Window film is a polyester based film or laminate that is applied to a glass surface. The variety of materials used range from metals, ceramics and dyed materials. Window film is generally applied to automobiles, homes and commercial buildings for security protection, solar energy, and decoration.
Window Care
After window film is applied small water pockets and haziness are commonly found on the surface of glass and this is known as ‘curing.’ Do not be alarmed; this is completely normal. Waiting three days after the window film has been applied before cleaning them is standard procedure, because you want to give the window film time to properly set and dry. When it’s hot and sunny outside during the curing time period the window film will dry more quickly compared to a cloudy day in Florida. Do not roll down your windows for the first 48 hours because the window film could easily peel within the first few days after applied.
Once the few days have passed, your windows will need to be properly cleaned. Using a soft paper towel and non-ammonia cleaning spray works best. Ammonia should not be used because they chemicals it contains are too abrasive for the film. Make sure to double check the ingredient list before using a certain brand. Mixing vinegar and water works and is all natural, soap and water is another option, or Vinegar Windex (Green). Stay away from any industrial strength glass cleaners because of the harsh chemicals they contain.
Window Maintenance
When taking off seat belts, make sure to let your passengers know to be careful not to let their seat belt fly into the glass and chip the window film or even glass. If window film is applied to your vehicle after owning it for a few years you will likely have small scratches on the glass due to sand debris getting lodged inside of the window and then getting dragged across the window when rolling the window up and down. Once window film is applies the scratches will be more noticeable, but unfortunately there is nothing you can do about this since it happened previously.
Brian Schauder, the owner of Solar Solutions window tinting in Vero, Florida has been professionally tinting windows since 1994. At Solar Solutions we are locally owned and operated by professional, experienced window tinting technicians. Call us today at 772-633-6795 for information and pricing!