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WINDOW FILM CARE

Film Dry-Out Time:


The mounting solution used during the installation of your Solar Gard window
film may require a dry-out time. Cold or non-sunny weather conditions can
lengthen the dry-out time, while warm weather and direct sunlight exposure
will shorten the dry-out time. Small water beads and a slightly cloudy look
may appear during the dry-out time. If slow drying does occur, do not
become alarmed. The film will dry-out.

DO NOT CLEAN THE FILM FOR 30 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM NEW WINDOW FILM

 

1. All window films require a reasonable drying time of 30-60 days depending mostly on weather conditions, compass direction, type of film (construction) and the level of conditioned air use.

2. It is recommended windows not be washed for the first 2 weeks of the drying period.

3. Any milky appearance or haziness that occurs with some film products is a reaction of the adhesive to the moisture used to apply the window film. This will become less noticeable as the drying time passes.

4. All water bubbles will dry out. These occur from the pooling of the application solution due in part to gravitational forces and uneven evaporation of the trapped solution.

5. Some minor contamination can be expected. Installation procedures used are aimed at minimizing dust, dirt, and fabric or carpet fibers as a potential contaminant, whether airborne or settled. It is a must as a purchaser of professionally installed window film to understand our best effort provides the highest quality installation given the condition of the environment the work is performed in, on or around.

6. Any contamination will have no effect on the performance of the window film. You can also expect the addition of window film to highlight pre—existing imperfections in the glass. Examples are (and not limited to) scratches, dimples, or welding slag and splashes.

7. We encourage you to keep roll down windows in a stationary 'up' position for the first 3-5 days after the film has been applied. This is to prevent any premature peeling or lifting at the edge or slipping of the film pattern across the glass surface during any window movement.

8. Dot matrix material bordering some automotive glass may not allow window film to adhere well to the glass surface, causing what has come to be called a white silvery look to these area of auto glass (this includes frit lines). This is a result of the material thickness of the black ceramic material suspending the film over the glass between each dot or line and the very rigid nature of the film's polyester will restrict the necessary or ideal permanent flexing of the film material to meet the glass surface. Some inventive ideas for handling the wider matrices are available and in use at this shop.

9. Cleaning can be done with a soft cloth, paper towel and/or squeegee. It is suggested to avoid use of ammonia or vinegar based cleaning product or products abrasive in nature for cleaning the film surface.

10. Window film does have a scratch resistant coating to protect the product's surface from day-to-day window movement and during cleaning. It is not scratch proof and is prone to chipping much the same as if it were a painted surface.

11. Take precaution not to strike the film/glass surface with sharp objects, this includes but not limited to, car keys, rings, umbrellas, etc.

12. An excellent cleaning solution would be to take approximately one quart of water, one cup rubbing alcohol and a couple drops of your preferred liquid dish soap and mix in a spray bottle.

13. Please remember... it is quite natural that one would want to examine closely a new purchase of this kind, we ask that when doing so you keep in mind that we have taken care to provide you our best effort in a timely manner and any minor imperfections will soon go unnoticed the minute you begin using the window for what it was designed for... that is... looking through it, not at it.

 

Cleaning Instructions:

To maximize the life of the window film, please follow these instructions
for proper care and maintenance.

  • Always use clean, soft materials to wash and dry your window film surfaces.

 

  • Most glass cleaners will work well, although a good cleaning solution for window film is 1/2 ounce of liquid dish soap added to 1 quart of fresh water.

 

  • A soft cloth or a clean synthetic sponge is recommended for washing the window film, followed by another clean soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying.

  • To avoid scratching the film, do not use bristle brushes, abrasive scrubbing sponges, or any cleaning materials that may have been contaminated with dirt particles. Avoid washing interior and exterior windows with the same cleaning materials.

 

  • Some brands of paper towels are coarse enough to put fine scratches in the film, even films with scratch resistant, protective hard-coat finish. While these scratches may be too fine to be seen at first, they can cause damage and reduce the polished look of the film over time.

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