Can an LED Flexible Transparent Screen Be Installed Over Existing Window Film?

Many users are faced with a practical problem: if the glass surface has been applied film, can it be directly covered by the installation of crystal film screen? In this article, we will analyze the technical feasibility, potential risks and solutions, and provide practical advice.

Technical feasibility analysis

• Theoretically feasible, but need to meet the conditions
  • Film type: If the original film is non-gelatinized film (such as electrostatic adsorption film, nano-microcrystalline film), it can be directly covered and installed; if it is gelatinized film (such as PVC, PET with adhesive backing film), it is necessary to assess the compatibility of adhesive layer.
  • Surface flatness: the original film should be free of bubbles, wrinkles or damage, otherwise it will affect the effect of the crystal screen.
  • Transmittance matching: the original film transmittance needs to be ≥ 80% (if the transmittance of the crystal film screen is 90%, the overall transmittance after stacking needs to be ≥ 70%).
• Scenarios that do not recommend direct installation
  • Multi-layer film superposition: when the light transmission rate is lower than 60%, the display effect of the crystal film screen is seriously reduced.
  • Functional film: such as electric heating film, dimming film (current interference may damage the crystal film screen circuit).

Potential Risks and Challenges

• Risk of adhesive failure
  • Adhesive layer rejection: The crystal film screen adhesive and the original lamination coating may have a chemical reaction, resulting in de-gluing.
  • Stress superposition: When the temperature changes, the difference in expansion coefficients of different materials may cause warping or cracking.
• Impairment of display effect
  • Light refraction interference: the texture of the film and the pixel arrangement of the crystal film screen conflict, resulting in moiré.
  • Color distortion: colored film (such as blue light filter film) will lead to color temperature shift.
• Increased maintenance difficulties
  • Difficulty of layered maintenance: If the crystal screen is damaged, two layers of film need to be handled at the same time, doubling the cost.

Sub-scene solutions

1. Retain the original film installation program
   • Applicable scenarios: short-term display, low-cost needs or the film can not be removed (such as tenant restrictions).
   • Operation steps:
     • Clean the surface: use isopropyl alcohol to remove oil and dirt on the surface of the laminated film to ensure that there is no dust.
     • Adhesion test: Partially paste 3M test tape and evaluate the peel strength after 48 hours.
     • Choose low viscosity adhesive: Use silicone-based adhesive to reduce the risk of damage to the original lamination.
     • Edge reinforcement: add aluminum alloy clips to disperse stress.
2. The solution to completely remove the original film
   • Applicable scenarios: long-term use, high image quality requirements or aging of the original film.
   • Removal tools:
     • Hot air gun
     • Plastic spatula
     • Residual adhesive remover
   • Precautions:
     • Metal tools are prohibited to prevent glass scratches.
     • After removal, need to be thoroughly cleaned with alcohol and leave it for 24 hours before installing the crystal film screen.

Post-installation Maintenance Recommendations

• Regular Inspection:
  • Quarterly check whether the bonded edges are warped (especially in areas with large temperature differences).
  • Outdoor scenes need to clean the joints every month to prevent rainwater from seeping into the sandwich.
• Environmental control:
  • Avoid direct sunlight for a long time (it is recommended to install blackout curtains).
  • Control humidity ≤ 70% to prevent the adhesive layer from hydrolyzing and failing.
• Emergency treatment:
  • In case of partial deglossing, use UV curing adhesive for partial repair.

LED crystal film screen can be installed on the glass that has been laminated, but the type of film, light transmittance and environmental conditions need to be strictly evaluated. For long-term high-demand projects, it is recommended to remove the original film to ensure stability; if it must be retained, it is necessary to choose a compatible adhesive and strengthen the edge of the fixed.