Fitting Guide ...

Frosted and etched-glass effect window vinyl films
(Plain sheets - with no cut-out designs)

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.



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.)



Carefully and smoothly remove the vinyl by lifting up from the glossy 'silicon release paper backing', trying to avoid finger marks and in particular, avoid creasing the film. Larger sheets may need two people to work together. One to hold the vinyl 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 frosted-glass vinyl. It can now be taken over to the window, keeping it taut as you go, and avoiding fabrics, carpets etc., otherwise dust and fluff can be attracted to the static of the vinyl. Place it on the moistened glass and slide it into position, lining up one side to the window frame.



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.



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.



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.



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.) The newly fitted vinyl now needs to be left untouched for quite a while to allow it to dry thoroughly. Job done!





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.)





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.



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]