Films for Windows
Written October 16, 2019
Window perforated material is a calendared adhesive-backed PVC vinyl that is perforated with a pattern of round, evenly spaced holes. The advantage of window perf is that it allows graphics printed on a glass surface, such as windows, to be seen from the outside, but appear invisible to the people inside looking out. Window perf is sometimes called “see-through vinyl,” or “one-way vision film,” but the basic concept is the same.
In most cases the actual size of the holes is uniform (usually about 1.5mm).
It’s the distance between the holes that determines the print coverage vs. visibility. For example, 50/50 window perf film means that 50 percent of the material is printable area and 50 percent is perforation. Window perf comes in several different hole configurations; 50/50, 60/40 and 70/30 are the most common. The first number in this designation represents the amount of printable area and the second number represents the amount of open (see-through) area.
Therefore, a 70/30 window perf has a larger printable area, but less see-through area, than a 50/50 window perf. Window films should be over laminated to prevent water from filling in the holes and obscuring a person’s vision out of the window. Windows should be cleaned with mild soap and water, rinse and dry the glass well. Avoid using ammonia or other solvent based glass cleaners (such as Windex) prior to application as this can break down the adhesive needed when utilizing perforated film.
It’s the distance between the holes that determines the print coverage vs. visibility. For example, 50/50 window perf film means that 50 percent of the material is printable area and 50 percent is perforation. Window perf comes in several different hole configurations; 50/50, 60/40 and 70/30 are the most common. The first number in this designation represents the amount of printable area and the second number represents the amount of open (see-through) area.
Therefore, a 70/30 window perf has a larger printable area, but less see-through area, than a 50/50 window perf. Window films should be over laminated to prevent water from filling in the holes and obscuring a person’s vision out of the window. Windows should be cleaned with mild soap and water, rinse and dry the glass well. Avoid using ammonia or other solvent based glass cleaners (such as Windex) prior to application as this can break down the adhesive needed when utilizing perforated film.