DIY with film scraps: Lend your decor a whole new look
Brief overview – what’s covered?
- Which tools are required for application
- How to prepare the surface
- Cutting to size and bubble-free application
- Curves, edges and problem areas
- Suitable and unsuitable surfaces
- Use in kitchens and bathrooms, heat resistance and safety
- Cleaning, care, removal and adhesive residue
- Additional tips
1. Tools and materials
Basic equipment
- Smoothing blade and utility knife (e.g. d-c-fix application kit)
- Pencil, ruler, scissors
For difficult areas
- Hairdryer (low setting) for curves, edges and complex shapes
2. Preparing the surface
Surface requirements
- Smooth, dry, free of dust and grease
Special surfaces
- Prime untreated wood (chipboard, plywood, etc.) beforehand
- Lightly sand down edges and uneven areas if necessary
3. Cutting foil to size
- Transfer the dimensions onto the backing paper grid
- Always cut to size with a slight excess (approx. 4 mm)
- After application, trim off the excess flush using the utility knife
- If several pieces are required:
- Allow for a slight overlap (approx. 1 cm) to prevent gaps
4. Bubble-free application – how it’s done
- Always peel off the backing paper bit by bit
- Apply the foil and smooth down from the center outward using the smoothing blade
- On non-absorbent surfaces, a fine spray of water on the surface can make positioning easier
- Removing bubbles
- Use a needle to make a small hole in the bubble and carefully press out the air
5. Curves, edges and difficult shapes
- Use a hairdryer on a low setting (approx. 10–15 cm away)
- Warm the foil slightly and pull it carefully around corners/curves
- Important: do not overstretch, as this could distort the design
6. If the foil does not stick properly
- Check the edges and surface:
- Are they clean, dry and free of grease?
- For problem areas:
- If necessary, use a suitable strong plasticizer-resistant adhesive for a better hold.
- Alternative: if you slightly heat the foil with a hair dryer, this softens the adhesive, improving adherence to surfaces and edges.
7. Suitable and unsuitable surfaces
Suitable surfaces:
- Smooth furniture surfaces
- Chipboard and MDF boards (smooth, clean, prepared)
Unsuitable surfaces:
- Floors
- Walls
8. Use in kitchens and bathrooms / heat resistance
- Kitchen: The d-c-fix adhesive foils are suitable for enhancing kitchen fronts. Unfortunately, our standard foils are not suitable for worktops. One reason for this is that this area often comes into contact with food and is exposed to high temperatures, especially around the stove and oven.
- Bathroom: The d-c-fix adhesive foils can be applied to bathroom furniture such as vanity units and similar surfaces. However, it is important to always ensure regular ventilation in wet rooms so that moisture can escape.
- Note on the subject of heat: The d-c-fix adhesive foils are designed for regular room temperatures in living spaces; higher temperatures (e.g. due to sunlight) are also not a problem for short periods.
9. Cleaning and care
- Clean the covered surfaces with a mild cleaning agent and a soft cloth
- Avoid alcohol-based disinfectants (risk of printing ink fading or smudging).
- Do not use harsh scouring agents or abrasive sponges
10. Removing the foil
- Taking a little care, the adhesive foil can be removed again
- Start at one corner and slowly peel it off at a 45° angle
- Use a hairdryer to heat the adhesive and make removal easier
- Spray the adhesive residue with water and allow to soak. The adhesive swells up and can then be scraped off using a scraper/putty knife.
- On sensitive surfaces (e.g. damaged paintwork, thin veneer):
- Always test beforehand in an inconspicuous area
- Within approx. 24 hours after applying:
- The foil is still easy to adjust and correct
11. Adhesive residue and sensitive surfaces
Methods for removing stubborn residues:
- Soaking
- Gentle removal using a putty knife
- Use of suitable solvents/cleaners
Note:
- Slight residues or surface damage may occur on varnished or generally sensitive furniture
- Recommendation: always test beforehand on a small, inconspicuous area
12. Safety and quality
- Foils are not fire retardant or fire resistant
- Always maintain a safe distance from naked flames and heat sources
Note on quality and durability:
- The decor can be changed and renewed again years later
13. Additional practical tips
- Always keep a small piece of foil for later repairs
- Apply the foil to a small test area before tackling larger projects
