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Specialty films often require special knowledge and attention to produce special results.

By Rob Ivers

Rob Ivers owns Rob Ivers Inc. (Raymore, MO), a vehicle-graphics and installation company. He’s installed vinyl since 1978 and taught vinyl-graphics installation since 1993. For more information, visit www.robivers.com

Specialty films include reflective, translucent and mirror-finish vinyl. Each offers its own unique applications, properties and characteristics. Yet, they have something in common -- they’re more difficult to install than standard vinyl. Don’t let that scare you, though; they provide an upside of very attractive graphics.

Do your homework when considering these films. Numerous manufacturers produce several different types. Some are very similar, while others differ dramatically. For example, most mirror-finish products are polyester and provide no conformability. Typically, they’re only specified for flat surfaces and limited outdoor exposure.

When installing any film for the first time, limit your risk by removing the liner only as needed, and keep the film off the surface until you squeegee. This particularly applies to these specialty films. Usually, you only have one chance to get it right. Unlike standard cast vinyl, you may not be able to lightly snap the material loose to make an adjustment.

Heating the vinyl to remove a small blemish may work with some reflective films, but not with mirror or translucent products. These films’ costs tends to be “special” as well, so be careful. Follow recommendations for use, and the results can justify the extra effort.

Reflectives
Engineering-grade, reflective media are classified as high performance. These enclosed-lens, retro-reflective films reflect light directly back to the lightsource. Managers of emergency-response, law-enforcement and commercial fleets favor reflective films because of their nighttime visibility. Other than conspicuity tape for commercial tractor/trailers, I don’t know of regulations for such films.

Vehicles that sport bright, sharp graphics both day and night enhance the advertising impact while also promoting safety. Due to films’ retro-reflectiveness, manufacturers recommend vertical application.

Reflective films are less forgiving than standard, cast vinyl. The workable temperature range is smaller; 68 to 72° F is the optimum range. Due to reflective films’ thicknesses and layered compositions, they tear easily when cold. Some feature air egress, but most routinely generate bubbles, particularly at 75° F and above. Air-egress media benefits most applications.