Using adhesive films correctly: options, materials and applications

1 June 2026

5 min

Showroom of a car dealership featuring various adhesive films

Adhesive films are part of our everyday lives and are used in a wide variety of areas. Whether on doors, walls, floors, vehicles or glass surfaces. You making information visible, draw targeted attention and help to, Making good use of space, which would otherwise remain unused.

It is particularly in a professional context that the need often arises to, Placing content in a way that is both flexible and visually appealing, without having to resort to complex or permanent solutions. This is precisely where Adhesive films: their strengths. They can be vrelatively easy to assemble, Customise and, where required replace these again. This makes them suitable both for small, day-to-day adjustments and for larger visual concepts that span multiple surfaces.

How Adhesive films can be used in a variety of ways can, we’ve provided you with summarised in this blog post!

Depending on where they are used, the requirements for adhesive films vary significantly and should not be underestimated. Whilst simpler solutions are often sufficient for indoor use, films used outdoors must be able to withstand considerably more. Weather conditions such as sun, rain or temperature fluctuations play a major role here. Also, the Surface characteristics is crucial. A smooth glass surface presents very different challenges to a textured floor or a slightly uneven wall. That is precisely why our range includes different variants tailored to these requirements.

Standard adhesive films are suitable for many Standard applications and provide a solid basis for customisation. Adhesive letters In contrast, content is pared down to the essentials and is particularly useful where clarity and readability are paramount. This is complemented by specialised solutions such as Window films for glass surfaces, Facade films for outdoor use, robust Floor decals for high-wear areas or Backlit films, which are used in combination with light sources to highlight content particularly effectively.

Not every adhesive film is designed for the same duration of use. Particularly for seasonal promotions, events or short-term campaigns, it is important that the films can be easily removed later on. Removable adhesive films are particularly well suited to this, as they can usually be removed without leaving any residue.

Typical short-notice applications include:

Seasonal promotions
Trade fair and event advertising
Temporary notices
Changing shop window displays

For long-term applications, however, more durable materials are required. These include, for example, permanent signage, wayfinding systems or permanently installed design elements in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Adhesive films intended for long-term use are suitable for, amongst other things:

Company signage
Wayfinding systems
Facade designs
Permanent advertising spaces

Depending on the intended use, different types of film may be suitable:

Monomeric films are particularly suitable for short-term indoor applications.
Polymer films are more durable and more resistant to the effects of the weather.
PVC-free alternatives offer additional options for specific requirements.

A large Advantages of adhesive films is located in its design flexibility. Content can be customised and tailored specifically to the intended use. This involves not only colours and designs, but also shape, size and cut.

Die-cut adhesive films often look more modern than traditional rectangular formats, as they blend more harmoniously into existing surfaces. This creates a cohesive overall impression, particularly with logos or graphic elements. Adhesive letters also offer the option of presenting content in a minimalist yet clearly visible way. As they do not require a background, they appear lighter and less obtrusive – particularly on glass surfaces or in minimalist interiors.

In addition to traditional advertising and signage solutions, the company also offers specialised options such as Whiteboard films Additional design options. These are suitable, for example, for menus, notes, creative wall displays or changing information in office and catering environments.

drucks.ch tip: For more ideas for your catering business, you’ll find here All our printed products at a glance.

To ensure that adhesive films look neat and last well over the long term, it is not only the right material that matters, but also the correct assembly. However, with the right preparation, this can easily be avoided.

Step-by-step guide:

The surface should be thoroughly cleaned before application. The surface must be free from dust, grease and moisture to ensure the film adheres properly.
For smaller adhesive films, dry application is usually sufficient, whilst larger films are generally applied using the wet method. This involves lightly spraying the surface with water or a mixture of water and washing-up liquid. This makes it easier to position the film and allows air to be smoothed out more easily.
For bubble-free application, we recommend using a Squeegee. The film is pressed on step by step from the centre outwards to prevent air bubbles. This method ensures a uniform result, particularly with large-format window films or façade films.

After installation, the film should not be subjected to any pressure or cleaned for a short while to allow the adhesive to bond fully. The exact handling instructions may vary depending on the material and intended use.