3M Introduces Industry's First Two-Coat Concrete Protection System; - New Labor-Saving System Can Reduce Application Costs -

    ST. PAUL, Minn.--Feb. 12, 2003--3M has introduced 3M Scotch-Clad TC deck coatings, an innovative new concrete protection system that can provide that needed protection against leaks, corrosion, and degradation in both interior and exterior concrete structures, while improving aesthetics, maintenance costs and slip resistance -- all in a timesaving, two-step process.
    "While most concrete protection systems take three steps to complete, with several hours for drying between steps, our new Scotch-Clad TC deck coating's two-step process means most coating jobs can be completed in a single weekend," said Patrick Thiel, business unit manager for 3M Concrete Protection Systems. "Not only does this minimize disruption and inconvenience to users, but it can slash application costs."
    According to Thiel, it's virtually impossible to keep any concrete structure from cracking. Without proper protection, these cracks become the routes through which moisture, salt, acid rain and other components can begin the degradation process on concrete remarkably fast. Scotch-Clad TC deck coating is a polyurethane material that provides a flexible, nonporous membrane over concrete and bonds to the substrate to provide a watertight seal over the life of the product. It can be applied to both new and existing concrete and masonry.
    To assure consistent, predictable performance, Thiel added, Scotch-Clad TC deck coating was thoroughly tested in 3M's world-class Weather-Testing Facility. During the testing, it was subjected to extreme heat and cold; UV rays; tremendous pressure from the weight of vehicles and vehicle movements; and a constant barrage of chlorides, oils and solvents, water, lubricants, and acids. The results showed that the coating provides a permeable barrier to these elements and, as related to our full line of deck coating products, exhibits unsurpassed tensile strength and elongation characteristics.
    "In addition to its remarkable quality-performance and timesaving attributes, Scotch-Clad TC deck coating contains very low volatile organic compounds," added Thiel. "Scotch-Clad TC deck coating meets 2003 VOC requirements in all 50 states in the United States. Further, Scotch-Clad TC deck coating's odor is comparable to a typical can of interior latex paint. For ordinary deck coatings, the odor of fresh applications often overpowers people and can increase the 'down-time' of the concrete facilities. This is not so with Scotch-Clad TC deck coating."
    Scotch-Clad TC deck coating is backed by a multiyear materials and workmanship limited warranty that includes waterproofing, cracks up to 1/16 inch, adhesion failure, weathering, abrasion and tears under normal use, and the ability to recoat. For more information about the Scotch-Clad TC deck coating, further details on the warranty or the name of the nearest 3M authorized licensed applicator, call 1-800-480-1704.

    About 3M

    3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; health care; industrial; safety, security and protection services; transportation and other businesses. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M, go to www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.

    3M and Scotch-Clad are registered trademarks of 3M.