Self-adhesive foil for outdoor use: UV-resistant exterior foil and repair foil
Weathered window frames, scratched front doors or faded facade panels: with self-adhesive exterior foil by RENOLIT and Continental – also called outdoor foil – uPVC and aluminium get a new, weatherproof surface. As a repair foil it covers scratches and damage, without replacing anything and without special machines.
In short
- Exterior foil is not furniture foil: RENOLIT EXOFOL and Continental skai are exterior foils for window profiles and have been used in the window industry for years.
- UV-resistant and weatherproof: made for sun, rain and frost – on smooth substrates of uPVC, aluminium and painted metal.
- The pure acrylic adhesive is covered with release paper – applied with a squeegee, no machines needed.
- Available in 100, 180, 200, 500 and 1000 mm widths, from window frames to door leaves.
What can exterior foil be used for?
As a repair foil for individual scratches and damage or as a completely new surface – wherever smooth uPVC or metal surfaces outdoors need to 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 also adheres 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. More under wrapping front doors.
Window sills
Cover exterior and interior sills made of uPVC or aluminium to match the window decor.
Garage doors and gates
Give smooth, painted metal door surfaces a new woodgrain or solid colour finish.
Facade panels and conservatories
Cladding, facade panels and conservatory profiles made of uPVC or aluminium.
Why exterior foil is UV-resistant and weatherproof
DIY stores sell many adhesive films, most of them 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 woodgrain 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
Technical data of the exterior foil
| Manufacturers | RENOLIT (EXOFOL) and Continental (skai, formerly Hornschuch) |
| Structure (RENOLIT EXOFOL PR) | plasticiser-free PVC foil with transparent PMMA top layer, approx. 0.4 mm |
| Adhesive | pure acrylic adhesive, covered with release paper |
| Application | recommended at 18–35 °C; in cold conditions warm substrate and foil with a heat gun |
| Final adhesion | after approx. 24 hours |
| UV and colour fastness | tested to EN 513 (RENOLIT EXOFOL) |
| Care | water with neutral cleaner or washing-up liquid, soft cloth; no solvents or abrasives – see cleaning 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 % humidity |
| Removal | the foil is bonded permanently and not designed to be peeled off again |
Data according to RENOLIT product information EXOFOL PR (07/2019). The data sheet of the respective foil applies.
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 and warm
Cut the foil at least 2 cm larger, and warm substrate and foil slightly if needed.
Press on
Peel off the release paper gradually and press the foil on bubble-free with a felt squeegee, working from the inside out.
Trim edges
Warm the edges slightly, fold them over and trim flush with a cutter.
The detailed guide with video, tool list and tips for corners is at wrapping window frames.
Frequently chosen exterior foils
Anthracite grey 7016 with woodgrain
The modern classic for windows and front doors. More about anthracite foil for exterior window frames.
Golden Oak
Warm oak woodgrain, one of the most common window decors. More about Golden Oak exterior foil.
Traffic white RAL 9016
For white uPVC windows and yellowed frames.
FAQ: 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 on front doors and exterior doors?
Yes, on smooth door leaves and side panels made of uPVC, aluminium or painted metal. For door leaves, use the 1000 mm foil, minimum 3 running metres. More under wrapping front doors.
At what temperature can I apply the foil?
RENOLIT recommends 18–35 °C. In cooler conditions, warm substrate 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. The surface must be clean and free of grease and silicone.
Can the foil be removed again?
The exterior foil is bonded permanently and is not designed to be peeled off. It is therefore not suitable for temporary solutions.
Can I also use the exterior foil indoors?
Yes. It is easy to clean and scratch-resistant, for example for window sills or the inside of window frames.
How do I find the right shade?
Order a foil sample for €0.99 and compare it directly on the frame. Sample shipping is free. For an overview, colour fans by RENOLIT and Continental are available. Guides to popular decors: anthracite, Golden Oak and mahogany exterior foil.
What is a window repair foil?
A self-adhesive foil for outdoor repairs, used to repair 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 chips can also be touched up with a touch-up pen.
What does exterior or outdoor foil mean?
Both mean foil for outdoor use: UV-resistant and weatherproof, for permanent use outside. The foils by RENOLIT (EXOFOL) and Continental (skai Exterior) are made exactly for this – unlike decorative films for furniture and interiors.
The right exterior foil for your project
Exterior foil in woodgrain, RAL solid colours or metallic: find the right repair foil for windows, doors and facade – UV-resistant, weatherproof and checked with a sample first.