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Project Difficulty:
Moderate
Estimated
Project Time: 1 hour per window, depending on size (not including drying time)
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| Tools and Materials: |
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Window film
Stepladder
Recommended soapy solution and spray bottle
Razor-type scraper
Rubber and any supplied squeegee
Lint-free cloths
Measuring tape
Grease pencil or soft marker
Razor knife or utility knife
Straight edge (metal ruler)
Masking tape (to help remove protective liner, as needed)
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You can lower your home cooling costs and reduce fading from sunlight damage by installing tinted, insulating window films. Applied directly to the window, they’re inexpensive and removable. Think of it as giving your house sunglasses to ward off the glare.
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1.
Window Film Basics
After preparing each window so that it's squeaky clean, unroll the film on a clean, flat surface. Treat it gently or it will crease. Measure each window pane that will get the film--don’t assume they’re all the same size. Work on trimming and applying film to one pane at a time rather than precutting a lot of pieces that may get jumbled. You can trim some films to final size after installation, others require you to cut the film to exact measurements before it goes up, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually the recommended final size of the film allows a slight gap all around to allow the water room to exit during the squeegee stage. The film is protected by a liner on which you can mark cutting lines with a grease pencil or soft marker. (Later you will remove the liner, and the tacky side of the film will face the glass.) Measure, mark, and trim using a fresh razor blade or utility knife and a straight edge.
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2.
Application Time
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If you’ve already trimmed to final size, if required, or you’ve trimmed to roughly overlap the window (extending beyond by about 1 inch), the next step is to separate the film from the protective liner (Fig. 1). If you have trouble removing the protective liner, apply a piece of masking tape to each side of the film, and then pull the films apart with the tape.
Spray the soapy water solution recommended by the film’s manufacturer onto the glass--be generous because a thoroughly wet window is the secret to an easy installation. Slide the film onto the soapy wet window, with the tacky side (where the liner was) facing the window (Fig. 2). Spray more soapy water onto the outside of the film, work the film into place with your hands. Smooth the film with a squeegee.
At this point, if you haven’t already trimmed the film to final size, do so now. Place a straight edge against the side (gasket) of the window, and then put your razor blade or utility knife against the straight edge guide. Cut completely around the perimeter sides of the film to strip away the excess film.
Once you’ve trimmed to size and placed the film in its final position, spray the top of the film with the soapy solution again until it’s soaking. Then begin gently squeegee-ing the film so that the wrinkles start to disappear. Always keep the area where you’re working the squeegee wet to avoid scratching the film. Squeegee horizontally across the top edge, then vertically down the center to the bottom, squeezing out water. Then repeat this pattern in a fresh area of film. If bubbles or creases remain, spray on more soapy water and repeat the squeegee action. Soak up the water with a cloth, especially at corners.
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3.
Final Touches
Drying times vary by manufacturer, as do recommendations about how to clean the filmed windows. The thing to remember is that the window film is very thin, easily damaged by fingernails, pets, children, or other common household situations. When freshly applied, the film may look cloudy for a while, clearing once the film has fully cured. Normally this takes about 10 to 20 days. If corners loosen, apply a dab of clear nail polish to seal them again. When films fade or become damaged, they can be removed by loosening a corner with a razor blade and then simply peeling it off in one piece. You’ll also have to remove the old adhesive still on the window, using a strong cleaner such as 1 part water to 1 part ammonia, and a razor scraper.
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