d-c-fix | FAQ

Deco
Glass

Deco - E

Application Guide: d-c-fix® adhesive films for furniture and decoration

Adhesive films offer a wide range of applications: Use our self-adhesive natural stone and wood designs to make furniture and furnishings look like new again. Create stylish accents in every living room with trendy patterns and colors.

1. Prepare and clean the surface (all applications)

Surface preparation is very important – no matter what type of adhesive film is used and where it is to be attached. Even the smallest soiling can lead to unattractive dents in the self-adhesive film. The surface must be smooth, free of dust and grease.

Thoroughly wipe off other (furniture) surfaces with a suitable cleaning product, e.g. all-purpose cleaner or wood cleaner.

If decorative foil is to be applied to untreated wood, the wood should first be treated with an acrylic-based primer.

2. Apply deco adhesive foil in 5 steps

Decorative vinyl films offer versatile possibilities for the furniture and furnishings refurbishment. The self-adhesive films are available in numerous designs and different surface structures, like wood, stone, or velour.

1. Thoroughly clean the surface to be covered.

2. Then measure the surface and cut the foil to size.

3. Loosen the back paper at one corner and peel off approx. 4 inch (10 cm).

4. Position the foil with the exposed corner at one edge. Then peel off the protective paper on the reverse side piece by piece and press the adhesive film on simultaneously with the squeegee.

5. Smooth out any air bubbles from the center towards the edges.

Tip: If you find an air bubble, you can try to lift and re-apply, but sometimes the best choice is a small nick in the film (with a needle) to release the trapped air.

Tool list:
Basic equipment is a squeegee, boxcutter, scissors, spray bottle filled with water/dishwasher detergent mixture and a soft cloth.

Can adhesive films be applied to flooring?

No, adhesive films are not intended to be walked on. The film will be scratched and destroyed.

Can clear lacquer be sprayed onto the film to give it a matt appearance?

In principle, this is possible. However, it is important to take into account whether the lacquer is resistant to plasticisers and which solvents are in the lacquer. (Ethanol/isopropanol/water/benzene are suitable solvents)

Can the adhesive films be removed from glazed wooden doors without leaving any residues?

There is a risk of them leaving small residues, therefore test at an inconspicuous place beforehand.

Can you apply an additional adhesive film to an existing one, e.g. on a door?

This is generally possible. However, the surface should be as smooth as possible (e.g. no chequer plate film) and free of dust and grease.

If the bottom layer is a PP or PE film (polyolefin), for example, the adhesion will no longer be as strong as on other surfaces.

If the film is applied to an existing PVC film, it will no longer be easy to remove at a later date because the films form a strong bond.

Do the films adhere to chipboard or MDF panels?

The film should adhere in principle. However, it also depends on the condition of the surface. It is important that it is free of dust, grease and dirt. It’s best to vacuum the surface and wipe it with a damp cloth (then leave it to dry). Apply the film to the surface in one go and rub with a roller, squeegee or cloth. Gently smooth down the corners and edges of the surface.

How can adhesive residues be removed from the surface?

Option 1:
Spray the adhesive residues with clean water and let it soak for a few minutes. The adhesive swells and can be scraped off with a spatula / scraper.

Option 2:
Wet the adhesive residues with a mixture of white spirit and isopropanol (at a ratio of 1:1), let is soak and scrape off with a spatula / scraper. If necessary, finish with a (window) cleaning agent.

How can air bubbles be removed while applying the film?

Some water can be sprayed onto the surface in the case of non-absorbent surfaces. This makes the film easier to apply. In addition, make sure that you remove the backing paper slowly bit by bit and use the squeegee to immediately push out the air bubbles at all sides.

What type of adhesive can be used to help if the adhesive film does not adhere properly?

We recommend Pattex strong transparent adhesive or UHU all-purpose strong adhesive to help with the application in particularly critical situations. These are solvent-based adhesives where you should allow as much as possible
of the solvent to escape before the surface and film are brought together. According to the manufacturers, the adhesives
are suitable for many plastics, however, we recommend testing this beforehand to see how the surface on
which the film is to be applied reacts to the adhesive. Alternatively, you can also use water-based (solvent-free) adhesives – it is important to ensure that the adhesive is resistant to plasticisers. However, a specific type of glue cannot be recommended here.

Where to buy in the US

d-c-fix® products can be purchased at The Home Depot Online Shop and Amazon. Please note that only selected The Home Depot stores sell d-c-fix® window film.

Glass - E

Application Guide: d-c-fix® films for windows

Adhesive films offer a wide range of applications: Decorate, beautify or add privacy to your window & glass surfaces using transparent static or self-adhesive window films. Our special sun protection films or tinted films even serve as heat and glare protection.

Using d-c-fix® adhesive films is quick and easy with the right preparation – we show you our tips & tricks and which film is suitable for which purpose. With the right step-by-step instructions, attachment is simple and bubble-free.

1. Prepare and clean the surface (all applications)

Always clean windows thoroughly in advance with commercially available glass cleaner. Stuck-on dirt on the pane, such as fly dirt or paint residues, can be carefully removed with a glass scraper.

Thoroughly wipe off other (furniture) surfaces with a suitable cleaning product, e.g. all-purpose cleaner or wood cleaner.

If decorative foil is to be applied to untreated wood, the wood should first be treated with an acrylic-based primer.

2. Apply transparent window vinyl (self-adhesive) in 6 steps

Transparent adhesive films are preferred as privacy protection for windows, but can also make interesting accents, like shower decoration.

1. Clean the glass surface thoroughly as described in section 1.

2. Measure the window and mark the back of the protective paper, deducting 1/8 inch (2-3 mm) on all sides so it will fit inside the window frame. Then trim.

3. Spray the glass surface with plenty of water using a spray bottle.

4. Loosen the back paper at one corner and peel off about 4 inches (10 cm).

5. Position the material with the exposed corner on the glass surface. Then, peel off the rest of protective paper on the reverse side while pressing on the adhesive film with a squeegee.

6. Push the squeegee from the middle to the outside, spreading the moisture.

Tip: To avoid air bubbles, always work from the center outwards to the window frame when attaching the adhesive foils.

3. Static adhesive glass films: processing in 6 steps

In contrast to conventional films, static films don’t use any adhesive. Our d-c-fix® static films can be removed and reused several times without leaving any residue. In most cases, statically-adhering glass foils are made of thicker material (as with d-c-fix® static premium, d-c-fix® static window stripes), which allows deep embossing and creates an elegant appearance. Thicker material also makes for easier handling.

Please note: A transparent backing paper protects the static premium and static window stripes films. You’ll need to remove it, or the film will not stick!

1. Clean the glass surface thoroughly (section 1).

2. Measure the window and mark the back of the protective paper, deducting 1/8 inch (2-3 mm) on all sides so it will fit inside the window frame. Then trim.

3. Spray the glass surface with water using the spray bottle.

4. a) d-c-fix® static:
Remove the printed backing paper – it protects the static film.

4. b) d-c-fix® static premium / d-c-fix® static window stripes:
Remove the transparent thin backing paper – it protects the static film.

5. Position the material on the glass. For correction, the film can be pushed into position on the pane with both hands.

6. Squeeze out moisture from the middle to the edges with the felt side of the squeegee.

Tool list:
Basic equipment is a squeegee, boxcutter, scissors, spray bottle filled with water/dishwasher detergent mixture and a soft cloth.

Can adhesive films be wiped and cleaned with alcohol-based disinfectants?

There is a risk that the print colour fades or blurs slightly. The use of alcohol-based disinfectants must therefore be avoided.

Can adhesive window films also be applied wet?

Transparent adhesive films can also be applied wet (with water) – this is even recommended in order to avoid air bubbles.

Can the films be used in rooms with high humidity?

The films can be used in rooms with high humidity. For example, they can be applied to a shower cubicle or window.

How can the films be removed again?

You can use a hair dryer to apply heat to an adhesive film and then remove it. A static adhesive film can simply be removed.

On which surfaces can the static film be used?

The film can be used on real glass and perspex glass.

Where to buy in the US

d-c-fix® products can be purchased at The Home Depot Online Shop and Amazon. Please note that only selected The Home Depot stores sell d-c-fix® window film.

Why does the film not adhere to the window?

Check that you have removed the transparent backing paper on the underside of the film.

Why does water have to be sprayed onto the film even if there is already some on the window?

The water makes it easier to apply. The squeegee slides easier over the film.

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