Traffic Safety and Security Division
Luminous Film 6900
Product Bulletin 6900
August 2015
Description
3M™ Luminous Film 6900 is the high performance luminous film for safety and emergency exit signage.
• Rechargeable “glow in the dark” signs and markings.
• Dimensionally stable, durable, multilayer film.
• Excellent chemical and stain resistance.
• Easily cleaned with 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner.
• No heavy metals or radioactive materials used in manufacture of this product.
• May be safely disposed of in a sanitary landfill or by incineration.
Meets and/or exceeds:
• ASTM E2072-00
• NFPA 101
• IMO A.752. 18
• OSHA 10910.37 Means of Egress
• 2010 IFC
• 2009 IBC
• UL 1994
Application and Uses
Primarily intended for interior luminous signs and markings, including safety signage in buildings, ships, ferries
and railroads.
Limitations of End Uses
3M Luminous film 6900 is not intended or warranted for the following:
• Application surfaces subjected to gasoline spills or vapors.
• Application to complex curved surfaces, corrugated surfaces or riveted surfaces.
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August 2015
Compatible Products
The following products can be used with 6900 luminous film:
• 3M™ Diamond Grade DG3 Reflective Sheeting Series 4090
• 3M™ Scotchcal™ Film Series 180, 3630, 3650, 3690
• 3M™ Application Prespacing Tape SCPS-2
• May be imaged using 3M™ Scotchcal™ Screen Printing Inks 2900 and 9800 or thermal
transfer methods.
Product Data
Physical Properties
Property
Description
Visual Appearance
Glossy appearance, light yellow green
color
Adhesive
Permanent pressure sensitive
Application Surface
Flat, simple curves
Luminance
(per ASTM E 2073)
Exceeds luminance requirements
specified in ASTM E 2072-00
Application
Temperature Range
50°F to 100°F
10°C to 38°C
Typical Physical Properties
Property
Values
Thickness
(film and adhesive)
8-9 mils
Service temperature range
-30°F to 200°F
-34°C to 90°C
Applied shrinkage
0.031 inch
0.8 mm
General Performance Considerations
The durability of 3M™ Luminous Film 6900 depends on the following:
• Selection and preparation of the substrate
• Application methods
• Cleaning methods
Luminous Film 6900
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August 2015
Luminous Film 6900
Cutting
The accepted cutting methods for 3M luminous film 6900 are bandsaw, guillotine, hand cut, die cut, and
flatbed electronic cutter.
Application
Apply 3M luminous film 6900 like any other 3M pressure sensitive film. The application temperature range
for both the air and substrate is 50°F to 100°F (10°C to 38°C).
Removal
3M luminous film 6900 has an aggressive, pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of a heat gun or steam
cleaner will aid in removal. 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner is recommended for the removal of adhesive residue
from substrates.
Luminance Characteristics
The afterglow of luminous film degrades with time once the charging source is removed. This characteristic
must be taken into account when designing and locating signs and markings. The amount of afterglow
visibility (luminance level) depends upon the observation conditions such as ambient light, observer, etc.
Typical afterglow (luminance) values for 6900 luminance film are:
ASTM E 2072-00
Elapsed Time
(Minutes)
Luminance Specification
(mcd/m2)
Typical Luminance1
(mcd/m2)
10
20
50
60
2.8
6
Luminance is measured according to ASTM E 2073-00
“Standard Test Method for Photopic Luminance of Photoluminescent (Phosphorescent) Markings.”
1
Chemical Characteristics
• Resists mild acids, mild alkalis, and salt spray.
• Excellent water resistance.
Storage and Packaging
3M luminous film 6900 should be stored in a cool, dry area, preferably at 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) and 30-50%
relative humidity and should be applied within one year of purchase.
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August 2015
Luminous Film 6900
Health and Safety Information
Read all heath hazard, precautionary, and first aid statements found in the Material Safety Data Sheet
and/or product label of chemicals prior to handling or use.
Warranty
3M warrants that 3M™ Luminous Film 6900 sold by 3M to be used for interior photoluminescent signing
in the United States and Canada will remain effective for seven (7) years interior exposure and one (1) year
exterior exposure. If 3M™ Luminous Film is processed and applied in accordance with all 3M application and
fabrication procedures provided in 3M’s product bulletins, information folders, technical memos (which will
be furnished upon request), including the exclusive use of 3M compatible products, protective overlay films,
application tapes and recommended application equipment; and if the film deteriorates due to fading or
cracking 3M’s sole responsibility and purchaser’s and user’s exclusive remedy shall be:
3M will replace 3M materials per the following:
Total Warranty Period
Full Materials Replacement
Pro-Rata Materials
Replacement
Monthly Reduction in
Allowance
7 yrs. (84 mos)
52 mos.
53rd - 84th mo.
1/32
Conditions
Such failure must be solely the result of design or manufacturing defects in the luminous film and not of
outside causes such improper fabrication, handling, maintenance or installation; use of process colors,
thinners, or coatings not made by 3M; use of application procedures not recommended by 3M; applied to
a surface at greater than ±20° from vertical; failure of substrate; exposure to chemicals, abrasion and other
mechanical damage from fasteners used to mount the marking; collisions, vandalism or malicious mischief.
3M reserves the right to determine the method of replacement.
Replacement sheeting will carry the unexpired warranty of the sheeting it replaces.
Claims made under this warranty will be honored only if 3M is notified of a failure within a reasonable time,
reasonable information requested by 3M is provided, and 3M is permitted to verify the cause of the failure.
Limitation of Liability
3M’s liability under this warranty is limited to replacement as stated herein, and 3M assumes no liability
for any incidental or consequential damages, such as lost profits, business or revenues in any way related
to the product regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based. THIS WARRANTY IS MADE
IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING OR OF PERFORMANCE, CUSTOM OR
USAGE OF TRADE.
For Information or Assistance
Call: 1-800-553-1380
Internet:
www.3M.com/roadwaysafety
3M is a trademark of 3M. Used under license in Canada.
3M assumes no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage arising out of the use of a product that is not of our manufacture. Where reference
is made in literature to a commercially available product, made by another manufacturer, it shall be the user’s responsibility to ascertain the
precautionary measures for its use outlined by the manufacturer.
Important Notice
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests we believe to be reliable, but the accuracy
or completeness thereof is not guaranteed, and the following is made in lieu of all warranties, or conditions express or implied. Seller’s and
manufacturer’s only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proved to be defective. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable
for any injury, loss or damage, direct, special or consequential, arising out of the use of or the inability to use the product. Before using, user shall
determine the suitability of the product for his/her intended use, and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.
Statements or recommendations not contained herein shall have no force or effect unless in an agreement signed by officers of seller and
manufacturer.
Traffic Safety and Security Division
3M Center, Building 0225-04-N-14
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 USA
Phone 1-800-553-1380
Web 3M.com/roadwaysafety
© 3M 2015.
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