High quality window film installation requires detailed preparation and skilled application.

Create a Cleaning Zone for Your Graphics

To ensure your window graphic applications are clean and smooth, you will want to create a clean zone. Learn tips from Ritchie Daize on the best ways to create a clean zone, a necessary step for each job.

Wet Application of a Window Graphic

Sometimes window graphics can be viewed from both sides. This means the adhesive side has to look absolutely perfect. This is the only time we would suggest using water to ease your application. This type of application is called a “wet application” because of the use of water.

First, follow the steps outlined in the video, “Creating a Clean Zone for Window Graphics.” Before beginning a wet application, be sure the adhesive on your graphic is not water-based or air egress. Air egress films can trap water in their air channels, which can lead to failures. If your film is water-based or has air egress, follow the steps laid out in our “Dry Application of a Window Graphic” video.

Wet Application Steps

Start by making precise measurements of the window opening and cut the graphic to this exact size.

Backslit the graphic twice near the center and across the web, about six inches apart.

Then spray some detergent mix on the glass and the area that you have backslid. Remove the small piece of liner you have cut out and float the graphic into place.

When it is exactly where you want it, firmly squeegee the water out, starting from the center. Let the adhesive set up for about twenty minutes. (2:01) This will ensure that the adhesive is strong enough to hold the graphic in place as you remove the liner in the next step.

First, lightly spray the portion of the glass on which you will install. Then, slowly remove the liner as you apply the graphic. Make sure to squeegee out all of the water.

Repeat these steps on the other half as well. Let the adhesive on the complete graphic set up for about twenty minutes before attempting to remove the pre-mask.

If you are working in a cool environment and the adhesive takes too long to set up, causing the graphic to come off with the pre-mask, take a wetted squeegee, soak the edge and reapply the entire graphic.  Continue to rewet the squeegee as it dries out.

The thin film of water you have applied will break the surface tension of the paper and allow the pre-mask to come off with less effort.

All in all, using the wet application technique will make your window graphics look great from both sides.

Dry Application of a Window Graphic

When you have to install a window graphic dry, it can be difficult to achieve a bubble and defect free application. This demonstrates strategies you can use to manage large window graphic installation without the need for application fluid.