Little tricks on how to remove protective film from plastic windows
Film on window structures protects surfaces from damage during transportation and installation.
But what to do when the window is already installed, but the protective layer cannot be removed?
There are enough ways to remove protective film (including old and dried film, as well as sun protection film) quickly and without damaging plastic frames and glass.
Content
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. As an option, You can use a dish sponge instead of a brush (its rough side).
Available means
Everyone in their home has a lot of available tools that can be used to clean plastic windows from film.
Vegetable oil
To clean a plastic window, It is enough to generously lubricate the protective coating with vegetable oil and leave for 5-10 minutes., then remove with a sponge or brush.
Technical alcohol
Denatured alcohol, also known as technical alcohol (sold in any hardware store) will facilitate the process of removing the protective film from metal-plastic frames
Mode of application: alcohol is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed on the window. After five minutes, the protective layer is pryed with a knife and easily torn off from the surface.
Remains of adhesive tape can be removed with a sponge soaked in solvent.
Newspaper and soap solution
Newspapers and soap will help you remove the protection from the window quickly, easily and at minimal cost.
It's simple:
- dissolve 2 tbsp in 1 liter of warm water. liquid soap (dishwashing detergent, washing gel);
- the soap solution is poured into a spray bottle;
- newspapers are placed on the film and moistened generously with soapy water (the paper should stick to the window);
- After sixty minutes, the dried newspaper can be easily removed along with the protective layer.
A damp soft sponge or rag will help remove the remaining soap solution.
Special formulations
If the folk methods at hand for removing film from a window are powerless, professional tools 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.
The average cost is 480 rubles. (capacity 300 ml).
Cosmofen
Low-solvent cleaner Cosmofen is an excellent tool for removing window films. 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).
Glutoclean Sticker Remover
Glutoclean Sticker Remover - highly effective product, will very carefully remove the film from the surface of the metal-plastic window structure. The method of application is simple: wipe the film with a cloth thoroughly soaked in Glutoclean.
The average cost is 880 rubles. (capacity 500 ml).
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.
Removal by heat
Under the influence of high temperatures, the adhesive from the film dissolves and very easily comes off the plastic surface.
Algorithm of actions:
- A hot stream of air from a household or hair dryer is directed onto the area of the window covered with film.
- After two or three minutes, when the film becomes soft, you can gently pull it by the edge and remove it from the window. If the area covered by the protection is very large, the removal process is carried out in stages, heating small areas.
- Remaining glue can be easily removed with a paper napkin.
Instead of a hairdryer, you can use a construction steam generator.
How to remove sun protection sticker from glass?
It is difficult to quickly remove sun protection film from glass. The thing is that the reflective surface contains aluminum particles, which, when heated, firmly adhere to the glass surface.
There are several ways to solve the problem:
-
Steaming. The protective film is carefully treated with a jet of hot steam. When exposed to high temperatures, the adhesive softens and the film easily comes off the glass surface.Warming up with a steamer can last no longer than five minutes. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the glass will burst.
- Stationery knife. The corner of the sun protection film is pryed and pulled towards you. Using a thin, very sharp blade of a stationery knife, trim the areas of the protective layer stuck to the window. So, step by step, by pulling and cutting the film, it can be removed from the plastic window.
- Chemicals. Only acidic cleaners can quickly remove sun protection film from glass (acid dissolves aluminum). Before cleaning, the window sill and plastic frames are carefully covered with polyethylene. The chemical is applied to the film, wait a few minutes, and then removed with a damp sponge.
When working with chemical cleaners, you must protect your hands with rubber gloves. If it gets on the skin, the chemical composition is immediately washed off with strong water pressure.
Adviсe
A few recommendations from experienced housewives and cleaning company specialists will help speed up the process of cleaning a plastic window.
So, small pieces of film remaining on the surface of the frames after cleaning can be removed with tape. To do this, it is glued to a section of the frame or glass with film, smoothed out thoroughly, and then abruptly torn off.
Do not remove film from the window using dry abrasive powders or sharp objects (for example, a knife). The result of such actions is scratches on the frame and glass, which are impossible to get rid of.
You will find a lot of important and useful information about fast and effective window cleaning in this section.
Video on the topic of the article
The video will show you how to remove old film from plastic windows:
Conclusion
A variety of means and methods for removing film from a plastic window allow you to clean it quickly and efficiently. The main thing is to start the process quickly, without waiting for the protection to finally stick to the surface of the frame or glass.
