Grafityp window decorating: 8 do’s & don’ts to prevent glass breakage

Glass breakage is caused by the difference in tension on a window, because certain parts expand faster than others as a result of heating. Glass breakage will therefore almost exclusively occur in outdoor applications.

Do’s

• As long as the film takes up less than 50% of the surface, there is no risk of glass breakage if the window is
  heated by the sun
• Use light colours, these are less sensitive to heat
• Use transparent (sandblast effect) films and translucent films, these absorb less heat than cutting films.
• Full prints can always be used indoors (e.g. in a shopping gallery), even if it is a dark coloured print
• Apply the film on the outside, this provides more cooling options, which reduces the risk of thermal glass breakage. Especially with full prints outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight

Don’ts

• Be careful with dark colours. These absorb a lot of heat, which creates tension differences between the window and the film, causing a risk of glass breakage.
• Watch out with partly shadows, dark objects close to the glass, heating elements…
• Be careful with HR++ windows: Only cover the windows at the outside. The inside of these windows has a special coating. The effect of this coating is disrupted if you apply the film to the inside of the window.

Download our manual about window lettering for more tips and tricks about avoiding glass breakage.

All manuals.