Self-adhesive films for glass - a material with unlimited possibilities. Its indisputable advantages include a wide range of applications, environmental safety for humans, the possibility of implementing the most daring design decisions in creating the interior, as well as durability.
What is a self-adhesive film?
To begin with, we will figure out what kind of material it is, what it has advantages. Self-adhesive glass films (often referred to as self-adhesive) are vinyl or other plastic materials. Its surface may have some kind of decorative design, for example, texture, color or patterned, and its second layer is glue (hence the name of the material). It is reliably protected from dust, unexpected bonding and any mechanical damage, with a paper base with a glossy surface. Many manufacturers on this layer post their tips and tricks regarding the use of the material.
Types of films
This material can be divided into properties by:
In addition, self-adhesive glass films are divided by the method of application into:
- mono-and polychromic standard matrix blanks, designed to cut from them certain elements of patterns on glass, to create stained-glass windows;
- paintings that are glued to the entire area of the glass with a pattern.
Where is self-adhesive with a pattern applied?
Today, this material has found wide application in interior work, while creating original and original interiors. The fact is that a decorative film on glass perfectly imitates real complex stained-glass windows. This allows designers to create magnificent interiors at low cost.
In order not to be unfounded, we list the premises of apartments (or houses), where the most often (and successfully) self-adhesive films for glass are used.
- Such material can decorate the front door (if it is made of glass). Naturally, we are talking about tempered glass (only it is used for the manufacture of entrance doors).
- Self-adhesive film with a pattern will look great on the glass part of interior doors.
- If the windows of the apartment are facing south and you experience an excess of sunlight, you can use a stained-glass window, which will cover part or all of the window.
- As a result of applying this simple technique, the natural light that enters the apartment will become more subdued.
Correctly choosing the color scheme of such a film, you can get a feeling of coolness. It will give a predominance of green and blue colors. You can give the room coziness and warmth. The yellow color will help you with this.
The same technique is quite justified if the windows of the apartment are located in such a way that everything that happens in the room is clearly visible from the windows of the neighboring house or from the street.
Transparencies
We figured out how color films for glass (self-adhesive) are used. Now the question arises: “Why do we need a transparent film that cannot decorate a room?” You're right. Such material is not intended for decoration. This is not a decorative film on glass. It performs a protective function.
The surface of such a film is matte; it does not have a glossy shine. The width of the canvas is ninety centimeters. In a roll of fifteen linear meters. Such self-adhesive glass films are used to protect materials and smooth surfaces from scratches and other mechanical damage during storage and transportation. They can be applied to mirrors and glass, wood and plastic and other materials with a smooth surface.
Transparent film does not create any patterns or visible effects on the glass, but the image makes it a bit more hazy. If you put it on a mirror, it will slightly lose its reflective properties, however, the general silhouettes will still reflect.
This material has the following advantages:
- optical transparency;
- mechanical and light resistance;
- protects against vandalism;
- prevents shattering of fragments;
- Easy to apply and remove.
Oracal film
This material is manufactured by the German corporation ORAFOL Europe GmbH. Today he has established himself in the Russian market. Self-adhesive film with a pattern is designed to create colored glasses for a wide variety of sliding systems. It can be sliding wardrobes, interior doors. This company is one of the leaders in the production of polymer films for various purposes from polyvinyl chloride, monomeric calendared and polyester films.
The Orakal film will allow you to create compartment doors for various purposes of any color with the least time and financial costs. In addition, this film will help to make colored glass with a pattern.
Advantages of the material:
- long service life;
- resistance to acids, alkalis, oils;
- resistance to ultraviolet;
- simplicity in leaving.
Films for glass (self-adhesive) "Oracal" are glued to the back of the glass. You can add sandblasting drawings to it.
How to glue a film?
Any window or glass on the door will look much more original if it is decorated with a film. Sticking a film will not cause any problems if you follow simple rules.
- First of all, the glass must be washed on both sides.
- Pour water at room temperature into the spray gun and drip dishwashing liquid into it.
- Stir the solution, but do not shake it vigorously so that an abundant foam does not form.
- Measure the glass and make the necessary blank from the film.
- Spray water from the spray gun onto the glass. A damp surface will allow the film to move so that it is properly positioned on the glass.
- Remove the paper layer from the film from one edge, about ten centimeters, and bend it. In case the sticker is small, the paper can be removed completely.
- Apply the film to the glass with an adhesive layer. Gently smooth the surface with a rubber spatula. You can use a soft cloth. Your task is to expel water droplets and air from under the sticker. Smooth the film “herringbone” from the center to the edges.
- Hold the film with one hand, and gently pull the paper out with the other. Separating a few more centimeters of the adhesive layer, line the film on the glass. If you notice a crease, lift the nearest edge of the film from the surface and smooth it again.
Inspect carefully the result of your work. If you notice an air bubble under the film, do not be discouraged - pierce it with a needle and again press this place with a napkin.
"Self-adhesive": price
Self-adhesive film for glass can be bought at large construction supermarkets or specialized stores. Prices for it are different. It depends on the quality of the material, its width, manufacturer. For example, a transparent YAC film, 112x30 mm in size, costs 1213 rubles. The Oracal film costs from 750 to 1500 rubles per square meter. The lowest prices are different for Chinese manufacturers - 150-200 rubles per square meter.