How To Apply Window Films
Window films offer protection from UV rays and offer increased insulation on your windows. They are retrofitted onto already installed windows, and can help reduce your energy bills and UV exposure when inside your home. They are ideal for climates that receive a large amount of heat and sunlight over the year. Installing window films is a fairly simple process that you can do yourself with the proper knowledge.
What You'll Need
You'll need a gallon of shampoo, paper towel, a bucket, a squeegee, a utility knife, a spray bottle, and a gallon of bottled water. You will also need the window film kits, sized to your windows. All of these items can commonly be found at hardware and drug stores.
Before You Begin
Mix the gallon of shampoo and bottled water together in the bucket, and use the solution to clean off the window with the paper towel. You use shampoo and bottled water to achieve a pH that will not damage the window film once it is applied. Avoid chemical and traditional window cleaning solutions.
Cut a piece of window film to be an inch longer and an inch wider than the window.
Ensure that there is a thin layer of the shampoo and water mixture on the window. Using the spray bottle can help you achieve this fairly quickly.
Installing the Window Film
Remove the backing from the film carefully, ensuring that you do not touch the adhesive backing of the film.
Use the spray bottle to apply the window cleaning solution to the front of the window film. You do this to make it easy to remove the air bubbles with the squeegee later on. You may need a helper to aid you in spraying the film.
Place the adhesive side of the window film of the glass, starting on the top and working your way down. Position the film so that it is properly centered on the windowpane.
Use the squeegee to pull across the window film to remove any air bubbles that have become trapped underneath. Spray more cleaning solution onto the front of the film as needed to ensure that the squeegee does not cut or tear the window film.
Trim the edges of the window film using the utility knife. Use the squeegee if any bubbles remain. The film should stick within an hour, and be cured and fully attached within a week. Repeat for any other windows that need window films. Talk to a local expert, such as Quality Custom Window Tinting, for more advice.