Various types of carpets or mats, such as the 3M Drop Down Mat, are suitable for preventing dirt from entering the interiors. The entrance of any location is the first critical area for dirt, as this is the point from where the most contamination can enter the rooms. Only by taking the necessary preventive measures, one can reduce the volume of dirt entering by more than 40%. This value can reach up to 80% with the help of 3M products.

The dirt trap systems

Dirt traps are made up of a series of entrance mats with different functions. A complex system consists of three phases, the first of which catches large solid contaminants such as gravel and mud. The second removes the smaller dirt that remains on the surface, such as dust and sand, and the third phase is used to absorb moisture and water.

On this basis, the zonal approach distinguishes between three types of entrance mats: outdoor, intermediate zone, and indoor mats. These zones can be arranged in many variations, and it is even possible that one or two-phase are missing entirely.

What are the criteria to choose from?

We have put together several considerations to think about before making your choice, to ensure that the right entrance mat is placed in front of/near the door.

Specificities of the paths leading to your home

The cleanliness of a room and the difficulty of maintaining it is influenced by several things. For example, the routes along which people walk, the size of these routes or paths, the volume and nature of the traffic. These can be used to determine what kind of pollution control mat to choose.

Outdoor or indoor

A crucial question is whether you want to install the entrance mat outdoors or indoors. For outdoor mats, you need to consider climatic specificities, such as the snow, and the effects of rainfall and UV radiation. Outdoor entrance mats are designed to remove dirt from the soles and sides of shoes, thus preventing solid dirt from settling on the floor surface.

The purpose of indoor dirt traps, on the other hand, is mainly to absorb moisture and, of course, to remove any remaining dirt from the surface of the shoe.

The material of the entrance mat

The material of the mat should be chosen according to whether it will be used outdoors or indoors.

Rubber-based mats are most often placed outdoors, made from a strong and durable material, thus providing effective work and are easy to clean. They're available in both roll and modular versions, so it's easy to have a textile version indoors.

Textile entrance mats are very common, thanks to the fact that they are available in a variety of designs: some are made of rubber, some are plastic, the fibre thickness can be longer or shorter, and the fibre composition can even differ.

The third main material used for entrance mats is aluminium. They are very robust and modern and elegant, which is why they are the preferred choice for office buildings. They can be placed anywhere, in any shape and can be easily adapted to the environment.

Advantages of the 3M entrance or drop down mats

The 3M drop down mat has many advantages over other types.

·        There are many versions available, offering optimal solutions for various unique local needs. For example, the Nomad is recommended for low traffic (up to 500 people/day) indoor cleaning, the Nomad Terra is for picking up special dirt outdoors and indoors, and there are also tangled fibre and self-adhesive versions available.

·        Depending on the type, the drop down mats are very durable. Even the thinner and less resistant models will last for a long time.

·        With 3M, quality is guaranteed.

·        Due to the aesthetic appearance, they add to the overall look, not detract from it. In certain situations, such as an office building or a hotel, this is an important consideration.

Keeping dirt, mud and moisture out is not only important for cleaning, floor protection and aesthetics, but also for safety considerations. Look at the solutions Flanker offers!

As well as being the object of utility, furniture can also define our habits and serve as a means of expressing our taste and mindset. They play an aesthetic role in a property, contributing significantly to creating a unique atmosphere. Vintage or much-used, less durable pieces of furniture can wear out over time and need to be renewed. If you want to give your tired furniture a new look quickly and easily, then the best option is furniture wrapping!

There are countless reasons why you might want to give a piece of furniture a new look. It could be that the teeth of time have left their mark on the surface, but it could also be that you're on the verge of a style change, or that the piece of furniture is being moved to another room where it doesn't fit in.

Furniture renewal can be done in several ways, but if you're short on time and looking for a quick, and cost-effective solution, then furniture wrapping is the best option.

What is furniture wrapping?

Furniture wrapping is a process whereby a piece of furniture is simply covered with a special film. This film is self-adhesive in most cases and consists of three main parts. As with stickers, there is a protective layer, the surface itself and an adhesive layer that adheres to the furniture sheet. Self-adhesive wallpaper works on a similar principle and is mostly used for decorating interior surfaces.

Self-adhesive wallpapers and furniture films are available in a variety of colours, some with a wood effect, some with a stone-like appearance and some with a metallic coldness on the furniture’s surface.

The protective layer is removed during application and its function is to protect the film from external influences. So, for example, when the tiles are placed on the side of a cabinet they must be peeled off.

The purpose of the glueing is to ensure that the film adheres firmly to the surface. It is common to encounter cases where the adhesive tape comes off the MDF surface that has been purchased ready-made, typically the cabinet furniture front. What could be the reason for this?

MDF is wood fibre based and is produced with high-pressure pressing. A huge advantage is that it is easy to handle, simple to paint and foil. Their characteristic feature is that the heat and pressure during application cause the glue to cross-link, which is what binds the film. However, in the case of plywood, the evaporation of the resin can weaken the adhesive, not to mention the fact that adhesion can also be impaired by heat. It is important to note that films by their very nature like to shrink to their original size, which can also cause them to separate from the surface. However, with a little care and the choice of good quality materials, these negatives can be avoided, and a retro-fitted thermal barrier film can ensure a long life.

Some tips for use

1. Start small! If you are inexperienced, it is a good idea to start with a simple surface, such as a flat and level surface.
2. Clean, then glue! Before you start glueing the film, clean the surface thoroughly, dust and degrease it, as this is the only way to ensure that the film sticks properly to the surface. When cleaning, use a microfibre cloth, as this will attract dirt and make it easier to remove.
3. Prime! If the surface of the furniture has not been treated with anything, it is a good idea to start by priming it, i.e. starting with the primer.
4. Take it one step at a time! Glueing is not too difficult, but it needs some practice. Firstly, unroll small pieces (10 cm) of foil, as much as you can safely handle. Working from the centre outwards, smooth the foil up so that there is no air trapped underneath. It's best to do this with a special smoothing tool, but if nothing else, a microfibre cloth will do.

Advantages of the self-adhesive film

• The self-adhesive film has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the advantages that have made this method of furniture refinishing a favourite for many!
• It forms a waterproof layer on the surface of the furniture, meaning that it does not allow moisture to reach the wood.
• It does not emit substances harmful to human health like most paints.
• There is a wide range of product variability available on the market.
• Easy to apply, nothing special, expensive, nor difficult-to-obtain equipment is needed. All you need is the film itself and a trowel.
• The application is not complicated, it requires attention, but it is easy to learn.

Disadvantages of self-adhesive film

Furniture films are very popular, but some problems can arise when using them. Let's look at the disadvantages!

• Wood does not breathe under the film as it completely seals the surface.
• Poor quality foil can deteriorate over time, but good quality foil can last for a long time.
• Damages and other physical impacts will show on the foil, just like on the original furniture board.

Renewing furniture with filming is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than buying new pieces. Give your furniture a new colour, refresh your interior, liven up your spaces!

Boat maintenance in spring and autumn is an integral part of owning a watercraft. Some particularly enjoy spending a few extra stolen hours with their beloved boat, but some just like to get over the necessities. Regardless of the situation, the bottom line is that boat maintenance is a process that cannot be ignored, like UV, weather, salt and oxidation can leave a serious mark on our property. Let's take a look at what needs to be done to keep your vessel above the water through the next season!

From late autumn to spring, the biggest task, apart from making plans and setting goals, is to prepare the boat for the season. This can be done by yourself, by the marina as a service, or by a specialist workshop if the boat is still under warranty. Let's look at the most important items to check!

The rigging: the running and standing rigging

The heart and soul of a sailing boat is the rigging. Don't miss out on checking it. The running rigging is much easier to check, the standing rigging is more challenging. If you come across elements that are in worse than average condition, be sure to replace them, and if you're not sure, ask for professional help.

The sail: the snow-white windcatcher

Make sure the sail is intact! If you notice any tears or sewing errors, be sure to repair them! You can also do a lot to improve the condition of the sail when you are using it, for example by making sure it is not overstretched. And when you put it away for longer periods, it's a good idea to do so in a clean condition.

The engine: technical assistance

Safety is the number one priority and it is important to ensure that neither injury nor damage to property is the result of carelessness. That's why you should assess your skills and leave the repair to the professionals. Typical examples are electronics and engine repairs. Although they are tasks that require a specialist, it's worth having them checked every year.

The hull: the foundation of boat maintenance

Hull maintenance consists of three major stages: repair, washing and care. The first is an assessment of what damage needs to be repaired on the hull’s surface, all of which, even the smallest, need to be rectified. This is followed by cleaning, from the bottom of the boat to the floor, to the inner hulls. Last but not least, it is also important to ensure that in the future as little dirt as possible adheres to the surfaces and that the various elements, such as the sun and water, leave as few traces as possible.

Repairing damage

It is worth taking the time to repair even the smallest problems to avoid major damages. Damage to plastic hulls should be cleaned and polished, while for steel hulls the paint is the key factor, as the painted layer protects the boat from external influences. The maintenance of wooden hulls requires particular expertise, as they are the most exposed to the elements.

Surface cleaning

Surface cleaning can be done in several ways, using different types of detergents,shampoos, clean water and polishing sponges. Fine grit polishing can also be a good solution, as these polishes only remove the dirt that sticks to the surface, but do not cause deeper damage.

Algaecide and waxing

After cleaning, a protective layer of varnish or wax is applied to the surface. It is important to note here that the wax used in the automotive industry is not the same as that used for boats. In boats, waxing can be applied in a single coat up to 600 microns thick, whereas in cars, 6-8 coats can achieve 100 microns. In other words, boat wax is much more robust, which is understandable as it has to withstand much higher UV radiation.

Mould and algae growth is a particular problem in terms of deterioration. This is most easily controlled by the use of various anti-algaecides. All you need to do is coat the surface with an anti-algae layer!

The most important thing when it comes to boat maintenance is to only undertake work that you are 100% sure of! If you feel even a little unsure, be sure to ask the professionals for help, this will save you a lot of annoyance and possibly financial damage. Once you have done all the maintenance work, the last thing you need to do is to take care of the obligatory equipment for the sailing boat, such as the lifebelt, tools and first aid equipment! So you're ready for the season to start!

According to a recently published statistic by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, two-thirds of fatal accidents at home are caused by falls, slips and stumbles. Creating a safe environment both inside and outside the home is vitally important, and with the optimal precautions, unfortunate accidents can be easily avoided. Indoor and outdoor anti-slip tapes play a very important role in protecting ourselves. Let's see what you need to know about it!

Indoor and outdoor anti-slip tape

The purpose of the indoor and outdoor anti-slip tape is to make it safe to walk on slippery surfaces in rainy weather, during snow and when the surfaces are wet. For children and elderly people, it is particularly difficult to move safely in such conditions: maintaining balance is a real challenge. These anti-slip tapes help to prevent slips and fall by preventing the foot from slipping.

An anti-slip tape is attached to the pavement with the help of a self-adhesive surface. It is typically based on a highly elastic PVC tape with layers of aluminium oxide crystals in varying amounts, depending on the type of the tape. These crystals form a rough, scratch-resistant, abrasion-resistant layer that prevents slipping.

Where to place the anti-slip tape?

Generally, wherever the surface material makes it necessary. These tapes can be used both outdoors and indoors. They are most used on stairs and ramps, but they can also be used on a flat horizontal surface if the surface becomes slippery on its own or is constantly in contact with water. They can be applied on the surface of marble, artificial stone, wood, various types of ceramics or even smooth concrete.

Anti-slip tape for all needs

Different types of anti-slip tape are the best choice for different situations. With so many types available today, it makes a difference which rolls you put in your virtual shopping basket or pick up off the shelf at the store. Let's look at the most common types!

Tape and sheet

The non-slip surface of the cover can be achieved by using self-adhesive tapes and sheets. The properties of tiles and tapes are the same, so the circumstances and the size of the surface would mostly decide which version is the better choice.

From normal to extra roughness

Normal gauge tapes are easy to apply and very durable. As PVC sheets form the basis of the tape, they do not become soggy when exposed to moisture. There are three levels of material roughness - normal, enhanced, and extra. The characterisation of the risk factors determines which one to choose.

Where there is normal pedestrian traffic, a standard grade of tape is sufficient. Of course, a coarser version can be installed, but it is less wear-resistant and will need to be replaced in a shorter time.

Such tapes can be applied to stair surfaces, scaffolding, ladder rungs, entrances, various types of machinery and vehicles to make the surface safer to walk on.

The extra-roughened ribbon is best used in places where the size of the crystals on normal anti-slip strips is insufficient, for example on ramps where large machines or forklifts are used.

Rubber-based materials

Rubber and medium elasticity tapes are most often used in swimming pools, spas, bathrooms, and showers. They are medium grooved and perform particularly well in wet environments.

The tapes can be applied to both indoor and outdoor surfaces, although care should be taken to ensure that the tape is applied to surfaces with temperatures above +10C°.

Surfaces based options

The advantage of aluminium-based anti-slip tapes is that they are much easier to adapt to the characteristics of the surface. This is most often used when the floor surface is metal, which is most often the case in industrial environments.

Their application is as simple as that of plastic (PVC) based tapes: thanks to the self-adhesive design, they are simply smoothed over the metal surface, then pressed down and smoothed to the pattern.

Colours for safety indication

Self-adhesive anti-slip tapes can be coloured to warn of danger or potential risks. If the highlight of the surface is important, a black and yellow stripe colour combination is a particularly good choice, as it indicates to passers-by that they should proceed with extra care and caution.

Transparent options

You may have a nice, special floor surface that you don't want to cover up with anti-slip strips, but you still want to provide some form of safety. Luckily, anti-slip tapes are also available in transparent designs, so you don't have to sacrifice safety for aesthetics.

Phosphorescence options

There are also greenish glow-in-the-dark ribbons that "fill up" in daylight and help you find your way at night with their greenish-yellowish light. These are particularly useful in places where you often must travel in the dark or dim light.

Weak adhesive options

There are also versions of anti-slip tapes with a weakened adhesive strip. This has the advantage that it leaves no marks, and the surface remains clean once the tape has been removed. However, it has the disadvantage of being less durable. For this reason, they are recommended for use in cases where the surface is sensitive and only a temporary non-slip surface is required.

Tape on aluminium sheet

There are cases where it is not advisable to choose self-adhesive tape because of the material of the surface, for example, if you want to apply non-slip tape to a staircase with a grid. In this case, the ideal choice is anti-slip tape applied to aluminium sheets, which can be fixed to the surface with screws.

Anti-slip tapes are designed to make traffic safer for both people and machinery. They can be used in both residential and industrial environments, and even in the home, where they are easy to install, to ensure the safety of the family.