How to optimize perforated, window-film performance
By Molly Waters
Perforated window films serve increasingly diverse applications, and the variety of films with differing film-to-hole ratios has multiplied. These films, still used for vehicle and storefront-window graphics, now fulfill full-scale building wraps, POP and tradeshow-graphic needs.
Immensely popular out-of-home advertising outlets, vehicle wraps and window graphics are extremely cost effective and offer graphic impact that catches a consumer’s eye. Advertisers can achieve multiple and longer-lasting impressions compared to most other media.
Perforated films’ increased vehicle-wrap use has drawn more scrutiny from government officials. Regulations regarding the use of perforated films on public-transit and personal vehicles differ by state and locale. Films with an equal film-to-hole ratio and 2mm holes typically meet federal, state and local regulations. Because these regulations vary, installers must determine, prior to use, the material’s suitability for their specific purposes, including compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
Before you begin
Window perforation films are available in cast and calendered versions, and each has advantages. Calendered films are easy to install and conform well to flat and simple curves, whereas cast films offer better conformability to a wider substrate range. Most window films are printable with solvent, eco-solvent, UV-curable and screenprinting inks and printers.
Consider the application and the graphic’s expected lifetime when choosing a perforated window film. Film durability ranges from one to three years – follow manufacturer durability and application guidelines closely.
There are also a variety of film-to-hole ratios and hole sizes to consider for each type of application. Films with larger, 2mm-wide holes provide more light transmission, less opacity and broader application types that comply with federal, state and local regulations. Some states have begun mandating larger hole sizes to allow law-enforcement officials clear visibility into vehicles during traffic stops.
Retail settings may require a higher quality image and look – a window perforation film with a greater printable surface area would be more appropriate, and a film with a higher film-to-hole ratio and smaller holes would be the right choice.
Design
When designing bus, vehicle or storefront-window graphics, designers must realize perforated window film doesn’t have an uninterrupted film surface. To accommodate for this lesser film coverage, use darker, more vivid color schemes. Lighter colors will produce a washed-out graphic because of the lesser amount of film present on the surface.
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