tented or bridged film that fails prematurely, which is not covered by any 3M warranty.
(5) Application Outside the U.S. Contact the 3M organization for that country.
(6) Application to Glass 3M accepts no liability for glass breakage when using this film for window graphics. See
Instruction Bulletin 5.1 for details.
Product Bulletin 3500C – 6
(7) Abrasion and Loss of Gloss Abrasion damage and loss of gloss are not covered by any 3M Warranty. This is considered
normal wear and tear. However, to help maintain the appearance of your graphic, use the
recommended graphic protection whenever:
 it is required for the construction and end use as shown in the Warranty Period tables.
 whenever the graphic, including printed vehicle graphics, is exposed to abrasive
conditions, harsh cleaners or chemicals.
(8) Chalking Unprinted film, which tends to chalk outdoors, is warranted against chalking only when
graphic protection is applied. However, chalking may be removed with normal graphic
cleaning procedures.
(9) Graphics Made with
Components Not Sold or
Recommended by 3M
The 3M™ MCS™ Warranty does not, under any circumstances, cover graphics made with
inks, film, graphic protection and/or application tapes that are not sold or recommended by
3M.
The user is solely responsible for the graphic appearance, performance and durability of
graphic constructions that include any non recommended or qualified products.
6. Factors that Affect
Graphic Performance Life
The actual performance life of a graphic is affected by all of the following:
 the combination of graphics materials used.
 Ink formulation.
 complete ink drying or curing.
 selection, condition and preparation of the substrate.
 surface texture.
 application methods.
 angle and direction of sun exposure.
 environmental conditions.
 cleaning or maintenance methods.
7. Graphics Manufacturing
! CAUTION Before using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for safe
operation.
A. Screen Printing Formulations and processing conditions can affect ink durability. Refer to the Product and
Instruction Bulletins for your ink for limitations and proper usage.
B. Cutting The following are common cutting methods for this film. See Instruction Bulletin 4.1 for
details.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/67726O/3500c-controltac-comply-positionable-changeable-sp.pdf
 Bandsawing
 Hot kiss cutting
 Drum-type electronic cutting
 Flat-bed electronic cutting
 Guillotine
 Hand cut
C. Application Tapes
(1) When to Use
Premasking Tape
 Use as an application aid to increase stiffness, and prevent stretching and damage during
application.
 Use when little or no liner is exposed.
Product Bulletin 3500C – 7
(2) How to Select a Tape Locate the graphic protection on your graphic in the table below and use the corresponding
tape. See Instruction Bulletin 4.3 for complete details.
Select the tape based on what is on top of the graphic
Application Tape
Unprinted
Film
1920DR
1930
Ink Series
9800, no clear
9740i
9800CL
Premasking Tape SCPM-3 — —
Premasking Tape SCPM-44X — —
Prespacing Tape — — — —
— = No tape is recommended for this construction.
8. Application and
Installation
Install the film using the dry application method.
Refer to the 3M Related Literature section, located at the end of this bulletin, for a list of
the Instruction Bulletins that may be needed to apply or install this film.
A. Adhesive  The pressure-activated adhesive on this film offers:
– smooth sliding into position on a substrate;
– fast finger tacking to check position; and
– Easy snap up and repositioning when it is needed.
 By design so that a good adhesive bond is established, the positionability feature is
lost when:
– firm pressure with a squeegee or other application tool is applied.
– at application temperatures above 100F (38C) even if only light finger pressure
was used for tacking.
– if any part of the film is removed from the original liner and reapplied to the same or
another liner.
B. Rivets For the best appearance and durability, 3M recommends cutting around the rivet and then
re-squeegeeing around the rivet.
9. Maintenance and Cleaning Use a cleaner designed for high-quality painted surfaces. The cleaner must be wet, nonabrasive,
without strong solvents, and have a pH value between 3 and 11 (neither strongly
acidic nor strongly alkaline.)
Refer to Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for general maintenance and cleaning information.
10. Removal This film can be easily removed without heat or chemicals. Most graphics can be removed
and leave little or no adhesive residue on the substrate. The ease and rate of removal
depends on a number of factors. See Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for details.
11. Shelf Life, Storage and Shipping
A. Shelf Life Total shelf life: 2 years from the date on the original box
Up to 2 years unprocessed, OR process within 1 year and apply within 1 year of processing
B. Storage Conditions  40 to 100F (4 to 38C)
 Out of sunlight
 Clean dry area
 Original container
 Bring the film to print room temperature before using
C. Shipping Finished Graphics Flat or rolled printed side out on 6 inch (15 cm) or larger core. This helps prevent the liner
and, if used, the application tape from popping off.
Product Bulletin 3500C – 8
12. Health and Safety
! CAUTION When handling any chemical products, read the manufacturers’ container labels and the
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for important health, safety and environmental information.
To obtain MSDS sheets for 3M products go to 3M.com/MSDS, or by mail or in case of
an emergency, call 1-800-364-3577 or 1-651-737-6501.
When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for safe
operation.
13. 3M Related Literature Before starting any job, be sure you have the most current Product and Instruction
Bulletins.
The information in 3M Product and Instruction Bulletins is subject to change. Current
Bulletins Current Bulletins are available at 3Mgraphics.com. The following applicable
Bulletins provide information and processes you need to properly make the graphics
described in this Bulletin. Additional Bulletins may be needed as indicated in the 3M
Related Literature section of other 3M components you use.
Bulletin types: PB = Product Bulletin; PB-IB = Product & Instruction Bulletin; IB = Instruction Bulletin
Subject Type Bulletin No.
EFI™ R3225 3M™ UV Ink PB-IB R3225
3M™ Screen Printing Ink Series 1900 and Overprint Clear VI0402
– Screen printing with ink series 1900
– line color
– 4-color
PB
IB
IB
1900
3.12
3.11
3M™ Screen Print Gloss Clear 1920DR and Low Gloss 1930
– Applying screen printing clear 1920DR and 1930
PB
IB
1900
3.12
3M™ Screen Printing UV Ink Series 9800 and Clear 9800CL
– Screen printing with UV ink series 9800
– line color
– 4-color
PB
IB
IB
9800
3.20
3.21
3M™ Screen Print Gloss Clear 9740i PB-IB UV Clears
Scoring and cutting IB 4.1
Using 3M Application Tapes; Premasking and Prespacing for Films IB 4.3
Application, Substrate Selection, Preparation and Substrate-Specific
Application Techniques
IB 5.1
Application, Special Applications and Vehicles IB 5.4
Application, General Procedures for Indoor and Outdoor Dry Applications IB 5.5
Application: Guidelines for Auto, Van, Bus and Inspection Forms IB 5.36
Storage, Handling, Maintenance, Removal IB 6.5
3M Commercial Graphics Warranty Brochure
14. Bulletin Change Summary Modified and new content is marked with a black bar in the margin. Clear 9740i replaces
Clear 9720UV. Added a warranty limitation regarding vehicle paint staining that may be
visible after removing an inkjet printed graphic with an overlaminate. Added a Performance
Overview, which includes an Effective Performance Life value of 2 years. Reformatted the
Warranty Information and Stipulations sections for better understanding and alignment of
the warranty terms in 3M Commercial Graphics Warranty Brochure.
3M and Controltac, Comply, MCS are
trademarks of 3M Company. All other
trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.

3M™ Controltac™ Changeable Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive 3500C, 6 inch core, 60 in x 100 yd
3M ID 75347204135 UPC# 00051128815830
3M™ Controltac™ Changeable Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive 3500C, 6 inch core, 48 in x 100 yd
3M ID 75347189120 UPC# 00051128807163
3M™ Controltac™ Changeable Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive 3500C, 6 inch core, 54 in x 200 yd
3M ID 75347257778 UPC# 00051128948064
3M™ Controltac™ Changeable Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive 3500C, 6 inch core, 54 in x 100 yd
3M ID 75347190581 UPC# 00051128815175
3M™ Controltac™ Changeable Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive 3500C, 48 in x 50 yd (1220mm x 45.7m)
3M ID 75346980578 UPC# 00051128709481