Can you tile contravision film? Help required please?

[Gary Barker]

yes use perforated window film.

if you do you will get a dark area where they over lap, so when you over lap them cut with a straight edge through the pair of them and remove the waste from both sides, so it looks like a perfect joint.

[Iain Pearson]

instead of one-way vision, you could always apply an optically clear printed vinyl.
Splicing a one-way vision join is not the easiest thing to do as invariably you get a few rogue tabs of it hanging around.
A 10mm overlap is acceptable so long as the client is aware of the aesthetics before you start

[Simon Worrall]

To be honest from the outside the overlap will not be very visible, As long as the image you print on the contravision is "busy" enough, it wont even matter that much if the holes do not line up that well. Overlapping vinyl is perfectly acceptable where the span is wider than the vinyl.
All That will be very apparent from the inside though, you will see the overlaps a bit darker.
All that said, It would obviously be better if everything lined up perfectly, just to silence your competition who like to "pick holes" in your work!

[Robert Lambie]

quote Gary Barker:

if you do you will get a dark area where they over lap, so when you over lap them cut with a straight edge through the pair of them and remove the waste from both sides, so it looks like a perfect joint.

I haven’t tried it with contravision, but works perfectly well with double layers of wrapping vinyl, carbon fibre etc.
You could run a line of filament cutting tape tape down where the overlap is going to happen.
Simply apply both tiles. then pull through with the cutting tape. it will cut both layers no problem and leave you a perfect "butt-join".
Too be honest, you should be able to do this just as easy with a new blade in a scalpel and a straight edge.
this method of creating a Butt-Join is as old as the hills and used even with carpet fitters. works a treat!

[Jon Miller]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Up to now I have only done decals and banners etc so all aspects of shop signs and vehicle wrapping is new to me..

I do happen to have some contravision though as I use it for airbrushing to create mesh textures so had a quick print on some earlier. First time having printed on on it had a quick go laying on my patio doors. Went for just an overlap as was a bit dubious about taking a scalpel to the overlap in case I scored the window..
As I have read others state, it does apply super easily though 🙂

While cutting the overlap probably looks better I didn’t think the overlap left there looked too unsightly. (although to the professionals out there it probably does 😀 )
That filament cutting tape looks very neat Rob, thanks. I have not seen/heard of it before.

I’m using eco solvent inks, any idea how long the ink on the backing paper will take to dry, best left to sit for 24-48hrs?

Kind Regards,

Jon

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[Iain Pearson]

That looks very neat and tidy :thumbup2:
If i was the client, i would be happy with that.
Couple of things id like to add if i may, although this is just my view,

Where possible i try not to use butt joins, as with all vinyl
over time there is an element of shrinkage and inevitably will leave a join
line through the image.
Second thing is, again where possible, i try to have my tiles with Vertical overlaps to ease with install.
vertical joins on larger panels are less likely to ‘sag’ when applying, as the material weight aids in holding it straight.

Good job Though, i look forward to seeing the finished results :thumbup2: 😀

[Jon Miller]

Thanks Iain and thanks for the input.

Yes, I would have the joins running vertical on the actual window too but that was just a test as I have never printed on the stuff, or used the tiling function of the RIP software or even done any graphic installation bar an a-board done for a friend. So as mentioned, rather new to it 🙂

On a side note, although similar, if the client is not near you and you opt to outsource the fitting.. If the client provides the dimensions would you..

– cut panels to given spec
– add a little extra size and have the fitters apply/trim the graphic to size
– or?..

Kind Regards,

Jon

[Iain Pearson]

Hi Jon
I still do a lot of freelance installs for many companies around the UK
Most of them will do one of the following :-

1) Single panels would be produced with 10-20mm bleed to right and bottom edge to allow for any deviation
in the window/door frame. Panels would be fitted from top left corner.
Windows that require more than one drop (due to media size) – working left to right – Panel 1 would have10mm bleed right & 10-20mm Bottom, Panel 2, 3, 4 etc would have same with 10mm overlap to left side.

2) Single panels could be produced to exact size but a very accurate measuring of the windows/doors would need to be carried out.
Windows that require 2 or more panels – produced same way with 10mm overlaps

3) Single window panels can be produced with 10-20mm bleed to all edges allowing a little movement when installing.

Hope this Helps

iain

[Jon Miller]

That’s greatly appreciated Iain, thankyou 🙂