1.How window film works
Basic information about the materials from which window film is made and how it works when applied to glass. read more
2.Care and Maintenance
Important tips for the care of windows with foil to ensure a long product life. read more
3.What window film does to glass
Understand what happens when sun rays fall on a window with foil. read more
4.Numerous Applications
Window film is used for a number of different reasons: Discover the many uses of window film. read more
5.Fables and Facts
Important tips for the care of windows with foil to ensure a long product life. read more
1.How window film works
Window film is a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to glass surfaces. The film is applied to improve the solar control properties, safety and appearance of existing glass in cars, houses and commercial buildings.
The sun's radiation is made up of three elements: visible light, infrared radiation that we feel as heat, and ultraviolet radiation that is invisible. When the sun shines on a piece of glass, window film acts as a kind of 'sunscreen' that blocks harmful UV rays and regulates the amount of heat and light that passes through the glass. The amount of heat and light that is blocked depends on the type of window film chosen.
The most common types of window film: non-reflective or colored films that mainly absorb solar energy, reflective or metallized films that both absorb and reflect solar energy, and nano/ceramic films that use high-tech compounds for excellent performance
2.Care and Maintenance
When the window film has been applied, a slight haze and/or small water droplets may still be visible. This is a normal part of the bonding process, which is called "curing". Depending on the type of foil and the weather conditions, it can take up to 30 days for the foil to fully cure. The curing process is slow because the water used during application has to evaporate through the film. Sputtered and thick security films take the longest to dry and it will also take longer for the haze to disappear.
Once the foil is dry and cured, it can be cleaned without any problems. The best cleaning agent is a small amount of soap dissolved in water. Clean the window and then wipe it dry in overlapping strokes, just like you wash the outside of your car windows. You can also clean the foil using a regular glass cleaner. Ammonia-based products are harmless to the film, provided that only a reasonable amount is used and the film does not get soaked. Do not use abrasives, industrial glass cleaners and/or other window cleaning tools that could scratch the window film. The surface of the foil is provided with a layer that is scratch-resistant but not scratch-free.
3.What window film does to glass
Glass has been developed to provide protection against external elements (such as wind, rain and snow) while still allowing a natural view of the outside world. When solar energy or sunlight, consisting of heat, light and UV rays, falls on an untreated window, almost 90% of the energy is transmitted.
But as soon as the glass is fitted with sun-resistant window film, almost 80% of the solar energy is blocked. The special dyes, metals or nanotechnology incorporated into the films act as a barrier against the solar energy by absorbing or reflecting a percentage of the energy.
The degree of absorption and reflection depends on the composition of the film. Colored films contain no metal and are considered non-reflective because they absorb solar energy. These foils are less suitable for regulating heat and light, because they do not provide heat reflection. Metallized or nano foils, on the other hand, ensure that the solar energy is both absorbed and reflected. Therefore, these films are better suited as sun protection, because their composition ensures that much less heat and light is transmitted through the glass.
4.Numerous Applications
One of the main reasons people choose to apply window film is to counteract the negative effects of the sun, such as heat, annoying glare, UV damage and interior discoloration. By minimizing heat, window film reduces your air conditioning costs and creates a more comfortable environment in the car, at home and in the office. Annoying glare is reduced for better vision and less eye fatigue. Blocking UV rays protects your skin and eyes from damage and ensures that your interior, carpets, artwork and other valuables are less likely to discolour. Window films are available in a wide range of shades and colors that can enhance the look of a car window and complement the decor of a home or office. Window film can also provide extra privacy. Glass accidents create dangerous situations, especially in families with children. Safety film holds broken glass together, significantly reducing the risk of injury. Trident security films are available to prevent vandalism and theft. While security films cannot prevent someone from smashing a window, the thickness of the film means that it takes a lot of time and effort to break the glass. It costs a lot of money to have anti-graffiti glass replaced. Numerous owners of commercial properties therefore opt for easily removable anti-graffiti film, so that their windows are protected against graffiti and scratches. s
5.Fables and Facts
Myth – Window film ensures that your interior does not discolour at all
Fact: Although window film greatly reduces the amount of discoloration caused by harmful UV rays (99% or more), solar gain (up to 82%) and visible light, it cannot completely eliminate the harmful effects of the sun. Window film, however, prevents discoloration more effectively than untreated glass.
Myth – I can't see out well with window film
Fact: Although a dark or reflective foil ensures that you can no longer see into the car, home or office from the outside, that does not mean that you can no longer see from the inside out. This has to do with visual acuity. The human eye adapts to the ambient light, so you can still see outside even when the light transmittance is reduced.
Myth – Security film is bulletproof and resistant to hurricanes
Fact: Many companies claim that security film protects glass from extreme forces such as hurricanes and even bullets. The tests cited to substantiate these claims often use glass nearly one-and-a-half inches thick with multiple layers of security film. This does not give a realistic picture of daily practice. In general, glass from 3 to 6.5 mm is installed. No window film applied to standard glass can stop a bullet. In addition, the term "hurricane resistant" is totally wrong. If a hurricane can blow the roof of a house, it can certainly smash a window. Security film is designed to reduce the risk of injury and damage by holding the glass together if it breaks.
Myth – Window film for cars is prohibited
Fact: Legislation on the use of window film varies from country to country. In the United States, window film is prohibited on the windshield, but allowed on the rear side windows and the rear window. Light transmittance is regulated by law in every US state. In many countries, the use of window film for the entire car is allowed, provided it meets certain standards with regard to light transmission. Consult your local
Myth – Anyone can place window film
Fact: Even though it seems quite easy to apply window film at first glance, things can go wrong in various ways. Window film can quickly become contaminated by dirt, dust or hair, which is bad for the film and gives a disappointing result. A professional technician has experience with the correct techniques for the preparation and application of foil, so that contamination and other problems are prevented and you are assured of a quality installation
