Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Window Film

When it comes to window films, there are a few different ways to get them to stick to your window. In this article, we’re going to talk about pressure sensitive adhesive window films. We’ll cover what they are, how they are different from other options, and how to best work with pressure sensitive adhesives.

Types of Window Film Adhesive

A pressure sensitive adhesive window film is made with an adhesive meant to be permanently adhered to the window. It is one of two common permanent adhesives, the other being a water-activated or dry adhesive.

The other way window film can be installed on a window is temporarily through what is commonly called static cling. These films are very different from permanent window films (a different material for the film is used) and are considered more of a decorative or DIY film type than a professional-grade window film.

You can read more about the three types of window film adhesive here.

What is a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Window Film

So, what is a pressure sensitive adhesive? In short, it is an adhesive that, when exposed, is sticky to the touch, much like the sticky side of a piece of cellophane tape.

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Definition

From 3M’s website, “According to the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council, three characteristics define a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA):

1. Permanent tack
2. Adhesion with light pressure
3. No liquid-to-solid phase change

Unlike liquid adhesives, the chemistry in a tape is provided fully cured so there is no additional curing that takes place to form a bond. The bond is created by using mechanical interlocking and electrostatic interactions at the interface.”

Features of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Window Film

Pressure sensitive adhesive window films are common, and we sell films with a pressure sensitive adhesive at Concord Window Film. So important features of PSA films:

• When you remove the liner, the adhesive side of the film will be sticky to the touch and will adhere to whatever it touches. Extra care should be taken when handling the film.
• Even though a pressure sensitive adhesive film doesn’t need water to activate the adhesive, we still follow the same installation instructions as with our dry adhesive. Spraying the adhesive side with the installation solution prevents it from sticking prematurely to itself or other objects. And it allows you time to position the film on the window before the film adheres.
• Pressure sensitive adhesive window film doesn’t require as long of a curing time as dry adhesive window films do.
• Pressure sensitive adhesive window film is typically less expensive than dry adhesive because PSA is a less expensive adhesive option.

Our Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Window Film

By now you might be wondering what pressure sensitive adhesive window film we carry. The answer is all of our non ComforTech™ Ceramic Series films have a pressure sensitive adhesive. These include:

• Matte White Privacy Film
• Silver 15 Reflective Film
• Clear UV Film
• 4 MIL Safety Film

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Window Film Summary

Window films with a pressure sensitive adhesive are very common. PSA is used in some professional grade solar control window films and most decorative window films.

Pressure sensitive window film should be installed the same way as dry adhesive window film, but extra care should be taken when removing the liner to limit contact with the adhesive side of the film because it will be sticky and want to adhere to things.

Finally, pressure sensitive window film is typically a less expensive option because PSAs are less expensive than their dry adhesive counterparts. Concord Window Film offers several professional-grade films with pressure sensitive adhesives.

If you have any questions about our film or how it works, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected], by calling 888-206-1413 or by chatting with us from the website using the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the site. We look forward to assisting you!