Printable window films are a game-changer for businesses looking to elevate their spaces with stunning, customized designs. The digital printers that provide those services empower their clients to transform ordinary windows into vibrant displays, functional signage, or privacy solutions.
In this guide, we'll explore the different types of window films, the benefits of using them, and the latest printing technologies that make it all possible.
Table of Contents:
What Are Printable Window Films?
Tips for Large Format Printers
Choosing a Window Film Supplier
- Film Quality
- Variety of Films
- Printer Compatibility
- Reasonable Pricing
- Supplier Reputation
- Sustainability
What Are Printable Window Films?
Printable window films are thin, adhesive-backed materials that are applied to glass surfaces to enhance the aesthetic of storefronts, office spaces, and beyond. Custom designs can be printed on the films to create attention-grabbing displays, instructional signage, and inspirational decor.
Print shops stock window films in order to service a wide variety of customer requests. From optically clear full-window displays to frosted window graphics that promote privacy, printers rely on high-quality window films to produce stunning decor that is easy-to-install and built to last.
Benefits of Window Films
The benefits of using digitally printed window film are numerous, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications—from branding and decorative design to enhanced privacy.
Brand Visibility
Businesses can use digital window films as an effective branding tool. They can print promotional messages, logos, or advertisements on windows, turning them into valuable advertising space while enhancing the overall look of the storefront or office.
Unlimited Design Possibilities
Digital window films allow for limitless customization. Whether you need vibrant, high-resolution graphics, corporate logos, intricate designs, or full-color photography, digital printing technology enables you to print directly onto the film, transforming any glass surface into a canvas.
Personalized Privacy Solutions
Digital films can be printed with unique patterns, textures, or images that provide privacy and/or block out unwanted views. Custom frosted, etched, or matte finishes can provide privacy for offices, conference rooms, or other spaces without the need for expensive and permanent glass etching.
Quick Installation
Applying digital window films is generally a quick and easy process compared to installing new glass or other materials. In addition, they can be removed without leaving permanent marks, making them a low-risk investment for temporary designs or promotions.
Comparing Window Films
Next, let’s dive into the core types of window films along with some common questions about comparing materials.
Polyester vs Vinyl Window Films
Polyester window film offers several advantages over vinyl films, including better clarity and dimensional stability, ensuring a clearer, more durable finish. It is also crack-resistant in cold temperatures and shrink-resistant in heat, making it more versatile in various environmental conditions. Additionally, polyester films are easier to remove compared to vinyl films, allowing for hassle-free application changes or removal without damaging the underlying surface.
Eco-Friendly Window Films
Businesses are becoming increasingly focused on environmental stewardship. At the same time, consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions as part of their efforts to reduce their environmental impact.
There’s currently only one printable recycled window film on the market, and it’s a game-changer. These optically clear polyester printable films are made up of 80% recycled content from recycled water bottles, and they’re offered at a similar price point as our non-eco films.
Types of Printing Technology
When selecting decorative window film for use with inkjet printers, it’s important to understand the different types of printing technologies available.
UV-Curable
UV curable printing technology is highly effective for producing high-quality, durable window graphics. This process involves applying UV-curable inks onto the films using inkjet technology. The inks are then immediately cured (dried) using ultraviolet light, which causes the inks to harden instantly, ensuring vibrant, durable, and smudge-resistant prints.
This process enables high-resolution, full-color images with quick drying times, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. The UV curing also makes the prints resistant to fading, scratching, and environmental exposure, ensuring long-lasting, high-quality window graphics for a wide range of uses.
Eco-Solvent
Eco-solvent printing for window graphics involves using inkjet technology to apply eco-solvent inks onto materials like adhesive-backed vinyl films. The ink is sprayed onto the substrate, and it dries through natural evaporation rather than UV curing.
Like the UV-curable films, this method also produces high-quality and durable graphics for window decals, privacy films, and storefront displays but with the added benefit of lower VOC emissions compared to traditional solvent printing.
Latex Printing
Latex printing also utilizes inkjet technology but uses water-based inks, which are then cured with heat to create vibrant, durable prints. The heat bonding process ensures the inks dry quickly, resulting in scratch-resistant, weatherproof graphics.
Latex printing works well on a variety of substrates, including clear, frosted, and perforated vinyl films. Plus, the heat curing process makes the prints immediately dry and ready for finishing or installation, speeding up production times and reducing wait times for customers.
Tips for Large Format Printers
When it comes to large format prints, what films you use matters. Make it a point to seek out the following criteria when choosing window films for your wide format printer:
- Graffiti-Resistant & Anti-Glare Protection
- Environmentally Sustainable Recycled PET Film
- Scratch Resistant Materials
- Scratch Resistant Materials with UV Blocking
In addition to selecting the best materials, you’ll want to work with your clients to utilize these design best practices for their large format prints:
- Keep placement and perspective in mind
- Reduce the overall size of the printable graphic during the creative process
- Choose colors that stand out
- Include the company’s logo and recognizable iconography
- Select fonts for maximum impact
AI and Digital Printing
Artificial intelligence is impacting all facets of the digital printing industry, from creative design to operational efficiency. In the design process, AI helps graphic artists by creating branded elements, resizing designs, adding textures, and much more – all in mere seconds.
AI also enables clients to visualize how custom window film designs will look in their space through instant mock-ups, improving approval times.
On the operational side of things, AI-assisted systems enhance precision by adjusting settings and correcting errors in real time, leading to better print quality and reduced waste.
AI doesn’t replace the need for a human touch, but it can be a powerful tool for expediting projects, improving quality, and reducing downtime.
Choosing a Window Film Supplier
Working with the right supplier can actually improve your ROI and boost the productivity of your print service business. Consider this your checklist for selecting a window film supplier.
Film Quality
Look for high-quality films that are durable, UV resistant, and offer long-lasting performance without fading or peeling. You should also ensure that the films are scratch-resistant, especially if you're printing graphics that will be exposed to wear and tear.
Variety of Films
Look for suppliers who offer a variety of window films, such as decorative, privacy, and scratch-resistant. They should also offer their films in different finishes, including matte, gloss, and frosted.
Printer Compatibility
Ensure the film is compatible with your printing equipment and inks, such as UV, eco-solvent, or latex. Some films may require specific types of ink or curing methods.
Reasonable Pricing
Compare pricing among different suppliers to ensure you’re getting a fair price, especially for bulk purchases.
Supplier Reputation
Look for reviews from other print shop owners or businesses. Positive testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations can indicate a reliable supplier.
Sustainability
Look for suppliers who offer environmentally friendly films, such as low-VOC or recycled options.
Request a Free Swatch Book
There’s no better way to choose the best films for large format printing than to feel them in your hands. Request a free swatch book today to see all that Lintec has to offer.
