Thermo-adhesive film: how to use it correctly

Nowadays, there are many different materials that can be used both in decorating rooms, and for decorating various items. These include a hot-melt film. How to use it correctly, this article will tell.

Where is the hot-melt film used

A glue film is also called a self-adhesive film. The thing is that a special adhesive composition is applied on its back, which allows it to adhere to various surfaces. The feature of the film is that under the influence of high temperature it perfectly fits all the irregularities and angles of the object to which it is applied.

This material has found wide application in various fields. From it, prints for T-shirts and other clothes are made. Self-adhesive film is used as covers for textbooks. There are also materials that are glued to the furniture. Usually such a film is sold in rolls in construction stores.

Another useful quality is water resistance, which is manifested by a hot-melt film. Its use protects objects from moisture.

Films can be of different colors and thickness. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should find out the characteristics of different types of material or consult the seller.

What you need to work with film

So, you already have a hot-melt film. How to use this material and what tools do you need?

In fact, there is nothing difficult with film. The main thing is not to hurry up and do everything neatly. Everyone can cope with this task. Prepare the following items for work:

• The film itself;
• A pen or a simple pencil;
• Ruler;
• Sharp scissors;
• Stationery knife ;
• Soft matter for smoothing the film;
• Building hair dryer.

Usually these tools are enough. However, sometimes you can also use wallpaper paste. It is necessary in those cases when it is necessary to cover curvilinear surfaces.

Preparatory work

First, prepare the surface on which you are going to glue the film. To do this, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. You can make it a dishwashing detergent.

Uneven surface is recommended to be covered with a primer. After that, it should be dried and sanded, because it is on the smooth surface that the hot-melt film is best laid. How to use it, continue to talk in stages later.

When gluing a film on glass or metal, they should be moistened with a small amount of water beforehand. This will ensure a better fit of the material to the surface.

When the preparatory work is finished, you can start working with the film itself. To do this, you need to cut out the fragments of the desired size from it.

We cut the film

Often on the reverse side of the self-adhesive film is applied a centimeter grid. This is done in order to facilitate the cutting of the material. If you need a piece of film of a rectangular shape, simply scale the size on the reverse side. Be sure to add on each side for 2 cm more stock. Take the scissors in your hands and cut the material along the lines located on the paper layer.

With a fragment of the curvilinear form, you have to ponder longer. First you need to draw a part on the back of the film, and then start to cut. Hurry here is the main enemy, so work carefully and do not get distracted.

If the film has a pattern with rapport, cut it on the front side.

Thermo-adhesive film: how to glue

Adhesion of the film is the most important moment in the whole work. It is advisable to do this not alone, but to ask someone to help you.

First, we will study the recommendations that explain how the hot-melt film works. The instruction is usually displayed on the reverse side. It can be a step-by-step description of the work or detailed pictures.

Place the sheet of film on a flat surface and turn it over. We will glue the film step by step. First of all, you need to separate the material from the paper layer by about 5 cm. Then apply this edge to the surface and carry it from above with your hand. After making sure that the film keeps well, gradually remove the paper and apply the material to the entire surface.

If you remove the paper layer at once, the film can stick together. It will not be able to tear it off, and the material will be spoiled.

Now you need to remove all the air bubbles that have accumulated between the film and the surface. To do this, take a rag and guide it from the center to the edges. In some cases, you can pierce the bubble with a needle and release air.

It happens, when the surface is uneven, but it is necessary that the film is fully coated with a hot-melt film. In this case, the use of a hair dryer is simply irreplaceable. Turn it on and wait for it to warm up. When hot air comes out of it, put the hair dryer on the film. Under the influence of high temperature it will become elastic and will cover all irregularities and angles.

How to care for a film

Above was told about the remarkable qualities of such material as a hot-melt film. How to use it, we already know. Let's talk now, how to take care of it, so that it retains its original appearance for a long time.

There are no special rules for the care of the film. It is enough to periodically wipe it with warm water with a small amount of non-aggressive detergent. Mud stains that are difficult to remove can be removed with ethyl alcohol.

Do not wipe the film with fabrics that can scratch it, and also use it when cleaning with gasoline and solvent.

Over time, the edges of the film can begin to retreat. You can glue them with simple wallpaper glue. To do this, apply a small amount of it on a thin strip of cardboard and pat them with film edges. After that, iron the surface with a rag. For a larger effect, you can wrap a solid, even object in the fabric.

Here, in principle, and all that is necessary to know about this material. To repair or renovate the old furniture you will help film hot-melt. How to use it? Yes, it's very simple. Try it and you will see for yourself.