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Fitting window perf tips.
Has anyone any tips for fitting window perforation film. We can fit it unlaminated no problem just tape it up.
But we recently tried using crystal clear laminate to protect it but when fitted it was just covered in bubbles, tried various ways but went back to fitting it unlaminated in the end. The print was laminated before application to the car window. The result of the laminate is good as it is really see-thru but just could not do it without bubbles. -
4 Replies
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The only way to fit it successfully is with a Teflon Squeegee. We don’t hinge it from the top either, we hinge it from the middle.
Keep it tight, and do a quarter width of the squeegee at a time. No bubbles is easy once you get the knack
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Hi Martin
Most important rule is apply dry (you may already be doing this). Water trapped in the perforations will cause issues with drying and therefore start lifting in areas as you cannot squeegee out all the water as you would with a solid non perforated vinyl.
Second rule is use a laminate with optically clear adhesive that is compatible with the type of perforated film. For example most perforated films are polymeric pvc vinyl, whereas many optically clear films are polyester – This mis match can cause tunneling or bubbling as PVC stretches and shrinks but polyester won’t give. Therefore you would ideally put a optically clear polymeric laminate with a polymeric perforated base film.
Finally check temperature of glass (especially if on a vehicle) At this time of year you should treat it like a wrap and have the vehicle indoors in a heated wrapping bay/unit ideally overnight to bring the glass up to a good temperature. Then apply good pressure and allow the adhesive to cure for several hours at a good ambient temperature.
If graphic is going on a rear car window then there could be additional curverture to consider and upgrading to a cast optically clear laminate could help to stretch the print to the curved glass.
Final point I would raise is if applying to a vehicle you should always laminate as road dirt etc will quickly fill in the perforations especially at this time of year. This makes it quite difficult to keep clean as rear windscreen wipers etc will not clear in the depth of the perforation. It also leads to poor visibility and can even cause motion sickness to passengers if they cannot see out properly.
Hope this helps
Stuart
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This was applied dry and with an optically clear laminate, one half squeegeed
at a time. -
If you used a felt block, this will cause the bubbles. You need a hard squeegee. Teflon doesn’t scratch at all so is ideal. Press down hard too. A soft touch is not the best way to apply OWV
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