DECALMAT5 Master Standard for 3M 7300 Series Decals
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Revision 1
Apr 17, 2023
1. Scope
This specification applies to flat-surfaced, pressure-sensitive, adhesive-backed decal manufacturing materials designed for permanent outdoor application on smooth, clean, painted surfaces. Materials shall not be removable without defacing, covering, or destroying the decal.
2. Reference Standards
Where applicable and unless otherwise stated, decals shall comply with the latest revisions of the following industry standards:
| ANSI Z535.1 | Safety Color Code |
| ANSI Z535.2 | Environmental and Facility Safety Signs |
| ANSI Z535.3 | Criteria for Safety Symbols |
| ANSI Z535.5 | Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards |
| ANSI C2 | NESC Handbook, Appendix B—Safety Signs |
| ASTM D4956 | Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control; Type I |
3. Font
Font shall be Helvetica-Narrow Bold, or District approved equivalent.
4. Material
Decal printing material shall be 3M 7300 Series Advanced Flexible Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting conforming to the latest revision of ASTM D4956 for Type I Class 4 materials. Depending on the application, the District shall specify either White or Yellow material.
5. Adhesive
Adhesive shall be pressure sensitive. Adhesive shall be clear, with silver underneath.
6. Liner
Finished decals shall include a paper liner, which shall be back scored for easy removal.
7. Adhesion
Finished decals shall include a precoated pressure sensitive adhesive backing. Decals must be suitable for application without the necessity of additional adhesive coats on the label or application surface and without the use of water, solvents, or heat.
The protective liner attached to the adhesive shall be an easy release type. It shall be removable by peeling without soaking in water or other solvents. The protective liner shall be easily removed after acclimatizes at a temperature of 65°F or greater for at least 24 hours before application.
The precoated pressure sensitive adhesive shall adhere by pressing it in contact with a clean, dry surface. It shall form a durable bond to clean, well painted surfaces or unpainted corrosion-proof metals. The precoated adhesive, after 48 hours of aging at 75°F, shall have no appreciable effect on the decal material. The precoated adhesive shall have no staining effect on the decal material. The adhesive shall be mildew resistant.
8. Minimum Application Temperature of Decal
The material shall have a minimum application temperature of 65°F unless otherwise specified by the District.
9. Applied Performance Range
Materials shall have a performance range of -30°F to +200°F unless otherwise specified by the District.
10. Outdoor Durability
Material shall have an outdoor life of 6 years minimum, with vertical exterior exposure.
11. Humidity Resistance
Materials shall be resistant to 500 hours at 90% relative humidity.
12. Chemical Resistance
Material shall be resistant to degradation by petroleum solvents and greases. Material shall have excellent water resistance.
13. Film Flammability
Material shall be self-extinguishing.
14. Shelf Life
Material shall have a minimum processed shelf life of 1 year in a clean area, free from excessive moisture and direct sunlight with ambient temperatures of 100°F or less.
15. Packaging
Finished decals shall be packaged to protect them from moisture and dirt in Zip-Lock type resealable, clear polyethylene bags (25 decals per bag). Each bag shall be marked with the date of production and the manufacturer's name or logo.
16. Proof Drawing
When requested, the supplier of the decal shall provide a proof drawing for approval by the District's Standards Group before proceeding to produce the first order.