How to Apply Window Film Like a Professional

Window films are safe to apply to all types of glass windows, providing that they be in good condition.  The glass should not be cracked, or flawed.  The seals should also be in good condition and not broken allowing condensation to form between the panes of glass.

If your windows meet these criteria then make sure that the windows are clean.  It is vital that window film be applied to thoroughly cleaned windows.  It is also important to work in a dust free area.  Therefore, you should clean and vacuum the room no more than the day before you apply the film.  To keep dust and particles to a minimal, shut off ceiling fans, as well as the fan on your heater/ air conditioner (HVAC) system if that is possible.  Another key to applying window film is to make sure that you do not apply the window film while the window is in direct sunlight, or if the temperatures are below 45^oF. 

To clean your windows, we strongly recommend that you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany your window film; there you will find the recommended water/soap solution recommended for your windows.  

You want to use a single blade razor and scrape the glass, making sure that the glass is cleaned around the edges and corners removing any trapped dirt and debris.  Next, reapply the soap/ water solution then using a squeegee, pull the squeegee downward, wipe the gasket with a lint-free cloth or a coffee filter to remove dirt and dry off the gasket.  Spray glass with solution then repeat with squeegee if needed. 

No matter how much of a do-it-yourselfer that you may be, when applying window film especially if the window is large such as a patio door, it is best that you enlist the help of an assistant.  When applying window film to large windows, you will need an extra person to help you peel off the liner, and spray the soap solution onto the back of the film. 

Once the windows and room have been cleaned, you want to roll out flat the window film onto a clean lent-free surface.  When trimming the window film, use either scissors or a utility knife, and cut the film 2in. wider and longer than the windowpane.

You will need the following tools to apply window film:

•    Application Solution
  
  

•    Utility knife
  
  

•    Scissors
  
  

•    Straight-edge
  
  

•    Transparent tape
  
  

•    Single-edge razor
  
  

•    Squeegee
  
  

•    Metal tape measure
  
  

•    Soft lint-free cloth or paper coffee filters
  
  

•    Drop cloth
  
  
  
  

The following steps are a brief description of how to apply window film, for complete instructions please read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with your product. 

1.       Clean the window. 
   
   

2.       Remove the protective liner from the back of the film.  To help separate the liner, use clear tape to separate the two layers.  You may need help handling the film, as creases will not disappear.
   
   

3.       Spray on water or wetting solution provided with the film on the adhesive side of the film.  Also spraying your hands with the solution will allow you to handle the film easier.
   
   

4.       Apply the adhesive side of the film to the wet window so that the film overlaps the glass on all sides.  Allow the film to lie against the glass.
   
   

5.       Using your wet hands, carefully smooth out the film, then wipe the film with a squeegee, if the squeeze drags against the film, rewet the surface of the film.  Start with horizontal strokes, working from the top of the glass to the bottom.  Then using vertical strokes pull the squeeze down the sides, making sure that you work out all the bubbles and creases.
   
   

6.       Trim the window film 1/16-in. from the window frame.  To cut the 1/16-in gap, hold the straightedge tool against the window frame, then using the utility knife trim the window film. 
   
   

7.       Rewet the surface of the film and using the squeeze, remove any remaining solution and bubbles.  The 1/16-in. gap will help the air bubbles escape.
   
   

8.       Sit back and enjoy the view and energy savings.
   
   
   
   

When window films are applied properly, they will last for 10 or more years.  If you decide to remove the window film, they can be removed easily with a special adhesive-dissolving spray.