Clean The Window

Spray the glass generously with slip solution. Use a razor blade to remove any stubborn dirt, paint, or debris, paying extra attention to the corners. Rewet the window, then squeegee downward. Wipe the gasket or window edges clean with a soft cloth. For the best final clarity, clean the outside of the window too.

Tip: If the glass has grease or smoke residue, clean it first with a standard glass cleaner, then rinse thoroughly with slip solution before installing the film.

Measure and cut the film

Unroll the film on a clean, flat surface. Measure the window carefully, then cut the film at least 1 inch larger than the glass on all four sides. The extra material will be trimmed after the film is installed.

Tip: Use at least one factory edge whenever possible. This can make positioning easier and give you a cleaner final result.

Identify the clear liner

Place the film on a clean, flat surface. At one corner, attach two small strips of transparent tape, one on the film and one on the liner, leaving about 1 inch hanging over the corner. Press the tape together firmly, then pull the strips apart quickly to begin separating the clear liner from the adhesive side. Leave the tape in place once you’ve found it.

Tip: For most architectural films, the release liner faces in. On Architectural Ceramic film, the release liner faces out. Folding the ends of the tape back on themselves can help keep them from sticking back together.

Wet the window and film

Lightly spray slip solution onto the inside surface of the window and both sides of the film. This helps reduce curl and static, making the film easier to handle.

Tip: It helps to have another person hold the film by the edges while you spray both sides.

Remove the clear liner

Pull the two tape strips apart to release the liner from the corner. As you peel the liner away, spray the exposed adhesive side of the film with slip solution until the liner is fully removed and the adhesive side is completely wet. Keep the film from touching itself during this step.

Tip: A second person is very helpful here. One person can hold the film while the other peels and sprays.

Apply the film to the glass

Hold the film with the adhesive side facing the glass and place it onto the window. Use your hands to smooth and position it so the film overlaps the glass evenly by about 1 inch on all four sides.

Tip: If you are using a factory edge, line that edge up to the window first. On larger pieces, it can help to leave part of the liner on while positioning, then remove the rest once the film is in place.

Smooth the film

Spray the outside surface of the film with slip solution. Wrap your squeegee with a low-lint cloth and lightly squeegee a centerline from top to bottom to hold the film in place. Then, starting at the top, squeegee from the center toward the right side as you work downward. Leave about a 2-inch perimeter around the edges unsqueegeed for now. Repeat on the left side.

Tip: If you see long bubbles or “fingers” along the edges, wrap the squeegee with a low-lint cloth and carefully push them toward the edge of the film.

Trim the film

Place the utility knife into the slit of the edging tool. Starting at a top corner, line up the tool and slowly pull it down the edge of the window to trim the film. Reposition as needed for corners, remove the trimmed strip, and repeat on all four sides.

Tip: The edging tool leaves about a 1/16-inch gap between the film and the window edge, which is needed for proper thermal expansion. Replace the blade after every 10 feet of cutting. A dull blade can tear the film.

Squeegee dry

Rewet the film. Squeegee again from the center outward, working from top to bottom on each side. Use firm pressure to remove as much water as possible so the adhesive can cure cleanly. Any small remaining water bubbles should evaporate during curing.

Tip: If imperfections appear, peel the affected area away from the glass, remove debris or bubbles with the squeegee or knife tip, respray both the film and glass with slip solution, and reapply. This tip is only applicable for our dual reflective film that has dry adhesive. Do not try with pressure sensitive adhesives.

Let it cure

Your film is installed. It will typically fully cure in about 7 to 10 days. Warm, sunny weather usually speeds up the curing process. Small water bubbles left behind should disappear as the film dries out.

Care & Maintenance

For cleaning, use Flexfilm’s Pre-Tac prep solution when possible. Wipe the film with a rubber squeegee or a low-lint cloth. If using an ammonia-based glass cleaner, do not leave it on the film for more than 2 minutes.