Definition of Glass Film:
Glass films are of two types: Films for Architectural purposes and the ones for Interior purpose (used by interior designers to add aesthetics and function). Architectural glass films are used on glass facades or on glass windows to reduce the amount of solar heat transmission into the building. Interior applications include frosted films or colored translucent films for aesthetic value. Thickness of glass films is mentioned in MIL where one MIL is 25 Microns. (*1 Micron=0.001 MM)
General thicknesses of films specified by interior designers:
1 mil, 1.5 mil, 2 mil, 4mil (safety film), 7 mil (safety film)
* 1mil = 25 microns
Pasting technique:
Interior designers generally specify window films which have an adhesive on one side that is covered with liner (thin plastic). Removing the liner exposes the adhesive, which can be activated by
spraying a soap solution on it. It is then affixed on the inside of the glass and the excess water squeezed out with the help of a squeegee (glass cleaner with a rubber edge).
Correct application of window film in five easy steps (as specified by the interior designer). Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Tools required:
1) A spray bottle of soap solution
2) A snappable cutter
3) A Squeegee
Step 1: Preparing the Window Glass:
Wash the side of the glass on which you want to affix the film with plain water. After that, spray it with a soap solution. Scrape the window clean of any paint, varnish, stickers, or any other foreign matter using a razor blade. Wipe clean and dry with tissue paper. Spray the entire surface again with the soap solution.
Step 2: Preparing the Film:
Measure the surface of the glass and cut the film one inch wider and one inch longer than the glass surface. Stick a piece of cello tape on either side of the film. Pull each piece of the tape outwards in the opposite direction. Remove the liner and activate the adhesive by spraying it with the soap solution. Apply the solution on the film thoroughly, including the edges.
Step 3: Applying the Film on the Glass:
Prepare the window surface for application by spraying it thoroughly with soap solution so that it’s wet. Pick up the film by the corners and place the adhesive side against the glass, moving it around until it’s positioned properly. Look at it from various angles to check whether it’s been placed properly.
Step 4: Squeezing out Excess Water and Air Bubbles:
Spray the exposed side facing you with the soapy solution. Using a squeegee, squeeze the film from top to bottom to remove the excess water and air bubbles.
Step 5: Finishing Touches:
Trim the excess film carefully using a cutter. Spray the film with the soap solution and squeeze again to remove all excess water and air bubbles from under the film. Place tissue paper on the squeegee and tamp all the edges by stroking towards the glass frames. View the window from outside, if any air bubbles are seen, squeeze and remove them. Lastly, ask your interior designer to do an inspection to check common snags.
