Frosted glass vinyl on glass surfaces – Professional wet bonding
Frosted glass vinyl on glass surfaces – Professional wet application (without heat)
Frosted glass films are ideal for privacy, branding, and light diffusion on glass surfaces. The wet method ensures precise positioning, facilitates bubble-free installation, and guarantees a professional end result.
Required tools & materials
- Frosted glass vinyl film (cut to size, with backing paper)
- Professional squeegee with felt edge (available in our shop)
- Spray bottle with application fluid (see recipe)
- Microfiber cloths (lint-free)
- Tape measure, fine marker, sharp knife & metal rail
- Optional: weak adhesive painter's tape for positioning
Environmental conditions
- Temperature: 15–25 °C. No direct sunlight, no heated glass.
- Surface: Smooth, non-porous glass only. Any silicone residue, adhesive, or paint splashes must be removed.
- Curing: Final adhesion after 24–48 hours (depending on film, temperature and humidity).
Application fluid (soapy water mix)
- 1 liter of clean water
- 2–3 drops of mild, unscented dishwashing liquid (~0.2–0.3%)
Shake the bottle gently. Too much detergent reduces adhesion and increases drying time.
Step 1 – Clean & degrease the glass
- Clean the glass thoroughly with water and a little soap.
- Remove stubborn residues (glue, paint) with a fresh plastic scraper.
- Dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
- Finally, wipe with clean water to remove soap residue.
Important: Do not use glass cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol – they can leave residue.
Step 2 – Cutting & dry fitting
- Take glass measurements and cut the film with a 5–10 mm overhang (cut flush later).
- Apply test strips, check coverage, and mark with adhesive tape if necessary.
Step 3 – Moisten the glass and adhesive side
- Spray the glass generously with application fluid.
- Peel off the backing paper from the film and also lightly moisten the adhesive side.
- Only handle the edges, do not touch the adhesive.
Step 4 – Position & Align
- Place the wet adhesive side on the wet glass – the film “floats” and can be moved.
- Align precisely using markings or frame edges.
- Keep the film flat and straight, do not stretch it.
Step 5 – Squeegee technique (center → edges)
- Start in the middle and apply firm pressure in overlapping strips outwards.
- Work a cross pattern: center → top, center → bottom, then center → sides.
- Hold the squeegee at an angle of approximately 45°, slightly overlapping each strip.
- Regularly clean the squeegee edge and maintain even pressure.
- Finally, squeegee along all edges with additional pressure.
Step 6 – Crop & secure the edge
- Cut flush with the frame using a fresh blade and metal rail (light pressure).
- Finally, press the edges down again with a squeegee.
Step 7 – Drying phase
- Do not clean or tape during the first 24–48 hours.
- A slight grey haze or microbubbles are normal and will disappear when the product dries.
- Keep room temperature constant, gentle ventilation supports the process.
Care & Maintenance
- Clean with water and a microfiber cloth.
- Do not use abrasives, cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia.
- In wet areas (e.g. bathrooms) check edges regularly and re-squeegee if necessary.
Troubleshooting
- Stubborn bubbles (air, not water): Lift the edge of the film slightly, re-wet the area and squeegee cleanly.
- Edge lifting: Usually caused by soap residue or insufficient pressure → clean glass edges more thoroughly, press harder.
- Silvering (fine micro-air channels): Normal immediately after application; disappears upon drying. If it persists, improve the squeegee technique.