Film Curing Procedures

PRODUCTS CONTAINING AN ADHESIVE SYSTEM

As with all products containing an adhesive system, drying time is necessary to achieve the proper bond to the window. During this process, some changes may be observed. So that you will understand these differences, we would like to note some of them for you. They are normal and should be expected. 

• Drying time will be approximately 30-60 days depending on the time of year. Please do not clean your windows during this period. They may look smeary but this is normal due to the mounting solution used.
• Any haziness you may see is water under the film. You will see less and less of this as the weeks pass. The film may look different next week than it looks today as it dries. 
• A milky appearance might be experienced, but it too disappears during the drying period. 
• All trapped water bubbles will dry out, but a few small particles or points may be apparent when dry. Remember, we are not working in a dust-free environment. 

FILM DRY OUT TIME 

During the installation process, we are able to remove as much as 90% of the mounting solution, although a small amount will remain. Trapped installation moisture can cause small water bubbles and/or a slightly cloudy appearance, this is normal and should be expected. Do not attempt to pierce a water bubble during the dry-out period. Water bubbles and a cloudy look will eventually dissipate. Attempting to pierce a water bubble in an effort to drain moisture will damage your film. This damage is not covered by the warranty.

BUBBLES AND INCLUSIONS 

These are generally seen from the outside, they are very tiny and are inherent in the use of a pressure-sensitive adhesive system. An adhesive of this type is used because it is the only one that will withstand high humidity, driving rains and window condensation. You will normally see these particles only if you get quite close to the glass, which is something we ordinarily do not do. They will not affect the film’s performance.

WINDOW FILM EDGE 

You may notice a border of up to 3mm around the edge of the film. This is to allow any trapped water to escape from your application. If you would like this gap to be totally hidden and to hide any light gap, please feel free to caulk the edge but if this is done it must be done after the film has completely dried for 30+ days. 

NOTE: Sometimes what seems to be a defect in the film is, in fact, an imperfection in the glass. It is quite natural that one should look closely at a new purchase, but at times we observe things that were always there but never noticed. A good rule to follow is to look at the installation from 2 meters away. This is the manner in which we normally look through a window and the way in which you should observe Window Film — looking through it, not at it. Remember, we are not working in a dust-free environment, so small particles of dust may be noticeable up close