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Air release etched glass film
I use Grafityp’s Air release glass etch film for a an ongoing contract I have with a door manufacturer, however I’ve just rang to re-order and they have no stock until January, which has left me with a problem.
Does anybody know where I can find something the same or very similar as I have a couple of jobs I need to get done before Christmas, its was Grafityp’s TR111 (Glass Silver) that I need to match
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25 Replies
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Metamark are now doing their etch range in air release liners.
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Thanks Stuart much appreciated, I will give metamark a call
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also spandex do these, try metamark first as they keep stock whereas spandex order in. Same face film whichever you use
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I’ve just been using the Hexis version and was very impressed. Not particularly cheap compared to conventional film but far easier and quicker to use.
Alan D -
all around 4.00 – 5.00 per metre for 1220
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should you use air release etch on glass when the side with glue on is showing outside?
i ask this as when i last ordered some from hexis, it was suggested i go for the normal as the glue side faced the street
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i havent heard anyone mention that denise but might be some credibility to what what they say. but ide imagine it depends on how the air release system is achieved. i say that because some are pretty obvious grid like patterns on the rear whilst others are not so. worth considering i think…
i think most reputable suppliers of film now offer an air release etc. first one i ever saw was years ago now and i think it was 3M. Mark Brown of wm smiths came into see me with some back then and it was very simple to apply. he applied an A4 with his finger quick and zero bubbles. 😀
Grafityp, Wm Smiths, RHG, Hexis, metamark etc will all do it.
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had no issues using the film this way on glass. At first you can see the small lines but they do disappear.
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thats good to know
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Has anyone of you people had a look at an air release etch with sun shining on it…
I do and It looks awfull, you can see the pattern in wich the glue is laid out on the surface…I will take a picture next week and post this on this forum.
(Vinyl is applied on inside, needs to been seen for people walking outside)
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Have to say first time I tried it when it came out over a year ago it was shocking. Used app tape and applied inside windows and was as Tim says all streaky. Ripped off and replaced with normal and all ok.
The one from Metamark seems to be ok and is ideal for indoor use especially glass partitions etc.
Grab a 1m sample and try for yourselves
Done this 3m graphic dry and alone last week and looks fab in the daylight
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I’ve only done small areas with the air release.
I tend to do quite large windows with the standard etch and always apply it wet, like window film, as it seems to get a more even finish without the white pressure marks.
It would appear to defeat the object to use air release and then do it wet, and it crossed my mind that water would also stay in the grooves. So it is interesting to note that even dry these air release grooves may still be visible.
I’d be interested to see the photos Tim. -
I used the Hexis air release on the inside and it looked absolutely fine from the outside.
Alan D -
quote Chris Windebank:Have to say first time I tried it when it came out over a year ago it was shocking. Used app tape and applied inside windows and was as Tim says all streaky. Ripped off and replaced with normal and all ok.
The one from Metamark seems to be ok and is ideal for indoor use especially glass partitions etc.
Grab a 1m sample and try for yourselves
Done this 3m graphic dry and alone last week and looks fab in the daylight
I guess you used App tape on the cut graphic Chris. What about the plain panels? Did you use app tape on them?
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Stuart, you are correct mate, i wouldnt advise wet applying air channel adhesive type films, for the same reasons you mention.
these two videos are "Dry Applied" glass etch panels.
"none" of them have air channel adhesive system.
both have graphics cut from the middle of them and have application tape.
one is about a metre square the other about 65 inches by 20 inches.
both fitted in relatively warm offices.as you can see, "including" the cleaning and preperation of both AND stripping the application tape when done. one takes 4 minutes and the other 6 minutes.
http://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=25690
pay close attention to how im handling the vinyl. its simply a technique of allowing gravity to assist in the application. dont let the vinyl to intimidate you.
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Hi Stuart, cut vinyl had app tape but large strip was straight from roll. Used a Teflon squeegee which glides better. Must say I got to the end and put a kink in the etch, went to van and got heat gun out and disappeared without a trace too
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as promised here are some pictures i have taken from the easy apply etch…
(pictures taken by iphone so nevermind colours)EDIT : etch was not applied by myself! (I would not leave it like that or get paid for that that’s for sure)
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Have to say that is bad, no wonder you are not impressed. Had a similar problem with a certain make but the metamark one was ok.
Worth getting a sample to try
What make was this?
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ive used graphityp without issue I think thats air release now – applied dry
john
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The Hexis stuff I used was nothing like that. You could not tell the difference between air release and conventional material once applied, it did have a high initial grab though. I was putting on some pieces 1800mm X 570mm without a hint of a bubble I’m not sure I could say the same with ordinary material especially as there was limited space behind the window which made application awkward.
Alan D -
That does look a bad finish. But not the air release grid pattern I would have expected. Looks like a load of dust.
Would be interesting to know their installation procedures.
Also what etch is it? -
more close up (larger file)
Ps : it’s no dust of whatever, vinyl has regular air release? pattern over the whole surface!
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I know its not dust just saying the effect looks like it.
What brand ? so we know what to avoid. -
Yes do say what brand. Hexis stuff is good but I thought a bit expensive. I’ve just had some material in from Victory (sample) which has the distinctive air release adhesive pattern and that also seems fine once applied to a window and is cheaper but has to be ordered in.
Alan D -
Tim said it wasn’t one of his jobs so he probably doesn’t know what brand of vinyl it is.
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