I'm looking for input on putting a flag on my sunroof, I want to block out the heat but not all the light - anybody have experience with this and care to share?

Thanks!

 

My perforated sunroof flag began to show significant signs of degradation after about 6 months (little clear circles over the perforations were flaking off and others were visibly holding moisture between the clear overlay and the glass). A few months later, I ripped it off in disgust.

Unfortunately for me, the new owner of Cooper Flags was not willing to honor the warranty offered by the previous owner of the company. With great disappointment, I decided not to go through the expense all over again just to have a temporary decoration.

However, I am planning on going to a local sign shop and just buying a sheet of white vinyl and applying it myself to cut the light and give the white roof a cleaner appearance.

If I were going to spend the money on a long-lasting flag vinyl roof decal, I would have it made from solid pieces of colored vinyl rather than a color print. The highest quality colored vinyl for outdoor signs will last a lot longer than anything that is printed.

 

don't know it they changed the material recently, but my perforated white sunroof flag also began deteriorating after 2 years or so. similar to yucca patrol, with tiny clear circles flaking off, especially when washing the top. also it looks like it's deteriorating from outside, like there's little holes all over.

inside it seems to still block some of the heat/sunlight, and still allows me to peek up at the sky. this is why i went with the perforated style. but it seems that it will eventually require replacing, as more of it deteriorates.

not sure what i intend to do to replace it eventually.

 

Not a big fan of the perforated vinyl, not only because of the previous two posts, but I think it takes away from the image.
I had this one printed on white vinyl(i think, long time ago)I can still see out from the inside, and it lets a little light in.

 

Mine was printed on the "good" 3M perforated material.

 

I have a solid Silver Jack from Cooper Flags which does let some light in but isn't too hot. I live in Texas and we have had 30 or more days of 100+ temps and it is fine as far as heat.

When I ordered my Flag Ed and I got crossed up on the order and he had a perforated Silver Jack for me. We laid it on the car and for me it let too much light in and I believe it would have been too hot in the summer.

Ed took care of me and I got the solid Jack.

 

I've got both...a perforated flag decal and a solid dragon. I've had no problems with either one, although I do keep my cars garaged and out of the weather as much as possible.

The perforated one does cut down on glare, but still requires a hat on really sunny days.

The solid one blocks out all incoming light, BUT, I can see the reverse of the design on the inside of my car.

I like them both.

 

Thanks to everybody for their responses. My other alternative is to go for an 8% or 20% tint , so I will keep those on the menu for now.

 

I have a perf vinyl graphic and I love it. I don't like my car to be extremely dark inside.

that's what mine looks like, but if it's going to be outside make sure you buy the protectant to keep it looking good as long as possible.

 

Great looking Graphic and spot on with your car .

 

I had the same experience as Yucca, in terms of the perforated sunroof flag's degradation. We bought them at the same time, perhaps we got a bad batch.

I've had two flags installed by AesthetiCreations, the second after the first one rusted after only 4 months (metallic Union Jack flag graphic). Now the second one has gone bad after about 6-7 months. I am going to remove all the graphics and go stealth for a while...

 

Perforated material is not for everyone, as stated in our FAQ it has it's limitations and is not suited for all climates or conditions. It is up to the end user to determine if it's right for their situation. The installation process will also play apart in the life of the graphic. The issue with the laminate on the perforated material is that where it crosses over a hole, there is an air gap which allows the material to deteriorate from both sides. The way to slow this process down is to keep the outside conditioned and clean, we recommend 303 protectant. The biggest contributor to the failures, is the amount of time the Mini sits in the direct sun light, so if you park outside all day at work or school, you may want to consider a solid sunroof graphic. It's nice to be able to see out of the sunroof when it's closed, but it's not the best choice for everyone, you have to make that decision based on the available information. And as always, if your not sure about a particular material, stripe, graphic, etc., just shoot me an email and I will definitely work to get you an answer.

Not all vendors use a laminate on the perforated material, which eliminates the issue with the holes opening up, but it leaves the ink exposed to the elements and repeated washing, which will definitely cause a fading issue. This practice also allows water and debris to settle in the holes, which blocks your visibility and is difficult to remove.

Yucca, I don't remember your particular situation, but as far as a warranty from the previous owner, had anyone produced a receipt with a written warranty, I would have stood behind it. As there are so many variables that determine the life of a vinyl graphic, we do not currently offer a warranty other then on workmanship, if it is brought to our attention prior to the installation.

We always try to produce the highest quality graphics available, and the best way for us to determine if we are succeeding, is to get feedback from the customer. This helps us to determine if we need to change something in production or in the materials we use. We can go by the material manufactures claims, but feed back from the end users, under different conditions, allows us to be sure we are producing the best product possible.

I want to thank everyone that purchased their graphics from Cooper Flags, and ask that you send photos, good or bad. I have many new photos to add to the website and would love to have a photo of every graphic we produced. Buy having the photos on the site, it allows new owners to see the different body colors, stripe colors, and styles together, which helps them decide which one is right for them.

Thank you,
Ed

 

I'm one of the original CF customers. Before anyone suggested protecting it with 303. After Two years, it is time to go...but it did last a solid two years, always outside in new england elements. And without 303 protection (though often zaino'd).

I always recommend perffed over solid. Why did you pay big money for that awesome panoramic sunroof if you can't see out of it?

Ed I was planning on contacting you this summer on a new custom design to replace my aging decal but purchasing a house has put all my expenditures on hold. If not sooner, I will by later. It's really good to hear that despite business transitions quality is still first priority!

 

I'v had my perforated cover for almost 3 years now, still looks new. I coat it with EZ all-in-one, then the sealant....never had an issue. The first one I put on de-laminated in one week, but CF replaced it for me and the new one has been fine ever since. almost 3 full years. Car is garaged, and well taken care of, and I don't use any harsh chemicals for cleaning...never use a local car wash, only wash the car at home.

 

I went with the perf Texas Flag from CF about two years ago, looks good as new. I am garaged, still no complaints. I would like to know what the 303 protectant is...