Adhesive Installation Guide
With the right preparation and installation, Decorative Films are a fast and easy way to transform a room. But don’t skip steps or skimp on tools! For a beautiful and resilient end result, take your time, measure carefully, wet thoroughly and squeegee the entire surface.
Before you get started...
1. Make a Workspace
You will need enough flat surface to lay out the film for measuring, cutting, marking and prep. Do not run a fan near the film or glass surface during installation. This can cause dust and debris to blow onto your film and become trapped.
2. Make a wetting solution
Wetting solution is the secret ingredient to a smooth, seamless installation. Make a solution by adding 8-10 drops of a mild, non-moisturizing dish detergent (Dawn or Joy; do not use hand soap) to a 32-oz. spray bottle filled with clean water (adjust ratio for smaller or larger bottles). More soap may be needed when applying film to acrylic surfaces. Mix well.
3. Make sure its smooth
To ensure the surface is completely clean and smooth before installation, spray the glass with the soapy water mixture and drag a single-edge razor across the surface. If you hear a clicking sound, there is something on the surface that will prevent full adhesion. Use a glass-safe scrub pad to remove the debris.
Adhesive Instructions
1. Measure and Cut
You will need enough flat surface to lay out the film for measuring, cutting, marking and prep. Do not run a fan near the film or glass surface during installation. This can cause dust and debris to blow onto your film and become trapped.
2. Thoroughly Clean Surface
You will need enough flat surface to lay out the film for measuring, cutting, marking and prep. Do not run a fan near the film or glass surface during installation. This can cause dust and debris to blow onto your film and become trapped.
3. Peel and Prep
Lay the film on a clean, flat surface with the liner facing up. Slowly peel back the liner, wetting the back of the film very thoroughly as you peel down. If you can’t separate the liner from the film, place a piece of scotch tape on
both sides of the sheet, fold the tape over to create tabs, and use the tabs
to separate the two sides. If you are working with a large piece of film, it is
helpful for two people to work together. After you remove the liner, rinse and dip fingers in water before handling the film. Wet fingers will prevent fingerprints on the film surface.
4. Get it Wet
Thoroughly spray and soak the glass surface AND the back of the film with
the water mixture. Wetter is better! There is no such thing as too much water. The water will allow you to easily apply and reposition the film before you squeegee—and any excess water will evaporate after the film fully clings.
5. Apply and Smooth
Pick up the film by the top corners, keeping it straight and level. Place the
wet film onto the wet surface, keeping the top edge level but letting the
film hang over the edges of the frame. Move, slide, and reposition the
film as needed. The water should allow it to float and flow easily. Wet the outside of the film with the spray, then slide a squeegee over the wet film to smooth out and press the film against the glass. Squeegee from the
center moving out, pushing bubbles and excess water out as you go.
6. Trim and Finish
Double-check that the film is flat and smooth. Locate the hard card and razor that were included with your film. If any bubbles remain, use the hard card to push them towards the edge. Then, in one smooth, continuous motion, trim the excess film from the edges using the hard card and a razor knife. Once the film is trimmed, wrap the hard card in a paper towel and use it to push any remaining bubbles and water to the outside edge. The film will completely dry and fully cling to the surface within a few days.
