When dew accumulates on a traffic sign, it can vanish exactly when drivers need it most. Avery Dennison OL-1200 Anti-dew Protective Overlay Film keeps critical signage clear, reflective, and readable — even through misty mornings and cold, damp nights.
The Hidden Danger of Dew on Traffic Signs
Dew forms when a sign's surface cools below the dew point of the surrounding air. On a standard sign, that moisture beads into rounded droplets. Those droplets scatter light in every direction instead of sending it back to the driver.
The result is dramatic. Dew can temporarily cut a sign's retroreflectivity by up to 87%, leaving it almost invisible in low-light conditions. This happens overnight and in the early morning hours — precisely when drivers rely most on reflective signs to guide them safely.
Rural roads, high-humidity climates, and complex intersections face the greatest risk. A momentary lapse in visibility in these places can have serious consequences.
A Smarter Surface: How OL-1200 Works
OL-1200 solves the problem at the physical level. Instead of repelling water, its hydrophilic surface attracts it. Moisture spreads across the film and combines into a flat, even sheet rather than beading into droplets.
That flat sheet lets light pass straight through and reflect uniformly back to the driver. The sign stays legible, night and day, in the exact conditions where visibility usually fails.
Built to Last, Designed to Protect
Up to 10 years of anti-dew performance — reliable protection through countless damp mornings and cold nights.
Up to 12 years of UV protection — shielding sign color and reflectivity from long-term sun exposure.
Self-cleaning by design — because signs stand vertical, gravity pulls the water sheet downward, flushing away dirt and grime.
Proven compatibility — works with permanent signage materials, including micro prismatic sheeting and printed inks.
