In summer, the tint film protects the room from sunlight and excess light. But sometimes when it is removed, a layer of aluminum or traces of adhesive may remain on the surface of the frame or glass. If you simply tear off the sun protection foil, you can also leave scratches on the glass, or small and sharp particles that will prevent you from cleaning the window in the fall.
If during use the protective film literally sticks to the surface, it will be difficult to remove it. But there are ways to improve the situation. Self-adhesive film can be removed from window glass mechanically, using detergents, or a combination of both methods.
Purpose and types of sun protection coatings
The film performs not only a reflective function. Thanks to it, the glass becomes more durable, even more difficult to break with a stone. There are special perforated, especially durable coatings that belong to the protective class. They are glued to the outside of the window, it protects against shots and break-ins. Other types are used for the inside of glass.
All types of solar control film contain aluminum, so it is difficult to remove it from glass with ordinary water. In order to prevent windows from being damaged, you need to take into account some features and know the most effective methods.
Let’s try to figure out how to remove tinting from the glass of plastic windows quickly and safely.
Video
Old film, when it has dried, can cause difficulty in removing it. The labor intensity of doing it yourself will be very significant. If you have time constraints but no financial means, you should contact a professional cleaning company. She will quickly solve this problem in the apartment.
During the hot season, many people use tinting film on windows, which protects their home from sunlight and lowers the air temperature in the room. It has become relevant, especially if the windows of an apartment or private house face south and there is no air conditioning, as the summer gets hotter. But in winter, when there are many cloudy, short days and you want more light in the rooms, or the appearance of the self-adhesive has deteriorated over time, it needs to be removed.
Sources
- https://www.ivd.ru/stroitelstvo-i-remont/otdelocnye-materialy/kak-snyat-samokleyashchuyusya-plenku-prostaya-i-ponyatnaya-instrukciya-71101
- https://nisorinki.net/kak-snyat-solncezashhitnuyu-plenku-s-okna/
- https://irknasos.ru/chem-otmyt-ostatki-solncezashhitnoj-plenki/
- https://irknasos.ru/chem-otmyt-folgu-ot-stekla/
- https://uborka-v-dome.ru/poleznyie-sovetyi/kak-snyat-samokleyushhuyusya-plenku-so-stekla.html
- https://oplenke.ru/kak-bystro-snyat-plenku-s-plastikovogo-okna-i-podokonnika/
- https://sambalkon.ru/uborka/kak-snyat-plenku-s-plastikovogo-okna.html
Features of the procedure for removing old film
Usually, under the influence of elevated temperatures, the glue dries and the material firmly adheres to the surface. If you simply tear off the foil, you can scratch or damage the glass, and glue stains will remain.
There are several methods for removing film from window glass that are successfully used to carefully remove the coating:
- chemical - they use products, but in some cases they are ineffective, it will not be possible to completely wash the coating;
- mechanical – separated using physical force, using scrapers or other available materials, the disadvantage is that the surface of the window can be damaged;
- combine both methods, acting sequentially: treated with a chemical solution and then cleaned off;
- other methods (steaming, using newspapers, soaking).
Some types of coating break into small, sharp pieces. Typically, stained glass and advertising films are made from this material. During removal, they are moistened generously with water.
Mechanical methods
The main principle of removing film from a window is not to disturb the gloss of metal-plastic surfaces. Therefore, cleaning using mechanical methods is carried out very carefully, slowly.
Scraper
A plastic scraper with a very thin and sharp blade and a comfortable rubber handle will help remove the protective layer from the frame of a metal-plastic window.
This little tool is easy to find on hardware store shelves . Working with it is simple and convenient.
Using a scraper, pry up the edge of the protective layer, and then, carefully pulling it, remove the film from the window.
Hard brush
Active friction with a hard, non-metallic brush will help to quickly remove the protection from a metal-plastic window. Alternatively, instead of a brush, you can use a dish sponge (its rough side).
How to remove tinting from plastic windows
Plastic surfaces can be destroyed by chemicals, so it is better to cover them with polyethylene. In case of accidental contact, rinse with water. Treatment with chemical compounds is carried out several times until the coating begins to peel off. After complete removal, the glass is polished with GOI paste using felt.
To remove old film from glass mechanically you need:
- special scrapers;
- brushes with hard bristles (but not metal);
- metal kitchen brush;
- knife,
- stationery eraser.
When using these devices, carefully remove the film so as not to damage the glass or plastic surface of the window.
Precautionary measures
Since it is extremely rare to clean glass from sun-protective film in an absolutely safe way, you need to take care of your own protection. To prevent aggressive compounds from causing harm to health, it is recommended to use:
- latex gloves;
- respirator or mask;
- sealed glasses.
Thanks to these simple precautions, you can protect the mucous membranes of your eyes and respiratory organs from exposure to harmful fumes, and the skin of your hands from wounds and ulcers. In addition, you need to be careful with cutting tools, industrial hair dryers and steamers. If handled carelessly, they can cause burns and other injuries.
After removing the film and glue (especially by mechanical or combined methods), it is recommended to polish the glass. After all, even after the most careful work, micro-scratches will remain on its surface. The easiest way to remove them is with felt and GOI paste or diamond paste.
When ordering new windows facing the sunny side, immediately decide for yourself whether you are ready to spend time and effort on covering the windows with film and then removing it. If not, we recommend choosing energy-saving double-glazed windows that will protect from solar heat and light thanks to a special coating.
Steaming
One of the simplest, most effective ways is to remove the old coating with a steamer. The surface remains almost clean, the adhesive heated by steam softens, and the coating comes off more easily. Minor residues can be easily washed off with soapy water. Start heating with hot steam from the upper corner of the tint and act on it for 5 minutes.
After softening, you need to carefully pry it up, pull it towards you, separating it from the glass. If it doesn’t work, continue steaming, rolling the film, otherwise it will stick to the glass. Consistently heating each area, remove the entire coating. Remains of liquid glue can be removed with a special product (Fenosol remover), and then washed with soap and water.
Special formulations
If the folk methods at hand for removing film from a window are powerless, professional means will come to the rescue .
The TOP 3 most effective and popular special formulations are presented below:
Hg Sticker remover
The Hg Sticker remover can easily remove film on a plastic window.
It is enough to slightly pry off the protective layer, treat it with Hg Sticker remover and leave for a few minutes. Afterwards, the protection with glue residue comes off very easily from the surface of the window.
The average cost is 480 rubles. (capacity 300 ml). You will find reviews here.
Cosmofen
Cosmofen low-solvent cleaner is an excellent tool for removing film from windows. A liquid composition with a minimal solvent content will clean plastic surfaces without a trace not only of the protective layer, but also of traces of stickers, various markings and dirt.
German quality is confirmed by relevant certificates. Method of application: the cleaner is applied to a napkin, which is used to wipe the film on the window. After two to three minutes, the protective layer is easily removed, without any residue.
The average cost is 330 rubles. (iron can with a capacity of 1 liter). Reviews can be found here.
Glutoclean Sticker Remover
Glutoclean Sticker Remover is a highly effective product that will very carefully remove film from the surface of a metal-plastic window structure. The method of application is simple: wipe the film with a cloth thoroughly soaked in Glutoclean.
To speed up the cleaning process, before applying the product, the protective layer must be slightly separated from the surface of the frame or glass. After cleaning, the windows must be wiped with a soft sponge soaked in clean water.
The average cost is 880 rubles. (capacity 500 ml). Reviews can be found here and here.
Before applying any special product, you must carefully study the manufacturer's instructions, and also test the composition on an inconspicuous area of the plastic window.
Soaking
You can remove foil from window glass by soaking it. To do this, you need to take a flannel diaper or just a piece of fabric. Soak in water with any dishwashing detergent and apply to the surface of the window. Leave for two hours so that the fabric does not dry out, spray with a spray bottle.
Remove the diaper, carefully pry a corner of the cover with a knife or spatula, and pull it towards you. If it separates poorly, spray a soap solution between the glass and the film, wait 10-15 minutes, and continue further. After release, wash the glass with water and ammonia.
Tools for work
In order to cover the surface with film without any problems, it is recommended to acquire a number of tools that will be useful during the work:
- Two scrapers. One with a rubber tip, the other with a pointed metal tip.
- Spray gun for glass treatment. It is recommended to think through the issue of water in advance - if the water coming from the tap is very hard with a high content of chlorine, you should purchase purified water in bottles.
- Detergent. Almost anything commonly used will do, from dishwashing liquid to baby shampoo.
- Lint-free fabric.
- Stationery knife.
- Scissors.
- Ruler.
- Pencil.
The above list of tools is not exhaustive. Additional products may be required to clean windows and apply film. For example, a hard sponge to get rid of traces of sealant previously used to seal cracks in the frame.
How to remove film from window glass
Self-adhesive film can be removed using detergents or cleaning agents. It is important to choose the right product.
Here are the most famous ones that are used most often:
- soapy water;
- solutions for cleaning tiles (Shumanit, Domestos, Sif);
- solvents (turpentine, acetone, etc.) – selected taking into account the type of adhesive;
- window cleaning products (Cosmofen);
- denatured alcohol, technical alcohol;
- RP6 – paint remover;
- glass ceramic cleaners (Domax);
- stain remover that removes glue residues (Taygeta S - 405).
Before applying the chemical, you need to protect parts of the plastic frames by covering them with polyethylene. Apply a small amount of product to the coating, wait and wipe. If the film does not come off, repeat the process.
Solar control self-adhesive window tape contains aluminum, so you need to choose products that can remove it. Products containing acid for cleaning metals are effective - acid cleaners. They serve to remove mineral and organic deposits of varying complexity.
Chemical bases designed to clean surfaces may not always do the job. Remains of the coating and glue will need to be removed with a glass ceramic scraper, then rinsed off.
Penetrating lubricant HP - 40
This is an automotive lubricant that penetrates deeply and removes the most difficult contaminants. Having covered the self-adhesive with this product, it can be easily removed after a few minutes; all that remains is to wash the surface with soapy water and soda.
Newspapers and soapy water
Some types of protective coating can be removed using ordinary newspapers and soapy water. An old newspaper is placed on the glass previously moistened with soapy water. Spray from a spray bottle until it sticks, leave in this position for about one hour. Moisturize periodically to prevent it from drying out. They take off the newspaper. Then the film is removed.
Using an eraser or melamine sponge
You can clean mirror foil for window shading using a soft paper eraser. This method is quite effective, but you need to put in a lot of effort and time to erase the stuck film with an eraser. Remains of the adhesive must be washed off the surface with a cleaner or solvent.
The melamine sponge is moistened with water and the coating is removed. You can buy it at any hardware store.
Melamine sponge
What you need to know about self-adhesive
The finishing material is completely synthetic. It consists of two layers. The first is decorative. It is most often made from polyvinyl chloride, but propylene, polyester, or a combination of these polymers are also used. It is this layer that determines the appearance of the finish. It can be transparent or colored, with a pattern or plain, matte or glossy. The performance characteristics of the coating depend on the thickness of the film and its properties.
The second layer is adhesive. The composition of adhesive mastic can be different, so one self-adhesive can be easy to remove, while another can be very difficult. Most often, the manufacturer applies acrylic or rubber glue to the base. They are durable and hold the material well. To prevent the mastic from hardening ahead of time, it is covered with a layer of waxed paper during production. It is removed before gluing.
Multilayer self-adhesive films have appeared relatively recently. Their decorative coating consists of two layers. The first is paper or fabric. They determine the appearance of the material. On top there is a protective layer of plastic. Otherwise, the decor is similar to its two-layer counterparts. This finish is beautiful, but less durable and practical. When removed, it is sometimes removed in layers, which makes work difficult.
Recommendations from the experts
Removing film residue is a complex and time-consuming task. Experienced specialists recommend solving it sequentially, starting with soft and gentle techniques. If they do not produce results, more stringent methods are used. At the same time, you should not rush and try to use another technique without waiting for the results from the previous attempt.
If you decide to use an aggressive composition, you should be well prepared for the work. It is necessary to protect all surfaces from accidental contact with the product, use personal protective equipment, and prepare clean and undyed rags.
It is necessary to work in ventilated areas, but not at low temperatures. For cleaning, choose a fairly warm, windless day. The presence of scorching sun or excess humidity is undesirable.
