Product Description
Overview
Arlon Ever Etched Cal is a cost-effective 3-mil (75 micron) calendered printable etched glass vinyl featuring revolutionary FLITE Technology® for the fastest, easiest installation in the etched glass category. This budget-friendly alternative to cast etched glass films delivers professional results without the premium price tag. The low-profile air-egress channels combined with FLITE's lite-contact adhesive system virtually eliminate bubbles and wrinkles while allowing easy repositionability during installation. Designed specifically for dry application, Ever Etched Cal offers a cleaner, faster installation process with no waiting period—your project is complete the moment you finish installing.
Why Choose Ever Etched Cal?
As the best value etched glass film on the market, Ever Etched Cal makes privacy and decorative glass applications accessible for budget-conscious projects without sacrificing quality or appearance. The game-changing FLITE Technology transforms what was traditionally a challenging wet application process into a simple, mess-free dry installation that any installer can master. Say goodbye to application fluid, water marks, and 24-hour cure times. With Ever Etched Cal, you get professional etched glass aesthetics, immediate project completion, and significant cost savings—all in one innovative product.
Revolutionary FLITE Technology®
What is FLITE Technology? FLITE (Film Lite Technology) is Arlon's proprietary adhesive system that combines:
- Lite-Contact Adhesive: Reduced initial tack for easy positioning
- Low-Profile Air Channels: Microscopic channels allow trapped air to escape
- Repositionability: Adjust placement multiple times without losing bond strength
- Bubble-Free Results: Air channels prevent bubble formation during application
Installation Advantages:
- Dry Application Only: No messy application fluid required
- Faster Installation: Complete projects in half the time of wet-applied films
- Cleaner Process: No water cleanup, no drips, no mess
- On-the-Spot Completion: No 24-hour waiting period for cure
- Easier Learning Curve: Simplified technique for new installers
- Consistent Results: Predictable performance every time
Key Features
- Best Value in Market: Premium etched glass appearance at budget-friendly price
- FLITE Technology®: Revolutionary air-egress and lite-contact system
- Dry Application Method: Clean, fast, mess-free installation
- Instant Completion: No waiting period—project done when installed
- Repositionable: Easy adjustment during installation without adhesive loss
- Bubble-Free Installation: Air channels eliminate trapped air
- Printable Surface: Compatible with Eco-Solvent, Solvent, Latex, and UV inks
- Extended Durability: Up to 7 years interior, 5 years exterior/perimeter (unprinted)
- 3-Mil Calendered Construction: Durable yet economical film
- Professional Etched Glass Look: Simulates expensive sandblasted glass
Applications
Commercial Environments:
- Budget-conscious office partition privacy
- Retail storefront windows and displays
- Restaurant and cafe privacy dividers
- Conference room glass panels
- Commercial building entrance glass
- Temporary to medium-term installations
- Corporate branding on glass surfaces
- Reception area privacy screens
Hospitality & Retail:
- Hotel bathroom and shower privacy
- Restaurant booth separators
- Bar and nightclub glass partitions
- Retail fitting room windows
- Spa and salon treatment rooms
- Quick-service restaurant privacy
Residential Applications:
- Bathroom windows and shower doors
- Front door sidelights and glass panels
- Kitchen cabinet glass inserts
- Home office glass partitions
- Rental property privacy solutions
- Cost-effective home upgrades
Short to Medium-Term Projects:
- Trade show booth graphics and displays
- Temporary event installations
- Pop-up shop windows
- Seasonal decorative glass
- Real estate staging
- Model home installations
Technical Specifications
- Film Type: Printable Calendered with FLITE Technology®
- Thickness: 3 mil (75 micron)
- Finish: Etched Glass (6-20 gloss units)
- Adhesive: Permanent Pressure-Sensitive (Clear)
- Release Liner: Lay-flat polycoated with low-profile FLITE Technology®
- Durability (Unprinted): 7 years interior, 5 years exterior & perimeter
- Application Temperature: 60°F to 90°F (10°C to 30°C)
- Service Temperature: 40°F to 100°F (4.5°C to 37°C)
- Tensile Strength: ≥ 10.0 lb/in (≥ 1.79 kg/cm)
- Elongation: ≥ 150%
- Peel Adhesion: 1.6 lb/in (0.30 kg/cm)
- Dimensional Stability: 10-30 mils (0.25-0.75 mm) after 158°F, 48 hours
- Liner Release: 90 g/2 in (20 g/cm)
- Shelf Life: 1 year from factory shipment
Available Sizes
- 54" x 25 yards (1.37 m x 22.86 m)
- 54" x 50 yards (1.37 m x 45.72 m)
- 60" x 25 yards (1.52 m x 22.86 m)
- 60" x 50 yards (1.52 m x 45.72 m)
Print Compatibility
Ever Etched Cal accepts printing from all major digital systems:
- Eco-Solvent Inks* (pre-mask recommended)
- Solvent Inks* (pre-mask recommended)
- UV Inks
- Latex Inks
*Note: Pre-mask (application tape) is recommended when using Eco-Solvent or Solvent inks to protect the printed surface during dry application.
Dry Application Method - Step by Step
Why Dry Application? CRITICAL: Ever Etched Cal MUST be applied dry. Due to the air channels in the adhesive, application fluid will be trapped in the channels, leaving an undesired appearance that will NOT disappear over time.
Preparation:
- Clean glass thoroughly with IPA (isopropyl alcohol)
- Remove all dust, dirt, and contaminants
- Allow prints to outgas for 24 hours minimum
- Use pre-mask for solvent-printed graphics
Installation:
- Position graphic using masking tape
- Use top or center hinge method depending on graphic size
- Remove liner to expose 1-2" of adhesive
- Squeegee down exposed section firmly
- Progressively remove liner while applying with hard squeegee
- Use felt-edge squeegee to prevent surface damage
- Keep consistent firm pressure throughout
Finishing:
- No waiting period required
- Trim excess immediately
- Seal edges for exterior applications
- Project is complete upon installation
Wet-Out Period
Due to the air-egress channels and squeegee pressure during dry application, the film may take up to 24 hours to fully "wet-out" and display the complete etched glass effect. This is normal and expected:
- Immediate: Slight haze visible from air channels
- 4 Hours: Improved clarity as adhesive begins to wet out
- 8 Hours: Significant improvement in appearance
- 24 Hours: Full etched glass effect achieved
This is NOT a defect—it's the natural curing process for dry-applied air-egress films.
Cost-Effective Alternative
Ever Etched Cal vs. Cast Etched Glass Films:
| Feature | Ever Etched Cal | Premium Cast Films |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Budget-Friendly | Premium |
| Film Type | Calendered | Cast |
| Installation | Dry - Fast & Easy | Wet - More Complex |
| Air-Egress | Yes - FLITE Tech | Varies |
| Interior Durability | 7 Years | 7 Years |
| Exterior Durability | 5 Years | 7 Years |
| Best For | Budget Projects | High-End Projects |
When to Choose Ever Etched Cal:
- Budget is a primary consideration
- Project has 5-7 year lifespan requirement
- Fast, easy installation is priority
- Multiple installers with varying skill levels
- Temporary to medium-term applications
- Large-scale projects where cost adds up
- Rental properties or staging projects
Installation Advantages Over Wet-Applied Films
Time Savings:
- 50% faster installation than wet-applied films
- No mixing or preparing application solution
- No cleanup of water and fluid
- Immediate project completion
Cleaner Process:
- No application fluid mess
- No water drips on floors or furniture
- No risk of water damage to surrounding areas
- No towels or cleanup materials needed
Better Results:
- More consistent outcomes
- Less skill required
- Repositionable during installation
- Bubble-free results every time
Lower Labor Costs:
- Faster completion = more jobs per day
- Less experienced installers can succeed
- Reduced material waste from installation errors
- No return trips for bubble removal
Repositionability
The FLITE Technology adhesive system allows you to:
- Lift and reposition graphics multiple times
- Make fine adjustments for perfect alignment
- Correct mistakes without material waste
- Achieve professional results even on first attempt
Important: Reposition as soon as possible during installation. While FLITE allows multiple repositioning attempts, the adhesive will gradually set, making later adjustments more difficult.
Paneling Large Installations
Seaming Guidelines:
- DO NOT overlap seams - etched film is translucent, overlaps will show as darker areas
- Use butt seams where panels meet edge-to-edge
- Plan seam locations at window mullions or frames when possible
- Ensure clean, straight cuts for professional appearance
- Seal exterior seams with edge sealer to prevent moisture intrusion
Arlon Total System Warranty
When combined with other compatible Arlon products, Ever Etched Cal is covered under the Arlon Total System Warranty for added confidence and protection.
Maintenance & Care
- Clean with soapy water, diluted bleach, or window cleaner
- Spray cleaner onto cloth, not directly on vinyl
- Use soft, lint-free cloths only
- Follow up with water-only wipe to remove cleaner residue
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough scrubbing pads
- Regular cleaning maintains appearance throughout film life
Glass Breakage Disclaimer
Arlon accepts no liability for glass breakage. Glass may break under stresses caused by temperature changes across the surface, which could be amplified by the application of vinyl film. Always assess glass condition and type before installation.
Important Application Notes
- DRY APPLICATION ONLY - Never use application fluid or wet method
- Use hard squeegee with felt edge to prevent scratching
- Apply firm, consistent pressure throughout installation
- Pre-mask recommended for solvent-printed graphics
- Allow 24 hours for complete wet-out appearance
- Avoid stretching film during installation
- Do not install on very hot windows (mist to cool if needed)
- Seal edges for exterior applications
Storage & Handling
- Store at 70°F (21°C) and 50% relative humidity
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Shelf life: 1 year from factory shipment
- Allow material to acclimate to room temperature before use
- Store rolls vertically when possible
- Protect from direct sunlight and temperature extremes
Removal
Ever Etched Cal features permanent adhesive but can be removed:
- Cut into 6" (15cm) wide sections for easier removal
- Pull at 70-90° angle from glass surface
- Work slowly and steadily—do not snap or jerk
- No heat gun needed (may increase glass breakage risk)
- Start from top and work downward
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is FLITE Technology and why does it matter? A: FLITE Technology combines lite-contact adhesive with low-profile air channels, allowing easy repositioning and virtually eliminating bubbles during installation. It makes dry application fast, easy, and foolproof.
Q: Can I wet apply Ever Etched Cal like other etched glass films? A: NO. Ever Etched Cal MUST be applied dry. Application fluid will be trapped in the air channels and will NOT disappear, leaving an unacceptable appearance. This is the #1 most important rule for this product.
Q: How is this different from DPF 5200? A: Ever Etched Cal is calendered vs. cast (DPF 5200), making it more economical. It features FLITE Technology for dry application while DPF 5200 requires wet application. Ever Etched Cal offers 7-year interior/5-year exterior durability vs. 7 years for DPF 5200.
Q: Why does it look hazy right after installation? A: This is normal! The air channels and squeegee pressure create a temporary hazy appearance. The film will fully "wet out" within 24 hours, displaying the complete etched glass effect.
Q: Is this really easier to install than wet-applied films? A: Yes! Installers report 50% faster installation times with more consistent results. The dry method eliminates mixing solutions, dealing with water, and cleanup time.
Q: Can I print on this film? A: Yes, Ever Etched Cal is compatible with Eco-Solvent, Solvent, UV, and Latex inks. Pre-mask (application tape) is recommended when using Eco-Solvent or Solvent inks.
Q: Will this work for exterior windows? A: Yes, Ever Etched Cal is rated for 5 years on exterior and perimeter applications (unprinted). For interior applications, it's rated for 7 years. Always seal edges on exterior installations.
Q: Is it really repositionable? A: Yes, FLITE Technology allows you to lift and reposition the graphic multiple times during installation for perfect alignment. Reposition as soon as possible for best results.
Q: How much can I save compared to premium cast etched films? A: Ever Etched Cal typically costs 20-40% less than premium cast etched glass films, making it ideal for budget-conscious projects or large-scale installations where costs add up quickly.
Q: Can beginners install this successfully? A: Absolutely! The dry application method and FLITE Technology make Ever Etched Cal much easier for new installers compared to traditional wet-applied etched glass films.
Installation Tips - Quick Reference
Critical Rules:
- ✗ NEVER use application fluid or wet method
- ✓ Always use hard squeegee with felt edge
- ✓ Apply firm, consistent pressure
- ✓ Reposition immediately if needed
- ✓ Allow 24 hours for complete wet-out
Tools Needed:
- Hard squeegee with felt edge or sleeve
- Masking tape for positioning
- Sharp snap-off blade for trimming
- Measuring tape and level
- IPA and microfiber cloths for cleaning
- Pre-mask for solvent prints
