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+--- Thread: How to Apply Limo Film on Windows (/thread-116.html)
How to Apply Limo Film on Windows - TrainChaser - 09-22-2017
I worked for a company that designed and built trade shows for about 5 years. I applied adhesive vinyl to glass, plastics and other vinyl. There's a trick to it.
These instructions are only for side and rear windows, NOT for windshields. Tint on windshields is illegal in most states because they can't adjust to low light conditions.
Don't work in the hot sun -- your vinyl will be temporarily floating on a thin layer of water, and you don't want that water to dry before you finish or you'll get MAJOR BUBBLES.
You will need:
Scissors
Hand sprayer (well-cleaned Windex-type will do)
Fill with clean water with
1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent liquid added & mixed gently (don't shake!)
Hard rubber hand applicator -- we called them sqeegees, but then they only cost $0.79, and as a 'hand applicator', they get $4.
. You might find them at Home Depot / office supply / craft places. They look like this: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Applicator-Squeegee-PA1-B-Blue/dp/B00657SFPE Cheap dollar store cutter, new -- these are fine: https://www.amazon.com/Cutter-Retractable-Utility-Cutting-packaging/dp/B06ZYFV4BZ/ref=sr_1_19_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1506102495&sr=8-19-spons&keywords=cheap+utility+cutter&psc=1 NO DEBRIS on them! If you drop it in the dirt, set it aside and grab a new one. WASH YOUR HANDS.
Wash the outside of all of the windows with detergent and water, rinse and let them dry. (NO fancy additives) Around the windows should also be clean so you won't track dirt and debris under the film accidently. Once debris is stuck to the film, it's there forever, including flies, mosquitoes and marshmallows. (Don't ask.)
Make sure you make good right-angle cuts with your sharp cutter (check that factory cut). Use a good straight-edge, preferably metal. Start with your largest windows first. If you mis-measure, you can probably use the mistake piece for a smaller window.
Determine if your window is flat or curved. If curved, you will have to work with the curve, not against it: if the glass curves from top to bottom, you will start at the top and work down. If the curve goes from side to side, you will start on the side that is your dominant hand (if you're right-handed, start on the right).
Leaving the paper backing on the film, cut the sheet to fit the window to exact measurements. There is no room for trimming. Place the cut piece on the window and check carefully.
Peel back the film for an inch or so on the edge you'll be starting with, and cut a 1/4" strip off THE BACKING with the scissors all the way across.
Set the sheet (w/backing still on it) against the glass, line up all the edges, with the exposed vinyl edge about 1/16" below the top edge of the wind. Now press the 1/4" by smoothly running your finger along that area. Recheck your edges. If you've placed it wrong, peel it up and reposition it. If it's good, use the squeegee on it. This 'anchor' holds the vinyl in place for the rest of the job.
Now lift the paper/vinyl and spray the entire window underneath it with your diluted detergent. A nice thorough spray is enough.
Lifting the paper/vinyl, grab the corners of the paper just under your anchor with both hands and gently peel the paper off the vinyl and toss it aside.
Don't press down yet, all you want is for the vinyl to lay on the water and float there. If it's not lying flat, just grasp the bottom corners and pull lightly so it's all lying on the water.
Now take your squeegee and, starting from on top of your anchor, swipe firmly down the CENTER of the vinyl for about half the height of the window at a 45-degree angle (or so). Then make another firm swipe from the top anchor AND overlapping a bit on the original swipe. Work your way from the center to one side, then repeat on the other side. If everything is looking good and straight, do the bottom half the same way.
If it looks good, leave it alone to dry. If somehow the position is wrong, you should be able to work your fingernail under the bottom (end) corners and lift the vinyl -- you'll kind of have to jerk it up (don't remove the anchor) and re-do it (respray water).
You shouldn't have any bubbles (except the top anchor), but if you do, just stick a pin or needle in them and press the air out from the edges to the pinhole. You will probably have some bubbles on the anchor strip. Use a pin for those. I've tried using the soapy water on the anchor strip, but it just won't hold tight enough. If the idea of some bubbles at the very top make you sweat, get the job done professionally.
RE: How to Apply Limo Film on Windows - AbuelaLoca - 09-22-2017
Excellent how to, thank you for typing this up!
RE: How to Apply Limo Film on Windows - Blacktank - 09-22-2017
also if you have a curve a little blow dryer heat will make it more pliable but you have to be very careful to not overheat it and cause distortion or shrink it
there are utube vids about doing it
RE: How to Apply Limo Film on Windows - TrainChaser - 09-22-2017
Oh, another thing. When one of the guys who worked at the same place wanted to take the old, blurry film off his car windows, he said he used a little clothes steamer. Heat a patch and peel, heat a patch and peel.