FAQ’s Contra Vision – One Way Vision Window Film
Your Questions Answered
We get many questions regarding the suitability and fitting of Contra Vision, so we asked our Sign & Display manager, Jamie Brelsford, to answer a few of the frequently asked questions we get on One Way Vision window film…
Can it be applied to the inside of windows?
“Yes. Contra Vision produce a clear window film which allows us to print your images and text in reverse so it can be seen correctly on the other side of the glass. We then back this colour print up with white ink to give the graphic good opacity. We then back this up further by printing black to attain the full one way vision performance.”
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We usually apply clear Contra Vision when windows are inaccessible or are not possible to reach from the outside. Whilst graphic opacity is better, it can sometimes be a very cost effective way of applying the film, particularly when access equipment is required in a busy environment. This example at Astra Zeneca shows how Clear Contra Vision allowed us to apply the graphic from the inside, saving the disruption to the workplace and reducing costs.”
Is Contra Vision easy to apply yourself?
“Yes, it’s relatively easy to apply small areas of window film yourself, such as A2/A1 poster sizes. However, we recommend larger areas may require our fitters to survey and install. We can usually advise in the first instance from photographs if you have any concerns. And you can always contact me jamieb@jprint.co.uk if you would like to discuss this in more detail.”
How Does One Way Window Film Work?
“One way vision film works by using perforations within the substrate. The back of the film is black, obscuring the graphic, and therefore the eye will see through the holes.” You can see a good example here on Contra Visions webpage explaining how their window film works, together with a video.
Are There Different Kinds of One Way Vision Window Film?
“Yes, though most suppliers will only offer a 40% version which may not be the best solution for your windows. It’s actually only Contra Vision (the inventors of the stuff) who offer a full range of films to suit every project. It’s one of the main reasons we changed to Contra Vision enabling us to offer one way window graphics which are suitable for every situation. These might include night time or backlit solutions, higher density graphics or short term graphic applications.”
Does the Window Film come off easily when the time comes to remove them?
“This is something I’m asked a lot and another reason we moved over to Contra Vision. The cheaper versions of one way window film are a nightmare to remove, particularly when they’ve become completely permanent after a short time. It tends to come off in shards and inevitably leaves pieces and residue on the glass. Contra Vision produce a Performance range which comes off quickly and easily. The time saved in removal is remarkable and could greatly improve appearance and labour costs when the time comes for removal of the graphic.”
Does One Way Vision Film have a Fire Rating?
“Yes, but make sure you ask for the Performance range which carries fire rating.” (All the Performance window films have a Class 0 Building regs and Class 1 BS476 pt7). “When fire rating is imperative, its always worth asking your printer to ensure a cheaper window film is not being used.”
Can it be cleaned?
“Yes, but a certain amount of common sense is needed. For instance, jet washing and aggressive detergents are not going to be ideal ways to treat your graphics. Manual cleaning with soap and water would be fine. Where there is a risk or the use of automatic cleaning, we can laminate your Contra Vision, though this is usually only necessary on vehicle graphics. Note also that your window film shouldn’t be cleaned within the first few days of installation, this is to allow adhesives to strengthen their bond.”
We’ve got anti-scratch coating on our windows – is it OK to install the film on these?
“No, windows with an additional coating may be damaged when the film is removed. If you’re unsure, we can try out patches on your windows before production, just to make sure.”
What is Contra Vision HD?
“This is the new product launched by Contra Vision recently. We’ve been able to print this and we’re very impressed. Its only available as a 40% version but using more and smaller holes. Whilst there isn’t any difference viewing through the glass, the quality of the printed graphic is amazing and we’ve started to recommend this to our clients as a premium alternative. It does cost a little more than the standard 40% but where the image quality is paramount, its definitely worth it.”
Let us know if you have any more questions regarding wall and window films. You can contact us on 01270 625207 or leave a message below. Jamie is always available to discuss the best solutions for your window or wall graphics, no matter how big or small your project is. Please get in touch for more information and advice.
Related Information
Creating One Way Vision Windows with Contra Vision
One way vision windows are a simple, cost effective solution using Contra Vision window film. We are specialists in fitting one-way window film across a variety of project types, large or small. We'll help you choose the right window film to suit your requirements, give qualified advice, and offer the very highest print quality and installation standards.
Contra Vision has many different uses. It's ability to produce stunning graphics on one side and near invisibility on the other always impresses our customers. Whether you're looking to give privacy to an office whilst still giving visibility from within, or require graphic space without affecting incoming light, our Contra Vision experts can help.
This simple fitting was carried out for a temporary office environment that required privacy. A self adhesive vinyl graphic would have blocked light and eliminated the view. And with costs very similar for print and installation, Contra Vision was the obvious choice.
How Does Contra Vision Work?
Contra Vision uses natural light to perform its trick on the eye. Holes in the Contra Vision quickly turn glazing into one way vision windows. The back of the film is usually black and in most cases is fitted to the outside of the windows. This allows the eye to see "through" the graphic from the inside but will only see the graphic from the outside. Contra Vision is supplied in many formats including 30%, 40% and 50% of hole versus substrate. This allows more or less light through, but also affects the image opacity.
The most commonly used film is the 40%, and Contra Vision have recently introduced a 40% HD version which has smaller perforations and gives the graphic unequalled print opacity. Our Sign & Display manager, Jamie Brelsford, will happily talk you through the options.
So There Are Different Kinds of Contra Vision?
There isn't one kind suits all. A 30% may be more effective than a 50% in some circumstances where the graphic is of most importance. Though there are films that give solutions to different problems.
For instance, this project for a major pharmaceutical company was produced using clear Contra Vision. And whilst production time is increased, cost of installation was dramatically reduced.
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View from walkways[/caption]
Creating one way vision windows usually means applying the window film to the glass from the outside. In this case the walkways were too high to access cost effectively so we used clear Contra Vision. Here we printed the graphic in reverse, backed it up with white ink, then printed a flood coat of black. This enabled us to adhere to the inside of the walkways rather than the outside.
The result allowed vision through the graphic from the walkways but a very visible graphic from below.
Help and Advice from Johnsons Printers
Johnsons print and install for a range of small and large projects. Whatever the size of your project, from a small retail window to a complete building wrap, you will receive the very best quality AGFA quality print. You will be fully supported before and throughout production, and we ensure a safe and professional installation.
Give the team a call or leave a message below, and our sign & display team will offer guidance and advice with your project.Wall Vinyls - Text & Logo's
We can cut your vinyl to any shape. From a simple cutter guide we can speedily cut or kiss-cut vinyl graphics to your design.
Once printed and cut, the vinyls are "weeded" to remove the unwanted vinyl. These are then placed on application paper ready for application to the walls.
Our fitting team are available to fit your graphics together with any internal or external signage.
Wallpapers and Full Wall Coverings
When you want to make a bigger impression, our full wall coverings are expertly printed on to a range of wallpapers and self-adhesive vinyls.
We can supply and install permanent and temporary vinyls, as well as clear and optically clear printed films for window graphics.
We can help with a free site survey if you need to discuss your project in more detail. Here you can talk to our installation manager who can help you all the way through design, production and installation.
Furthermore, we also match colours when they are printed on different substrates. Using six process colours, our presses amend values to match colours printed on different substrates, such as self adhesive vinyl, wallpaper, Foamex or Dibond.
See the links below for more information on all our wall, glass and floor graphics. If you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact one of the Sign & Display team on 01270 625207.- Full measure up
- Design and creative
- Stunning print quality
- Professional and experienced installation
Custom Wallpaper Printing
Our experienced staff will manage your home or office décor from start to finish. We'll visit you to take measurements and discuss design ideas. We'll also make sure your walls are suitable and offer a visual of how your wall will look before any printing takes place, just to make sure you're happy with the design.
It doesn't matter how big or small your project is. We print and install wall coverings for both corporate and home environments. Our professional service, ensures a complete service from start to finish.
High Quality Printed Wallpaper
Johnsons guarantee the highest possible print quality. Our investment in printing presses and image workflow solutions means we can offer stunning image quality, consistent colour output to give a superb result on all our wall coverings and wide format graphics.
Our quest to create stunning images and print quality starts with the artwork. We ensure that everything is presented to the printing press at high resolution. Our pre-press team work to make sure your wallpaper will print correctly. Furthermore, we'll let you know and proof back if things don't quite look up to scratch. We work with designers to ensure a high quality solution for all our bespoke wallpaper and wall covering graphics.
Custom Wallpaper Printing in Cheshire
Based across two print hubs in Cheshire, Johnsons in Nantwich produce high quality digital and litho print work, whilst our Crewe printing hub prints the large format work. Our specialism in printing bespoke wallpaper has been gained due to our high quality printing presses and the experience of our staff. Production and installation staff work closely together to ensure a smooth transition from artwork to reality. You would have your own installation manager who looks after your job from design through to installation.
Give the team a call to find out more, or contact Jamie Brelsford on Jamieb@jprint.co.uk to discuss your requirements in a bit more detail.Wooden Totem/Monolith signs
We designed the wooden monolith and all the wooden signs into kit form. This is so the signage could be put together on site in minimal time, and with relative ease. We have since produced a similar kit for another sign company who required wooden monolith signs of their own.
However, this signage also included overhanging tray signs cut into the timber, together with laser cut acrylic lettering. (Some of the strokes on the text were cut as fine as 2mm). And some of the text needed to be applied direct to the timber facia.
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The wooden monoliths in kit form[/caption]
Which Wood is Used on the Monolith?
Our client requested an Oak finish on the signs. We were able to create a similar colour and grain to Oak, from Idigbo. This timber is very stable and is hard enough to take fixings extremely well. Although the Idigbo doesn't necessarily need to be treated, though it does add to its durability and stability if a coating is added. Call us to discuss which treatment is best for your wooden signage.Double sided wooden monolith signs
Although both monolith signs were double sided, we also crafted a single sided version of the signs which could be attached to railings. Because this was a single sided wooden sign, the fixtures were finished on the back to a high standard, and painted to match the railings.
All the signs were finished with a timber capping to add further protection to the sign. Each sign being finished to the highest standards. The finishing includes Oak pellets to hide any fixing heads as well as apexed caps to enhance drainage.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch regarding any wooden signage, no matter how big or small the project.
You can call 01260 625207 or leave a message in the form below, we'll be in touch with you as quickly as possible.
Office Branding
Our experience in creating exceptional office branding enables you to create the office environment you want. We'll take care of everything from start to finish and make your ideas work from print through to installation and beyond.
Your office branding project may be large or small, but the attention to its quality and detail will be prevalent throughout our production and installation processes.
Get in touch for a free site survey and consultation where you can discuss your ideas. Speak to project manager Jamie Brelsford on 01270 625207 or email sales@jprint.co.uk
Our Office Branding Services Include:
- Print and sampling
- Site Surveys
- Bespoke wallpapers
- Dry wipe and Magnetic wall coverings
- Office Wall Vinyls
- Printed Window graphics
- Floor Graphics
- Directional Signage
- Office accessories
- Comprehensive Installation Services
- Risk Assessment and Method Statements
From Design to Installation
[caption id="attachment_656" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Dry wipe and magnetic wall covering.[/caption]
We work with companies and organisations of all sizes, including some of the largest design agencies to create fantastic wall art, wallpapers, signage and accessories. This may start with an initial site survey to discuss ideas, measure-up and check all installation possibilities.
If you need ideas, we can show you examples of past jobs or we can create visuals to show you how your office could look. We can also show you samples of the different substrates available from window vinyl films, acrylics or printed fabrics.
When your artwork is ready for production, we'll ensure accurate colour matching and the highest possible quality print and production, ready for installation and fitting.
Installation of Office Vinyls and Wallpaper
[caption id="attachment_660" align="alignleft" width="146"]
Installing dry wipe and magnetic walls[/caption]
If you need help with a small vinyl or the largest wallpaper graphics, our installation team have the experience to create professional office spaces. And where required, we will produce a risk assessment and method statement for the project, no matter how big or small the job is.
We'll work with you to ensure a swift and safe installation. If that means working when you're closed we will, anything to make it easier for you and your workplace.
All office branding needs care and attention during the installation and we pride ourselves in creating a professional service in a swift and safe manner.