The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (2024)

Will Window Film Stick to Textured Glass?

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (1)

Window film and what it offers isn't common knowledge and can be confusing if you aren't familiar with the different products and technical terms. Window film is used for a variety of different reasons ranging anywhere from heat reduction to increased security to design.There are many types of window filmsand window film can be the solution to a lot of different problems. If you are considering window film for either your home or office space, one thing to research and know ahead of time is what your window is made of.

Window film doesn’t adhere to every kind of surface, so it's important to know the type of window you have. To put it simply, window film works best and has the longest lifespan when applied to glass. If you aren't sure what type of window you have and aren't sure if window film is a good option or not, don't worry, we have broken it down for you. Let’s learn more!

Want to learn the do's & don't of window film?

  • Textured Glass - Don't install window film to textured glass
  • Plexiglass - Only certain window film can be installed to plexiglass
  • Condensation - Window film won't stop condensation.

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (3)

What is window film and how does it work?

Briefly, window film is a layer of durable polyester that can block the sun’s light as well as harmful UVA and UVB rays. Window film can be used for a variety of different purposes including safety and security, graffiti protection, heat and glare reduction, and creating a decorative look. You can choose from a variety of different colors and shades. Window film has a sticky adhesive side that is applied directly onto the surface itself. One question Solar Art gets a lot when it comes to window film is, how do you remove tinted film from glass? That's a great question. Window film isn't permanent in the sense that it can be removed from glass, but we recommend it's done by a professional company like Solar Art to ensure there is no damage done to your glass. If you decide you would like your window film removed, simply call us up and our installation team can remove the existing window film with no damage to your glass.

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Can window film be applied to textured glass?

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (4)

Solar Art often gets requests to install window film to textured glass. Textured glass is one type of surface that window film shouldn't be applied to. Why? Window film needs a smooth surface like a typical glass window. The installation process involves applying the window film with water and squeegeeingit right out. Textured glass would keep water in the space between the film and glass, which will undermine the film’s performance, look, and physical bond and thus severely limit its lifespan and usefulness.

If you are looking for textured glass without the steep price, decorative window film comes in a variety of different textures and can design your glass windows for an affordable price. An added bonus of decorative window film is that it can easily be removed and replaced with no damage to the surface and you also get UV blocking properties. Textured glass doesn't offer that.

Can window film be applied to plexiglass?

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (5)

It is important to know if your windows are made out of plexiglass or not. There is a special skylight window film that will adhere to plexiglass. Standard window film, however, will not. Plexiglass is plastic and window film won't adhere to it. Plexiglass also undergoes outgassing, or releases chemicals in the plexiglass itself. Outgassing will undermine the adhesive bond and cause the film to bubble and deteriorate, meaning your entire plexiglass windows will need to be replaced. If you think your windows might be made out of plexiglass, it is important to get a professional out there to ensure you are getting the right product installed.

Will window film stop condensation?

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (6)

On a related note, we also get many questions about window film and condensation. Window film won't block condensation on your windows. Since condensation is caused by air moisture and temperature differences between the glass and your rooms, more effective solutions include decreasing humidity, installing weatherstripping, and others. Window film does not aid in keeping the moisture out since the moisture is already in the air around you.

Solar Art Window Film

In summary, standard window filmshouldn't be applied toplexiglass or textured glass. It also won’t prevent condensation from forming. However, window film will give you a lot of benefits that traditional glass or plexiglass can’t. Window film can block the sun’s heat and invisible UV light. It can give you privacy, or strengthen your windows against shatter and vandalism. Window film can affordably be replaced at any time, and lasts for years.Talk to Solar Art today about enhancing your glass windows with window film. Our team is ready and waiting to help!

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (7)

talk with our sales team

  • Talk About Your Options - Our sales team will talk with you about your different window film options.
  • Find The Right Solution - Our team's priority is to help you find the right window film for your project.
  • Free Consultation - Our quotes are 100% free!

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (8)

The Do's and Dont's of Window Film (2024)

FAQs

What not to do after getting windows tinted? ›

It's important to wait at least three days to ensure the window film has fully adhered to the glass before rolling down tinted car windows. Once the window tint is installed, it's best to avoid cleaning the windows for at least a week with any liquid solutions or abrasives.

What is the disadvantage of window film? ›

Cons: Complete privacy: except for blackout films, window films don't provide complete privacy that closed window treatments do. Decorative: While there are a lot of decorative window films available, there are considerable more decorative choices for window treatments.

Is it safe to wash a car after tinting windows? ›

Indeed, you can wash your vehicle after getting your windows tinted. The window film is installed on the inside glass so washing the exterior of your car is not a problem. Some tint shops will offer the service of washing your car after you have had window film installed.

How long do windows have to stay up after tint? ›

Freshly tinted windows should be kept up for at least 48 hours after being tinted. To be completely safe, consider keeping your newly tinted windows rolled up for 72 hours (3 days) to allow maximum curing time and avoid peeling edges.

What is the lifespan of window film? ›

However, it is not uncommon for a metallized interior-applied film to last 25 years or more. An exterior-applied metallized film has a life expectancy of up to three years while a non-metallized film has a life expectancy of up to 10.

Why is window film not recommended for dual 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. This is why it is important to choose a window tint film company that has the knowledge and experience to know which film is safe your windows.

Why don't people tint their house windows? ›

While there are many benefits to tinting your house windows, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the main drawbacks is reduced visibility. If you choose a dark tint, it can be difficult to see out of your windows, which can be a safety hazard, especially when driving.

Can you use Windex on window film? ›

Avoid using Windex and paper towels: While these products may effectively clear off dirt and debris, they could damage the tinted window film or leave behind streaks.

Can you peel off window film? ›

If done appropriately, peeling the film off should be fairly easy. However, if done wrong you may end up with tiny bits of film left on the window that you'll spend lots of time peeling and scraping at. If possible, you want to pull off the film in large chunks. Removing window film adhesive takes time and effort.

How long does it take for window film to cure? ›

2. The drying time will depend on the weather and season. During the summer, the sun will help your vehicle's film cure (or dry) within two to four days of a window tint. But if you get this service in the winter, you might have to wait three to four weeks before your car's window tint completely dries.

What if I accidentally open my windows after tinting? ›

Best advice is to park the car in the sun so the heat will make sure everything is dry. you should be good. just remember to not do it again. if the edges peel, it'll have to be redone as it'll never seal properly.

Does tint get darker as it cures? ›

If you're noticing that your recently installed car window tint appears to be getting darker each week, this is not the case – what's actually happening is the adhesive changing. This means it's “setting” and reacting to heat and sun exposure, giving off an optical illusion of further darkening.

How long should you not open windows after tints? ›

In most cases though, you should wait at least 3-4 days before rolling down your windows. This ensures that the tint adheres to the glass properly and is set in place. If you roll them down too soon, you risk deforming or damaging the tint – something nobody wants after investing good money into their car's windows.

How many days does it take for tint to dry? ›

Three or four days is usually enough time for a window tint to dry on sunny, warm days in the spring and summer. Wet weather and high humidity will extend the drying time even on hot days. When the weather is colder and wetter in the fall and winter, the dry duration will likely exceed four days.

Will rain mess up a new window tint? ›

In summary, the misconception that ran can damage your window is just that- a misconception. The tint is applied on the inside of your windows, protected for external elements like rain. Rainwater, in its purse form, is not harmful to your tint and will not cause bubbling, peeling, or discoloration.

What to expect after getting your windows tinted? ›

WINDOW TINT AFTER CARE:

Do not roll down the windows for 3-5 days in cold weather, or 2-3 days in warm weather. You will notice a streaky, watery, hazy, or bubbling appeared. It's just water trying to work it's way out of the thick material. Give it two weeks for all the moisture to evaporate.

Can I use windshield wipers after tinting? ›

Since tint films are installed on the outside of your windows, you can use your windshield wipers after getting your windshield tinted. Be careful to avoid using any abrasives on your tinted windows for at least 4 days. Otherwise, you can scrape the tint film off of your newly tinted windows.

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