Product & Instruction Bulletin RPF
Release B, Effective October 2008
See Bulletin Change Summary on last page.
Vikuiti™ Rear Projection Film
Preparing the Application Surface and Installing the
Film
Recommended Use
Vikuiti rear projection film is designed to be applied to transparent surfaces
for use as a rear projection screen. The film provides excellent contrast
and color at all viewing angles under a variety of lighting conditions. The
film is self-adhesive and is easy to apply and remove. The film can be cut
into any shape or integrated with other graphics for a compelling visual
display.
Limitations of End
Uses
• Each user must determine if this product meets the specific needs of
their particular application.
• Rear projection film is not designed or recommended for application to
vehicles, compound curves, textured, rough or ribbed surfaces or to any
outdoor surfaces.
• Although rear projection film is removable, it cannot be removed from a
surface and reapplied.
Characteristics
3M Basic Product
Warranty
Characteristic
Value
Film
Optical and adhesive layers plus liner
Color
Black
Thickness
11.8 mil (0.3 mm) without liner; (19.7 mil) 0.5 mm
with liner
Weight
38 grams/square foot (0.4 kg/square meter)
without liner, approximate
Adhesive
Positionable, pressure-activated, removable
Liner
Polyethylene coated paper; allows kiss cutting
Application surfaces
Glass, rigid acrylic sheeting, rigid polycarbonate
Applied shrinkage
Up to 0.03 inches (0.89 mm), typical
Removal
Removes without heat or chemicals with little or no
adhesive residue
This product has been tested and is believed to be a good product when
used as recommended in this Bulletin. The film is covered by the 3M Basic
Product Warranty and is guaranteed to be free of physical and
manufacturing defects. There is no warranty for printability, visual
appearance, fitness for use or durability. See the 3M Graphics Market
Center Warranty Brochure for the complete warranty and remedy details.
3M accepts no liability for glass breakage when rear projection film is
applied to glass.
Expected Performance Life
1 year with typical usage
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 1
Health and Safety
!
Read, understand and follow all information contained in this Bulletin prior
to installation of this product.
CAUTION When handling any chemical products, read the manufacturers' container
labels and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for important health,
safety and environmental information. To obtain MSDS sheets for 3M
products go to 3M.com/MSDS, or by mail or in case of an emergency, call
1-800-364-3577 or 1-651-737-6501.
When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers' instructions
for safe operation.
!
CAUTION To reduce the risk of injury, be aware that heat generated by direct sunlight
on dark areas of film can cause thermal expansion that may result in glass
breakage. See Location of Rear Projection Film, below, for more
information.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 2
Installation
In sizes larger than 60 inch diagonal, rear projection film should be
professionally applied by an experienced film applicator.
Tools
• 3M™ Prespacing Tape SCPS-55
• 3M™ Application PA-1, Gold, free of nicks or burrs
• 3M™ Low Friction Sleeve SA-1, new and clean
• Scotch™ Blue Masking Tape 2090
• Spray bottle or plastic garden sprayer with tap water
• Mild, non-concentrated detergent (such as Dawn) containing no
lotions, soaps, oils, waxes or enzymes.
• 3M™ Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloth or lint-free cleaning cloths
• 3Mt Prep Solvent 70, may be optional
• Bon Ami Glass Cleaner or Soft Scrub€Cleaner, may be optional
• Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP), may be optional
• Laser level or plumb-bob, optional
Location of Rear Projection
Film
For the best performance, apply the rear projection film on a recommended
surface where it is out of direct sunlight. Glare from sunlight makes the
image hard to view and will heat the film, increasing shrinkage and edge
lifting.
If the application surface is glass, the heat generated by direct sunlight on
dark areas of film may cause the glass to break due to thermal expansion.
Glass size, thickness, quality of cut, edge treatment, tinting and frame
design also influence the risk of breakage. 3M accepts no liability for glass
breakage when rear projection film is applied to glass.
For complete details, refer to 3M System Design Bulletin RPF.
Window Seams and Panes
Do not install the rear projection film as one piece on or across a window
seam. Instead, install the film as separate pieces between seams or on
each pane.
How to Cut Shapes
Also refer to 3M Creating Shapes with RPF for additional information on
designing and using shapes for special effects.
• Use an electronic cutter such as a flatbed or friction fed plotter.
• The black side of the rear projection film is the side onto which the
image is projected. The side with the adhesive and liner is the viewing
side.
• Cut all shapes in reverse on the black rear projection film side for
correct viewing.
• Use the cutter's standard set procedures for the knife blade. Make sure
that the cut goes completely through the rear projection film and lightly
scores the liner. This allows for clean removal (weeding) of the rear
projection film that will be discarded.
• Use premasking tape SCPS-55 to hold cut shapes in registration while
applying them to the application surface.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 3
How to Apply
Premasking Tape
1. Unroll the premasking tape adhesive-side-up and place the cut rear
projection film on it so the liner is facing up.
2. Lightly squeegee the rear projection film on the liner side to adhere the
shapes to the premasking tape's adhesive.
3. Flip the rear projection film package over and re-squeegee from the
front side.
4. Cut the premask to the edge of the rear projection film liner.
5. If practical, use vacuum and heat after applying the premasking tape.
6. The graphic is now ready to apply.
Temperature
The air and application surface must be at least 60°F (16°C).
If rear projection film is applied at or near the minimum temperature, the
adhesive bond will develop more slowly. Thorough squeegeeing will assist
in creating a good bond.
Clean the Work Area
Be sure any work surface where you will lay or apply the rear projection
film is clean and free of dust and contaminants.
If applying the rear projection film to a permanent surface, be sure you
know exactly where it will be located so the correct application area is
cleaned.
Prepare the Application
Surface
Test Glass for Coatings
Clean the application surface immediately before applying the film. Dust
and other contaminants can collect quickly on the application surface and
prevent the film from adhering properly.
Many architectural glasses have coatings that could prevent rear projection
film from adhering well, functioning as intended, or removing it without
damaging or removing the coating. The user must test and approve an
application surface. Always check with the building maintenance
supervisor before testing or cleaning a surface.
The following test and method for cleaning is commonly used.
1. Place drops of water on several areas of the glass.
2. If the water forms into beads, there is a coating that must be removed.
• Use a cleaner such as Bon Ami Glass cleaner or Soft Scrub cleaner
to remove the coating. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Repeat the test again to ensure a clean surface.
Glass Cleaning Procedure
1. Saturate a clean paper towel with a solvent such as low solvent
content, 3M prep solvent 70.
2. Wipe with a lint-free paper towel before the solvent evaporates from the
application surface. As the paper towel becomes dirty, discard it.
3. Make sure the application surface is completely dry. If necessary, use a
heat gun to dry any retained moisture.
4. Apply the rear projection film immediately.
Test Polycarbonate for
Outgassing
Polycarbonate sheet may outgas, which can create bubbles under applied
rear projection film. This test determines if the entire sheet needs to be
dried before the film is applied.
1. Apply a 5 x 5 inch (135 x 135 cm) piece of rear projection film used to a
piece of the same type polycarbonate you will be using.
2. Wait for 24 hours or, if possible, oven bake for 2 hours at 150°F (65°C)
or 5 minutes at 350°F (176°C).
3. If bubbles appear under the rear projection film, the polycarbonate is
outgassing: repeat the test daily until bubbles do not appear. If
outgassing continues after repeated tests, contact the sheeting
manufacturer for assistance.
4. If no bubbles appear, the sheeting is not outgassing.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 4
Polycarbonate or Acrylic
Cleaning Procedure
1. Typical cleaning method: Wash the application surface with 1 ounce
of synthetic detergent per gallon of lukewarm water. Avoid soaps or
preparations that contain waxes, oils or lotions. Be aware that some
window cleaners contain waxes. Dry thoroughly with clean, lint-free
cloths or paper towels.
2. If grease or oil is present on the surface: Wash the application
surface with a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and lukewarm
water. Prepare the solution according to the manufacturer's written
instructions. Dry thoroughly with clean, lint-free cloths or paper towels.
3. Apply the rear projection film immediately.
Registration Marks
Mark the horizontal and vertical alignment of all outer corners of the
projection area using Scotch blue masking tape.
Mark the horizontal center line. If possible, place this mark on the the
outside of the application surface so it can remain in place during
installation and then removed. If this is not possible, place the marks just
outside the rear projection film application area. A laser level may be useful
during alignment.
Prepare a Detergent
and Water Solution
Prepare a solution of 1/3 teaspoon (2 ml) of non-concentrated detergent,
containing no lotions, soaps, oils, waxes or enzymes, for each 1 quart (1
liter) of clean, cool water. One quart of solution is usually enough to
complete a single small- or medium-sized graphic.
After mixing the solution, pour some into a spray bottle.
Installation Procedure
Note: If your application surface is portable, application is easiest if you
are able to lay the application surface flat on a clean work surface.
1. Spray the application surface with the detergent and water solution.
2. Lay the rear projection film liner-side-up on a clean, dry, work surface
near the application surface.
3. Lift one corner of the liner and spray water onto the exposed adhesive.
Try to keep the liner dry; a wet liner is more difficult to remove. See
FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1
Lift Corner of Liner; Spray with
Water
Rear Projection Film Liner
4. Continue to remove the liner and spray the solution. By the time the
liner is completely removed, the entire adhesive surface should be wet.
Spray on more solution, if necessary.
Note: Depending upon the size of the graphic, you may need another
person to help you complete the next step.
5. Lift and turn the rear projection film over so the adhesive side faces the
wetted application surface. Align the registration marks. See FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2
Lift and Turn Rear Projection
Film
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 5
6. To smooth out wrinkles and bubbles:
a. Use a gold squeegee and very light pressure to smooth out the
entire graphic. Start at the center and work toward the edge, using
overlapping strokes and the order shown in FIGURE 3. When you
finish this step, the rear projection film should be flat on the
application surface and most of the water pushed out.
FIGURE 3
Squeegee from the Center to
the Edge, Overlapping Strokes
3 1 5
4 2 6
b. Use a gold squeegee and firm, overlapping strokes to re-squeegee
from the center of the graphic to the edges. When you finish this
step, all of the water and as many bubbles as possible should be
removed.
c. Wipe the entire surface dry, paying particular attention to the edges.
7. If an application tape was used, remove it now by pulling down at an
angle as close as possible to 180 degrees and immediately re–
squeegee the rear projection film.
8. Remove any remaining bubbles from the rear projection film:
a. Puncture the rear projection film at one end of the bubble with the air
release tool or a pin. Do not use a razor or blade.
b. Use your thumb to push the trapped air or wetting solution toward
the puncture. See FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 4
Removing Trapped Air
9. Keep the newly applied graphic out of direct sunlight for 24 hours.
10. After 24 hours, use a gold squeegee with a low friction sleeve to resqueegee the rear projection film edges. This important step helps seal
the edges and reduce lifting.
11. Clean the rear projection film before projecting the image onto it for the
best viewing.
Tiling on Large Surfaces
Glass Application Surfaces
You can tile pieces of the rear projection film on large surfaces. Seams will
be visible but are typically not distracting. To maximize overall appearance,
try to use film from the same lot and alternate the direction of the film to
keep left edges to left edges and right edges to right edges.
1. Apply the rear projection film to the application surface using the water
application method (see page 4).
2. Overlap the next panel by about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and apply it.
3. Using a straight edge and sharp blade, cut between the overlap.
Remove the excess margin of rear projection film from each side and re
squeegee the seam.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 6
Plastic Application Surfaces
1. On a clean work surface, use a straight edge and a sharp blade to cut a
small margin of rear projection film off each side of the rear projection
film that will butt up to another piece.
2. Apply the rear projection film to the application surface using the water
application method (see page 4). Fully apply one panel and then butt up
the next one and apply it, making sure the seams are as tight as
possible.
Projector Set Up
Care and Maintenance
Rear Projection Film
Cleaning Procedure
For complete details, refer to 3M System Design Bulletin RPF.
Avoid touching the rear projection film or placing it where observers can
touch it. Skin oil and other contaminants can stain the film.
1. General cleaning.
a. Wash the application surface with 1 ounce (28 grams) of synthetic
detergent per gallon of lukewarm water. Avoid soaps or preparations
that contain waxes, oils or lotions. Be aware that some window
cleaners contain waxes.
b. Dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth such as 3M micro-fiber
cleaning cloths, applying only light pressure.
c. Rinse with clean water and dry by blotting with a clean dry cloth of
chamois.
2. For stubborn fingerprints or oily contamination on the bead side of the
rear projection film (non-adhesive side), isopropyl alcohol can be used.
a. Saturate a clean paper towel with isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
• If you are using industrial grade IPA, mix it in a ratio of 2 parts
water to 1 part IPA.
• If you are using rubbing alcohol, do not dilute it.
b. Wipe with a lint-free paper towel before the IPA evaporates from the
application surface. The evaporation rate increases in warm and/or
windy environments. As the paper towel becomes dirty, discard it.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 7
Portable Application
Surfaces
Repairing Damaged Rear
Projection Film
If the rear projection film is applied to a portable surface, use care to
protect it from contaminants, scratching, gouging or other damage during
transport and storage.
It is possible to patch in a piece of rear projection film if an area has been
damaged. Although it will look better than a gouged screen, it will not be an
invisible repair.
• Using a straight edge and sharp blade, cut out the damaged area,
being careful not to damage the application surface.
• Carefully remove the damaged piece. Any stress or pulling on the
rear projection film that is to remain on the application surface could
distort it.
• Apply a new, slightly larger piece of rear projection film over the cut
out area using the water application method (see page 4), but do not
work quite out to the edges of the patch.
• Again using the straight edge and sharp blade, carefully align and
cut the patch piece to fit.
• Finish the installation, making sure to squeegee all edges well and
mop up any excess water. Squeegee again after 24 hours.
Shelf Life and Storage
Shelf Life
Storage Conditions
Total shelf life: 2 years from the date on the original box
Up to 2 years unprocessed, OR process within 1 year and apply within 1
year of processing
• 40° to 100°F (4° to 38°C)
• Out of sunlight
• Clean dry area
• Original container
• Bring the rear projection film to room temperature before using
Disclaimers
The information contained and techniques described herein are believed to
be reliable, but 3M makes no warranties, express or implied, including but
not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. 3M shall not be liable for any loss or damages, whether
direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, in any way related to
the techniques or information described herein.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 8
3M™ Vikuiti™ Rear Projection Film Product Warranty
Individual Product Limited
Warranty
Defect Coverage
3M warrants to the Distributor, Graphics Manufacturer and End User that
Vikuiti™ Rear Projection Film (Product) will be free of the defects listed
below, be manufactured to the specifications described, and adhere and
perform as intended for a period of one (1) year from the date of
installation when the product is used as described in the Product &
Instruction Bulletin RPF that is in effect at the time of purchase.
• Physical Defects. Defects incurred during manufacturing, packaging or
shipment.
• Manufacturing Defects. Visual and adhesive defects.
Warranty Limitations
• Defined End Uses Limitation. This warranty only applies to Product that
is used in a responsible manner for the end uses described in the
applicable 3M Product & Instruction Bulletin. For any other use, the
user is responsible for determining the suitability of the Product and for
any and all risk or liability associated with that use or application.
• Product Misuse Limitation. This warranty does not cover Product that is
modified or damaged through improper storage, misuse, abuse,
accident, vandalism, neglect or mishandling of processed or
unprocessed products by any person.
• Glass Breakage Limitation. This warranty does not cover glass
breakage.
• Adhesion to Application Surfaces Limitation. This warranty does not
cover the Product or damage to any surface coating applied to the
substrate prior to applying the Product.
Remedies and Limitations of
Liability
• Materials. If the Product does not meet the above warranty terms (for
approved warranty claims), upon timely notification, 3M’s sole
responsibility, and the Distributor, Graphics Manufacturer and End
User’s exclusive remedy shall be at 3M’s option: (A) Credit the full
purchase price of the Product or (B) Replace the Product, only in the
quantity shown to not meet the warranty terms.
• No Extension of Warranty. In the case of an approved warranty claim,
the replacement graphic or materials carry only the remaining term of
the original graphic or materials’ warranty period as stated in the
applicable 3M Product Bulletin.
• No Other Liability. Other than as set out in this limited warranty, 3M
shall not be liable for any loss or damages, whether non-specified
direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential (including downtime,
loss or profits or good will) in any way related to the Product regardless
of the legal theory asserted.
Claims Procedure
End Users
Distributors and Graphics
Manufacturers
Contact your graphics manufacturer who may submit a claim on your
behalf.
If you purchase direct from 3M, the required method for initiating a claim is
to use the on-line product quality complaint form, which provides complete
details. Go to www.3mgraphics/qualitydirect or call toll-free,
1-800-511-3705 in the U.S. To be eligible for adjustment, 3M must receive
notice within sixty (60) days after the reason for the claim was discovered.
3M and Vikuiti are trademarks and/or logos of 3M Company.
Bon Ami is a registered trademark of Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Company. Soft Scrub is a registered
trademark of The Clorox Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Bulletin Change
Summary
The 3M™ Vikuiti™ Rear Projection Film Product Warranty has been added
to this bulletin.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 9
Commercial Graphics
Division
3M Center, Building 22012E-04
PO Box 33220
St. Paul, MN 55144-3220
USA
General Info. 1-800-3746772
Technical Info. 1-800-3283908
Fax 1-651-736-4233
www.3Mgraphics.com/rpf
3M Canada
P.O. Box 5757
London, Ontario
Canada N6A 4T1
1-800-265-1840
Fax 519-452-6245
3M México, S.A. de C.V
Av. Santa Fe No. 55
Col. Santa Fe, Del. Alvaro
Obregón
México, D.F. 01210
52-55-52-70-04-00
Fax 52-55-52-70-22-77
3M Puerto Rico, Inc.
Puerto Rico Industrial Park
P.O. Box 100
Carolina, PR 00986-0100
787-620-3000
Fax 787-750-3035
E3M 2008. All rights reserved.
Product & Installation Bulletin RPF - 10