the graphic. Follow the manufacture’s installation instructions.
Clean each window that will be involved in the application with
a window cleaner that is ammonia-free, and aft er fully wiping
down the window or windows, perform a second and fi nal
cleaning with straight isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove any
residue left behind by the cleaning solution.
Most window fi lms (not including perforated window fi lm)
allow you to wet apply the graphic. Th is allows for easier installation
and the ability to reposition it for a period of time.
“Wet application is generally the
best method for applying window
fi lms on glass, because the fl uid
allows for easy positioning of the
graphic,” said Heiob. “Fluid also
helps installers to push out any
air bubbles.”
“If you choose to make your own
application fl uid, you’ll want to use
either an IPA and water mix (75%
water to 25% IPA) or a soap and water
solution (one teaspoon of soap to
one gallon of water),” he continued.
“Do not use soaps with lotion or perfume,
as they can aff ect adhesion.
Baby shampoo is a good, safe soap
to use in window applications.”
Depending on the size, location,
and type of graphic being installed,
it may be necessary to use an application
tape.
Wait to trim the vinyl to fi t the
window aft er you have fully squeegeed
the graphic, which should be
done from the center of the graphic
out towards its edges.
Working with
perforated fi lm
Because perforated window fi lm
is easy to install, it is not uncommon
for installers to completely remove
the release liner, noted Maricle
. “However, it doesn’t take much
to stretch perforated window fi lm.
Leaving the release liner helps
prevent the fi lm from stretching
during installation. Stretching
will cause lift ing and failure.
Start at the top by folding back a
few inches of the liner exposing
the adhesive. Align and squeegee
the area with exposed adhesive.
Once the graphic is anchored to
the glass, slowly remove the liner
exposing more of the adhesive and
squeegee as you remove the release liner.”
Perforated window fi lm already has less adhesive due to
being perforated. “Avoid touching the adhesive side of the
fi lm as much as possible especially around the edges of the
window fi lm during the installation,” Maricle advised. “Th e oil
and grease from your fi ngers will contaminate the adhesive
preventing good adhesion. When you handle the fi lm, try and
hold it further in and not directly by the edges or corners.”
• UV and Eco-solvent printable optically
Clear
PET
• Clean room
manufactured
• Scratch resistant
Films
• Textured PET
Films
935 National Parkway Suite 93553, Schaumburg, IL 60173 • Tel: 800-806-8977
info@lintecofamerica.com • www.digitalwindowgraphics.com
For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/10006436
August 2 PrintingNewscom 017 Wide-Format & Signage 15