Optically Clear Film Suppliers

[Robert Lambie]

I dont use it but very first company to show me this was Mark Brown of William Smiths. it looked great and was a window graphic of water i think, but had white print on it too, so i imagine it UV printed.

[George Neagu]

quote James Sahota:

Hi Guys,

Interested in seeing who everyone is using for optically clear film..?

Need something Solvent and UV printable

We used to import this directly and are coming to the end of our supplies and weighing up options of just buying from a UK supplier.

Many Thanks

Metamark does clear vinyl and works both UV and solvent. The only issue with it is not clear like a glass, it’s a bit foggy, but if you have 100% print coverage it’s fine. You only see it in non-printed areas.

The second option is APS (All Print Supplies). They do 2 types of Avery Clear. Nice vinyl but be advised they are not suitable for wet application, they go milky. APS will tell you one type is suitable for wet application, you check the product code on Avery website and they say the same but when you put fluid on it it’s over so I believe APS sell same stuff under 2 different codes.

The third option is APS again and it’s called DigiSol. It a perfect clear vinyl, like a glass, quite thick and it has a very strong adhesive, it’s pretty love to remove it.

We successfully tried all above on Solvent and UV. Get samples of each and try before buying large quantities.

[Myles Brewer]

I just got 3M 8150 Optically clear in to do this job. I actually printed with latex but it’s ok with solvent too.

It really is glass clear. Wet application is recommended.

My only issue is that if you wanted to laminate, then the laminate is not glass clear!! Seems to defeat the object somewhat! :rollseyes:

I didn’t really need to laminate as it’s obviously indoors & reverse print fitted to the back of acrylic but I actually have to reprint one panel which got a very small scratch!! 🙁

[Gill Harrison]

Hi Myles

The 3M 8150 is designed to be laminated with itself.

Hope that helps

[Myles Brewer]

quote Gill Harrison:

Hi Myles

The 3M 8150 is designed to be laminated with itself.

Hope that helps

Ha ha! I did wonder about that to be honest Gill, but I couldn’t find any info stating that on the spec sheet. After extensive research just now I have actually found that there is an optically clear laminate 8914 primarily used for laminating perforated window film, but also compatible with the 8150. They should make that info more obvious really.

[Gill Harrison]

I know exactly what you mean Myles. Plus 3M have product bulletins which are region/country specific which can add to the confusion. (Always check the addresses at the bottom to make sure you’re looking at the UK version).
If you’re ever in difficulty again looking for a 3M product bulletin for the U.K. Then pop onto our website usually the search will get you there but otherwise
RESOURCES > PRODUCT BULLETINS > 3M COMMERCIAL GRAPHIC PRODUCT BULLETINS.
Slightly confusing still as there is a window film section but that is referring to Solar film. This gives you the full list.

[emoji846]

[Myles Brewer]

Thanks Gill. Am I right in thinking you’re in Northern Ireland? If so do you do much trade in the south? If so I might be interested in what you supply and prices etc.
Are you able to pm me?

[Gill Harrison]

I’m based in NE England but we do send material to Ireland but the problem can be the cost of shipping product.
As a supplier I cannot contact you direct via this website so it’s best to contact/email us.