Your Source for Creative Plastic Films.

Dura-Lar FAQ

What sealants or coatings can be used with Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film?

Clear –

• Gel Medium
• Misting a light layer of workable fixative, add 3 layers of Krylon Kamar varnish, then final 2 layers of Krylon UV protectant.
• Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Glaze
• Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Matte Glaze
• Resin
• Golden Isolation
• Golden Archival Spray Varnish

Opaque White –

• Misting a light layer of workable fixative, add 3 layers of Krylon Kamar varnish, then final 2 layers of Krylon UV protectant.
• Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Glaze
• Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Matte Glaze
• Resin
• Golden Isolation
• Golden Archival Spray Varnish
• Gel Medium
• UV Resistant Clear Spray

Opaque Black –

• Misting a light layer of workable fixative, add 3 layers of Krylon Kamar varnish, then final 2 layers of Krylon UV protectant.
• Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Glaze
• Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Matte Glaze
• Resin
• Golden Isolation
• Golden Archival Spray Varnish Gloss or Satin
• Gel Medium
• UV Resistant Clear Spray

What glues or adhesive can be used with Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film?

Clear –

• Grafix Double Tack Mounting Film
• Gel Medium
• 3M 77 spray adhesive
• 3M 90 spray adhesive
• Bearly Art Glue

Opaque White –

• Grafix Double Tack Mounting Film
• Grafix Artist-tac
• Double-Sided Tape
• Super 77 spray adhesive
• Gel mediums
• 3M 77 spray adhesive
• 3M 90 spray adhesive
• Mod Podge
• UHU Multipurpose Glue

Opaque Black –

• Grafix Double Tack Mounting Film
• Grafix Artist-tac
• Double-Sided Tape
• Super 77 spray adhesive
• Gel mediums
• 3M 77 spray adhesive
• 3M 90 spray adhesive
• Mod Podge
• UHU Multipurpose Glue

Can you sew on Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film?

All – Yes, you can stitch with a regular sewing machine and a regular needle. (Except 020” Clear)

Can you use a heating tool on the Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film?

Clear – Yes, they are heat tolerant.
Opaque White – Yes, they are heat tolerant.
Opaque Black – Yes, but not too close, too hot, or too long.

All films can be moldable with heat.

Will watercolors bead on Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film?

Clear – Yes
Opaque White – No, but they will flow.
Opaque Black – No, but they will flow.

Can mediums lift cleanly from Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film? Can the surface be returned to blank?

All – Permanent mediums will not lift easily or at all. Water-based mediums can be lifted with water or alcohol.

Will pens or markers smudge on Craft Plastic?

All – Permanent mediums will not smudge, water-based can smudge. To be sure you can coat with a sealant.

Will Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film buckle with multiple layers of mediums?

Clear – No
Opaque White – No
Opaque Black – No

Tip: Heat set layer before adding another medium.

What are the suggested mediums to use on the Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright Film?

Clear – Permanent work best, but you can experiment with some water-based mediums like acrylic and other thicker mediums for more fluid effects.
Opaque White – Takes a wide variety of mediums from permanent to water-based, opaque and translucent, watercolor, alcohol inks, colored pencil, Inks, Markers, sprays, glitters, and powders.
Opaque Black – Opaque mediums stand out better than translucent ones on this color. Iridescent, interference, opaque inks, acrylics, markers, colored pencils, and metallics stand out.

What kinds of art materials can be used on Metallized Dura-Lar Film?

Permanent markers or inks can be used on our Metallized Dura-Lar Film. For any additional types of materials, they would need to be tested on the film. This film is NOT coated to accept water-based mediums or printing.

What surfaces work best with Dura-Lar Adhesive Backed Film?

Most smooth, flat, clean surfaces will work with our Dura-Lar Adhesive Backed Film. Our adhesive backed film will NOT stick to surfaces like blocks, fabric, and other rough surfaces. The performance of the film will also be affected by external conditions and the final application of the film product.

Does Dura-Lar have outdoor suitability?

Yes, in the short term (less than 1 year). For more than that, we do not recommend using Dura-Lar for long term outdoor exposure. Long term exposure to the elements can cause the film to yellow, become brittle or turn hazy. The longer Dura-Lar stays outside, exposed to UV, the more can lose its properties.

Is Metallized Dura-Lar ™ suitable for outdoor exposure?

No, this is not an appropriate film for outdoor use.

Is Dura-Lar Adhesive Backed Film laser cutable?

Dura-Lar Adhesive Back Film can be laser cut in single sheets and in stacks. The base film (Dura-Lar), adhesive system, and paper liner are all safe to cut.

Do you know if resin will bond with Dura-Lar?

Resin can be used as both a sealer and bonding agent with Dura-Lar. Always test your brand of resin with Dura-Lar and the surface you are using to be certain it works for your application.

What kind of adhesive will bond with Dura-Lar?

We have a Glue Reference Chart that outlines the types of glue used to mount a variety of films. Gel medium can also be used to mount or seal Dura-Lar.

Can you emboss Craft Plastic/ Dura-Bright? With heat or pressure?

Heat
Clear – Yes, they are heat emboss-able.
Opaque White – Yes, they are heat emboss-able on a low setting.
Opaque Black – Yes, they are heat emboss-able on a low setting.

Pressure
Clear – Yes, the medium-weight films are also emboss-able by pressure.
Opaque White – Yes
Opaque Black – Yes

Why would I use a fixative on Matte Dura-Lar?

To prevent blooming (when the wax in pencils rises to the surface and fogs the pencil color) or fading. Sometimes pencil can look shiny on the film and a fixative can dull the color.

Does Matte Dura-Lar need to be sealed when using mediums such as; colored pencil, pastel, graphite, charcoal or crayons?

It is not necessary to seal the Matte Dura-Lar, but a matter of preference desired outcome and framing plans.

If you choose to seal the Matte Dura-Lar we have some suggestions, but we strongly recommend testing yourself and also reviewing the Manufacturers guidelines for their products.

Spray recommendations:

Krylon Workable Fixative
Krylon Gallery Series Archival Fixative (has UV protection)
Lascaux Fixative

Varnish recommendations:

Sennelier Matte UV Protection
Krylon UV Protectant
Acrylic Gel Medium

Can I apply and remove wet/dry erase markers on Wet Media Dura-Lar?

Yes

Can I use permanent markers with Wet Media Dura-Lar?

Yes, but they will remain permanent, not erasable.

How do I clean the Wet Media Dura-Lar?

Simply wipe off the surface with a damp cloth to reuse again.

What is Metallized Dura-Lar made of?

Gold Dura-Lar is made by aluminum deposit put on to yellow tinted film

Silver Dura-Lar is made by aluminum deposit put on to one side of clear film

Is Metallized Dura-Lar metallized on the front and back so it looks like a mirror on two sides?

No. It is a clear film with metal on one side, but since it starts clear the mirrored finish shows on both sides.

Is Metallized Dura-Lar what Mylar balloons are made out of?

No, Grafix does not make this material.

Is Dura-Lar Ink Jet or Laser Printable?

Please note the all Clear Dura-Lar Film (regardless of thickness) is NOT inkjet or laser printer compatible whether using your home equipment or office supply store equipment. If you are seeking an inkjet or laser printable film, we offer Computer Grafix transparency films for this purpose. They are available in only one thickness – .004″ or the thickness of a piece of white copy paper.

What is the difference between Matte Dura-Lar and Drafting Film?

Matte Dura-Lar is only available in .005”, coated on two sides with an economical grade coating. Drafting Film is available in .003”, .004”, .005”, .007” coated one or two sides and is a professional grade coating.

Is Dura-Lar heat resistant?

Dura-Lar Film is high heat (230°) resistance but, it does have a melting point at >212°F.

  • Grafix
  • Your Source for Creative Plastic Films
  • 5800 Pennsylvania Ave.
    Maple HeightsOhio 44137
  • Phone: 216-581-9050
  • Fax: 216-581-9041
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