Vehicle window perf issues

[Copierguy]

We have done vehicle window perf in the past and never had this issue before. Anyone ever have this issue before? This vehicle was wrapped in the end of 2023. A vehicle that we wrapped for the same company that was wrapped a few months prior to this looks like the perf was just put on. No issues.

 

[Graphic Extremes]

Do they pressure wash the vehicle, maybe automatic car wash problem

 

[Copierguy]

Do they pressure wash the vehicle, maybe automatic car wash problem

Possibilty, may have to ask the customer that question

 

[unclebun]

Could be different storage conditions, one kept in a garage the other outside. That said, check what the manufacturer of the perf says is the life of the material. Most say the maximum life is 2 years anyway.

 

[Geneva Olson]

looks like the perf was laminated. did it have the correct laminate to it?.

 

[ikarasu]

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?

 

[Boudica]

Do they pressure wash the vehicle, maybe automatic car wash problem

This was my very first thought

 

[MikePro]

looks like the finished cut is bridged-over that lip that caps the glass.
even if applied perfectly, its still just fingers stretched over this gap and moisture ran down that line (possibly froze, possibly incl. salt/brine from winter roads) and it just started working itself away from the edge from sun/wind/wash exposure.

 

[QMLS]

Continental Grafix has a new cast window perf that may solve your issue. They also have a window perf with a high tack adhesive. Either product may help you out. https://cgxusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TS_panoRama_Cast-1530C-1540C_F.pdf

 

[MelloImagingTechnologies]

Looks like it was laminated with inexpensive Lam that shrunk.
2 rules
1) dont lam perf (unless it’s bus windows people need to see through in the rain)
2) if you have to, use optically clear cast lam
Bruce

 

[rydods]

Did you edge seal with tape? Around the darker printed sections, the ink is more concentrated and it's also along the top edge which gets more of the rain/sun. Looks like it started to curl back and someone took the liberty of ripping off the peeling sections. We edge seal all window perf now just for insurance.

 

[TEN]

Trim the perf .125 - .25" away from the edges and use edge seal tape on the edges. This is the only way I have found to make sure the edges don't lift. I have installed it all of the ways and sometimes there are no issues and other times edges lift. Using edge seal tape around the perimeter is the only way I have found to make sure there will not be future issues.

 

[MarkSnelling]

Perf comes in a few forms:
Monomeric (cheap) perf used to be rated for 1 year but now everyone who makes it claims two years. I believe they do that mostly betting on the fact people won't bitch if it doesn't go for 2 years. This product is cheap and great for shorter term perf applications. As most of you know, it is an absolute bitch to remove after 6 months as it will break into tiny aggravating slivers at removal time.

Polymeric perf is usually rate for 3 years of performance. It costs about double and even after years of application, it will remove in much larger pieces.

PET and cast perf can perform for 5 years....also removes much easier.

learn more at www.cgxusa.com and you can study the Panorama One (monomeric), Innova (polymeric), PET (green), and cast. The same is true at Contravision....their Campaign is a shorter term and their Performance is their long term.

 

[jfiscus]

I would be willing to bet that they just accidentally printed onto temporary window perf. Most rolls we have here are NOT marked in the core as to what they are, and if you don't do a GREAT job of marking them yourself and keeping track of which is which, it is VERY easy to print onto the wrong perf.
Definitely trim back and edge seal ALWAYS on all perf.
If you're interested in decently priced quality perf, check out ContraVision.

 

[Think713]

We have done vehicle window perf in the past and never had this issue before. Anyone ever have this issue before? This vehicle was wrapped in the end of 2023. A vehicle that we wrapped for the same company that was wrapped a few months prior to this looks like the perf was just put on. No issues.
View attachment 177217 View attachment 177218 View attachment 177219

When i do perf applications I always use a liquid laminate, and I prime the edges of windows. This will completely eliminate this problem. Also make sure they arent pressure washing the vehicle or using any wax washes when they clean them prior. Sometimes the windows get less attention than the body during prep.

 

[Think713]

Looks like it was laminated with inexpensive Lam that shrunk.
2 rules
1) dont lam perf (unless it’s bus windows people need to see through in the rain)
2) if you have to, use optically clear cast lam
Bruce

I use a liquid laminate. Never had issues.

 

[JBurton]

My vote is for the wrong laminate was used. That coupled with the not fully stuck edges that are held up by the rubber.

 

[Modern Ink Signs]

I’ve never seen perf that bad.

Looks like it has shrunk AND other damage (possibly car wash?)

Also looks like no edge seal tape was used…..which is a must on vehicles.

 

[Bonzai901]

I don't think it was car washed but could be that either the window perf vinyl, usually react more to the temperature, did the same person installed? what I found trough the years is to not apply any heat to the window perf when installing and also use 3M primer 64 with a cute-tip on the edges all around (about 1/8 or a 1/4 wide) let it dry and apply a second coat, what the primer does is hold the vinyl down and keeps the water out which is usually how it starts to curl, I installed o lot of windows with great results lasting for years with no problem, and also I don't use optical clear lamination but the same Avery lam used for wraps, I can't remember the number but that's what I use because we had problems using different brands of optical lam.

 

[tulsagraphics]

I don't think it was car washed but could be that either the window perf vinyl, usually react more to the temperature, did the same person installed? what I found trough the years is to not apply any heat to the window perf when installing and also use 3M primer 64 with a cute-tip on the edges all around (about 1/8 or a 1/4 wide) let it dry and apply a second coat, what the primer does is hold the vinyl down and keeps the water out which is usually how it starts to curl, I installed o lot of windows with great results lasting for years with no problem, and also I don't use optical clear lamination but the same Avery lam used for wraps, I can't remember the number but that's what I use because we had problems using different brands of optical lam.

Make sure the print has fully outgassed (then add a few days for good measure. I don't trust your print profile. lol). Clean the piss out of the glass. Primer 94 (1/2" wide) at optimal tack-- maybe 10-20 minutes wait time. Install perf to the edges - dig that squeegee in there! Let the primer cure a bit. Trim back a 1/4-1/2". Then edge lam. That's as good as it gets. It's a bit of a thankless process, but will get you the best durability.