Steel film and granite film are applied using the wet
method, which allows for easier installation.
Tools: Scissors, Tape Measure, Razor Knife or
Straight Edge Razor, Ruler, Squeegee or Credit Card (Note: you will want
to wrap a thin, soft piece of cloth around the edge of the credit card to
prevent any scratching of the film.), Damp Sponge, and Paper Towels
1. Clean the surface making sure to remove all
dirt, grease, etc.
2. Measure the height and width of
the surface. Allow approx. 1/2 inch extra material on each side of the
film and cut the film to size. The squared backing paper simplifies measuring
and ensures straight, clean-cut edges. Rub down the surface to be covered with
the damp sponge. DO NOT DRY. You may also want to spritz the surface with a
fine mist of water from a spray bottle.
3. Lay the cut film on a clean flat
surface with the release liner up, or have someone hold the piece to be applied
for you. Remove the liner. When decorating larger surface areas, first
remove 10 cm of backing paper and smooth down this initial section. Then,
while evenly removing the backing paper with one hand, progressively smooth
down the film with the other hand. Always smooth from the center to the
edges.
4. Remove any air bubbles with the
squeegee working from the middle of the film to the outside
edges. If you have not purchased the installation kit a credit card
(wrapped in thin soft cloth) can be used instead of the squeegee.
5. If any air bubbles remain, use the squeegee
or credit card to smooth them out as described in step 5. Be careful not
to push too hard and scratch the film.
6. Cut off the excess film from the edges using a
sharp knife or razor and a ruler. It is ideal to cut in one continuous
movement.
7. Use the paper towels to clean up any excess
water.
Applying at edges and corners: To apply film cleanly and exactly on edges and corners, overlap
the edge and leave an excess of approx 1
inch. Carefully wrap the film around the corner, pressing lightly with a
warm iron (lowest setting) during initial application. To avoid any damage to
the film insert a towel between it and the iron. You may also consider using a
blow dryer to warm the film while wrapping around corners/edges. The heat
releases the tension and the film adheres firmly to the edge. Leave excess
hang over the edge for approx. 24 hrs until the film has cured. Then, after
the 24 hrs has passed, use a sharp knife to cleanly cut along the edge and
lightly rub the cut with a finger-nail.
Make sure there are no dry spots on the surface
prior to placing film onto surface.
Take care when removing the release liner that the film does not roll over onto
itself. It will stick together and is difficult to pull apart!
If applying to wood, make sure surface is smooth. We also recommend applying a coat of sealer first (sealer must be completely dry before installing film).
When applying the granite film, we recommend applying a clear coat of silicone caulk over any seams and where the film butts up to a sink edge.
Film Removal
The films can be peeled off of the surface
when you are ready to remove them. Warming the film with a blow dryer may be
helpful. If any adhesive residue remains on the surface it can be sprayed
with windex or wiped off with turpentine or an alcohol-based solvent (test
this in a small discreet area first to make sure that it does not harm the
surface). Many people have told us that they purchaed "Goo-gone" from Wal-mart and this has worked fine (again, we recommend testing in a small area first). Let the product set on the adhesive for a few seconds, and
then wipe clean. A damp cloth sprinkled with some flour may be helpful in
removing dissolved adhesive.
