Installation FAQs

HOW ARE SOLYX® FILMS INSTALLED?

Installing SOLYX® window film is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects there is. All SOLYX® Decorative Films have an acrylic adhesive system protected by a removable release liner which must be removed prior to installation. Films are installed using a water and soap based solution. See the Installation Instructions page for more details on installation.

CAN SOLYX® FILMS BE REMOVED?

Yes. Unlike other decorative glass processes, SOLYX® Decorative Films can be removed if desired. This of course is a huge advantage and most landlords do not object to their tenants' installation of film when they find out the product can be removed. In addition, the cost of reinstalling SOLYX® Decorative Films on existing glass is low in comparison to other processes.

HOW DO I REMOVE OLD FILM?

Removing SOLYX® Static Cling films is as easy as peeling the film from the glass and cleaning.

In most cases it is very easy to remove SOLYX® or SimGlas® adhesive films. Peel away the film from one corner and pull the film from the glass. If any adhesive remains on the glass it can easily be removed with a spray of soapy water and a single edge razorblade. (Blades cannot be used on Plexiglas or Polycarbonate sheets to remove film.)

WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED TO INSTALL THE FILM?

Basically, you will need tools to clean the glass, cut the film, squeegee the film and spray the soap and water solution. As we now charge for tools, you will need to purchase either the basic tool kit or complete tool kit with your order. These tool kits may be found in our category page Tools & Cleaner.

DO I INSTALL THE FILM ON THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE OF THE GLASS?

Always on the inside if possible. The films will stick to the outside, but the life of the films will be reduced due to weathering if installed on the exterior side (exposed to the elements).
Static Cling non-adhesive films are not recommended for outside installation.

ARE YOUR FILMS SUITABLE FOR HUMID, WET ENVIRONMENTS LIKE A BATHROOM?

Yes, both adhesive and static cling films can be installed in humid and moist conditions.
If being installed on a shower door, mounting on the outside of the shower door is recommended.

CAN SOLYX® FILMS BE INSTALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AREAS?

All of our films are very durable, however care still should be taken not to scrape or gouge films.

CAN YOUR FILMS BE INSTALLED ON PLEXIGLAS, POLYCARBONATE OR ACRYLIC?

Yes, most of our films can be installed onto Plexiglas or Polycarbonate sheets. Unlike glass or mirror, Plexiglas expands and contracts by temperature and also emits gasses. This may cause many small air bubbles between glass surface and film as time goes on, causing the film to appear wrinkled or blistered.

THESE WINDOWS HAVE A TEXTURE TO THEM, KIND OF A BUMPY HAMMERED TYPE FOR SOME PRIVACY. WOULD I BE ABLE TO USE YOUR FILM ON THIS TYPE OF GLASS?

No, the surface must be totally flat and smooth, otherwise the film will fail to adhere correctly.

CAN I INSTALL THE FILM ON DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS?

All of our films with the exception of SXWF-BO Blackout Film, are safe for installation onto double or triple pane windows, Wire Glass, tempered glass, Plate glass and gas filled windows.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AIR BUBBLES AND WATER BUBBLES?

Air bubbles are caused from improper squeegee technique or not applying enough wetting solution during install. If air is trapped from improper installation, simply peel the film back*, and reinstall following the recommended installation instructions (*Static Cling ONLY).

Water bubbles are pockets of water trapped under the film during installation or that collect after the film is installed and begins to dry. In most cases, these should disappear in 5-7 days from date of install.

WHAT IS THE CURING/DRY TIME AFTER THE FILM HAS BEEN INSTALLED?

Under reasonable weather conditions, film will dry flat with no blisters within 30 days when viewed under normal viewing conditions. Normal viewing conditions are viewing treated windows from a distance of ten feet from the room side, looking at a clear or uniformly overcast sky. Since a particle-free application isn't possible, there may be small amounts of dust or grit caught between the film and glass.

There may also be a small amount of water left behind the film, particularly with the thicker films. Please be patient. Although in most cases this evaporates within 5-7 days, in rare cases this could take up to 90 days for the water to fully evaporate through the film.

HOW DO I REMOVE THE CLEAR PROTECTIVE LINER FROM THE FILM?

To separate the liner from SOLYX® films, take two pieces of scotch tape and stick them opposite each other at one corner...then pull these two pieces of tape apart and the liner will separate from the film. The adhesive surface will now be exposed. Wet this adhesive surface. Do not let the film fall upon itself as it will stick if not wet and it will be hard to separate!

HOW DO I WORK WITH FILM THAT HAS A TENDENCY TO CURL?

There is a natural curl to film since it's been rolled up in a box for a period of time. To begin, unroll the film across a clean table and allow for the film to relax.

In the unlikely event that the film is curling up along an edge after installation, wrap your squeegee in a few layers of paper towel and push the film firmly down, beginning several inches away from the edge, moving toward the lifted edge. This will force the air out and enable the film's adhesive/mounting surface to bond to the glass. You may have to repeat this step several times.

If the problem continues, use a hair dryer on the warm (not hot) setting to help the remaining moisture evaporate along the edge so that the film may start to bond. Hold the hair dryer about 8-12 inches away from the affected area while stroking down the edge with the paper towel wrapped squeegee.

HOW DO I CLEAN THE FILM AFTER INSTALLATION?

We recommend only SimGlas® Window Film Cleaner and microfiber cloth.

For more info and to purchase please visit our Tools & Cleaner page.