How to Apply Window Film
Window films typically come in standard sizes that range from 24″ to 48″. You should buy a width that will fit all of your windows and plan on trimming the sheets to fit. However, if you have several especially long windows, you can use two sheets to cover the window.
No matter what type of window film you use in your house, the installation steps are the same. Before beginning you should know that typically this product does not work on plastic, frosted glass or other patterned glass, or cracked or scratched glass. However, if your glass is in good condition follow these steps.
Clean the glass thoroughly with soapy water. Some manufacturers have restrictions on the ingredients that can be contained in the soap; some soaps could dissolve the adhesive on the product. Some manufacturers sell cleaning fluid that will work particularly well with their materials.
Once the window is cleaned, unroll the film and cut it 1″ larger than the piece of glass you wish to cover. Remove the liner on the film and spray both the window glass and the adhesive with soapy water. Apply the film to the window, sliding it into place as best as you can.
Spray the film attached to the window with the soapy water and using a squeegee and working left to right remove all air bubbles from underneath the glass. Leave a small perimeter around the glass untouched, you will smooth that area later.
After the majority of the window film has been smoothed into place, use a straight edge and razor to trim the sheet to lie flush with the glass. Then reapply water to the edges of the film and squeegee any bubbles out from between the glass and the film. It is important to use more water to insure that the film cures properly to the window.
If the glass is too wide to use a single piece, follow these steps. Apply two sheets, overlapping in the center by at least one inch. Then using a straight edge to cut down the center of the overlapping pieces, You should then be able to remove the pieces that are overlapping. Spray more water onto the seam and make sure that the two pieces line up perfectly, then continue your project.
Once applied, the film should begin to adhere to the window after about 30 minutes. You should let the entire window cure for a week and then clean the surface with a cleaner approved by the manufacturer.
Window film is an excellent home improvement project for home owners seeking to block UV rays, decrease heat gain, or even add a new decorative option to their home. However, this project is for the home owner with lots of patients and the time required to make sure that the film is applied perfectly. If you feel pressed for time, you should hiire someone to apply the film for you.
