by Cassandra Balentine
Window films are an excellent tool in architectural settings. With the right finish, they provide privacy, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the appearance of otherwise bland environments. Dusted adhesive media and frosted film options are popular for these purposes.
Above: Avery Dennison Dusted Crystal decorative film is the newest decorative film category for glass applications. It features a quick-release adhesive allowing for easy installation and removal.
John Coyne, sales manager, Lintec of America, Inc., feels that a dusted surface offers the end user the desired appearance without the need to print the dusted look on clear film—saving time and money.
“Everybody loves a little sparkle, and the versatility of these films both for function and form makes them a go-to option for privacy and pizzaz in graphic applications,” says Jay Kroll, product manager for cut, transit, and wall solutions, General Formulations.
The Specifics
Both cast and calendered adhesive dusted/frosted media options are available.
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions’ Dusted Crystal decorative film is one new category for glass applications that features a quick-release adhesive allowing for easy installation and removal. “This film was designed to overcome installation and removal challenges seen with other competitive offerings with plans for additional product enhancements in the future,” offers Alex Fox, product manager, digital and signage, Avery Dennison.
She says this cast product is well suited for architectural graphics because of its ability to create privacy for interior spaces while providing a translucent light effect.
“In addition, because of our Dusted Crystal film’s adhesive removability, the product is ideal for space and design flexibility. This film can be used whether a space requires easy and fast redesigns or as a more permanent solution. Dusted Crystal film can differentiate with aesthetically pleasing dusted accents and/or completely privatize spaces without the added cost of remodeling or construction,” adds Fox.
General Formulations has a few seven-year, full polymeric calendered options that utilize a high-performance solvent permanent adhesive. GF 790 light etch and GF 791 deep etch options offer fine detail for traditional plotter cut applications, as well as a printable air egress GF 790AE light etch option for bubble-free dry installation.
“These etched glass materials are applied to a variety of materials with a consistent, high-end look, changing basic glass or acrylic partitions into functional, beautiful additions to the design aesthetic of the space,” shares Kroll.
Lintec offers a 3-mil dusted cast adhesive vinyl called MSV-2000. Coyne says advantages of this media include a modified surface for strong ink adhesion, specifically designed cast vinyl for increased dimensional stability, adhesive technology that prevents stretching during release liner removal, easier install due to adhesive technology and stable cast vinyl, and plenty of available stock.
For architectural applications, Coyne says cast vinyl offers advantages over calendered vinyl film such as a much lower shrinkage rate and increased durability, which is also ideal for outdoor applications. He admits that cast vinyls have a much lower shrinkage rate but are more expensive to manufacture. In addition, cast adhesive vinyls tend to be very flexible and easily stretched, which can lead to difficult installations. “Common problems include accidentally distorting the printed image by stretching the film during release liner removal.”
“Both cast and calendered adhesive vinyls can be removed and replaced with a different design or advertisement without removing the glass,” explains Coyne.
Common Uses
Dusted as well as frosted vinyls are primarily used—but not limited to—architectural settings.
“Architectural applications are the primary end use for dusted cast adhesive media, which includes a variety of applications such as corporate meeting spaces, schools, retail, medical offices, and hospitality establishments,” says Fox.
However, she points out that this media could also be used as complementary cut signage for branding applications or an added decorative look.
“Dusted media is popular for its use as a privacy film, restricting visibility while still allowing light to move through the material,” offers Kroll.
Coyne agrees, noting that dusted adhesive vinyls are popular for many applications from privacy screens to retail advertisements. “Even mimicking etched glass is not out of the reach for dusted vinyls,” he adds.
Overall, versatility and durability make dusted adhesive films well suited for architectural applications. “The only limitation on creating a design or image is your imagination,” says Coyne.
Further, Lintec’s MSV-2000 3-mil dusted cast adhesive vinyl film is designed to withstand exterior applications for several years, according to the company—and films available from other vendors do as well.
Product Evolution
Dusted adhesive vinyls can replace several antiquated methods, like edged or sandblasted glass, paint, or added blinds and walls.
“Etched-glass effect vinyl expands the possibilities for installation and application,” notes Kroll. He adds that sandblasting or chemical etching processes require specialized equipment and are limited to specific substrates.
Etched and sandblasted glass is not only expensive, but fragile as well, and painting takes time and expenses. “These techniques would be considered more of a permanent solution,” offers Coyne.
Traditionally blinds or walls may have been used to block off or separate areas, which works to achieve privacy, but blocks light that could help create more inviting and visually appealing spaces.
“Dusted Crystal film allows for more flexibility and easy sanitation compared to the more traditional partitions,” comments Fox.
Comparative Performance
Every manufacturer’s combination of film, adhesive, and liner is a little different, and no two products will perform exactly the same, points out Kroll. “Ultimately each new material used will require testing but can launch from the platform of a trusted vinyl manufacturer putting out a quality product into the field that has thoroughly been tested for market use.”
Coyne agrees, noting that dusted cast vinyl properties such as dimensional stability, ink adhesion, printer tracking, and ease of install depend upon many variables such as the vinyl ingredients used during casting, the casting process, the adhesive coated on the film, and the type of release liner chosen.
Fox points out that these types of products, and specifically Avery Dennison’s Dusted Crystal, have excellent dimensional stability and a quick release adhesive that allows for the film to easily be repositioned during install.
Calendered properties also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as will other types of adhesive medias.
Appealing Windows
Window films are utilized within architectural settings for a variety of reasons, including privacy. Dusted options provide a modern solution to etching and sandblasting.
Nov2022, Industrial Print Magazine
