If you experience any problems with our window-graphics films
or overlaminating films, please check the table below for possible
causes and solutions.
Important:
Performing
a test prior to actual production can minimize costly errors
and help to ensure the success of your project.
For technical assistance,
call CLEAR FOCUS at U.S. toll-free 1-800-307-7990 or 707-544-7990,
or email us at headoffice@clearfocus.com
Choose from an issue listed below:
Problem
Possible
Cause
Solution
Inks
are smeared or are not drying sufficiently.
Image
was printed on the liner, not the film.
Print
on the film, not the liner. (The regular liner is glossier-looking
than the print side).
Graphics
were handled before inks had time to dry.
Allow
sufficient time for inks to dry. Drying time varies depending
on the type of inks used, humidity level and other factors.
An
aqueous ink (pigmented or dye-based) was used on an uncoated
film.
Use inkjet-coated JetVue or ImageJetVue.
Image
has faded in a relatively short period of time.
Aqueous
(pigmented or dye-based) inkjet inks were used but no
overlaminate was applied to the graphic. For
information on the inks’ lifespan, please contact
the ink manufacturer.
To
increase the life of the graphics, prior to installation
apply a clear solid
or liquid laminate that’s
compatible with perforated window films. For graphics requiring
a lifespan of more than 6 months, we recommend the use
of solvent-based, UV or other durable outdoor inks.
Can
see through the graphics from the printed side (graphics
are translucent).
Dark
inks, such as black, brown, navy, dark purple, etc.,
were used to print the majority of the image.
For
best results, use brightly colored inks, such as red,
orange, yellow, blue, green, etc. With bright colors,
the eye tends to focus on the graphics, whereas
with dark colors allow the eye to see through the
graphics.
Graphics
look comparatively washed out.
Up
to 50% of the image is missing due to the perforation
process, which reduces the color reflectivity of the
image. As a result, the image will look less vibrant
than if printed on a solid vinyl substrate.
During
the design stage,
increase the contrast of your image by about 10-20%.
This should help compensate for the reduced reflectivity
of perforated window film. The use of brightly colored
inks will also help improve the appearance of the graphics.
The use of a film with a 65/35 or 70/30 perf pattern may also produce more vibrant-looking graphics (not suitable for vehicle graphics because of reduced visibility.)
Lighting
is brighter on the back (see-through) side than on the
graphics side.
For
optimum one-way visibility, lighting must
be brighter on the graphics side. Add supplemental flood
lighting, if necessary, to illuminate the graphics.
The
liner is still attached.
Remove
the liner and attach the printed graphic to a window or
other transparent surface. Graphics tend to look more washed
out when the liner – especially the solid liner – is
still attached.
Text
is difficult or impossible to read.
Too
small a font size, or a hard-to-read font, was used.
Use an easy-to-read font in 30 point or larger for films with a 65/35 or 70/30 perf pattern, and 50 point or larger for a 60/40 or 50/50 film. See design info.
Water
fills the holes and impairs visibility when it rains
or the window is washed. This is especially common with
vehicle window graphics.
The
graphics were not laminated prior to installation.
Use
a clear overlaminate,
such as CLEAR FOCUS ClearLam (for flat surfaces) or PromoLam or CurvaLam (for flat or simple-curved surfaces) that is compatible
with perforated window film. If
an overlaminate is not used, dry the windows with a lint-free
cloth.
Lamination
Overlaminate
is tunneling or otherwise separating from the graphic.
Inks
were not allowed enough time to dry and “outgas” sufficiently.
Allow
plenty of time for inks to dry and outgas – at least
24 hours – before applying overlaminate to
the graphic.
The
graphics were rolled too tightly or with the print surface
side in.
Roll
graphics loosely with the printed/laminated side out, and
use a 3” to 6” diameter core to prevent the
graphics and overlaminate from wrinkling or tunneling.
If shipping graphics, use a shipping tube whose diameter
is large enough to easily accommodate the loosely rolled
graphics.
Heat
was used to apply a pressure-sensitive (cold) overlaminate
to the graphic.
With
ClearLam, PromoLam, CurvaLam or other “cold” overlaminates,
always use pressure – not heat – to apply them.
Overlaminate/graphic
is lifting from glass surface or is tunneling or wrinkling.
Glass
was not cleaned properly
Prior
to installation, use mild soap and water to clean glass. Click here for
details.
The
wrong overlaminate was applied to the graphic. E.g., an
overlaminate designed for use on flat surfaces was used
on a curved surface.
Use
an overlaminate that
is suitable for the job and surface.
The
tension control on the laminator was incorrect, or during
the laminating process the vinyl film and/or overlaminate
was stretched.
Use
proper tension during the lamination process, and do not
stretch either the film or the overlaminate during lamination.
Installation
Film
is not sticking to glass.
Glass
was not cleaned properly.
Use
mild soap and water. NEVER use a solvent-based glass
cleaner, such as Windex®. Dry glass prior to application.
Click here for
pre-installation details.
Glass
surface is too cold – less than 40° F/ 5° C
Allow
window time to warm up or, in the case of a vehicle or
other movable object, move to a warmer location for installation.
Film
is being pulled during installation.
Do
not pull or stretch film during installation. The film
has a “memory” and will return to its original
shape over time.
See
possible causes above.
Use
an edge sealer, especially for vehicle window graphics
and other applications in which the edges of the film will
subjected to weathering, wear & tear, etc.
Film
is stretching during installation.
Glass
surface is too hot – higher than 90° F/
32° C.
Install
graphics in early morning, before glass gets too warm
or, in the case of a vehicle or other movable object,
move to a cooler area for installation.
Heat
is being applied to film during installation.
When
using a heat gun to get the film to conform to curves,
e.g., use the minimum amount of heat needed to get the
job done. The film has a “memory” and will
return to its original shape over time.
Cannot
open vehicle windows or doors with film installed.
Film
has been installed over the vehicle window/door moldings,
which may interfere with the window’s operation.
Open
all doors and windows both before and after the film has
been installed. After installing graphics, be sure that
all windows/doors that also serve as emergency exits function
properly. Click here for
important details.
Cleaning
of Installed Graphics
Overlaminate is tunneling or otherwise separating
from the graphic.
Aqueous
inks were used to print the graphics.
Use
a clear, compatible overlaminate to protect aqueous inks
from moisture. An edge sealer may be needed, too.
After
washing, film is lifting from the glass.
A
solvent-based window cleaner was used to clean the graphics
instead of mild soap and water.
Apply
an edge sealer to secure the film. An edge sealer is especially
useful for vehicle window graphics and other applications
in which the edges of the film will be subjected to weathering,
wear & tear, etc.
Removal
of Graphics
Film
is sticking to the glass surface, making it difficult to
remove.
The
film has been subjected to extreme heat and/or has been
left on the window for more than 6 months.
Spray
graphics liberally with a solvent-based glass cleaner,
such as Windex®. Let sit for a few minutes, then
remove. For
stubborn graphics, use an adhesive remover, such as Rapid
Remover™ by RapidTac Inc., to break down the adhesive
so the film is easier to remove
