TOP TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING - IT MAY SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY!
A summary of our top recommended handy tips and key techniques are listed below and are also documented in our General Instructions and Production Recommendations. Please first download and read the relevant information guides and data sheets before proceeding with the job. If you have questions, please contact us for assistance.
1. Inspect film before printing, perform a test prior to actual production
Performing a complete test (from artwork, to printing, outgassing, laminating, applying to window) prior to actual production may minimise costly errors and help ensure the success of your project. Inspect the film before printing on it. If you notice a defect or potential issue, please contact your supplier immediately.
2. Match One Way Vision film and release liner to ink printing technology and customer requirements
Given the wide range of printer and ink technologies on the market, please refer to the individual product technical data specification sheet for detailed information on printer and ink compatibility.
For more information, please refer to the Recommended Applications and Ink Compatibility Information Sheets.
3. Avoid dark colours and use spot colours to manage ink load
When creating artwork for perforated window graphics, avoid the use of dark colors over a large area. Just as you can see through the black side of the perforated window film, you'll be able to see through any sizable dark areas of the print — the opposite effect than desired.
More importantly, dark colours also tend to increase the amount of ink when printing (i.e. ink load), and too much ink can over saturate the liner. The liner is designed to absorb ink away from the adhesive and plasticisers exposed in the perforations, but when ink load is excessive (above 270%) due to dark colours, the excess ink migrates into the walls of the perforation instead of coagulating in the middle of the perforation.
For more information, please refer to the information sheets Artwork Recommendations and Ink Load Instructions.
4. Profile before printing and print on film within shelf life period, monitor while printing
Selecting and amending the correct profile for your printer, ink, RIP and One Way Vision is absolutely critical to ensure the success of the client's job. Do not print on perforated vinyl if it has expired, that is, beyond it's shelf life. Print at medium speed and low resolution. Use balanced heat settings. Use a take up roller and have the printed image rolling outwards. Regularly monitor while printing and stop immediately if an issue or potential issue arises.
Do not leave the One Way Vision film in the printer, immediately dismount and store in it's original box after printing. For more information, please refer to the ICC Profile and Storage, Printing, Drying and Transporting information sheets.
5. Outgas for at least 3 days if not laminated, or 5 days if prints going to be laminated
If eco/mid/full solvent ink printed, allow sufficient time for inks to dry and outgas before laminating or installing graphics. To outgas, ensure prints are unrolled, hung vertically off the ground and well ventilated. For more information, please refer to the Storage, Printing, Drying and Transporting information sheet.
6. Use the recommended laminate to maintain warranty and install 24 hours after laminating
If laminating, use only the recommended laminate for the product, otherwise the warranty may be voided. When laminating, preferably use a cold press flat bed laminator, do not use heat or laminate by hand. Laminate slowly and do not stretch the One Way Vision or laminate films. Allow 24 hours for the laminate adhesive to bond to the One Way Vision film then apply to window. When transporting, roll the printed image facing out with a diameter no less 150mm if laminated. 76mm if unlaminated. For more information, please refer to the Recommended Laminates and Laminating information sheets.
7. Lighting on printed side needs to be stronger than the other side
For optimum one-way visibility and effect, the lighting should be significantly brighter on the printed graphics side than on the not printed side.
8. Clean, clean, clean and then dry apply onto tepid temperature glass with clean lint free cloth
Use mild generic plain kitchen sink liquid soap and clean water (5 drops in 500ml). Never use solvent or ammonia based glass cleaners, such as Windex®, Prep-Wash®, Prep-Sol®, Prep-Lube®, citrus cleaners, methylated spirits or vinegar to wash the glass surface prior to installing the graphics. Use 100% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) after to remove any soap residue; let it evaporate completely before applying the One Way Vision to the window. When cleaning window edges and corners, use up/down and left/right (as opposed to circular) movements. Dry apply (except for OptiTape), do not use application fluid.
Do not install when glass temperature is cold or hot. Apply when temperature is between 15-25 degrees Celsius, although refer to product's technical data specification sheet for exact application temperature range.
For more information, please refer to Surface Preparation, Installation Instructions for Buildings and Installation Instructions for Vehicles documents.
9. Regularly clean installed One Way Vision with plain soft water
Do not use high pressure water cleaning. Use a garden hose on slow/low setting, a sponge and plain clean water. Clean once a month. For more information, please refer to the Care and Removal information sheet.
10. Keep batch number, return printed and unused portions to supplier, use our Product Issue Form when submitting a warranty claim
If you notice a defect in the material, please complete the Product Issue Form and return it along with the batch number and printed and unused portions to the suppliers. Please follow our warranty procedures. For more information, please refer to our warranty.
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