Care and Information for Auto and Home Window Film

Once window film has been installed, it is very common to see a slight haziness and/or small water pockets. This is a normal part of the adhesive bonding process called "curing". Depending on the film type and weather conditions, it may take up to 30 days for the film to be fully cured. The curing process is slow because the remaining water used in installation must evaporate through the film. Sputtered and heavy security films take the longest to dry and will take longer for any hazy appearance to disappear.

Once the film is dry and cured, it is then safe for the film to be cleaned. The best cleaner is a simple solution of water and a small amount of soap. Clean the window and then squeegee dry with overlapping strokes in the same way you would clean the outside of your car windows. You may also clean the film surface with any normal strength glass cleaner. Products with ammonia will not damage the film if used in reasonable quantities and if the film is not left to soak in it. Do not use any abrasive cleaners, industrial strength glass cleaners and/or any other window cleaning tools that may scratch the window film. Remember, the surface of the film is coated with a scratch resistant not scratchproof coating.

Window film is a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to glass surfaces. It is used as a "retrofit" application for existing glass on automobiles, homes and commercial buildings in order to upgrade solar control, safety and appearance.

Solar radiation from the sun is divided into 3 components: visible light we can see, infrared we feel as heat and ultraviolet rays, which are invisible. As solar radiation strikes a piece of glass, window film acts as a "sunscreen" to block harmful UV rays as well as regulate the levels of heat and light passing through the glass. The amount of heat and light rejected is dependent upon the type of window film selected.

Common types of window film – non-reflective or dyed films that primarily absorb solar energy, reflective or metallized films that absorb as well as reflect solar energy, and nano/ceramic films which use high-tech compounds to provide high performance. 

 One of the primary reasons people choose to add window film is to control the negative effects of the sun such as heat, glare, UV damage and fading. By minimizing heat, window film can reduce A/C costs and increase comfort in your car, home and office. Glare reduction helps to improve visibility, and reduces eyestrain. Rejecting UV rays helps to protect your skin and eyes from damage and slows fading of interior furnishings, carpets, artwork and other valuable belongings. There are a variety of window film shades or colors that can enhance the look of a car window as well as complement the design of a home or office. Window film can also provide additional privacy as well. Accidents involving glass can create dangerous situations, especially in residential homes with children. Safety film effectively holds broken glass together, greatly reducing the chance of injury. High quality security films are available to help prevent vandalism and theft. While they cannot entirely stop someone from breaking through glass, the thickness of the film makes it more difficult and time consuming to breach the glass. Anti Graffiti Glass is expensive to replace. Many commercial building owners choose removable anti-graffiti film to protect their glass from damages caused by graffiti and glass etching. Other commercial uses include; display cases, bathroom stalls, mirrors, elevator doors and most non-porous surfaces. Check with your ABMobile Tint professional to find the style suitable for your needs.