Used for a variety of reasons from privacy and security to business signage and glare reduction, it’s easy to see why window film is rising in popularity across Melbourne homes and businesses. Once professionally installed, it provides a wealth of benefits and is also virtually maintenance free. Ausign has been Melbourne’s experts in quality signage since 1976 and high quality window film is our specialty. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your window film and ensure it continues to look great for years to come.
What Are the Different Types of Window Film?
There are three main types:
- Solar film – Used to reduce glare and block UV rays, this film provides health benefits and fading reduction. Made up of layers of polyester and come with an adhesive layer which goes to the glass and a protective outer layer which is scratch resistant.
- Decorative/privacy film – used to increase privacy, these can also make a statement or add interest, changing ordinary glass into a work of art. Made from vinyl which allows it to be flexible, the material can also be created with texture.
- Safety/security film – Available in a variety of thicknesses, this film increases safety by helping to protect people from broken glass shards and to help hold the glass in the window frame in the event it gets broken or make glass harder to penetrate adding security to your home or office. Made up of optically clear, tinted or reflective film and adhesive with a scratch-resistant coating.
Cleaning Window Film
Less porous than glass, window film will not accumulate dirt as quickly as glass, so it is easier to clean and requires less frequent cleaning. You will need a spray bottle, baby liquid soap or a mild dishwashing detergent, distilled water, lint-free soft cloths and a squeegee.
- Prepare a mixture of soap and water
- Gently spray the solution onto to the film
- Wipe off the cleaning solution with a soft cloth or chamois, don’t use paper towels as these may put fine scratches in the film
- You can use a rubber squeegee, but be gentle and careful not to damage the film
Window Film Maintenance
- Although film is very low maintenance once applied to a window, there are a few additional steps you can do to ensure it performs as expected, and to keep the film looking new for many years to come. On interior films, you can occasionally use a silicone polish to provide a lustrous surface to the film, this will also provide protection against scratching or burnishing. For external windows with film, you should aim to clean them early before the sun gets high and heats the glass and never leave the film wet, always dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Other Handy Tips
- Window film adhesive typically takes around thirty days to cure so it’s recommended to wait until after this period before you perform any cleaning or maintenance.
- If an adhesive tape is ever applied to the film and needs to be removed, simply peel it off as though it is on glass. Residual adhesive can be removed with a soft cloth and mineral spirits or alcohol.
- Avoid ammonia-based cleaning products as they can discolour the film or ruin its adhesion.
At Ausign, we are Melbourne’s leading window film specialists and our expert installers are happy to give you accurate instructions and advice on your film and how to care for it to keep it looking its best. For more information or for a free quotation, get in touch with our friendly team today on (03) 9419 0970 or contact us online.
