The car is a piece of work equipment for some people, a practical tool for many and a source of entertainment for others. Regardless of the type of car, meeting comfort and satisfying suitable protection requirements is always a must. Car body wrapping and window filming are not only remarkable from a design point of view but also offer multiple advantages. Let's see what you need to know about it!

The benefits of tinting

Car body wrapping needs to satisfy both practical and design aspects. Many people opt for car wraps because they want to protect their vehicles from heat. The most suitable films for this purpose are thermal films, which filter out UVA and UVB rays over almost the entire range.

One might think that light protection is only possible with darker tones, there are also fully transparent heat-reflective materials. These multilayer nano-technology films are often more effective than their darker counterparts.

Window films have the added benefit of making the vehicle safer too and can play a role in anti-theft protection. Security window film holds the glass together so, in case of breakage, it does not shatter into pieces. This unique feature can significantly increase the time of any malicious entry attempt.

One of the biggest advantages of body film is that it protects the car from external effects. It should be noted here that much depends on the type of the film; plain or protective. The latter protects the paintwork in the event of scratches and stone chipping. A plain car film, on the other hand, only protects the paint surface from micro-scratches to a limited extent, and the car's paintwork can be damaged just as easily by a major external impact as without a film.

In most cases, car wrapping is for aesthetic purposes. If you want to change the style of your car but don't want to replace it, a design film is a great solution. Not to mention that it's also a great way for companies to show off their image. The film can be textured, smooth, glossy, matt, or in any shade, one can imagine.

Legal framework for car body wrapping

You might think that the application of a car body film is more of an aesthetic matter and it won’t involve obligations, but the law regulates what kind of film can be applied on certain surfaces.

Most importantly, the glass surfaces at the driver's seat, passenger seat and windscreen cannot be covered with any film with less than 70% of light transmission. However, there is no other regulation regarding the other parts of the car.  

The importance of light transmittance is presumably due to the need to be able to see into the car without the driver sitting behind dark glass. This might be understandable, but there is some confusion about the fact that, although the light transmission of the film must not be less than 70%, this does not apply to the factory tint.

In summary, the type of film you can buy is essentially determined by the light transmission of the car's factory glazing. Car films must have a certification number, which is indicated on a sticker underneath the film. At roadside inspections and roadworthiness tests, you will need to show a vehicle registration certificate to prove the film's certification number and who applied it. That is why, when the film is applied, the customer receives a temporary certificate of conformity, valid for 30 days, so that he can prove the above until the final card arrives.

In contrast, there are no requirements for bodywork wrapping, neither for transparency nor for colour. What is important, and must be borne in mind, is that it is forbidden to wrap headlights, as this can be an accident hazard.

If you decide to give your vehicle a new look, you must fill in the provided box in the registration document, about the fact that the car has been tinted and the exact colour of the tint. The good news is that if the film is transparent, you can skip it. You only need to go through this procedure if more than 70% of the car's colour has been changed. So, if the foil is only partial and the percentage of changed colour does not exceed 70%, you do not need to have it inspected and registered.

The process of foiling

The process starts with a specialist assessing the condition of the bodywork and the transparent damages. The defects are then repaired, and the car is thoroughly cleaned. It's worth noting here that the process can be sped up somewhat if you wash the car first before taking it to the workshop!

Once the preparation process is complete, the car is stripped of some of its components, so that no dirt can get trapped under the film, making the wrapping last longer.

The foil is then cut to the dimensions of the car and smoothed onto the surface using a special tool. An average car is finished in about 1 day, and the vehicle mustn't be washed for 2 days after the film has been applied.

Painting vs filming

Both processes have their advantages and disadvantages, but basically, foiling is often the more sensible choice. One of the reasons is that it takes less time, this way the vehicle can be used again sooner. An important aspect is that the cost of foiling is lower than painting, not to mention the fact that the procedure will probably need to be repeated less often as it is also much more durable.

Car wrapping is therefore not as simple as applying a sticker. While it is true that the application itself can be done in a short time, it is important to have skilled hands to ensure that the job is done properly.

The real autumn chill is slowly setting in, which means the start of the heating season. The steady drop in temperature and the plummeting number of hours of sunshine not only put our bodies to the test but also our wallets. It is a time when you try to protect yourself from the cold as much as possible: the thick coats come out and the boiler kicks on to keep your home warm in the cold months. But there are times when a little help is needed to keep the heating bills from skyrocketing. Window film can be a good solution against the cold.

Heating bills are a significant part of a family's utility bills in the autumn and winter months. Inadequate insulation can easily waste valuable energy and you can find yourself paying large sums for nothing, but the expected effect is not achieved, and the warmth of your home remains a dream.

The complete insulation of a family home is a very expensive project, and in some cases, such as apartments, it is not so easy to do, as much depends on the building itself. If you can't break the piggy bank and come up with larger sums, or you live in a flat, you don't have to give up a comfortable temperature, because there are some practical ways to help you avoid insulation problems. There are several ways to insulate windows, one of which is using insulating window film.

Window film against the cold

From an energy point of view, the window is a critical point. People tend to like large, uniform glass surfaces that show off the beauty of their surroundings, but they don't realise how much energy can be lost. Insulating window films have been developed precisely to stop energy from being wasted.

The window film forms a new layer on the glass, which can insulate the surface and improve its heat transmission. The heat transmission coefficient, or "U" value, shows how much energy escapes across a given surface in a unit of time. The lower this value, the better the heat transfer coefficient, and the less heat is lost.

A thermal barrier film is made of a material that allows heat to be reflected and dissipated. Importantly, although the film is an extra layer, the transparency of the glass is not reduced, so that sufficient light still enters the room.

Outdoors, indoors

Every window has two surfaces, so window films are produced for both indoor and outdoor use. The two versions are very similar in principle, but the outdoor version must be able to withstand the constant effects of elements.

3M™ Prestige 70 Outdoor Thermal and Light Barrier Building Glass Film is a nanotechnology-based multi-layered, metal-free film that, despite having good heat reflective properties, that has a high light transmission, so there is no fear of the whole room going dark once it is installed.

The interior version is the 3M™ Silver family of films, which are applied to the inside of the window. It protects the room from prying eyes while allowing excellent light transmission.

Window film against heat

Insulating window film is a boon not only in winter but also in the heat of summer, so you can kill two birds with one stone. Its insulating effect prevents 45-86% of the sun's heat from entering the home, thus contributing to a pleasant indoor climate. Read more about this benefit in our previous article!

Benefits in all quantities

Installing window films is very simple, just clean the window surface thoroughly and you're ready to put the film on. It's worth making sure that the outside temperature is not below 5 degrees Celsius, so it's a good idea to schedule the work for the autumn-spring-summer period. The process can be performed without a specialist. Start from the corner and work downwards. Fortunately, if a flaw slips into the system and one or two bubbles show up after application, these can be easily removed with a hairdryer.

The price of the films is very reasonable, especially compared to a complete window replacement. They can help to retain up to 93% of the heat that escapes, which makes a huge difference to your heating bills. Not to mention the fact that there is no waste, unlike window replacement.

Condensation can be minimised, which is particularly important in terms of preventing condensation and therefore mould. The autumn-winter period is advantageous to the development and growth of mould, which can be traced back to condensation, which in turn can be traced back to poorly insulated walls and windows.

Window insulation film can be a very effective solution for those who want to opt for energy-efficient heating and help protect the environment. Thanks to its affordable price and easy construction, it can be used in any type of building, which is the secret of its popularity.

With the cold season approaching, heating becomes an increasingly pressing issue, so it is a good idea to think ahead and purchase and install thermal insulation window film to reduce heating costs. You can then look forward to winter with confidence.

The importance of protective coveralls cannot be disputed. People working with dangerous substances in hazardous environments know that the right clothing, a coverall, can save lives. Let's look at how to choose the protection you need in specific circumstances!

There are several types of protective clothing, depending on the conditions in which the wearer uses it. It takes a lot of experience and general knowledge to be able to determine exactly what type is needed for certain tasks. You need to be aware of the conditions and the demands you will be subjected to, because only with this knowledge can you make the right decision.

Protective coverings: types for all needs

The choice of clothing should be based on whether the material for which the protection is required is hazardous. Protection is required against light dust too but preventing injuries caused by corrosive liquids require more professional gear.

The first consideration when choosing a protective cover is therefore the type of task during which it will be used. One needs to assess the potential impacts of exposure to unique circumstances.

 In the following, we will list the 3M protective coveralls that are recommended for protection against certain hazardous and non-hazardous substances.

Protection against non-hazardous contaminants

Non-hazardous contaminants can be divided into two groups in terms of the type of cover that is required. If dust protection is required, it is advisable to choose the 4500 type. This is a basic, general protective coverall that is breathable, easy to put on and has a hood to protect the head.

If the non-polluting material is a liquid, we should also care about waterproofness. Coverall type 4505 meet this requirement.

Protection against hazardous substances

Safety against dangerous pollutants requires more stringent protection than the others listed above. Here the customer should take the following aspects into account!

If protection against particles is a basic requirement, then it is necessary to consider whether the wearer may encounter sparks. If so, the coveralls type 4530 should be chosen, as they do not protect against heat, but they do protect against small flames of short duration. The fire will not spread through the material, but it will leave a trace.

A key question is whether it is necessary for the clothing to have taped seams. The type 4565 coveralls are such, providing strong protection against chemicals and particles thanks to the absence of micropores in the material.

For particle protection, it may be important that the material is lint-free. Type 4510 protective clothing is lint-free due to its microporous material structure properties. Excellent for industrial tasks, maintenance of machinery, vehicles, paint spraying.

If it is important for the protective clothing to be antistatic, then type 4520 is the best choice. It consists of several layers of SMMMS, so it effectively keeps contaminants away. Its fabric-like feel makes it comfortable to wear even for extended periods.

Liquid protection is particularly difficult when hazardous substances are involved. In this case, it is a matter of determining whether the garment must withstand splash, spray, or jet. In the case of splashes, an important question is whether the fabric will be exposed to heat. If so, it is important to take this into account and choose accordingly, for example, the type 4532+ coverall.

If there is also a risk of spray or jets of hazardous material, again a different type of work gear is recommended. In the latter case, a protective coverall type 4570 with a double locking system and a large zipper may be the best choice.

Protective clothing, a basic requirement

We can divide workspace well-being into two main categories: occupational safety and occupational health. The former category includes protective clothing, which is required by law. Occupational health and safety regulations specify what kind of protective clothing must be worn to prevent accidents and, if accidents do occur, to prevent danger to life.

Safe clothing is a prerequisite for working in many companies, so it is the responsibility of the organisation to make it available to workers. It is essential that they only and exclusively perform their function in perfect condition. If, for example, they become damaged or have holes in them, they must be repaired or replaced immediately.

The price of protective clothing is determined by its quality, and by the circumstances. Other important factors are the uniqueness and design of the garment. Quality is the only thing that should not be skimped on, as the health of the wearer may depend on it.

Flanker offers a wide range of unique protective equipment, from protective suits to masks, filters, goggles, earplugs, headbands, helmets, masks, and more.

A car is an everyday tool in most families' lives, helping them get from A to B. As it represents a high value, it is only natural that owners try to protect it from external impacts and damage, but sometimes these efforts fail. A stray tree branch, a misplaced handrail, a careless cyclist can easily leave scratches, the so-called "signs of use", on the immaculate surface. Let's look at the most effective methods of car scratch removal.

Many of you may be familiar with the charming advertisement where the little boy accidentally damages the side of the car while riding a bike, which he then tries to repair with the same ointment he uses when he gets injured. If only it was that simple! The thing is, removing car scratches is a bit more complicated than that.

Home or professional

Scratches on the body of a car are very annoying and detract from the overall appearance, but they have no real functional significance. Nevertheless, most people would like to get rid of these marks, as they are a daily reminder of parking mistakes made, and to be frank, why should anyone look at them for years when they can easily vanish.

There are two ways to repair scratches; with the help of a professional or at home using a variety of clever tools and materials. Basically, for deeper scratches, it is worth going to a professional, especially if it is already affecting "vital organs" or affecting everyday use.

If the problem is minor, it is still possible to call on the help of a professional, but this is very expensive, especially when compared to the removal cost of the defect. Typically there is enough to spend on a car, so why not get away with a significant expense if you can!

Car scratch removal at home

There are many options available to those who want to take care of minor scratches at home. Let's investigate the possibilities!

Buffing or polishing machines

Buffing or polishing machines can be very effective and efficient in achieving good results, but it is good to be experienced and familiar with the basic rules. The polishing wheel can be used in a machine, either in a flex or a drill, and the more professional machines also allow the user to control the polisher with two hands, for a better result. This method is also suitable for removing larger scratches.

The 3M™ polisher can be used as part of the 3M™ Perfect-It™ system for high-quality polishing. It can be used to restore your car’s original shine.

The scratch remover pen

If the polisher is the tool of the pros, the other extreme is the so-called scratch remover pen. The name of the pen is not misleading, it essentially works like a felt-tip pen. You simply drag it across the scratch and you're done. Or are you not? What you need to know about the scratch remover pen is that it can be used on hair-thin scratches and provides good coverage, but deeper scratches will pose challenges.

The polishing paste

A mid-way solution is the very popular polishing paste, which consists of tiny abrasive particles and a dispersing agent to help spread them. The polishing compound to be used depends on the damage and the surface. For example, 3M™ Perfect-It™ Extra Fine Plus polishing paste, known as 'yellow cap', provides a quick solution for modern scratch-resistant paints, while 3M™ Finesse-It™ can be used to treat not only scratches but also scuffs, chips and even helps to create hologram-free surfaces. For pastes, use a polishing pad that has fine pores and helps scratches to disappear as quickly as possible, both for newly-manufactured and second-hand paint types.

Overall, using a polishing paste is not difficult, yet it can produce very impressive results. All you need to do is rub the paste over a clean surface, then repeat the process several times if necessary. It is advisable to start repairing minor defects and to choose the paste accordingly, using a coarser grit for deeper defects. What is important is that you use protective goggles when polishing! You can read about protective goggles types in our previous article.

1+1 tips

You must never repair a car that has been left in the sun for a long time. A heated body can cause a lifetime of surprises. To avoid these, stand in the shade or, better still, in the garage before starting the process.

Whether you choose machine or hand polishing, the first task should always be to clean the work surface. A thorough wash is essential, and it is worth removing any dirt that has settled into the paintwork. Use cleaning resin for this purpose.

Car scratch removal is also possible at home. All you need is good quality tools and materials and, if you use a machine, some practice to prepare for the real thing. Cost-effective methods carry some risks, but these can be minimised with the right care and attention.

Once the scratches are removed and polished, there is nothing left to do but wax. A thin layer of protective coating should be applied then comes the removal of the excess. This not only leaves the surface spotless but also protects the wax against dirt.