Frequently Asked Questions

Window films are not suitable for all types of windows, as the properties of the glass and the film must be coordinated to avoid damage to the glass or a limited effect of the film.

Important factors in the suitability of window films

1. Type of glass

   Single glass:
   Suitable for most window films (sun protection, privacy protection, decoration, UV protection).

   Insulated glass (double or triple glazing):
   Here the wrong film can cause tension in the glass and cause it to crack. Particularly highly absorbent sun protection films are critical.

   Safety glass:
   Safety glass requires special films that are compatible with the coating and structure of the glass.

   Coated glass:
   For glasses with special coatings (e.g. low-E glass), coordination with the film is important, as properties such as heat retention can change.

2. Installation location

   Inside or outside installation should be chosen depending on the window type and sunlight. For certain types of glass, external installation may be necessary to avoid stress problems.

3. Temperature and climate conditions

   For windows exposed to extreme heat or cold, the thermal load capacity of the glass should be taken into account.

4. Function of the film

   The films (e.g. sun protection, privacy or security films) have different material properties and requirements for the glass.

Some window films contain special coatings that absorb or reflect UV rays. This means that both UV-A and UV-B rays areions that cause skin damage and the fading of furniture, floors or textiles are reduced.

What types of window films offer UV protection?

Sun protection films: Provide additional heat protection and glare protection.
Safety films: Improve glass stability while providing UV protection.
Decorative films: Some designs also have UV-blocking properties.

Depending on the quality and type of film, the service life of films is usually 5 to 15 years.

Indoor installation
For films laid indoors, a service life of 15-20 years can be expected in Central Europe with good care.

Outdoor installation
For films laid outdoors, the service life is reduced to around 8-10 years if they are installed vertically.

To further increase the service life, the edges of the film can be sealed all around. In addition, the film should be cleaned of dirt deposits with soapy water 3-4 times a year so that they cannot burn into the surface and cause lasting damage.

Lying surfaces
Sloped glazing (roof windows) or surfaces with an incline of less than 25° naturally reduces the durability. Here, a maximum of 1-3 years of durability can be expected due to the UV radiation arriving at an angle of almost 90°.

1. Inside installation of window films:

   Placement:
   The film is applied to the inside of the window.

   Advantages:
   Protected from the elements such as rain, snow and UV rays.
   Longer durability as no external influences damage the film.
   Easier to apply and remove as it is applied protected from external conditions.

   Limitations:
   The effectiveness of the film can be affected by the thickness or composition of the glass.
   Not always suitable for highly reflective or absorbent films, as this could lead to stress cracks in insulating glass.

2. External installation of window films:

   Placement:
   The film is applied to the outside of the window.

   Advantages:
   Direct sunlight is reflected or absorbed outside the glass, which enables greater effectiveness in sun protection.
   Particularly suitable for windows where internal installation is not practical (e.g. windows that are difficult to access).

   Limitations:
   Weather influences (rain, wind, UV radiation) can shorten the service life.
   Usually a little more expensive, as specially robust films have to be used for external installation.

Choice between internal and external installation:

Internal installation is ideal for most standard applications, especially in private households.

External installation makes sense when maximum sun protection is required or the window glass has special properties that could make internal installation problematic.

Most of our self-adhesive films are suitable for both internal and external installation. You can find the respective releases on the article page under the article name.

A self-adhesive window film has an adhesive backing, similar to a self-adhesive stamp or sticker. With the help of the extremely thin, transparent adhesive, the film sticks to the window after installation.

The self-adhesive film is adhesive-free and only sticks to the window glass with its electrostatic backing. The adhesive force is so great that it can even be used in damp rooms without any problems.

Recommended:

• The film must not be cleaned for the first three weeks after it has been applied.
• Commercially available glass cleaning agents can be used.
• Clean the windows with soft cloths or a chamois leather.
• Make sure that rubber wipers and all other cleaning utensils are clean.
• Please clean the edges of the film carefully.
• Therefore, clean a film laid outside at short intervals so that the hard dirt particles cannot settle too firmly on the surface of the film.
• For films laid outside, coarser Dust and dirt can be removed from the film using a very wet, soft chamois leather and plenty of clean water.

Cleaning:

1. Spray the window surface with the water-cleaner mixture.
2. Wipe the water from top to bottom with a rubber squeegee.
3. Soak heavily soiled areas again and clean with a soft chamois leather or sponge and plenty of water.
4. Spray the window again with the water-cleaner mixture and wipe from top to bottom with a rubber squeegee.

Not recommended:

• Do not use abrasive cleaning agents
• Never clean the windows dry.
• Do not use glass scrapers, razor blades or scotch tape.
• Do not clean with high-pressure cleaners or steam jet devices.
• In general, it is not recommended to attach advertising stickers to the film coating.
• Always remember: The surface coating of the film is scratch-resistant, but not indestructible.

Problem:
This problem usually occurs when the desired dimensions in width and height exceed the maximum available roll width.

Solution:
In this case, the cut cannot be made in one piece and two film strips must be placed butt-to-butt in order to completely cover the surface. A fine hairline remains visible in the close-up area.

Tips on the position of the buttline:
Outdoors, we recommend laying this butt line vertically so that no rainwater or dirt can collect in it. In most cases, it looks best if the butt line is chosen exactly in the middle. Then it looks as intended and symmetrical and not as if it has been "pieced together".