DO NOT use household glass cleaner, vinegar or ammonia to clean the glass immediately prior to film application. Spray the application solution on the inside surface of the window.
If your local retailer does not stock Gila Application Solution, you can make a fair substitute by adding a quarter of a teaspoon of no tears baby shampoo (without conditioner) to one quart water, shake up, allow the bubbles to settle, then use.
We recommend using the Gila Application Solution, or a mix of soap and water. Please visit our Gila Window Films website for additional information. We do not recommend window cleaner or lemon water.
Clean your windows thoroughly with an application solution or a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo to 1 gallon of bottled water. Use a solution of tear-free baby shampoo and bottled water to provide the correct pH and final clarity to your project.
Even then, they steam off the old film and adhesive, chemically clean the windows, and then apply the film. If you are doing it yourself, use "Sparkle", a non-ammonia-based window cleaner. Windex (or any ammonia-based cleaner) may cause film discoloration.
Make tint solution - 2 tsp. of baby shampoo (Johnsons) or morning fresh dishwashing liquid to 500mls water in a spray bottle. Clean working area, Clean towels to soak up excess solution.
A: Yes you put a few drops of dawn dish soap in a water fill spray bottle. Clean the heck out of the window with window cleaner then spray it down with the water dawn solution and then peel the backing off the tint film without letting it stick to itself and place it on the inside of the window.
Why is Gila Application Solution important? The Gila Application Solution keeps the glass surface clean and slick. It allows you to apply and position the film, and it lubricates the film's surface, so the squeegee glides evenly across the film.
Spray the window generously with a spray bottle filled with water and 1-2 drops dishwashing liquid (Joy, Dawn, etc.). Spray the back of the film to activate the adhesive. Both window and film should be fully misted without excessive water dripping. Without enough water there will be unwanted air bubbles.
Any window cleaner can also be used instead of making your own wetting solution. The only reason the soapy water solution is preferred is when working with larger pieces of film, the window cleaner might dry too fast. Wash your hands to avoid getting fingerprints on the adhesive backing.
Hot surfaces can make the product evaporate before you get a chance to wipe. Avoid cleaning windows on hot, sunny days and make sure surfaces like glass stovetops are completely cool before cleaning with Windex® Original Glass Cleaner.
If you typically use a glass cleaner like Windex, that can be used on window film as well. A soft cloth or a clean synthetic sponge is recommended for washing the window film, followed by another clean soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying.
Once you've used one of the above methods to remove the film itself, you can use a solvent to remove window tint glue. Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or a window film adhesive remover are all very effective in breaking down the glue which can then be wiped or scraped off.
If air bubbles are present, squeegee them out. Any remaining small water bubbles should evaporate as the film cures. As mentioned in our hints for step 7, if “fingers”, or longer, larger bubbles, appear along any edge, wrap your squeegee with a low-lint cloth and carefully push the fingers toward the edge of the film.
Improper preparation: Another issue can be that the film was not trimmed properly, as a result, there is an edge that remains lifted away from the window. This then allows air to get behind the window tint and causes the window tint to slowly peel away which then falls down.
In the past, window film contributed to trouble with double-pane windows. The film could cause the glass to overheat and break. This flaw is not a problem with a knowledgeable window tint company, compatible film and professional installation.
There are two permanent adhesive types used with window film: pressure-sensitive adhesives and dry adhesives. Pressure sensitive adhesive, also known as PSA, is a popular choice for decorative window film installations and is the less expensive of the two permanent adhesives.
I successfully use *distilled or R/O* water (not tap - that has mineral in it that can leave deposits/film behind and be trapped) and i've used as little as 2 drops of soap and I like to add a dash or 2 of rubbing alcohol into it as well but maybe not necessary.
To adhere a film to a window glass, clean the surface thoroughly, measure and cut the film to fit, then use a soapy water solution to apply it. Smooth out any bubbles with a squeegee, and trim excess film. Ensure the film is designed for window use and follow specific product instructions.
No, Windex should not be used for applying window tint. Windex contains ammonia which can damage your tint. Although ammonia has become less destructive to contemporary films compared to its effects on earlier films, using Windex as a lubricant is still not recommended.
-Dish soap - $3 - Ultra Joy is what we use with our film installations, but you can use anything you already have at home or in the shop. None of them will harm glass or film, but some do work better than others for breaking up residues and buildup. Dawn Ultra is another good one.
Another popular ammonia-free glass cleaner for tinted windows is equal parts vinegar and water. You can try starting with 2 cups white vinegar and 2 cups of distilled water.