Nowadays, there are many diverse materials that can be used both in interior decoration and for decorating various objects. Thermal adhesive film also belongs to them. How to use it correctly, this article will tell.
Where is hotmelt film used
Thermal adhesive film is also called self-adhesive. The thing is that on its reverse side a special adhesive composition is applied, which gives it the ability to adhere to various surfaces. The peculiarity of the film is that under the influence of high temperature it perfectly fits all the bumps and corners of the object on which it is applied.
This material has found wide application in various fields. It makes prints for t-shirts and other clothes. Self-adhesive film is used as cover for textbooks. There are also materials that stick to furniture. Typically, this film is sold in rolls in construction stores.
Another useful quality is the water resistance that the hot glue film shows. Its use allows you to protect objects from moisture.
Films can be of different colors and thicknesses. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should find out the characteristics of various types of material or consult with the seller.
What you need to work with the film
So, you already have a hot glue film. How to use this material and what tools do you need?
In fact, there is nothing complicated in working with film. The main thing is not to rush and do everything carefully. Everyone can cope with such a task. Prepare the following items for work:
- the film itself;
- a pen or a simple pencil;
- a ruler;
- sharp scissors;
- stationery knife ;
- soft cloth for smoothing the film;
- building hair dryer.
Usually these tools are enough. However, sometimes you may also need wallpaper glue. It is necessary in those cases when you need to glue curved surfaces.
Preparatory work
First you need to prepare the surface on which you are going to glue the film. To do this, it must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. You can make it dishwashing detergent.
An uneven surface is recommended to be coated with a primer. After that, it should be dried and sanded, because it is on a smooth surface that the hot glue film is best laid. How to use it, we continue to tell in stages further.
When gluing the film on glass or metal, they should first be moistened with a small amount of water. This will ensure a better fit of the material to the surface.
When the preparatory work is completed, you can begin to work with the film itself. To do this, cut out the fragments of the desired size from it.
Cut the film
Often, a centimeter grid is applied on the back of the self-adhesive film. This is done in order to facilitate the cutting of the material. If you need a piece of film of a rectangular shape, just outline the size on the back. Be sure to add another 2 cm in reserve on each side. Pick up scissors and cut the material along the lines located on the paper layer.
With a fragment of a curved shape, you have to tinker longer. First you need to draw the part on the back of the film, and only then proceed to cutting. The rush here is the main enemy, so work carefully and not be distracted.
If a pattern with a rapport is applied to the film, cut it on the front side.
Hot glue film: how to glue
Sticking a film is the most crucial moment in all the work. It is advisable not to do this alone, but to ask someone to help you.
First, we’ll study the recommendations that explain how hot-melt adhesive film works. The instruction is usually shown on the back. It can be a step-by-step job description or detailed pictures.
Lay the sheet of film on a flat surface and turn it over. We will glue the film in stages. First of all, you need to separate the material from the paper layer by about 5 cm. Then attach this edge to the surface and draw it from above with your hand. After making sure that the film holds well, we gradually remove the paper and apply the material to the entire surface.
If you remove the paper layer immediately, the film may stick together. Tearing it off will not work, and the material will be spoiled.
Now you need to remove all air bubbles that have accumulated between the film and the surface. To do this, take a cloth and swipe it from the center to the edges. In some cases, you can pierce the bubble with a needle and let out air.
It happens when the surface is uneven, but it is necessary that it is completely covered by a hot glue film. Using a hairdryer in this case is simply irreplaceable. Turn it on and wait for it to heat up. When hot air comes out of it, point the hair dryer onto the film. Under the influence of high temperature, it will become elastic and will cover all the bumps and corners.
How to care for the film
Above, we talked about the wonderful qualities of such a material as hot-melt adhesive film. How to use it, we already know. We will now talk about how to care for her so that she retains her original appearance for a long time.
There are no special rules for the care of the film. It is enough to periodically wipe it with warm water with a small amount of non-aggressive detergent. Stains of dirt that are difficult to remove can be removed with ethyl alcohol.
Do not wipe the film with materials that may scratch it, or use gasoline and thinner when cleaning.
Over time, the edges of the film may begin to recede. You can glue them with simple wallpaper glue. To do this, apply a small amount to a thin strip of cardboard and coat them with the edges of the film. After that, iron the surface with a rag. For greater effect, you can wrap a solid, flat object in the fabric.
That, in principle, is all there is to know about this material. To carry out repairs or to update old furniture you will be helped by a hot glue film. How to use it? Yes, very simple. Try it and you will see for yourself.