Whistle-Stop D.C. Tour (4 Projects in 1 Week)

Aug 19

Solar Eclipse Glass Tinting, Inc. contacted us early in the summer of 2022 for what was initially a single Architectural Film install project in Washington, D.C. set for later in the summer. As the project crept closer, they had several customers of theirs contact them in need of an architectural film installer for projects needing completed before the end of summer. All of the stars aligned as summer in D.C. drew to a close and Randy was able to squeeze all 4 of these installs into a single 7-day period in the middle of August.

Project #1: National Press Building Elevator Lobbies

Randy wasted no time getting to work on the first project at the National Press Building (just about a block from the White House). Some of the elevator lobbies in this multi-story building had already been wrapped us 3M Di-Noc Fine Wood FW-1257, and Randy was hired to wrap the remaining lobbies. This project took the first 2 days of the trip, though Randy did get done early on the second day and was able to do some Sunday sight-seeing around our nations capitol before tucking in for a long week of installs.

Pros & Cons of Wrapping Walls with Architectural Films Video.

Project #2: Navy Federal Credit Union

Architectural Film Install at a Navy Federal Credit Union (Renton, VA) Video.

The next project was the teller countertop areas and all the doors in a Navy Federal Credit Union in Reston, VA. Unfortunately, the teller area was undergoing renovation/repairs that weren’t quite complete by the time Randy was on-site for the architectural film install, so the teller section had to be skipped. The credit union had to stay open and operating during the day, so Randy wasn’t able to start work until they closed at 5 pm. Still, there were enough doors to keep Randy busy for 2 full evenings that stretched past midnight. All of the doors were wrapped with Architectural film wood grain vinyl.

Project #3 & #4 : Chamberlain Academy and Woodridge Academy

Architectural Film Door Wraps (Chamberlain Academy - Washington, D.C.) Video.

The next project took Randy back to D.C. to the Chamberlain Academy Public Charter School. A lot of the doors in the school were original from when the school was built in 1998, and had seen a lot of wear and tear. Luckily most of them had been painted some time since then, and besides struggling with (and having to work around some unremovable) stubborn door hardware, no major sanding/filling work had to be done to wrap these doors. The presence of all the door hardware and trim around the windows did slow down the project a bit though - it took Randy 3 full days at the school to finish wrapping all 21 doors in time for the school year to start. This and the following project both used Architectural film wood grain vinyl.

The final project on this trip was squeezed 7 full door wraps into the 8th and final day of Randy being in DC. This was an extension of the door wrap project from the prior few days - more hallway and classroom doors, but this time at an extension campus location called Woodridge Academy also in the D.C. area.

Why Choose 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes over traditional renovation?

Aesthetic Versatility

3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Films offer an incredible range of patterns and finishes that can mimic the look and feel of various materials such as wood, stone, metal, and fabric. This means you can achieve a customized and upscale appearance without the need for expensive renovations. Whether you want a sleek modern look, a rustic wooden finish, or a luxurious marble effect, 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes have you covered. It allows you to align your physical space with your brand's aesthetics and create a visually appealing space that leaves a memorable impression on visitors.

Cost-Effective Solution

Traditional renovations can be costly and disruptive to your business operations. 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes provide a budget-friendly alternative. The cost of wrapping an existing surface is significantly lower than the expenses associated with purchasing new furniture or undergoing extensive construction work. Moreover, the installation process is quick, which means minimal downtime, ensuring that your business can continue to function smoothly.

Durability and Longevity

3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes are engineered to withstand the rigors of daily use and maintain their appearance over time. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, which means they will continue to look stunning and professional even in high-traffic areas. The films iare also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that your investment remains in top condition for years to come.

Eco-Friendly Choice

Sustainability is a growing concern for many businesses. 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes are a sustainable choice as they allow you to repurpose and refresh existing furniture and fixtures, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste. This eco-friendly approach aligns with modern corporate values and can be a selling point when communicating your commitment to sustainability to clients and partners.

Quick Installation and Minimal Disruption

The installation of 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes is a swift and efficient process, minimizing the disruption to your daily operations. Professional installers can transform your a space in a matter of hours, ensuring that your business can maintain its professional appearance without long delays.