Remove film on plastic windows. How to clean a window from solar control film. Eureka: There is a way to get rid of old protective film

October 14, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior decoration, construction of cottages, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)

After installing double-glazed windows, many people ask on forums how to remove film from plastic windows? The fact is that this operation, which at first glance is extremely simple, sometimes becomes a real problem and headache. Therefore, in this article, I will introduce you to some of the most effective ways to remove protective film from plastic frames.

A few words about protective film

Film on plastic windows protects the surface of the plastic during the transportation of windows and their installation. Moreover, manufacturers use special adhesives to glue it so that there are no problems with removal in the future. However, the coating is not intended to remain on the windows for a long time.

The fact is that gradually the glue under the film dries out and eats into the surface of the plastic. In addition, the coating itself is destroyed in the sun and loses its characteristics. As a result, when removed, the old film begins to tear or even crumble.

From this we can conclude, that it is necessary to remove the film as soon as possible after installing the windows. True, if the windows are cheap, then problems may arise even when removing the recently glued covering, due to the use of low-quality glue.

But, in any case, you shouldn’t despair, because there are quite effective ways to remove old film from plastic windows, even if it is “tightly” ingrained into the plastic. The main thing is to have patience and some tools, which I will discuss below.

In the summer, the glue dries much faster and eats into the plastic than in the cold season.

Film removal methods

So, dried protective film can be removed from the surface in the following ways:

Method 1: using a scraper

First of all, try to remove the film using a scraper or other sharp object, for example, a mounting tool or even a blade. The only thing, It is necessary to work with sharp tools very carefully so as not to damage the plastic.

Instructions for removing the coating using a scraper are as follows:

  1. First of all, you need to pry off the edge of the protective coating using a scraper or other sharp object. The peeled edge must be large enough to be grasped;
  2. next you need to pull the foam and try to tear it off in one quick movement;
  3. if the tape starts to tear, pry it again, but try to use as little as possible cutting tool and work more with your fingers so as not to scratch the plastic.

This method can be used if protective coating did not have time to collapse under the influence of the sun. Otherwise, it will not be possible to tear off the film, and it is not advisable to constantly pick at it with a scraper, since it will take a lot of time and will certainly lead to scratches on the surface of the plastic.

Even if you successfully tear off the protective coating in this way, there will likely remain areas of glue on the surface of the plastic. You can remove them in ways that I will discuss below.

Method 2: eraser

If the old coating becomes easy to tear or even crumble, it can be removed with an eraser. True, this method is only suitable for small areas, for example, if there is film or glue residue left in some places after using a scraper.

To clean the surface, choose a rubber band that is as elastic as possible. Simply rub the stained area with your hands, as if you were erasing a pencil from paper. As a result, the remaining glue and protective coating will roll into a roller that can be removed with your fingers.

It is very difficult to completely clean the frames in this way, so it is better to use a less labor-intensive method.

Method 3: hairdryer

If you cannot remove the coating with just a scraper, you can warm it up with a hair dryer before peeling off the film. This is done as follows:

  1. turn on the hairdryer at maximum power and heat thoroughly small area coatings;
  2. then pick up the tape and pull its edge. After heating, the glue should become much more “pliable”;
  3. after this, you need to heat the next area and remove it in the same way;
  4. the remaining glue must be heated again and then wiped off with paper towel.

Even more effective way How to tear off the protective coating is to heat it with a steam generator. You can also use a hair dryer, however, work with it carefully so as not to melt the film and especially the plastic frames.

I must say that this method is quite effective. As a rule, it allows you to get rid of even the most ingrained glue into the surface of the plastic.

Method 4: medical or technical alcohol

Now let's look at how to remove film from plastic windows using alcohol. This method is effective in removing film and adhesive residues.

The procedure is carried out as follows:

  • the contaminated area should be treated with medical 96 percent alcohol or denatured alcohol using a spray or cotton solution. As the alcohol dries, it should be reapplied within a few minutes;
  • Then you can start removing the old adhesive and film residue using a paper towel. As you work, you may need a scraper or other tool to pry off the film.

It must be said that alcohol allows you not only to clean the surface of the old protective coating, but also to bleach the plastic, as well as get rid of other contaminants.

Method 5: vegetable oil

When choosing what to wipe off the remaining coating and glue, you can give preference vegetable oil. The latter could be anything, the only thing keep in mind is that oil will remain on the surface of the window even after you wash it. Therefore it is best to use essential oil which smells nice.

Instructions for removing the coating with this product look like this:

  1. Before washing the surface, you need to apply oil to the contaminated areas using a cotton swab, and then wait an hour. As the oil dries, the surface should be periodically lubricated;
  2. after the specified time, the contaminated areas should be wiped with a paper towel;
  3. At the end of the work, you need to wash off the oil with a non-abrasive detergent.

Method 6: white spirit

White spirit is a fairly potent agent. The only thing is, before using it, wipe a small, inconspicuous area of ​​plastic with solvent. The fact is that not all PVC windows are resistant to this solvent.

If you are sure that the solvent will not harm the plastic, perform the work in the following order:

  1. the edge of the film must be torn off using a scraper or other sharp object, as far as possible;
  2. then the space between the film and the surface of the plastic should be treated with a solvent;
  3. You should wait a few minutes before peeling off the film. After this, the tape should come off easily;
  4. in the area where the film has not begun to tear, white spirit should be applied again.

If vapor barrier tape was used when installing the window, make sure that no solvent gets on it, as it may become damaged.

Method 7: “Shumanite”

Schumannite is a potent detergent, which is intended primarily to remove fat from the surface. However, it also copes well with adhesives that are used when gluing protective coatings. The only thing to remember is that Schumanite contains substances that can react with frames, so you should not apply it for a long time.

Dried film and old glue are removed using this tool as follows:

  1. old glue should be treated with the compound. If there is old coating left on the surface, the area underneath it should be treated, as well as the edges along the tape;
  2. almost immediately after applying Schumanite, the coating should be torn off and the remaining glue should be wiped off with a damp towel;
  3. At the end of the work, the surface of the plastic must be washed with any suitable detergent.

Method 8: "HG Sticker Remover"

When talking about how easy it is to remove old film, one cannot fail to mention such a tool as HG Sticker Remover. It is sold in stores household chemicals, as a rule, in bottles with a capacity of 300 ml.

In general, this composition is intended for removing stickers and all kinds of self-adhesive stickers from the surface. However, as practice shows, with the help of Sticker Remover, old protective film can be easily removed.

The principle of its use is similar to working with other solvents:

  1. before tearing off the film, you should pick it up and treat it with a product;
  2. after a few minutes the coating can be peeled off;
  3. then the surface should be treated again with the composition;
  4. after a few seconds, the product with glue residue must be removed using a paper towel or a clean rag.

Method 9: "Cosmofen 10"

If you ask manufacturers of plastic windows to advise you on a means for removing the protective coating, they will probably tell you about “Cosmofen 10”, which is a weak PVC solvent designed specifically for such purposes.

You can also use its analogue, which is called “FENOSOL”. The price of these compositions ranges from 300 rubles per liter.

As in previous cases, the old film is first picked out, after which the composition is applied. These products can also be used to remove glue residue.

Before you wash the surface of the glue, you need to wait a few minutes for the product to react.

Method 10: “P-12”

Finally, I’ll tell you about the “RP-6” product, which is an acrylic solvent. With its help, you can easily remove glue residues.

The only thing is, before doing the work, be sure to check whether the solvent does not react with the plastic frames. The fact is that some types of plastic under the influence of RP-6 can change color.

The composition is used in the same way as other solvents. Typically, a few minutes is enough for it to react with the old glue.

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Article Description

Good day Mi-Fans! We all know that the screen of a modern smart phone is its most expensive part, the cost of which can exceed all other parts combined. Due to the fact that mobile phones have long ceased to be just a means cellular communication, and increasingly focused on delivering visual information, display sizes are growing every year. This parameter is already approaching the typical 7-inch tablets. At the same time, the resolution and number of displayed colors are increasing, models with curved edges are appearing, and flexible screens are on the way. All this leads to the need for especially careful care of the display of our smart device. Because of its size, it is vulnerable to both external mechanical influences and contamination. One of the main enemies of any screen is dust, which degrades the picture quality and makes the device unsightly. It’s not very pleasant to buy a brand new Mi Mix 2 or 2S, and later Mi 7, and then constantly see some kind of dirt on it. Let’s all look together at how to clean a smartphone from dust, returning it to its original one appearance . There are several options for screen contamination. The simplest case is if dirt and dust are on top. It will be enough to wipe the surface with a special microfiber cloth soaked in screen cleaning liquid. In principle, even an ordinary, slightly damp napkin will do. It is not recommended to use alcohol solutions, as they can dissolve the oleophobic coating of the display, which protects it from greasy stains. If after wiping foreign fragments are still visible, it means that the dust particles have penetrated deeper. The algorithm of actions depends on where exactly they ended up. How to clean your smartphone from dust under a protective film or glass? As I wrote above, the display in modern smartphones is extremely vulnerable to physical impact. This is why smartphones with Gorilla Glass protection are so popular. According to the manufacturers, such gadgets are not afraid of even falling face down onto the asphalt from a height of human height. As for owners of cheaper phones without Gorilla Glass, they can buy protective glass separately (universal or created specifically for a specific model) and stick it on themselves. This protective glass consists of several layers (silicone, bonding, anti-reflective, protective, plus oleophobic coating) and has a thickness of 0.25 to 0.5 mm. Its simplified version is a protective film - its thickness and cost are much less, but it can only protect the screen from scratches. In any case, gluing glass or film to the display yourself cannot compare in quality and tightness with factory technologies. Therefore, sooner or later, dust and dirt begin to penetrate under them (usually this starts from the corners and edges). You can, of course, remove the old film or glass and replace them with new ones. However, the cost of protective glasses can reach more than 1000 rubles, so it is better to try to clean them. There is a proven method for this using ordinary tape. To remove dust under your phone's protective glass or film, you will need to perform the following simple manipulations:➭ Carefully peel the glass/film off the screen and place it on a flat table, sticky side up. We clean the smartphone display with the usual means (rags, napkins, liquid).➭ Cut a piece 30-40 cm long from a roll of tape and glue it on top of our glass or film. All dust will transfer to the tape, and the sticky side of the protective coating will be clean. We put the film or glass back on the phone, making sure that no air bubbles form and no new dust particles get in from the air. That's it, all that remains is to wipe the outer surface. ➭ If dust under the phone glass or film appears again, the procedure can be repeated many times. Until the sticky layer and outer coating wears off. The most unpleasant option is when dust penetrates directly into the screen structure itself, for example, between the matrix and the touchscreen. Here you can't do without disassembling the case. Although there are many tips on how to do this, the right decision will contact the official service center, or to any mobile device repair point. I hope you enjoyed this little review. It is possible that professionals will ignore this topic, but for beginners this information will come in handy. Tell us how you fight to keep your phone clean? Or do you simply not pay attention to its pollution?

Not everyone knows that after installing new plastic windows, you need to remove the protective film in a timely manner. It is usually advised to do this within 10 days. If removal is delayed, the protective coating will stick to the glass. Getting rid of old film is not easy. It is necessary to use only proven removal methods, otherwise the glass may become covered with cracks and scratches. You should start cleaning as quickly as possible so that the film does not dry out even more.

The film dries on the windows and is difficult to remove for several reasons:

  1. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If the windows are on the sunny side, then the protective coating should be removed as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline, it will stick firmly to the surface.
  2. Heating. If the window becomes hot under the influence sun rays or heating devices, then the film dries to the glass very quickly. To get rid of it without a trace, you will have to try.
  3. Poor quality glue. If cheap glue was used to make the film, it will soon dry to the window. This may even happen before the deadline for its removal.

Regardless of the reasons for drying, the film must be disposed of. After all, it spoils the appearance of plastic windows.

Removal methods

It is possible to remove old coating from glass at home. Even if it has managed to stick strongly to the window, you can try to fix it.

But to do this, you should choose proven means and methods that will not harm the glass surface.

Mechanical impact

The easiest way to get rid of dried film is mechanical action. To do this, pry up its edge with a knife or blade and try to tear off as much of the dried coating as possible with your hands.

This method is dangerous because it may leave noticeable scratches on the glass. Therefore, you need to act very carefully and do not use metal scrapers. It is advisable to minimize the contact of sharp objects with the window.

Hairdryer

If the protective coating sticks strongly, you can use construction hair dryer. It should be used carefully - there should be no sources of fire or flammable objects in the room.

Algorithm of actions:

  • direct a stream of hot air onto the plastic frame or window sill, trying not to hit the glass;
  • When the film heats up, you need to carefully pry off its edge with a knife and peel it off manually.

It is important not to direct air directly onto the glass units. Otherwise, the glass will crack due to temperature changes.

If it is not possible to use an industrial hair dryer, you can use a steam generator or a regular hair dryer. However, they will only be effective if the film has recently adhered.

White spirit

A powerful product that helps remove even long-dried film is white spirit.

Directions for use:

  • pry off the edge of the dried protective coating;
  • apply white spirit into the gap between it and the window;
  • Gradually remove film from the entire surface.

This product must be used very carefully, as the solvent can damage the surface of the window. Therefore, before use, it is necessary to test its effect on an inconspicuous area of ​​the glass unit.

Alcohol

You can also remove old film from plastic windows using alcohol. To do this you need:

  • take denatured alcohol;
  • using a spray bottle, spray it onto the old coating;
  • leave for 5 minutes;
  • pry up the edge of the film and tear it off with your hands.

Hands should be protected while working rubber gloves.

Ready-made products

You can also use special products to remove old coating. They are able to effectively and quickly clean plastic windows.

1. Cosmofen.

Companies that install plastic windows often sell a special solvent, Cosmofen.

There are three variants of this composition: No. 5, No. 10 and No. 20. They differ in the strength of their impact. The most aggressive is No. 5.

Therefore, it is advisable to use No. 20 or No. 10. Otherwise, you can dissolve not only the film, but also the glass unit itself.

2. Paint remover RP 6.

You can purchase paint remover - RP 6.

Instructions for use:

  • apply the product in a thick layer to the surface to be cleaned;
  • wait 10 minutes;
  • the coating should begin to bubble;
  • After the allotted time has passed, the softened film should be removed.

When using this method, it is necessary to protect your hands with thick rubber gloves, and your eyes with special glasses.

3. Schumann.

You can find Schumanit detergent in household chemical stores. They need to process the glass and wait a certain time specified in the instructions. Then wash the window clean water and wipe it dry.

This product is very caustic and should be used with extreme caution.

Window cleaning

After removing the film, traces of glue will remain on the glass. You can wash off the residue using this method:

  • prepare a concentrated soap solution by dissolving the shavings laundry soap in warm water;
  • moisten a rag with the resulting solution;
  • wipe the window, not forgetting the edges and corners.

You can also wipe off dirt with newspaper. After cleaning, the glass is wiped dry.

It is advisable to remove film from plastic windows immediately after installation. However, if for some reason the protective coating has dried to the glass, it is necessary to begin solving the problem as quickly as possible using proven means.

How to remove film from plastic windows - a problem that arises when moving to new apartment, and during the renovation of an already inhabited living space. Often the owners come to their senses after the transformation is completed - in this case, the window has to be cleaned of pieces stuck to the window frame. Having managed to remove them, the apartment owners are forced to struggle with sticky glue.

Some people resort to various detergents, one way or another, but in any case it is very difficult to cope with the problem.

It is worth noting, first of all, that the most reliable approach to ensuring a clean window is to remove the film immediately after installing the plastic structure. If you lose time, you will have to deal with a thoroughly dried coating, which is quite difficult to remove.

Readers are given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with several methods for removing film. However, to get a truly clean window, you need to be prepared to remove the adhesive.

So, to clean the window from film and glue, you need to use one of two main ways to solve this problem. As alternative option– for greater efficiency, they often resort to a combination of these technologies.

The main methods allowing are presented the following options:

  • mechanical;
  • chemical

The mechanical option, in turn, implies several of the most effective varieties.

You can clean windows from old film using a special scraper, which is traditionally used when processing hobs or their glass-ceramic analogues.

You can remove glue residues and get rid of minor scratches by using cleaners such as FENOSOL and COSMOFEN 10. If these products are not available, it is recommended to use some acrylic solvent. As practice shows, it is convenient to finally clean windows from old solar control film using P-12.

The next method, which allows you to remove the protective coating and all its traces, is based on the use of industrial. In the absence of one, a powerful home hair dryer is acceptable. The effectiveness of the technology is based on heating, which greatly facilitates film removal.

After heating the film coating, you need to pry it off with a sharp stationery knife. The technique allows you to easily and quickly remove the film. To deal with glue residue, you need to use the first method.

Many users successfully achieve their desired goal using a steam generator. An unusual, but, according to reviews, quite effective method of erasing the film with a stationery eraser. To combat residual marks, you can choose white spirit or one of the mentioned cleaners.

In the pursuit of purity, diligence often turns sideways - new and not always solvable problems. Particular care must be taken when manipulating the scraper.

The fact is that even the safest scraper can leave quite noticeable scratches on the surface of the PVC profile. To avoid such an unpleasant side effect, it is best to remove the peeled film with your fingers.

Chemical cleaning methods are no less in demand. As a container used to solve the problem, you can use a regular water spray. Denatured alcohol is poured into it.

Then the product is applied to the surface, and after a few minutes you can begin to remove the protective coating. To simplify the work, you can pry it off with a stationery knife.

When solving the problem of how to remove film from plastic windows, you should pay attention to the “Shumanit” detergent (manufactured by the Buggy company, Israel).

The glass unit can be easily cleaned with a paint remover: RP 6. It is applied liberally to the surface to be treated. After ten minutes, the protective tape begins to swell literally before our eyes.

Before you begin the actual cleansing, be sure to wear gloves and goggles. When washing off glue and alkali residues, use soapy water.

Do not fight with the protective tape by using solvent. As a result of the efforts, the film will remain in its place, and side effect the profile will become hopelessly damaged.

Having completed the main part of the task - choosing how to remove the old solar control film and using the most attractive method for yourself - you need to finish the job by washing the windows, which will require some time and attention.

It is best to resort to one of the following two proven methods - to wash with:

  • paper, spray, rags;
  • sponges, screeds.

First way

You can resort to it only if the surface is not very dirty.

The “working tools” in this situation will be:

  • paper napkins;
  • water container;
  • product with a spray nozzle;
  • cotton fabric.

A little gets into the container warm water. The rag is wetted and wrung out well. Dirt is wiped off the window. The spray is distributed over the surface in a zigzag pattern.

Use a dry piece of cloth to remove dirt. To consolidate the results, wipe the surface with newspaper or paper napkin.

Second way

As a rule, this technology is used when access to the window is difficult. A tie with a handle 25 to 30 centimeters long will help solve the problem. An additional advantage of the method: the absence of streaks and stains upon completion of the work.

You should stock up on:

  • water container;
  • dishwashing detergent;
  • a screed with a sponge on a long handle;
  • with a clean piece of cloth.

Proportions for preparing the cleaning solution: a couple of drops of the product per 2 liters of water. A sponge is dipped into the prepared solution and then squeezed out.

Washing is done in a circular motion. The largest accumulations of dirt are characteristic of the edges and corners, which must be taken into account when working.

Next, the container is filled with clean warm water, into which the screed is dipped and passed over the entire surface. Finally with a dry cloth horizontal movements From left to right everything is wiped clean. Water accumulated at the bottom of the window must be properly removed.

For hard-to-reach segments, it is convenient to use pieces of cloth or paper towels.

Removing old sun protection film is quick and easy

Each of the listed options for solving the problem has been tested many times in practice. On the Internet you can find confirming reviews for any of the versions.

New plastic windows have a coating that many people do not remove immediately. Over time it dries out, making it difficult to get rid of. How to remove dried film from plastic windows without damaging them?

How to remove film from plastic windows

Why does the protective film need to be removed immediately?

New plastic windows have a film that protects them from dust, dirt and damage in the form of scratches. By design, it is two-layer and is glued to the window using special staff. Under the influence of sunlight, the inner layer of the coating is destroyed and sticks to the plastic. Every day the film will become more and more difficult to remove.

How to remove protective film from plastic windows

For this purpose, several methods are used: mechanical (using tools) and chemical (household mixtures).

The first includes:

Scraper for cleaning glass ceramic surfaces. It can be used to remove the protective coating. And then remove traces of paste with window cleaner. You need to work with the scraper carefully, as it leaves scratches.

Industrial hair dryer. It can be replaced with a regular one. First, point the device at the film (a hot air stream will peel it off) and then use a utility knife to scrape off the remaining residue.

No less effective way– use of a steam generator. The principle of operation is almost the same as that of a hair dryer.

A regular eraser will also help to cope with the problem.

Mechanical methods remove the protective coating, and adhesive residues are easily removed with either a cleaner or an acrylic solvent.

Chemical methods:

Denatured alcohol. Pour a few spoonfuls into a flower sprayer and spray the coating. After a few minutes, peel off the film with a knife.

Paint remover. Apply the composition to the surface and wait 10 minutes. Over time, the coating will begin to swell and can be easily removed from the window.

When using chemical compositions You should wear gloves to avoid damaging your skin. It is also recommended to wear glasses for safety reasons.

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