Posted by Alan on 8th Apr 2020
Applying a protection film to your windows is not only great for blocking UV rays and reducing glare, it can also help you keep heat inside during the colder months. By applying this clear coat of protective plastic sheeting over any window in your home, including sliding doors and mirror surfaces that are exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day.
The first step towards applying a glass protection film is choosing the shades and patterns that work for you. The options include; etched, frosted, and stained glass which are all very versatile in design to match anyone's desires.
1. Prepare Your Glass Surface
Clean your glass in preparation for the process. Use a glass cleaner and a glass scraper to get rid of all dust and particles and to make it whiter, brighter and more reflective. The adhesive will be better able to stick if there is no dust or other particles in sight.
2. Prepare the Film
Begin the process of preparing your window film. The films all come with a protective plastic cover to keep them from being scratched or damaged while you're not using it, but this is only temporary! Use adhesive strips to remove that layer and then use mounting fluid on the side where there's an adhesive strip- like glue for paper - in order to make sure that any time you stick one piece onto another they won't get stuck together.
Spray the film and the window pane with your mounting liquid mixture.
Place your film at the centre of your window pane. If you have trouble pushing the film, you may not have used enough mounting fluid.
Spray the back of the film for easy handling.
Press your assembly liquid evenly towards the rubber seal. Start from the middle to the right, and then to the left. Press it until there is no residual liquid left under the film.
Dab the edges gently using a clean soft cloth.
3. Edge Sealing
After installing an outer film, you need to seal the edges from the outside. After drying, use vinegar-free silicone.
4. Clean the Surface
Let the film dry for up to three days. During that period, avoid touching it and keep it free of dirt and dust. After a few weeks, it is safe to clean your window film. You may use a cotton cloth or paper towel.
You don't need any special solutions to clean the glass. Use regular glass cleaners or detergent. Use cleaners that don't contain acids. Acidic materials can damage your windows.
Glass protection films offer a variety of benefits for residential and commercial properties, from eliminating annoying glare from the sun to adding style to plain windows with individually designed decals. They are also useful for giving property owners or office workers some much needed privacy or to prevent glass panes from shattering into innumerable pieces if damaged. In fact, there are an extensive variety of benefits to using glass protection films at home or in the workplace.
Window film is generally easy to remove but, if it has been on the glass for a long time, it may break into smaller pieces when you attempt to peel it off.
If you need to remove existing film from your windows, it needs to be done correctly to prevent small sections of film or adhesive from being left on the glass, so make sure you follow these essential tips:
1. Loosen one corner of the film and peel it diagonally away from the glass in a smooth, slow motion. With luck, the entire sheet will be removed without splitting or tearing.
2. If the protection film covers a particularly large area, you can score it into smaller sections, but take care not to damage the glass underneath.
3. With the film removed, the adhesive may remain on the glass, so spray it with soapy water (use 1 tablespoon of soap to each pint of water), ensuring the film is fully covered.
4. Lay sheets of newspaper to the adhesive and wait for approximately 20 minutes while the adhesive softens.
5. Once the adhesive is soft, scrape it off gently with a razor scraper, taking care not to damage the glass beneath.
6. Finally, clean the glass with an appropriate cleaning product and dry it thoroughly.
This method should enable you to remove the window protection film completely, without damaging the glass surface and return the window to its original state.
You can now consider applying new film to the glass, from the extensive range available at Trio Plus.
At Trio Plus, we can supply an extensive range of temporary surface protection products for domestic and commercial solutions. From window and glass protection to floor and door coverings, we supply only the highest quality products, and our expert staff can advise you on which solutions will best address your requirements.
For more information, feel free to get in touch today.
If you are looking for high-quality surface protection products in the UK, contact Trio Plus for help.