FAQ
Please e-mail us with your questions. We welcome your comments and suggestions, too.
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What is CLEAR FOCUS One Way Vision™ film and how does it work?
The majority of CLEAR FOCUS One Way Vision perforated films are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with up to 50% of the film microperforated to achieve the desired image resolution and one-way visibility. The black (unprinted) side of the film allows the eye to see through it, just as a dark screen door allows a person inside a house to see the brighter scene outside. Lighting plays a major role as well: For optimum effect, lighting on the graphics side must be brighter than on the black side.
We also offer several unperforated window films that offer varying degrees of transparency. Click here for details.
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What are some of the benefits of using the films?
New media space: CLEAR FOCUS film creates new, innovative media space without obstructing the view. It also creates new business and advertising opportunities that are not possible with conventional opaque window signage.
Security/safety/privacy: The films can be used on the windows of emergency, utility and delivery vehicles, banks and other financial institutions, airports — on virtually any glass door or window where visibility is important for safety and security. The films can be used inside on office and conference-room windows to provide decoration as well as privacy.
Heat and glare control: CLEAR FOCUS films reduce heat and glare from the sun, making them ideal for use on windows of commercial buildings, retail stores, museums and residences, and for service and delivery vehicles containing heat-sensitive equipment and goods.
Bird-strike deterrent: CLEAR FOCUS films can be installed on the exterior surface of windows and glass doors to reduce reflections which attract birds.
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Are there special design considerations for window perf?
Graphics printed on perforated window films tend to look less vibrant than those printed on solid vinyl because up to 50% of the window vinyl is missing due to the perforation process. For tips on creating/modifying artwork specifically for perforated vinyl, visit the Design page.
Given the wide array of inks, printers and other variables involved in printing, we strongly recommend performing a test prior to actual production. This applies to both printing graphics on our window film products and applying an overlaminate to the finished print.
For compatibility with specific printers, check the printer compatibility data for our uncoated products and aqueous inkjet-coated products.
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How do I print the films?
We offer a full range of uncoated films that are compatible with wide-format digital imaging using solvent, eco-solvent, mild solvent, latex and UV-cure inks. The films also accept screen printing, thermal transfer, electrostatic transfer and airbrushing. Please refer to the individual product spec sheets for details on compatibility, including which release liners are recommended for the various print technologies.
The clear interior-mount version of EconoVue 60/40 is designed primarily for screen printing or other method that allows reverse printing of the image followed by the application of a full-coverage white coat and a full-coverage black coat of ink.
Exterior-mount JetVue and ImageJetVue have a special top coating for compatibility with aqueous inkjet printing using pigmented and dye-based inks.
Lots more information can be found under Printing.
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Do I need to laminate the graphics?
It depends on the desired life span and whether the graphics are for outdoor use where they may be exposed to rain and other weathering.
The main reasons to laminate are:
- To protect against UV, graffiti, chemical exposure, etc.
- In the case of window perf, to prevent the holes from filling with water (to maintain visibility through the graphics)
- To increase the life of the graphics
- To add gloss or other finish
- To reduce labor as laminated graphics tend to be easier to remove
Laminating is recommended for outdoor use of graphics printed on ImageJetVue to prevent the water-based inks from running.
Be sure to choose an optically clear overlaminate that allows good visibility through the perforated window film.
For more information on laminating, click here.
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Are CLEAR FOCUS films easy to install?
Yes!
- Dry installation is recommended for our perforated window films.
- Wet installation is recommended for our unperforated window films.
Please don't wash the windows with Windex or other solvent-based glass cleaner before you install the graphics — mild soap and water works just fine, and dry the glass completely.
All the information you need can be found on the Installation page, which we encourage you to read.
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Where can I purchase your products?
We were hoping you'd ask! Our products are distributed around the world. Please contact us and we'll be happy to put you in touch with your closest CLEAR FOCUS distributor.