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Frosted
and etched glass
effect window vinyl film
(With 'Cut-out' Sections)
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Firstly
ensure that the glass is clean, (free from dust,
wax, grease etc.), and try to avoid working in
extremely hot or cold temperatures. If large vinyl
films are to be fitted, it may help if two people
work together. It's also best, before handling
the vinyl, to make sure your hands are perfectly
clean.
Although the vinyl can be fitted dry, we
strongly recommend that you use the 'wet application'
method, as the water helps to make repositioning
easier, as well as reducing the risk of air bubbles
etc.
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Wet
application:
Thoroughly wet the glass with water, either using
a spray-bottle or sponge/non-fluffy cloth etc. (a
very slight amount of mild washing-up
liquid can be added if required, though it's not
normally essential.)
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Carefully
remove the frosted-glass/vinyl graphics by lifting
up from the 'silicon release paper backing', avoiding
finger marks on the vinyl itself. Larger sheets
may need two people to work together; One to hold
the sheet by two corners, and the other to carefully
peel back the white, glossy silicon backing paper.
When it's nearly all removed the second person should
then take hold of the remaining two corners of the
sheet. It can now be taken over to the window, keeping
it taut as you go, and avoiding fabrics, clothing
etc., otherwise dust and fluff can be attracted
to the static of the vinyl.
(Note: If any parts of the cut-out sections refuse
to lift, simply place the whole sheet (still on
its backing) on a firm surface and rub over the
'application tape' sections with your finger nail
to press the section back against the silicon paper.
Also see the 'Problem
solving' section below for further details.)
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Tack
the sheet gently on the glass and slide/move
it into position, using a tape measure at this point
if required. If it needs repositioning, quickly
pull it off and try again.
(If you find it easier, or if working on your own,
you can always place the top section of the partly
unrolled vinyl onto the glass, then carefully
remove the remaining silicon backing paper, avoiding
creasing, whilst holding the vinyl firmly against
the glass.)
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Once
you are happy with the positioning, give the whole
vinyl surface another quick spray/moistening of
water. Now you can start to flatten it to the surface
using a plastic squeegee, (normally supplied
free with the order), or a soft cloth. It may
help if you hold the vinyl slightly away
from the surface as you proceed. Working from the
centre outwards firmly, but carefully, press down
the vinyl, pushing the water/air out towards the
edges. Try to avoid letting the vinyl slide about
as you are working otherwise it may crease.
Note: The squeegee is normally used on its own,
though you can also wrap a smooth cloth around it
if required.
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Once
the vinyl is fitted, the application tape can now
be carefully removed by peeling away from
the glass/vinyl at 180 degrees, (flat on itself.)
Note: You may need to wait for quite a while,
to allow it to dry more, before removing the application
tape. (It is impossible to give a precise timescale
as no two situations are the same. Cold temperatures,
inticacy of the design, and even the brand/concentration
of any added washing-up liquid can all have an affect
on the drying-time. It's best if you can check every
so often to see if the application tape can be carefully
removed. If the vinyl has not yet adhered to the
glass, then it may need to be left longer.)
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Carefully
trim off any excess vinyl with a craft-knife or
scalpel etc. (Scoring down the sides of the window
frames.) Then re-flatten any areas if needed.
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Once
fitted, check for any water/air bubbles. If they
won't push out, use a pin or scalpel blade to carefully
pop them, then squeeze out the water/air with the
back of your finger-nail. (Note: It's always best
to prick one edge of the bubble, rather than the
centre. You can then push the water/air out towards
the pinhole.)
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The
newly fitted vinyl now needs to be left untouched
for quite a while to allow it to dry thoroughly.
Job done!
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Please
do not wash windows for at least one week.
(Thereafter,
a normal window cleaning routine can be done, using mild
soapy water rather than polish on the actual vinyl sections,
but care must always be taken, especially with dusters,
where any vinyl edges are exposed.)
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Notes
on removal of old self-adhesive vinyl:
Use an
electric heat gun or hot hair dryer to gently warm
the vinyl to be removed, taking care not to overheat any
glass or painted surfaces etc. Carefully lift one
corner of the vinyl, using a blade or window-scraper etc.,
and peel away the vinyl. Repeat on all required sections
until completely removed. Any slight glue residue left
behind can easily be removed using a 'Tar and Glue Remover',
(which is available from most car accessory shops), or
white spirit.
Important: Please take care
when using the extremely hot heat guns, especially where
glass, paintwork and other similar surfaces are concerned.
They are quite safe and efficient to use, providing care
is taken. Always hold the heat gun 'well away' from the
surface, and your own hands, while you work. Just enough
warmth to allow the vinyl to be softened is all that is
necessary. Always handle heat guns with care and keep
them away from children. Also always allow them time to
cool down afterwards before storing away.
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These
instructions, as well as any others on this site, are
merely intended as a guide to fitting our various products.
Although we endeavour to be as efficient as possible with
our instructions, and include as many details as we can,
we cannot be held responsible for any problems, damages
or indeed injuries, which might occur. As with all DIY
projects, the person or persons carrying out the work
is/are held responsible. ( Terms
and Conditions )
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