Safety Film
A Step-By-Step Guide To Removing Window Film
Window film is not permanent, you will have to remove it at one point. The sheets can only stay in place for a few years, with adhesion strength weakening as time passes. Those that are incorrectly installed deteriorate even faster because of surface bubbles and cracks.
Consider replacing your window peel once signs of wear and tear appear. It might require a bit of work, but follow these step-by-step instructions, and you will have everything done in about an hour.
1. Inspect for loose edges. Lift these corners gently with your fingers, although some cases might require a razorblade or penknife. Pull away as much as you can without tearing the sheet and scratching the pane. If you get lucky, you will be able to lift off large slices and pick them off. Older and brittle film, however, tends to break into smaller pieces, which are more difficult to handle.
2. Much of the film you will not be able to tug off manually. So you will need to spray ammonia liberally across the entire window. Saturated with this solution, the glue that holds the sheets in place will begin to dissolve. Wipe up any excess using a towel.
3. Cover the pane in sheets of plastic wrap (garbage bags will also do) and secure with masking tape. This seals the ammonia, letting it soak into the film. Leave as is for at least 45 minutes to an hour during a hot day. When the weather is colder, you might have to let up to two hours pass.
4. You can remove the cover and check if the window peel has softened enough every 15 minutes. If there are no obvious results, you may spray another coating of ammonia and wrap the pane once again.
5. Once the film has softened, use a razor blade to scrape it off. For difficult spots, you can continue to apply ammonia and work it in.
6. Continue scraping and spraying until all pieces have been removed. Scrub any traces of adhesive via soap, water and a sponge. Rinse off thoroughly. Once the surface is residue-free, pat-dry the window using a towel. For a clear appearance, apply glass cleaner.
Helpful tips
- When handling ammonia, put on a pair of gloves and safety glasses, plus a mask. This is especially crucial if you’re prone to allergies.
- Make sure the area is well-ventilated when you apply ammonia. If possible, open the other windows of your home to let the air circulate.
- If you decide to purchase an ammonia-based cleaner, check if the label indicates that the solution can be used with window film.
- Water may be tapped as an alternative to ammonia. You won’t be able to peel off the sheet as fast, but this won’t harm your molding and window frame.
- Drape tarps or garbage bags over furniture or seating near the window to protect these against chemical damage.
- For large areas covered with window peel, change the razor blade once it becomes dull.
There is no single method of removing window peel. The techniques may vary slightly for etched, frosted and stained glass window film. But certain rules are universal. One, do not pull the sheets off by sheer force. Two, have the adhesive dissolve and loosen up. And three, practice caution while scraping off any residue.
Randall Freedman is an interior designer specialized in affordable home improvements ideas. Through his articles, he gives practical tips on choosing the right stained glass window film and window film.
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