Architectural Film Installation
Doors, elevator cabs, casework and counters refinished in place, without a demolition schedule.
- No demolition or millwork removal
- Elevator cabs, doors and casework
- Occupied buildings, phased work
Films and graphics
Architectural Finishing Film
Self-adhesive finish material that changes the look of doors, walls, cabs and casework in place.
How it works
A new finish without a construction project
Architectural finishing film is a multi-layer self-adhesive material designed to be applied over an existing hard surface. The adhesive is usually air-channelled so an installer can position a large panel and work the air out, which is what makes flat, seamless results possible on doors, cabs and casework.
It is used where the surface is sound but the finish is dated: elevator cabs, door leaves and frames, reception desks, columns, washroom partitions, millwork and counter faces. Because the substrate stays in place, there is no demolition, no disposal and usually no need to close the space.
We install more than one manufacturer's product, including Bodaq and 3M lines. Products with a Class A surface burning characteristic rating under ASTM E84 / UL 723 are available where interior finish classification matters, and elevator work is coordinated with your lift contractor for code sign-off. Ask us for the current specification and warranty document for the exact product before you rely on a published figure.
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No demolitionThe existing substrate stays; only the visible finish changes.
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Wide finish rangeWood grain, stone, textile, metallic and solid colour options.
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Fire classificationClass A rated products available for interior finish requirements.
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RepairableA damaged panel can be re-filmed without touching the rest.
Where it belongs
Typical applications
Sound surfaces with tired finishes.
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Elevator cabs
Walls, ceilings and door faces refinished without removing the cab.
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Doors and frames
Dated leaves and frames brought up to current design intent.
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Casework and counters
Reception desks, millwork, cabinetry and counter faces.
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Walls and columns
Lobby feature walls, columns and wall protection panels.
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Tenant turnovers
Fast finish refresh between leases with no construction noise.
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Retail fixtures
Fixture and till surround finishes updated across a store list.
Specification
What to specify
Substrate condition is the deciding factor. Film needs a sound, clean, non-porous surface with edges it can be tucked into.
Architectural film overview (PDF)
Ask about architectural film- Substrate
- Sound, clean, dry, non-porous surfaces with accessible edges
- Finish options
- Wood grain, stone, textile, metallic, high gloss and solid colour
- Fire rating
- Class A products available; ASTM E84 / UL 723 test data on request
- Elevator code
- Coordinated with the lift contractor for ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 sign-off
- Warranty
- Varies by manufacturer and finish; we supply the current document
- Not suitable for
- Flexing, wet, heavily textured or failing surfaces
- Survey needs
- Substrate type and condition, edge detail and access hours
Installation services that use it
Office Branding & Graphics
Reception walls, boardroom glass, wayfinding and privacy banding installed around a working office.
- Privacy banding and manifestation
- Reception and feature walls
- Wayfinding and door signage
Retail Decor Installation
Decor packages and fixture graphics installed to the brand prototype, after hours if the store is trading.
- Prototype-accurate placement
- Overnight and phased installs
- Fixture, wall and glass surfaces
Questions we get asked
Plain answers to the questions buyers and building owners ask us most.
Is architectural film better than renovating a surface?
How much does architectural film cost?
Cost is driven by area, edge detail and access rather than by material alone. Published installed rates for architectural finishing film are usually quoted per square foot and sit far below the cost of removing and replacing the same surface, but the only reliable number comes from a survey of the actual substrate.
Can architectural film be used inside an elevator?
Start a project
Tell us what needs installing
Send drawings, a site list or a photo. We will tell you what the install takes, what we need to survey and when our crews can be on site.