Making a strong statement about consumer trends in vehicle appearance, the recent 2008 North American International Auto Show was abound with concept and road-ready vehicles sporting the hottest new paint trend — a smooth, low-gloss finish. But why stop at paint? Vehicle-wrap professionals can now achieve the same zero-glare effect with Permacolor Matte RAYZor Overlaminating Film (LF3630) from MACtac^® Graphic Products.

Originally developed for demanding military applications, the film is a matte cast laminate designed for application to complex curves and corrugations. Driven by consumer trends currently transitioning to the vehicle wrap market, the matte paint-like finish of the product allows wide-format digital printers and installers to capitalize on this movement by differentiating and expanding other products and finishing possibilities.

“The new zero-glare matte laminate gives designers endless creative options, allowing them to differentiate from traditional vehicle, marine and fleet wraps with a true matte finish that makes graphics stand out,” said Mary Ann Kucera, MACtac Graphic Products. “That finish also returns functionality to advertising execution, since this product is much easier to view from different outdoor angles. Installers will not only benefit from its excellent performance but, because Permacolor Matte RAYZor is an industry-leading thin overlaminate with superior conformability that makes application easier, they will also enjoy faster application, improved productivity, and greater confidence in their work.”

Permacolor Matte RAYZor offers a smooth, uniform finish that reduces friction during installation, making it easier to apply than gloss overlaminates. The thin, 1.5-mil laminate also simplifies installation on flat, curved, corrugated or riveted surfaces. The new product is a line extension of MACtac’s Permacolor RAYZor family, alongside Permacolor RAZYor (LF3640), which is the highest gloss cast laminate in the graphics industry.

For ease of use and durability, the new film features an exceptionally smooth polyester release liner that supports a permanent, clear acrylic adhesive with built-in UV protection, helping graphics resist wear and color fade.

About the Company

MACtac is a leading global supplier of pressure-sensitive adhesives. Headquartered in Stow, OH, MACtac is a subsidiary of the Bemis Co. Inc., the largest flexible-packaging supplier in North America.

For more information, phone (866) 622-8223, e-mail MACtac.Americas@bemis.com or visit www.MACtac.com.

SIDEBAR: Experts Gather to Place Votes for MACtac Graphics Worldwide Awards

Judging complete for North American territory of 2008 awards program
March 24, 2008 — It was an event filled with design, creativity, technique, visual impact, debate and discussion. Nine graphics industry experts — specializing in everything from vinyl installation to wide-format printing to sign graphics – recently gathered in Phoenix to judge entries submitted for the North American territory of the 2008 MACtac^® Graphics Worldwide Awards program.

This prestigious program highlights high-impact visual communication projects using any MACtac graphic product, including IMAGin^® wide-format digital media, Permacolor^® overlaminates and mounting films, MACmark^® marking films and MACscreen^® screen printing products.

As 2008 marked the third edition of MACtac Graphics Worldwide Awards for the United States, Canada and Mexico, this year’s program brought more entries than the 2004 or 2006 Awards. With nearly 150 entries submitted within the award program’s four categories (Vehicle Graphics, Technical Achievement, Exterior Signs and Interior Signs), the judges had much to consider and discuss.

The expert industry panel of judges included editors and publishers of leading sign-industry and digital publications, as well as independent experts in the fields of design, digital printing, sign-making, and application skills.

“The vehicle-graphics, interior and exterior signs categories featured the most entries, showing the breadth of MACtac’s product line,” said Rick Moore, Marketing director, MACtac Graphic Products. ”The technical category really reflects MACtac’s product innovation by showcasing what inspiration can do when mixed with the art of true application expertise. The MACtac Graphics Worldwide Awards program is the only awards program that reflects current trends in the industry on a global scale, but it is another resource for learning; what works, what doesn’t, best practices, etc.”

Projects included in the 2008 MACtac Graphics Worldwide Awards program were completed in either 2006 or 2007. The two additional geographical regions of the awards program — Europe and International, which includes Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, Asia and Oceania — will conclude judging within the next few weeks. Winners from the North American territory were announced at the 2008 International Sign Association tradeshow in Orlando.

“MACtac is honored both to reward and share the exceptional projects MACtac customers have done, and to have these projects reviewed and critiqued by some of the best in the industry,” Moore said.

For more information on the awards program, visit www.mactac-world-awards.com/award2008/award01_US.htm.