Vehicle warning marking Type III (retro-reflective)

Step 1: Film sectioning

• Vinyl-based, reflective film that optimally adapts to curved contours and surfaces (surfaces with bends in two directions)


• However, the film should only be used in one piece on slight bends and curvatures


• For more complex curvatures, it is recommended to split the film into smaller segments. These smaller segments should be joined together one after the other, and they should not overlap. This creates the visual impression of a coherent, one-piece graphic.

Step 2: Cuts

• Can be easily cut with a sharp knife or rotary cutter


• When using a knife, it should be at a 45° angle to the surface. This creates a slightly tapered edge. This prevents the film from peeling off during washing or high-pressure cleaning.


• Cutting the film when it is already attached to the vehicle is not recommended


• When cutting with a cutter, less pressure is typically required than with other vehicle films


• No edge sealing is necessary as the material does not have an open cell structure


• Film corners and the tips of the chevron markings should be rounded off if possible. This improves the appearance and minimises the risk of the film corners peeling off when using car washes or high-pressure cleaners. The recommended minimum radius is 5 mm.


• The material must not be applied around corners and edges (e.g. door edges, wheel arches etc.) and must be cut 6 mm from the edge

Step 3: Preparing the base

• It is the buyer's responsibility to verify the suitability of the product for its intended use


• A preliminary test of the base material for sufficient adhesion properties and material compatibility is imperative

Step 4: Surface cleaning

• It is essential that the application surface is smooth, clean and dry. To achieve a strong and lasting bond, all contaminants must be removed.


• The vehicle must be cleaned in a car wash before the adhesion (do not hand wash). Select a wash programme without wax treatment and nano sealing.


• The surface must be thoroughly cleaned of all lubricants, waxes, polishes, road contaminates and other materials that could impair the adhesive strength. An IPA cleaner is recommended for cleaning. Do not use spirit. Use a clean cloth soaked in the cleaner to rub the surface in one direction to avoid spreading any contamination.

Step 5: Application temperature

• Ensure that the warning tape is only applied in rooms that are clean, dust-free and bright


• The vehicle surface to which the reflective film is to be applied must be between 21 °C and 23 °C


• The recommended application temperature is between 15 °C and 28 °C


• Both the base material and the film must be at an optimal temperature


• In cold climatic conditions, the surfaces should be warmed to achieve an optimal temperature for the base material


• Film application in hot climates can lead to increased film stretching

Step 6: Film application

• Important! The side of the film coated with the adhesive must not be touched during the film application.


• Position the film cut to be applied with the masking film still attached and secure it with tape


• Place the tape at the top end of the film so that one half of the tape strip is on the film segment and the other half is adhered to the vehicle surface


• The tape helps to securely suspend the film during the application process


• Ensure that the film cut is in exactly the desired position


• Important! If the film cut needs to be realigned, this should be done carefully. Pull the film off slowly at a 90° angle. Pulling too forcefully or too quickly can stretch the film and damage the reflective layer.


• Remove the masking film and smooth the film onto the vehicle


• The adhesive surface of the film must not be touched during the film application, especially the corners and edges


• Now remove the tape and smooth out all the edges again

Acting time

• Before using the vehicle, ensure that the film is left for a minimum of 24 hours at an ambient temperature of 15 °C to 38 °C to achieve proper adhesion between the base material and the film

Care instructions

• The reflective warning film may be cleaned with brushes, cloths or sponges, soapy water or a mild cleaning agent and then rinsed with clean water.


• When using a car wash or a standard high-pressure cleaner, observe the following instructions: Maximum pressure: 1,200 PSI/80 bar, maximum temperature of the water/cleaning solution: 60 ˚C, use a 40˚ conical nozzle, cleaning brushes or steel cleaners must not be held at a > 45˚ angle to the warning tape surface, the cleaning nozzle must be held at least 60 cm away from the material


• When using cleaning agents/degreasers, ensure that the product is suitable for vehicles and follow the manufacturer's instructions for thinners


• The vehicle must be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning


• Allowing the cleaning agents/degreasers to act for too long may, under certain circumstances, lead to deterioration of the material


• Extended action time in conjunction with sunlight may exacerbate deterioration caused by cleaning agents/degreasers


• Solvents must not be used to clean the film as these may damage the product


• If soap and cleaning agents do not produce satisfactory results, the film can be gently rubbed with a cloth soaked in isopropanol to remove any dirt


• Organic or citrus-based cleaning agents and polishing waxes can cause irreversible discolouration and stains on the product, particularly with fluorescent colours


• All cleaning agents should be tested beforehand on a sample strip or inconspicuous area of the product for material compatibility


• Important! The end user must check the suitability of the intended care and cleaning process.

Distance

• The film should be peeled off slowly at a 90° angle


• If the angle is larger or smaller, the risk of the adhesive on the film sticking to the application surface is increased


• At temperatures below approx. 18 °C, there is a higher risk of the adhesive transferring from the film to the application surface, e.g. onto painted metal. In these cases, it is recommended to carefully heat the adhesive with a heat gun.


• The optimal temperature is 35 °C. The adhesive softens and becomes less aggressive. Heat the affected area in a circular motion. Avoid directing the heat onto one spot for too long. The adhesive could melt, detach from the film and possibly damage the paint underneath.


• Note: Removal at higher temperatures can cause the adhesive to stick to the application surface


• After heating the surface, use a wooden applicator or similar non-scratch applicator to carefully lift the film edge


• The film can now be slowly peeled off


• After removing the film, adhesive residue may stick to the application surface


• The adhesive residue can usually be removed using packaging or adhesive tape, the residue will lift off by repeatedly pressing the adhesive tape surface against it


• Adhesive residue can also be removed with a solvent-based cleaning agent or an adhesive remover


• Before use, read the respective manufacturer's material safety data sheets and test the surface in an inconspicuous area for compatibility


• Due to the wide variety of paint finishes and base materials, complete removal of the film from the surface cannot be guaranteed