Self-adhesive exterior foil: UV-resistant, weatherproof adhesive film
Weathered window frames, scratched front doors or faded facade elements: with self-adhesive exterior foil from RENOLIT and Continental – also known as outdoor adhesive film, exterior film or outdoor foil – uPVC and aluminium get a new, weatherproof surface. As a repair foil, it covers scratches and damage without replacement and without special machinery.
Updated: October 2026 · Guide by makopan GmbH
In short
- Exterior foil is not furniture film: RENOLIT EXOFOL and Continental skai are exterior foils for window profiles used outdoors and have been used in the window industry for years.
- UV-resistant and weatherproof: made for sun, rain and frost – on smooth surfaces of uPVC, aluminium and painted metal.
- The pure acrylic adhesive is covered with a protective liner – apply it with a squeegee, no machines needed.
- Available in 100, 180, 200, 500 and 1000 mm widths, from window frames to door leaves.
What is exterior foil suitable for?
As a repair foil for individual scratches and damage or as a completely new surface – wherever smooth uPVC or metal surfaces outdoors should look good again.
uPVC windows
As a repair foil for faded, scratched or yellowed frames – outer frames, sashes and glazing bars, without removing the window.
Aluminium windows and doors
The foil adheres just as well to smooth, painted aluminium profiles, including lift-and-slide and balcony doors.
Front doors and exterior doors
Cover door leaves and side panels in one piece with the 1000 mm foil. Find out more about how to wrap a front door.
Window sills
Cover exterior and interior window sills made of uPVC or aluminium to match the window decor.
Garage doors and gates
Restyle smooth, painted metal door surfaces in a wood look or a solid colour.
Facade elements and conservatories
Cladding, facade panels and conservatory profiles made of uPVC or aluminium.
Weatherproof adhesive film: why exterior foil is UV-resistant
DIY stores sell plenty of adhesive films, but most are meant for furniture and indoor use. Outdoor foils for window profiles are built differently:
- a protective top layer against UV radiation, rain and frost
- embossed surfaces in a wood look or solid colours, just like on new windows
- a pure acrylic adhesive designed for ageing and UV resistance
RENOLIT EXOFOL
Plasticiser-free PVC foil with a transparent PMMA top layer that protects the decor from UV radiation and weathering. RENOLIT tests colour fastness to EN 513. Self-adhesive RENOLIT foil
Continental skai (formerly Hornschuch)
All Continental exterior decors feature skai Cool Colours: the foil reflects infrared radiation, so dark decors heat up less in the sun. Self-adhesive Continental foil
| Outdoor adhesive film or furniture film? | Exterior foil (RENOLIT EXOFOL, Continental skai) | Furniture and decorative film |
|---|---|---|
| Use | permanently outdoors: windows, doors, facades | indoors: furniture, kitchens, walls |
| UV protection | top layer against UV radiation, colour fastness tested to EN 513 | usually none, fades in the sun |
| Weathering | designed for rain, frost and heat | not intended for moisture and frost |
| Adhesive | pure acrylic, designed for ageing and UV | simple pressure-sensitive adhesive |
| Surface | the same decors as on new window profiles | decors for furniture |
Technical data of the exterior foil
| Manufacturer | RENOLIT (EXOFOL) and Continental (skai, formerly Hornschuch) |
| Construction (RENOLIT EXOFOL PR) | plasticiser-free PVC foil with a transparent PMMA top layer, approx. 0.4 mm |
| Adhesive | pure acrylic adhesive, covered with a protective liner |
| Application | at 15–35 °C; in cold conditions, warm the surface and foil with a heat gun |
| Final adhesion | after approx. 24 hours |
| UV resistance and colour fastness | tested to EN 513 (RENOLIT EXOFOL) |
| Care | Water with a neutral cleaner or washing-up liquid and a soft cloth; no solvents or abrasives – see clean uPVC window frames |
| Widths | 100, 180, 200, 500 and 1000 mm; 180 and 1000 mm from 3 running metres |
| Storage | up to approx. 1 year after delivery, at approx. 20 °C and 50 % relative humidity |
| Removal | the foil is bonded permanently and is not designed to be peeled off again |
Data according to RENOLIT product information EXOFOL PR (as of 07/2019). The data sheet of the respective foil is authoritative.
Applying exterior foil in 4 steps
Clean
The surface must be free of dust, grease and silicone. We recommend the RENOLIT window frame cleaner.
Cut to size and warm up
Cut the foil at least 2 cm larger; warm the surface and foil slightly if necessary.
Press on
Gradually peel off the protective liner and press the foil on with the felt squeegee from the centre outwards, free of bubbles.
Trim the edges
Warm the edges slightly, fold them over and trim them flush with a utility knife.
The detailed guide with video, tool list and tips for corners shows you how to wrap window frames.
Frequently chosen exterior foils
Anthracite Grey 7016 with wood grain
The modern classic for windows and front doors. Find out more about anthracite foil RAL 7016 for exterior window frames.
Golden Oak
Warm oak wood look, one of the most popular window decors. Find out more about Golden Oak foil for exterior use.
Traffic White RAL 9016
For white uPVC windows and yellowed frames.
Frequently asked questions about exterior foil
Is the self-adhesive foil UV-resistant?
Yes. RENOLIT EXOFOL and Continental skai are exterior foils for window profiles. With RENOLIT, a PMMA top layer protects the decor, and colour fastness is tested to EN 513.
Can I use it to cover front doors and exterior doors?
Yes, smooth door leaves and side panels made of uPVC, aluminium or painted metal. For door leaves, the 1000 mm foil is ideal, minimum quantity 3 running metres. Find out more about how to wrap a front door.
At what temperature can I apply the foil?
Apply the foil at 15 to 35 °C. At cooler temperatures, warm the surface and foil with a heat gun. Final adhesion is reached after approx. 24 hours.
Does the foil stick to aluminium?
Yes, on smooth, painted metal surfaces. What matters is a clean surface free of grease and silicone.
Can the foil be removed again?
Exterior foil is bonded permanently and is not designed to be peeled off again. It is therefore not suitable for temporary solutions.
Can I also use exterior foil indoors?
Yes. It is easy to care for and scratch-resistant, and is suitable for window sills or the inside of window frames, for example.
How do I find the right colour?
Order a foil sample for €0.99 and compare it directly on the frame. Sample shipping is free. For an overview, there are colour fans from RENOLIT and Continental. Guides to popular decors: anthracite foil RAL 7016, Golden Oak foil and mahogany exterior foil.
What is a repair foil for windows?
A self-adhesive foil for outdoor repairs that restores damaged window frames, doors or profiles: it is applied over scratches, chips or faded areas and gives the surface a new finish in the matching decor. Small blemishes can also be touched up with a uPVC touch-up pen. All decors as repair foil: buy window frame foil.
What does exterior or outdoor foil mean?
Both terms mean foil for outdoor use: UV-resistant and weatherproof, for permanent use outside. The foils from RENOLIT (EXOFOL) and Continental (skai Exterior) are developed precisely for this – unlike decorative films for furniture and interiors.
Which adhesive film is weatherproof?
Exterior foils developed for window profiles are weatherproof, for example RENOLIT EXOFOL and Continental skai. They have a UV protection layer and a pure acrylic adhesive and permanently withstand sun, rain and frost. Most adhesive films from DIY stores, by contrast, are intended for indoor use.
The right exterior foil for your project
Exterior foil in a wood look, solid RAL colours or metallic: find the right repair foil for windows, doors and facades – UV-resistant, weatherproof and checked beforehand with a sample.