Vehicle window perf issues

[jcskikus]

On top of everything said, placing window perf on tinted windows throws another problem in the mix. The sun that does get through the holes, reflects off the tint and hits the back of the perf, thus aging it from both sides by dual heating and uv rays. It's also why cast, calendared, and reflective age twice as fast on a tinted window than on regular glass.
As it was also mentioned, trim between .125 - .250" from the glass and put sealing tape around the perimeter.

 

[SOLO_Fab]

Hey guys I didn't want to start a new post when there are so many of the same topic. I attached a picture, sorry its low quality from the customer but I did my first perf install on a passenger side window that rolls down this last week and when I tucked the perf down into the bottom seal of the window, which was a super tight tuck, the customer has reported to me that it is already starting to peel up from that point. Also white streaks forming vertically on the graphic from the window going up and down, I assume scratching the ink. I now am realizing to cut the perf about an eighth inch from the edge or so and use edge tape which I have and will do when I replace. Question is does this require laminate since it is an operational window? Is there an easier way to tuck down into the bottom seal without it stretching out the perf ( which I think is what caused it to peel back up) if laminate is needed would a liquid laminate work and does the perf need time to set onto the window before rolling down, similar to tint? Maybe I can pop off the bottom trim for a more reliable installation down past the window seal....any advice would be appreciated...thx

 

[Think713]

Hey guys I didn't want to start a new post when there are so many of the same topic. I attached a picture, sorry its low quality from the customer but I did my first perf install on a passenger side window that rolls down this last week and when I tucked the perf down into the bottom seal of the window, which was a super tight tuck, the customer has reported to me that it is already starting to peel up from that point. Also white streaks forming vertically on the graphic from the window going up and down, I assume scratching the ink. I now am realizing to cut the perf about an eighth inch from the edge or so and use edge tape which I have and will do when I replace. Question is does this require laminate since it is an operational window? Is there an easier way to tuck down into the bottom seal without it stretching out the perf ( which I think is what caused it to peel back up) if laminate is needed would a liquid laminate work and does the perf need time to set onto the window before rolling down, similar to tint? Maybe I can pop off the bottom trim for a more reliable installation down past the window seal....any advice would be appreciated...thx

I use a liquid laminate such as frog juice and always prime the outer most edges of the glass that the perf is going to touch... youll never have this problem agian.
Frog juice does need time to dry/cure but its only about 30 minutes... your prep time for this job in any normal circumstance should give you plenty of time to use a liquid laminate... if you get a pint/quart and brush it on (with a roller for hard surfaces, the cheap ones from a hardware store are fine,) use thin layers with overlapping edges, and maybe give it an hour instead of 30 minutes, but if you just use a can, 30 mins is plenty fine... 1-2 coats is all you need... really you can get away with 1, but 2 will definitely give it some extra protection.
If you want to tuck under the seal just use some tuck tools and work the vinyl under, but you dont need to do it by much, and truthfully i just cut to the edge of the seal. its not gonna make much of a difference. I also tell clients not to put perf on windows theyre going to use. Its a hazard for this reason, and really they shouldnt be doing it. But its gonna happen with a portion of people regardless, but thats where the primer comes into play. A primer layer around the edges will help prevent this.

 

[SOLO_Fab]

I use a liquid laminate such as frog juice and always prime the outer most edges of the glass that the perf is going to touch... youll never have this problem agian.
Frog juice does need time to dry/cure but its only about 30 minutes... your prep time for this job in any normal circumstance should give you plenty of time to use a liquid laminate... if you get a pint/quart and brush it on (with a roller for hard surfaces, the cheap ones from a hardware store are fine,) use thin layers with overlapping edges, and maybe give it an hour instead of 30 minutes, but if you just use a can, 30 mins is plenty fine... 1-2 coats is all you need... really you can get away with 1, but 2 will definitely give it some extra protection.
If you want to tuck under the seal just use some tuck tools and work the vinyl under, but you dont need to do it by much, and truthfully i just cut to the edge of the seal. its not gonna make much of a difference. I also tell clients not to put perf on windows theyre going to use. Its a hazard for this reason, and really they shouldnt be doing it. But its gonna happen with a portion of people regardless, but thats where the primer comes into play. A primer layer around the edges will help prevent this.

I have heard of frog juice and also Clear Jet spray or roll on liquid laminate, just ordered the frog juice spray. When you mention primer I am still pretty new to the industry, what would you recommend? Would you use edge tape also or just frog juice and primer and call it good? thx

 

[MarkSnelling]

Is it the same window perf? Most perf is rated for 3 months... the "Higher" end pers are for 2 years... 3M is the onlyone I know of that does 5+ years. So my thoughts are, with all else being equal, maybe it was a diff brand of perf?

Continental has 2 year, 3 year, and 5 year perf options (including a new cast perf). It isn't just 3M. Contravision has premium films as well.

 

[SOLO_Fab]

Continental has 2 year, 3 year, and 5 year perf options (including a new cast perf). It isn't just 3M. Contravision has premium films as well.

If I use a spray laminate like frog juice will the window still clog up in the rain? I could add rainx to the frog juice I guess

 

[JBurton]

Continental has 2 year, 3 year, and 5 year perf options (including a new cast perf). It isn't just 3M. Contravision has premium films as well.

How much is this 5 year film?

 

[TEN]

Hey guys I didn't want to start a new post when there are so many of the same topic. I attached a picture, sorry its low quality from the customer but I did my first perf install on a passenger side window that rolls down this last week and when I tucked the perf down into the bottom seal of the window, which was a super tight tuck, the customer has reported to me that it is already starting to peel up from that point. Also white streaks forming vertically on the graphic from the window going up and down, I assume scratching the ink. I now am realizing to cut the perf about an eighth inch from the edge or so and use edge tape which I have and will do when I replace. Question is does this require laminate since it is an operational window? Is there an easier way to tuck down into the bottom seal without it stretching out the perf ( which I think is what caused it to peel back up) if laminate is needed would a liquid laminate work and does the perf need time to set onto the window before rolling down, similar to tint? Maybe I can pop off the bottom trim for a more reliable installation down past the window seal....any advice would be appreciated...thx

If you don't laminate perf, the holes will trap dirt and when it rains it is nearly impossible to see through the perf. I would completely expect perf on an operational window to become damaged. Even rear wipers will eventually damage perf on rear windows with lam. Tint is usually applied to the interior of the glass, I think most of the door's weatherstripping is on the exterior side of the glass.

 

[MarkSnelling]

How much is this 5 year film?

The cast perf is available in 70/30 and 60/40. a 54"x164' roll sells for $1889.28 list with a street price of $1760.65 being more of what you would pay. This is a 7 year outdoor performance film. They sell small test rolls that are 24"x20' for $75.00 plus shipping.

They also have what they call Panorama Green which is a PET perf available in 60/40 only . It will perform outdoors for 5 years. a 54"x100' roll sells for around $580.

Both products can print via solvent, latex, and UV.

 

[SOLO_Fab]

If you don't laminate perf, the holes will trap dirt and when it rains it is nearly impossible to see through the perf. I would completely expect perf on an operational window to become damaged. Even rear wipers will eventually damage perf on rear windows with lam. Tint is usually applied to the interior of the glass, I think most of the door's weatherstripping is on the exterior side of the glass.

I ordered optically clear lam but from what I'm hearing is that it is not recommend to install perf on operational windows? I've seen perf on operational windows but I guess you have to tell the customer that it will ruin the perf in time?

 

[MarkSnelling]

If I use a spray laminate like frog juice will the window still clog up in the rain? I could add rainx to the frog juice I guess

honestly I have no idea. I always steered clear of the spray on laminates.

 

[ikarasu]

I ordered optically clear lam but from what I'm hearing is that it is not recommend to install perf on operational windows? I've seen perf on operational windows but I guess you have to tell the customer that it will ruin the perf in time?

You can. Install it on operational windows... But it will ruin over time.

If it's a window that rolls down, make sure you cut it past the rubber seal it rolls into and squeegee it in as much as you can. That prevents the edges from getting caught on the seal and lifting prematurely.


You can also use an edge seal tape on the top of the window to wrap around and make the top last longer