Refinishing More Aviation Built-Ins (Challenger 601)
Randy was hired by Aircraft Custom Interiors LLC out of Dallas, Texas to wrap the internals of a Challenger 601. Like a lot of jets built in the 90’s, this one was also experiencing that infamous “milky” lacquer aging problem - the surfaces were sound, for the most part (more on that below), but the uneven and blotchy fading of the original lacquer finish needed to go. Rather than spend hours upon hours meticulously sanding all of the factory surfaces and re-coating them just to have to do this same refinishing job again in the future, the customer opted for the much quicker and cheaper option of having everything wrapped in 3M Di-Noc.
All of the tray tables, arm rests, bulkheads, and cabinetry that needed refinishing in this particular plane were disassembled and moved off-site to a dedicated refinishing space - this meant that Randy got to work in a climate-controlled space for a change, BUT he unfortunately wasn’t able to take any before & after photos or videos of the plane itself.
This project used 1 full roll of 3M Di-Noc Wood Grain WG-7024 Architectural Film, installed over 4.5 days. A portion of the time on this project was spent on doing repair work to a few worn-out/damaged pieces before the wrap was applied - this included gluing down pieces that were starting to delaminate, and filler material on chipped-out cabinet corners (Randy talks about this in the first video down below).
Surface Prep (Sanding & Repairs)
Wrapped Pieces Walkthrough
Before & After Photos
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Before (right) and After (left) |
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Why Choose 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes over traditional materials?
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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 real, expensive materials. 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.
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Cost-Effective Solution
Using real materials during new-builds or renovations can be costly and disruptive to your business operations. 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes provide a budget-friendly alternative. The cost of wrapping a more-basic surface like drywall or plywood is significantly lower than creating a new surface from real materials such as high-end wood or stone finishes. Moreover, the installation process is quick, which means minimal downtime, ensuring that your business can continue to function smoothly.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Randy Miller is a certified 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes Preferred Installer with over a decade of experience installing architectural films from 3M, Belbien, LX Hausys, Bodaq, and Reatec all over the world. |
To see more before and after pictures and videos, see the full blog post over here.
