F&Q's about Graphics

Q. Are the graphics easily removable, and will the removal process damage the paintwork ?
A. The graphics are easily removable using a hairdryer to loosen the adhesive, and time and patience. A slight amount of sticky residue may remain,
which is easily removed with a small amount of glue remover.

Q. Can I go through a car wash/pressure wash?
A. Do not use a car wash immediately after installing your graphics. Whilst your graphics, once completely adhered to the car, will not move until you want to remove them, edges, small points and tips are liable to lifting in a car wash and even a hand wash if care is not taken.

Q. Will the graphics damage my paintwork?
A. Vinyl graphics will not damage your cars surface in any way. If the graphics are subject to direct sunlight for several years then you may see a difference in colour where the graphic was when you come to remove it. This takes several years and will vary from car to car.

Q. I’ve just had my car spray painted, how long should I wait before I install my graphics?
A. You should check directly with the body shop that painted the vehicle to see what ‘curing’ time they recommend.

Q. Do you make custom vinyl decals?
A. Yes, we specialize in personalized car graphics and lettering. We can create or recreate a design for you in either single colour vinyl or printed digital vinyl.

Q. Can I place my order over the phone instead of on line?
A. Yes, if you would rather order over the phone, please contact us on 0191 534 6295 and a member of our team will be glad to take your order. Please have all your order information ready such as decal you want to order, size, quantity etc, we can also give you a quotation too.

Q.Can Autographics make a kit I have designed?
A.Yes, we can make a kit that you have designed. Simply call and tell us your ideas or you can e-mail an image to us along with a description of how you would like the graphic to be designed. We will make your design and then send you a proof copy for your approval before cutting.

Q. Is it for outside of window or inside?
A. These car decals are made for outdoor use, which mean even if you wash your car/surface or have it exposed to the outdoor weather, it won't fade, tear or come off the surface for years when applied properly! You can however to place it inside if you wish, just ask us to reverse the image for you so it looks right from the outside.

Q. Is there a background color?
A. The decal is different than a regular sticker, it doesn't have a rectangular border around it. The design is computer cut out, so only the design you see here is the decal, the background you see here is whatever color the surface you are applying the decal on.

Q. Can the decals go over rivets or molding?
A. Yes, we use durable cast vinyl, which can be molded around unsmooth and uneven surfaces. However, installing vinyl over rivets or molding does require more time.

Q. Can the decals be clear coated over?
A. Yes, although it is not necessary. We use premium cast vinyl that will last for years without being clear coated. If you do choose to clear coat over the decals, make sure you use a decal friendly clear coat.

Q. Do you offer multicolored graphics?
A. Yes. Multicolored graphics are available for most designs for an additional charge.

Q. None of the above answers my question?
A. If none of the above questions and answers can resolve your enquiry then feel free to e mail us or contact us via the chat facility. Tell us what your question is and we will reply as soon as possible.

FAQ's for window films including window tinting

Q. What is window film?
A. The vast majority of window films are made up of several layers, which will nearly always include a polyester ‘base’ sandwiched between a scratch-resistant coating (SR) and adhesive systems, which adheres the film to glass.  Depending on the film type, there may also be metalized and dyed laminates.

Q. What are they for?
A. Films can broadly be divided into 4 types: solar control, safety/security, automotive and privacy.  Advances in manufacturing techniques now allows for 2 or more of these types to be combined into one film.

SOLAR CONTROL films are designed to reduce incoming solar heat, glare and ultra violet (UV).  They are available in many colours and tend to have 3 or 4 ‘strengths’ per range- from high-reflective to very light.  Solar films can totally transform a building by giving it a uniform colour and hiding untidy looking office environments- such as the backs of work desks, wiring, etc.  Many buildings can benefit financially from an application of solar control film in the form of reduced air-conditioning costs.

SAFETY/SECURITY films range from 50 microns to 350 microns and more.  They are extremely tough and hold glass together in the event of accidental or malicious impact.  Safety/security films are used extensively in commercial buildings to bring glazing up to current British and European safety standards.  The heavier gauge films are often specified in high-risk areas such as banks and government buildings.  They resist unwanted entry and protect occupants from terrorist and accidental explosions.

An increasing number of motorists are benefiting from AUTOMOTIVE tints applied to their vehicles.  Besides improving a vehicles appearance, automotive films can significantly reduce incoming solar heat- making it more comfortable for passengers and reducing fuel bills by lowering a/c usage.  By virtually eliminating UV, your vehicles interior will look better for longer.  Also, a dark tint to the rear of your vehicle will distract unwanted eyes on the contents of your rear seats or boot space.  Automotive films are also available in safety/security versions, creating a safer environment for you and your passengers.

From totally opaque to a light sand-blasted appearance and available in every colour imaginable, PRIVACY films offer an attractive, cost effective solution for creating privacy or hiding areas of a building.  Typical applications include cloakroom privacy, hiding curtain-walling behind large panes of glass and creating private areas within office environments.
 
Q. How are they applied?
A. Films are applied with a mild soap/water solution and squeegeed onto glass after removing the backing sheet.  Whilst small applications are possible by any keen DIYer or tradesman, we would certainly recommend employing us for larger applications or areas where a quality finish is vital- such as retail or modern office areas.  We do not recommend any DIY automotive applications.

Q.I think I need a solar film but don’t want a mirrored look.
A. Whilst a silver solar film can make a building look very modern it would not suit a domestic application or an old, historic building.  However, there are several neutral films available which can give maximum protection yet are hardly noticeable.

Q. How long will it last?
A. Window films are extremely durable and typically last 5-10 years and more, depending on where they are applied.  There are documented cases of films lasting 22 years.

Q.What happens if I want it removed?
A.No problem.  The film itself can be pulled from the glass which will generally leave adhesive residue on the glass.  This is removed by spraying with soapy water and using a razor-scraper.  No need for any over-powering adhesive removers.

Q. Can I clean the window after a film is applied?
A.Yes, using a soft, clean cloth or paper towel to clean and the same or a rubber squeegee to dry.  Use mild detergent or every-day glass cleaning solutions.  Basically, avoid using abrasive tools and chemicals.

Q. Will Safety And Security Window Films Stop A Bullet?
A. No blanket statement can be made about this. There are many reported instances where this has occurred, but the ballistic variables are too numerous to allow generalizations. The size, shape, mass, velocity, and trajectory of the bullet as well as the composition of glass on which it is installed make it dangerous to make any precise, warrantable claims. Generally, smaller caliber bullets can be, in differing circumstances, deflected, slowed, and occasionally stopped altogether. But no film company in the industry is yet justified in making warranted statements about their films being "bullet-proof" or even "bullet-resistant," until such time as fully defined criteria and controlled tests are in place that are nationally or internationally recognized. However, we do know that specified films on glass provide substantial penetration resistance, safety hazard mitigation, and a persistent weather seal in simulated events and controlled tests with hurled bricks, rocks, crowbars, hammers, bomb blasts, shotgun blasts, seismic events, and wind borne debris.

Q. How Much UV Protection Will Solar Film Provide?
A. In both automotive and architectural applications, solar films can reduce harmful ultraviolet rays by 96 to 99.9 percent, depending upon the specific film. Many films will additionally reduce glare by over 90% and reduce solar heat gain by 77%.

Q. Will Films Distort My Vision While Looking Out Of The Window?
A. Professionally installed films are virtually undetectable after the installation and curing period and are extremely optically clear. Most architectural films are bonded to the glass with a special mounting adhesive called "CDF," meaning "clear, distortion-free." Most users will agree that visual acuity is often increased with film because glare is reduced, greatly reducing eyestrain.

Q. I Often See Purple Bubbling Window Film On Cars. Will Your Film Do This Over Time?
A. No. Purple, bubbling film is a sign of a very low grade window film whose mounting adhesive and dye components have broken down. Our films are warranted against this, using more stable and advanced dye chemistries and/or permanent metal layers that do not discolor over time. HPR adhesive is known world-wide for its strength, durability, and optical clarity. Paradoxically, it seems that only poor quality films are noticed, and high quality, professional installations go unnoticed, perceived as mere "factory-tinted glass." All films come with a factory-backed warranty when installed by us.