Start With the Right Window Area
Before any artwork is prepared, identify exactly which windows will carry perforated one-way vision film. On most business vehicles that means the rear windscreen and the rear-side windows, although some light commercial vehicles also have small quarter windows or fixed side panes that can be used for branding.
Check that the glass is clean, flat enough for film, and free from chips near the edges. Curved windows, heating elements, antennas and strong tint all affect the final result. If the vehicle is used daily in Cape Town, Durban or Gqeberha, also think about sea air and moisture because those conditions can affect adhesion if the surface prep is rushed.
- Confirm which windows will be covered
- Note rear demister lines and sensors
- Check for existing tint, chips or scratches
- Measure the visible glass area, not just the outer frame
Measure the Glass, Not the Body Panel
For a proper template, measure the glass itself from seal to seal and record the curve at the corners. Do not assume a standard size, because two vans of the same model can have different glazing tolerances once factory trim, seals and aftermarket tint are taken into account.
A template should capture the full usable area, the position of the demister lines and the margin needed for safe trimming. On rear windows, leave enough clear border so the film does not sit hard against rubber seals where dirt builds up over time.
- Record width at top, middle and bottom
- Record height at left, centre and right
- Mark the top edge and any taper
- Measure from the inside where possible for accuracy
If a business is fitting the same graphics across a fleet in Johannesburg and Pretoria, the checklist should keep every vehicle in the same format so replacement panels can be reprinted later without guessing.
Plan the Perforation Ratio and Print Layout
Inside visibility and an outside printed graphic need to be balanced for perforated one-way vision film to work properly. Common perforation ratios are around 40/60, 50/50 and 60/40, with the exact choice depending on how much outside image coverage is needed and how clear the driver view must remain. The smaller the perforations the more visible the printed image, while larger perforations can give better outward visibility but a lighter outside appearance.
That balance matters on rear vehicle windows, where the driver still needs a workable view through the glass. For this reason the artwork should be planned with the shape of the window in mind, and any legal requirements for driver visibility must be checked against the current road traffic rules before fitting.
- Decide whether branding or visibility is the priority
- Allow for a darker print if the artwork uses fine detail
- Keep important text away from the curved edges
- Test the layout against the actual template before printing
For example, a local plumber in Montague Gardens might want a bold logo and a short phone line on the rear window, but a delivery fleet with frequent night driving may need a lighter layout that keeps the driver’s rear view practical.
Check Artwork Before It Goes to Print
Artwork setup should be done on the exact template, not on a generic rectangle. That way the logo, contact details and message line up with the glass shape and do not disappear into the black border or demister lines. A proof should show scale, position and colour expectations clearly before wide format printing starts.
Keep the message short. Rear windows are seen quickly in traffic, at robots and in parking bays, so the design should read in a few seconds. If the layout includes a service list, leave enough space around each line so the print does not look crowded once the perforation pattern is added.
- Use vector logos where possible
- Check spelling, spacing and line breaks
- Confirm colours against the proof under daylight
- Make sure the call to action is readable from following traffic
A common mistake is forgetting that dark colours can print differently on perforated film compared with vinyl on a solid panel. The checklist should include colour proofing and a final approval step so the finished result matches the vehicle and the rest of the brand.
Prepare for Film Lamination and Handling
Once printed, the film may be laminated if the application needs extra protection from abrasion, cleaning and weather. Lamination can help preserve the print on busy routes, especially for vehicles parked outdoors in strong sun or near coastal humidity. It also helps when the film will be handled often during fitting or removed later as part of a refit and refresh.
The template checklist should note whether the film will be installed inside or outside the glass, because that changes the orientation of the print and the trimming approach. Most vehicle window graphics are fitted on the inside of the glass for protection, but the installation plan should still be clear before production starts.
- Confirm whether lamination is required
- Allow time for curing after print production
- Mark the orientation for inside glass fitting
- Keep trimming notes with the job card
If the vehicle is being prepared in Bellville or Milnerton for a Cape Town route, the fitting team should also check that the rear window is dry and warm enough before application. Cold glass can slow down adhesion and make the finish less tidy.
Use a Fitment Checklist for the Vehicle Day
On installation day, the vehicle should be clean inside and out, with the glass degreased and dry. A fitment checklist helps avoid missed steps such as removing old film, checking for rear wiper clearance, or confirming that the graphics sit straight once the glass curves are taken into account.
For commercial fleets, the installer should compare the template to the physical glass again before applying the film. Small differences do happen between model years and body styles, so the final check matters as much as the original measurement.
- Inspect the glass for dust, silicone or sticker residue
- Confirm demister lines are visible and aligned
- Check rear wiper movement and clearance
- Verify the graphic position from outside before final squeegee down
Old film removal should be added to the checklist if the vehicle already carries dated branding. A clean surface helps the new perforated graphic bond properly and keeps edge lift to a minimum.
A Practical Example From a Cape Town Fleet
Picture a service vehicle leaving Montague Gardens for jobs across Cape Town, then heading up the N1 toward Bellville and down the M5 for a site visit in Milnerton. The rear window carries a short service message, while the rear-side windows repeat the logo and contact line. The template has to allow for the rear demister, the curved glass and enough clear viewing area for the driver.
With that sort of vehicle, the checklist saves time because the print team, the installer and the customer are all working from the same measurements. The result is a neater fit, less trimming on site and fewer delays if a second vehicle in the fleet needs the same treatment later.
For businesses that operate across South Africa, from Johannesburg to Durban and Pretoria, the same checklist can be reused for each vehicle type. That makes reprints and replacements more straightforward, especially when the original truck or van is off the road.
What to Hand Over With the Enquiry
When sending through a job request, include the vehicle details, the window count and any photos of the rear and rear-side glass. Mention whether the film is for branding, privacy or both, and flag any existing tint, older graphics or damage around the seals. Clear information at the start helps the team prepare the template, artwork and installation plan without delay.
If the same design needs to go onto multiple vehicles, say so early. A simple checklist at enquiry stage can prevent costly changes later and keeps the job moving from measurement to printing to fitting in the right order.
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Photos of rear and side windows
- Preferred wording and logo files
- Locations for fitting or dispatch
A clean template is not just a production step, it is the base for a better-fitting graphic and a safer result on the road.
