Window Film Application Instructions

Before you begin applying window film, it is best that you gather the recommended tools that are not included with the window film. These tools are as follows:

Window Film Application Solution-if not available, you can make this yourself with no tears baby shampoo, which does not contain conditioner. Distilled water-do not use tap water, if you are using baby shampoo. Spray bottle Utility knife with breakaway blades Scraper for cleaning the glass Tape measure Lint-free cloth Squeegee Edging Tool

Application Tips:

Read the manufactures instructions completely. Window Film should only be applied as directed by the manufacture. Apply on the inside surface of single-pane windows or on the exterior of removable storm panes Apply to the inside surface of sealed dual-pane windows. Always begin with smaller windows and always have help when applying film to larger windows, such as patio doors. Always apply film when the glass temperature is between 45-90F. Do not apply film in direct sunlight or in freezing temperatures. Keep the window and film thoroughly saturated, and use the rubber squeegee to position the film. Do not use a rigid or hard-edged tool, as this can easily scratch the film. When bubbles appear, gently peel the film away from window, wet the glass and film again, and reapply the film.

Before You Start:

If using window film application solution, this is ready to use. Do not dilute or mix with water. However, if you are making your own solution, first mix 1qt. distilled water with1/4 tsp of no-tears baby shampoo. Next, fill a pump or trigger-spray bottle with the solution. The solution serves as a lubricant for the squeegee when cleaning the glass, and applying the film. It is vital that you do not use any commercial or household glass cleaner that contains ammonia or vinegar to clean the glass or film. These cleaners will damage the vinyl film. If the glass is extremely greasy or smoke-covered, then first clean the windows with glass cleaner followed by thoroughly rinsing with the solution you made. When using a small utility knife with breakaway blades, vinyl film will quickly dull a blade edge, and can tear the vinyl window film. Therefore, you will need a new blade after cutting approximately 10 feet of vinyl.

Application Steps:

Thoroughly clean the window by generously spraying the window with the solution. Then using a scraper or a razor blade, remove any and all stubborn dirt, paint, sticker residue, etc. Make sure that you carefully clean inside each corner. Next, wet the window again and squeegee downward, wiping off any dirt that has accumulated around the window gasket with a soft lint free cloth or paper coffee filter. Repeat this process until the glass thoroughly cleaned.

Carefully measure the windows dimensions of the before cutting the film. Unroll the film on a clean, flat surface. To minimize waste, you can either cut the film approximately 1 larger than the glass, both horizontally and vertically. Using a factory straight edge, you will trim off the excess film once it has been applied to glass.

Thoroughly wet the window by generously spraying the Solution on the surface of the glass until it beads and runs down the glass. If the glass becomes dry, completely wet the glass again before applying the film.

Carefully remove the clear plastic liner. To do this, attach two 3 to 4 long pieces of transparent tape to the front and back surfaces of a corner of the film so that approximately 1 of the tape is actually on the film. Next, quickly pull both pieces of tape apart. The clear liner should begin separating from the film. Do not fold over a corner as this could crease the film, which will be noticeable once the film has been applied to the window. As you carefully peel the liner away from the film, generously spray the solution onto the film. This will reduce the films static, and cut down on the amount of dirt contamination. It will also make the liner easier to remove.

If needed wet the window again, before applying the film to the glass. Having too much solution on the window is better than not having enough. Starting at the top of the window, apply the film to the wet glass and allow the film to gently adhere to the glass. Use your hands to carefully smooth out any wrinkles and creases.

Spray the outer surface of the film, and then squeegee the film in place. Working the squeegee from the centerline of the film, you want to work from the top to bottom to set the film into place and to work any bubbles toward the sides of the film. Next, starting at the right, top center of the window, squeegee from the center to the right out side and work downward, leaving a 2 perimeter around the edges that are unsqueegeed. Repeat this same process on the left side of the window. To remove any large air pockets, wet the top of the film again and squeegee again. If the squeegee drags or does not move smoothly over the film, spray the film again with the solution. Remember, the solution now is acting as a lubricant so that the squeegee does not pull at the film.

Using a sharp razor blade, or utility knife and a straight edge tool, trim a 1/16 gap around the edge of the film. This gap is vital for several reasons. First it allows for the proper thermal expansion of the glass and secondly, it permits the complete removal of all the water and air, which is under the film. By wetting the entire film surface again and by using the squeegee as described in step 6, you can completely remove all of the moisture and air from under the film. Make sure that you keep the surface of the film wet so that he squeegee does not drag or pull along the films surface. Once you have removed all the air bubbles and moisture, use an absorbent lint-free cloth or paper coffee filters to absorb the water, which has collected around the edges of the film.

Cleaning and Caring for Window Films:

When cleaning your window films, always use the same solution and a squeegee as you did when applying the film. Use a lint-free cloth for drying the film to avoid scratching the film. Never clean the window films with any cleaner that contains ammonia, or vinegar. Never use any commercial glass cleaners on the window films unless it explicitly states that it is formulated for use on window films and then only if it states the manufacturer of your window films. Do not use paper towels to dry or clean the window films, as these will scratch the film.

Home page

Disclaimers

Residential window film

Auto window film

Choosing and installing

FAQ

Where to buy