How to remove a protective film from plastic windows

After purchasing an apartment, the newly-minted owners are so busy cleaning up that they completely forget about the little things. The same happens after installing plastic windows, the frame and glass of which are covered with a protective film. After a certain period of time, under the influence of direct ultraviolet rays, the coating begins to crack, distorting the penetration of light. Plastic parts fade unevenly, and the adhesive firmly eats into the surface structure. To fix the problems, remove the protective film as soon as possible.

Technology for removing film from plastic windows

According to manufacturers, the protective film must be removed within 10-12 days after installing plastic windows. This period is due to the fact that the coating consists of two layers that are attached to the frame with an adhesive base.

The inner part is quite tender, for this reason it quickly collapses and starts to stick to plastic parts. The situation is complicated with each passing day, forcing the housewives to clutch their heads.

In the case of the top layer, problems should not arise; it leaves even after 2.5-4 months after installing the windows.

In order to clean the glass and frame from glue and remove the film without harming the product, it is important to observe the features of the procedure. We highlight effective methods and give practical recommendations.

Method number 1. Building hair dryer

Read the instructions, plug the hair dryer into a power outlet, heat it up. Never put your hand under the air stream so as not to get a burn. Do not point the hair dryer at the glass, but at the plastic frame. Keep a distance of about 35–45 cm to prevent the film from melting.

Under the influence of high temperatures, the adhesive base softens, which allows you to easily remove it from the surface of the windows. Pry off the free edge, walk along the terminal surface with a hard rag dipped in acetone or car enamel solvent.

Method number 2. Scraper

To remove the film from the surface of plastic windows, a kitchen scraper will help to clean enameled and glass-ceramic plates. The tool is sold in stores "Everything for the home", it is a spatula with or without a rubber tip.

To use the tool correctly, pry off the free edge of the film with it, slowly pull on it and at the same time help yourself with a scraper. Move along the inner (sticky) part of the film, avoid breaks in the protective material.

When the procedure comes to an end, inspect the glass and frame for glue. If the result is positive, spray window cleaner over the entire surface, leave for a quarter of an hour, constantly updating the composition. When the glue has dissolved, remove it with a scraper.

Method number 3. Stationery eraser

The option is considered to be ineffective if the film is on the windows for a long time (about 2-3 months). To remove the adhesive, purchase a few school erasers. The main thing is that they are clean (without traces of a ballpoint pen or pencil).

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the surface being cleaned is perfectly dry.Next, begin to rub the glue with the eraser, rolling them into oblong lines. Proceed step by step, process the individual zones in turn (about 5-10 sq. Cm.).

To increase efficiency, you can spray paint and auto enamel solvent onto the frame and glass, and nail polish remover, pure acetone, is also suitable.

Method number 4. "White Spirit"

An excellent option to remove the protective film from plastic windows is a construction hair dryer in combination with White Spirit. Heat the surface of the frame from a distance of 40 cm., Pick up the edge with a scraper, then carefully begin to pull the film by hand.

When you separate about 10 cm, spray from the White Spirit spray gun onto an adhesive surface. Scrub the base with gauze or a scraper, and gradually move down.

After removing the protective coating, sticky marks may remain on the glass and frame. Wipe them with a hard cloth dipped in White Spirit, use a rubber scraper if desired.

Method number 5. Cosmofen

Firms selling and manufacturing windows produce a product called Cosmofen. The main objective of the drug is to clean the metal-plastic structures from adhesive formations after removing the film. The drug is available in different concentrations, it all depends on the amount of active components in the composition.

"Cosmofen" marked "No. 5" is considered the most effective, but it is able to dissolve plastic, for this reason it is recommended to be careful. Also, drugs with numbers 10 and 20 are produced, it all depends on the duration of exposure of the film on glass.

To properly use the composition, it is important to take into account the manufacturer's recommendations. As a rule, after removing the film, the mixture is sprayed over the entire surface, and then gently removed with a cloth or scraper.

When working with the composition, be sure to wear safety glasses, a mask, gloves. Use a long-sleeved robe whenever possible.

Method number 6. Blade

Remove glue residue with a blade. The main thing is to pre-moisten the surface with any product that includes a solvent. Acetone, White Spirit, industrial solvent, nail polish remover, etc. are suitable.

Do not push on the blade so as not to leave scratches. After removing most of the glue, wash the windows with dishwashing detergent and a hard sponge.

Method number 7. Paint remover

Get a paint remover in the hardware store called RP-6. Pry the free edge of the film with a knife or blade, gently pull it down at an acute angle. Then apply “RP-6” on the entire surface of the adhesive base, soak for a quarter of an hour (the exact time is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging). Protect your hands, respiratory tract, and eyes while working with the drug.

Remove excess with a dry cloth, prepare a solution. Grate half the bar of household soap on a grater, dilute shavings into 3 liters. boiling water, mix. Moisten a cloth, wipe the glass and frame until the glue disappears completely.

It is easy to remove the protective film from the surface of plastic windows, if you use effective methods. Consider cleaning the glue with White Spirit or an industrial solvent, remove it with a clerical eraser, a blade, Cosmofen or RP-6. Observe safety precautions.

Video: how to remove an old protective film from PVC windows