Most Popular Finishes

Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir


Redwood Cedar

Redwood Cedar


Red Elm

Red Elm


Rich Oak

Rich Oak


Zebra

Zebra


Metallic Zebra

Metallic Zebra

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Testimonial

"I needed an outdated bathroom vanity updated, but didn’t want to break the bank to do it. Instead I contacted Paste Graphics, who came to my home, showed me several Architectural Film options that suited the other fixtures, and had it completed within a couple of hours.

I work from home, and was able to focus on my work without noise or interruption during the installation. The installer was fast, friendly, and professional. I saved a lot of money with this, and I will definitely be recommending Paste and Architectural Film to all my friends!"

- Client | Residential Interior

Service Area

We are based out of Toronto, but have a network of installers nation-wide to service clients across the country. We can also service U.S. customers, so please contact us to inquire how we can help you: 1.855.226.9219.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled some frequently asked questions about architectural film. If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Tel: 1.855.226.9219

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


          1. Tell me about it.
          2. How much does it cost?
          3. Is there a minimum cost?
          4. Why wouldn't I just buy real wood/laminate/veneer instead?
          5. How do I look after it?
          6. Is it safe?
          7. Does it smell?
          8. What finishes/colours/patterns are available?
          9. Can I see the finishes?
          10. Can I keep samples of the finishes?
          11. My project (eg, garage door) has a lot of odd angles - does this affect price?
          12. What kind of surfaces can it go on?
          13. Can it go over fabric or soft surfaces?
          14. Where can it be used?
          15. Where can it not be used?
          16. Will it get mouldy/stained/faded/scuffed/scratched etc?
          17. What company manufactures it?
          18. Does anyone else offer this?
          19. Can I buy it directly?
          20. Does it have a warranty/guarantee?
          21. Is it permanent?
          22. What is the procedure for getting it?
          23. How long does the inspection take?
          24. What happens during the inspection?
          25. How much does the inspection cost?
          26. Do I need to do anything to prepare for an installation?
          27. How long does installation take?
          28. Are the installers professionally trained/certified?
          29. Do I need to be home during the installation?
          30. Can I install it myself?
          31. How do I pay?
          32. How many other projects have you used this on?
          33. Are you insured?
          34. Who are some of your other customers/clients?
          35. Are you a kitchen/bathroom renovator or home contractor?
          36. Do you also do plumbing/electricity/gas hook-up etc? 

1. Tell me about it.
  • Architectural Film is a flexible laminate film
  • It is an alternative to wood, veneer, and laminate
  • It mimics the appearance and texture of those materials, but at a fraction of the cost
  • It is durable, long-lasting, and odourless
  • It can be applied to any hard, non-porous surface that is flat or curved
  • It is a superior alternative because it:

i. Saves you time and money in material and labour costs

ii. Is installed quickly on your schedule so you aren’t inconvenienced with lengthy renovations

iii. As a film, it can be cut to any shape or size, unlike pre-built doors and drawer fronts; this makes it ideal for kitchens or other surfaces that have odd shapes and sizes or were custom built

iv. Is environmentally friendly since it goes over existing surfaces and is not produced from trees; when its lifecycle ends, it is easier on the earth than disposing of wood/veneer/laminate

2. How much does it cost?
Our starting rate is $300 per finish for the material and installation, plus tax. This is because we charge for what we have to buy to complete a project, including any material that ends up as waste. The installer needs to perform an in-home consultation to view the project and determine an exact quote, noting that:
  • For larger projects, we may be able to offer a discounted rate
  • For complex projects (curves, odd angles), the price may increase
3. Is there a minimum cost?

Because we offer our services at such a competitive rate, we have to charge a minimum of $300 per finish for the material and installation, plus tax.

4. Why wouldn’t I just buy real wood/laminate/veneer instead?
Architectural Film has the appearance and texture of those materials, but is much less costly to purchase and install. It takes less time to install, and installation is non-intrusive because there is no noise or mess. It also has other benefits that those materials do not offer:
  • Is environmentally responsible because no trees were cut down; very little waste is created because it can be cut easily to fit in odd areas; reduces waste sent to landfills because surfaces are refinished rather than replaced; when its lifecycle ends, it is easier on the earth than disposing of wood/veneer/laminate
  • It is durable, long-lasting, and odourless
  • It can be wiped clean with standard household detergents
  • Is resistant to sunlight/fading; heat; cold; mould/moisture; wear and tear; staining; cleaners/soaps
  • We bring the material to you; you do not have to shop in-store or online to select a design 
5. How do I look after it?
  • The film can be wiped clean with standard household detergents and a soft cloth
  • You should not use harsh chemicals such as ester, but bleach is acceptable
  • You should not use brushes or cloths with hard bristles or rough surfaces because they could scratch the film
  • We will provide you with a brochure on how to care for it after installation 
6. Is it safe?

Yes - the film is odourless and non-toxic.

7. Does it smell?
  • The film is odourless
  • We use a primer during installation, which has a slight odour like varnish; however it’s not a strong odour and you won’t be able to smell it when installation is complete.
8. What finishes/colours/patterns are available?
There are hundreds available, but to make selection easier, we stock the 6 most popular wood finishes:
  • Douglas Fir
  • Redwood Cedar
  • Red Elm
  • Rich Oak
  • Zebra
  • Metallic Zebra

Our installer can speak to you about other options if you are interested.

9. Can I see the finishes?

Our installer can also show you samples during the in-home consultation.

10. Can I keep samples of the finishes?

You can purchase 8” x 10” samples from the installer for $5 each; this is non-refundable.

11. My project (eg, garage door) has a lot of odd angles – does this affect price?
  • Price may be affected by a complex project, such as one with odd angles or curves
  • The installer will determine this during the in-home consultation
12. What kind of surfaces can it go on?
  • Architectural Film is ideal for hard, smooth, non-porous surfaces such as cabinets, countertops, doors, walls, floors, and furniture
  • It can be applied to flat or curved surfaces
  • It can go indoors or out, as it is moisture and fade-resistant
  • It can go in bathrooms, basements, or attics that are properly ventilated, but not in areas such as saunas, because the high moisture could cause the film to peel
13. Can it go over fabric or soft surfaces?

No, the film can only go on hard, smooth, non-porous surfaces.

14. Where can it be used?
  • Any area with adequate ventilation, indoors and out: bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, attics, living areas, basements, garage doors, offices
  • Because it is moisture and fade resistant, it is also suitable for outdoor use; however it has to be applied at a temperature between 12⁰C- 38⁰C
15. Where can it not be used?
  • Any area with a high moisture level, as this could cause the film to not adhere properly or peel;  for example, saunas
  • However it can go in bathrooms, basements, or attics that are properly ventilated
16. Will it get mouldy/stained/faded/scuffed/scratched etc?
The film is resistant to:
  • Sunlight/fading
  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Mould/moisture – but should only be applied in ventilated areas
  • Staining
  • Cleaners/soaps
  • Wear and tear/abrasions – however should be cleaned with a soft cloth to prevent scratches
17. What company manufacturers it?

Architectural Film is manufactured by 3M.

18. Does anyone else offer this?
  • The manufacturer and distributor do not sell Architectural Film to the general public, only to installers
  • This is a specialty product that should only be installed by a certified installer; there are very few certified installers in the area
19. Can I buy it directly?

The manufacturer and distributor do not sell Architectural Film to the general public, only to installers.

20. Does it have a warranty/guarantee?
  • With normal usage and proper cleaning, Architectural Film is guaranteed for 4 years for outdoor use and 12 years for indoor use
  • We encourage you to contact us if there are issues with your film after installation; we will perform an in-home consultation to determine if the material is eligible for free replacement and/or installation
21. Is it permanent?

The installer will have to perform an in-home consultation to let you know if you can remove an old layer or cover it with a new one

22. What is the procedure for getting it?
  • We will book a free in-home consultation – the installer will come to your home to assess the surfaces you want refinished, and will discuss the finishes and pricing with you
  • If you decide to have it installed, we require a 50% non-refundable deposit, which you can pay to the installer during the consultation
  • When your deposit has cleared, we will call you to book the installation if we have the selected material in-stock; otherwise we will order the material and book the installation once it arrives, which usually takes 3-4 weeks
23. How long does the in-home consultation take?

The in-home consultation will take 30-60 minutes.

24. What happens during the in-home consultation?
  • The installer will assess the condition of the surfaces you wish to refinish, and if they are suitable, will show you the finishes available for you to choose from
  • He will discuss the installation process with you and answer any questions you may have
25. How much does the in-home consultation cost?

The in-home consultation if free of charge.

26. Do I need to do anything to prepare for an installation?
Yes, you can save time and cost by:
  • Wiping down all surfaces with soap and water so they are smooth and clean
  • Removing handles/pulls from drawers/cabinets
  • Removing doors/cabinets from frames
  • Ensuring that the area is clean, dust-free, hair-free, and well-lit
  • Ensuring that the area is easily accessible, as we do not move furniture or appliances
  • Ensuring that any pets are kept away from the installation area
27. How long does installation take?
  • Installation is much quicker than with wood, veneer, or laminate
  • Installation usually takes from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the project size and complexity
  • For example:

i. A 100 square foot kitchen would take 6-8 hours

ii. A garage door or bathroom would take 4-5 hours

  • We will work with your schedule to ensure that a project is fast and convenient
28. Are the installers professionally trained/certified?
  • Yes - we employ trained and certified installers
  • They are WHMIS trained (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
  • We have been recognized as 3M Preferred Graphics Installers
  • We are also lift certified and fall arrest certified (installers wear harnesses for elevated projects to prevent falls)
29. Do I need to be home during the installation?

Yes, a responsible adult with the capacity to make decisions must be present during the installation for reasons of safety and security, as well as if any unexpected changes need to be made.

30. Can I install it myself?

This is a specialty product that only be installed by a certified installer.

31. How do I pay?
  • We require a non-refundable 50% deposit prior to installation – this covers our costs of ordering the material
  • The remaining 50% can be paid to the installer during the installation
  • You can pay in person, by personal or certified cheque, or by credit card
  • We provide receipts
32. How many other projects have you used this on?
  • This product has been used in thousands of projects all over the world, mainly in commercial applications
  • It has recently become available for residential application
  • We have over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential film application, and have completed hundreds of projects
33. Are you insured?

Yes – we are WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Board) certified and carry liability insurance.

34. Who are some of your other customers/clients?
  • We have completed projects for clients such as Prada, Canada Post, Toronto Hydro, Gap, CIBC, and TVO
  • You can view photos of some of our projects as well as the many uses of Architectural Film in our galleries.
35. Are you a kitchen/bathroom renovator or home contractor?

No, we strictly perform installation of the film and we do not recommend other installers or contractors.

36. Do you also do plumbing/electricity/gas hook-up etc?
No, we strictly perform installation of the film and we do not recommend other installers or contractors.

Architectural Film Examples

Below are some of the many uses for architectural film. Images are used with permission of 3M.
 

dining

Rich wood film enhances a dining room
 
 

table

Bright wall film upgrades an office
 
 

wall

Textured film creates a focal point
 
 

wall2

Chic wall film adds luxury to a room

Residential Applications

Thinking about renovating your home? Consider using Architectural Film to resurface areas such as:

• Countertops

• Cabinets

• Tables

• Chairs

• Floors

• Ceilings

• Desk

• Windows

• Trim/ Baseboards/ Crown Moulding/ Wainscoting

• Walls