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Projects involving Avery Dennison Façade aren’t the most common we’re exposed to, but there’s a good reason why.

At the current time of writing, there are only six installers in the UK who have completed their accreditation and are listed online as a Specialist Façade Installer. As a result of this, façade film often goes overlooked as an option, particularly in areas where no qualified installers reside.

At a glance, the reasons why so few decide to take the plunge and become qualified are somewhat understandable. There’s often travel, time, and a cost element to training of any kind, but the potential market for Façade film in the UK is monumental, and it is our strong belief that the commitment to becoming qualified is worth every mile, minute, and penny that goes towards it.

Advanced Architectural Services, based in Birmingham, are one of the few in the UK to have taken the plunge and the rewards are already showing. They recently completed the refurbishment of the exterior of a plastic moulding business, Protolabs, in Telford, Shropshire.

As a manufacturer of plastic products, Protolabs is extremely conscious to reduce its environmental impact whenever and wherever possible. Façade film proved a fantastic alternative to paint which produces harmful fumes. Façade was also a preferable option due to the fact that it causes virtually no disruption to business operations as well as the superior finish quality and durability of the product.

The installation was finished in early July 2022 and took approximately six weeks in total to complete. The length of the project was primarily due to the level of surface preparation needed prior to application. Building exteriors often require more time for cleaning and preparation as they don’t often receive the same level of maintenance and are constantly exposed to the elements. However, once Façade film has been applied, it offers a layer of protection to the surface beneath and is also incredibly easy to clean and maintain in the future. It’s hard work, but well worth it.

Aimee Sutton from Advanced Architectural Services said, “The level of preparation needed was more than we initially anticipated, but it’s a lesson learned and gives us a better understanding of what to expect in future. The building first required silicone removal before sanding down the areas to even out any sharp or obstructing pieces. Finally, the surfaces were cleaned with Avery Dennison Surface Cleaner before the application could begin. It’s a lot of work, but the results are outstanding, and the client was thrilled with the building’s new look.”

The selected finish was Anthracite Grey Lustre for the window sills and longer strips, but its air release alternative was required for the areas running around the edge of the windows. This was due to the difficulty involved in applying film in the trickier recess areas, but with the air release product, this proved not to be an issue.

The building itself hasn’t been transformed in any structural way, but the results are far more modern, clean, and welcoming to staff and visitors. A simple change, but remarkably transformative.

If you’re interested in finding out how you can take your business to the next level and diversify into the façade market, just like Advanced Architectural Services, contact us today on 01833 690305 or e-mail info@williamsmith.co.uk for information on our training course and the pathway to becoming a Specialist Façade Installer.