What Surfaces Will Window Film Adhere to?

The success or failure of a window film installation depends majorly on the surface on which it is applied. These films are great at reducing solar heat and glare and can even protect your windows from break-ins and petty thieves. But for a smooth bubble-less finish and long-lasting utility, they need to bond with the right surfaces.

So, what surfaces will window films adhere to? These films generally clasp to the majority of glass surfaces, with a few exceptions. This article gives detailed information on window film compatible surfaces and provides practical tips on getting the best out of them.

The Science Behind Window Film Adhesion

Window films work by forming a secure bond with the surfaces they come in contact with. The success of this bonding depends majorly on the smoothness of the surface, its cleanliness, porosity and the material’s composition. It also depends on the adhesive system the film ships with.

A lot of high-performance films come with a Pressure-Sensitive adhesive system. This is a thin, clear layer that is activated by water and other slip solutions during installation. It creates a strong, molecular bond with the substrate as the water evaporates and the film cures. It is found majorly in permanent films.

Temporary or decorative window films use static cling technology – they have no traditional adhesive in them. Instead, they cling to surfaces due to the electrostatic force between the film and glass. This makes them easy to remove, but they are less durable and work on a limited number of surfaces.

Window Film Compatible Surfaces

Regular Glass

This is the most common and best surface. The usual type of glass you find in home windows is smooth and doesn’t have pores, so the film can stick really well.

Toughened Glass

Toughened glasses are used in areas where safety is important, like shower doors. They’re basically the same as regular glass but only stronger. They are mostly suitable for high-quality safety and security films.

Laminated Glass

These are made up of two or more pieces of glass stuck together with plastic. Window films stick easily and strongly on them. However, be careful about installing window film on laminated glass for heat reduction. Too much heat trapped between the layer of glass might cause a few complications later on.

Polycarbonates (Like Lexan)

Strong, sturdy, and made out of plastic, polycarbonates also stick well to window films specially designed for this kind of surface. Regular films might not work well and the plastic can cause air bubbles after installation. Solar Screen’s range of Polycarbonate Window Films are, however, specially designed to work on them.

Acrylic and Plexiglass

Like polycarbonates, acrylic sheets work with window film adhesives designed with a weak or neutral adhesive tailored to the surface’s properties. Regular films might make the acrylic release gas or get cloudy over time because they don’t play well together.

Surfaces That Don’t Work Well (or at All)

Just because a material or surface feels smooth doesn’t automatically make it perfect for window film installation. Some surfaces, even glass, can cause the film to fail quickly or over time.

Bumpy, Patterned, or Frosted Glass

Window films won’t stick to a glass if its surface is rough, etched, or has a pattern. Films need to touch as much of a surface to cling to it. If the film can’t grab on, air pockets materialize, which leads to peeling and bubbles. These cause the film to wear out fast.

Wired Glass

This is usually found in older fire-rated doors and has a metal net inside. The surface is smooth, but the wire creates stress. It doesn’t work well, especially with heat blocking films because the glass around the wire heats up differently. This can break up the glass at any time, so it’s best to avoid installing solar films on this type of glass.

Wood, Metal, and Drywall

Things like painted walls, wood, or metal just don’t work with regular window film. These materials have pores, soak up water, and have tiny bumps that keep the film from sticking.

Damaged Glass

Don’t try to put film on glass that’s already scratched or cracked. The film will exacerbate the damage, making the cracks bigger by pulling on the weak spots.

The Best Way to Install Window Films

To get the best results, having the right surface goes hand in hand with proper installation. To do this, take the following steps:

Step 1. Cut out the film into the required shape. You’ll need to measure the window film as well as the surface before doing this.

Step 2. Prepare the surface. It has to be clean, smooth, and strong. Use a razor scraper to get rid of paint, gunk, old glue, and any other kind of residue that might interfere with the adhesive. This is important for a smooth finish.

Step 3. Clean the surface with a mixture of water and mild soap. Use a squeegee to get rid of any dirt.

Step 4. Put the film on right after cleaning. Use the slip solution to keep dust away.

Step 5. Smoothen out the edges. Use a squeegee to push out all the water and air from under the film. This allows the sticky stuff to bond with the surface. Then allow the solution to dry out.

Tips to Identify Working Surfaces For Window Film Installation

1. Check the product details. Good companies will tell you exactly what kind of surfaces their films are made for. To be sure, you can ring them up and make enquiries before proceeding with the installation.

2. Test the surface with a small piece of film and see what happens after a few days.

3. Don’t use films on glasses that have a coating that repels water.

Get The Most Out of Window Films

Window films can help reduce heat gain, are great at boosting the elegance of a space, and also give you privacy where you need it. However, it is important to install them on the right surfaces as this determines their efficiency and longevity.

Solar Screen International is trusted by building experts for their high quality, long-lasting films. For more practical tips on window film installation and the best surfaces to put them on, check out our blog.