Andrey
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Andrey October 14, 2016Specialization: facade finishing, interior finishing, construction of dachas, 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.
The film that is “tightly” stuck to the plastic is very difficult to peel off
Why does the film stick to the window?
New PVC windows are covered with a protective film that must be removed.
Double glazed glass may be scratched during transportation and installation, so manufacturers cover it with a protective film. Its top layer is thick and easy to wash. But inside there is a thin material that quickly breaks down and sticks tightly to the structure. This “addition” spoils the appearance of the room; it should be removed no later than 10 days after installing the windows.
The adhesive layer hardens over time. Temperature can affect the speed of this process. The windows are above radiators, warm air rises and heats the glass. The film begins to dry quickly and is difficult to tear off. If the sun shines through a window, the radiant heat is degraded by ultraviolet radiation.
Good materials, even in high temperatures and direct sunlight, will not cure within 10 days, but filmmakers are trying to save money. They may use cheap, low-quality glue that spreads quickly.
The speed at which the film adheres tightly to the glass depends on the quality of the material and the conditions under which the structure operates. Seriously think about choosing a company that installs vinyl windows. Remove the cover immediately if windows are exposed to heat or sunlight.
Method number 8
In order to clean a plastic window from adhesive tape, ordinary liquid oil : sunflower, linseed, olive, etc. Apply a generous layer of oil to the surface along with the tape, and after 10-15 minutes, remove the tape or its traces with a rag or sponge. Remaining oil is washed off the frame with soapy water. If you use aroma oil instead of edible oils, the room will smell pleasant for a long time without any fresheners or deodorants.
The method is absolutely safe for any type of plastic.
Mechanical methods for removing protective coating
Do not attempt to clean the film with a knife or scraper, no matter how much it sticks. If you use tools ineptly, you can scratch the fittings and PVC glass, expensive windows will look sloppy. Do not use a wire brush; its teeth will likely leave marks.
Do not peel with a knife, but simply lift the edge of the film and then tear it off with your hands. If you don't remove too much of the coating, it will easily come off the glass. You will only need to scrape the window unit to remove any remaining adhesive. Instead of a knife, it is better to use a special scraper for glass-ceramic tiles; it will scratch the surface of the plastic less.
Heat the adhesive foil using a dryer. Using a steam generator or hair dryer does not always give the desired result: the temperature of the air flow in household appliances is too low. Direct the air flow not at the glass, which can explode when the temperature drops, but at the frame. Lift the edge of the film with a knife and separate your hands from the glass.
Mechanical methods help only at the initial stage - within a few days after installing the windows, and even better - immediately after exiting the installation program. If they haven't taken action, move on to other measures.
When to remove the coating from a profile: manufacturers' recommendations
Manufacturers warn to remove the protection layer from the profile after installation or within 10 days. Since it serves as armor for plastic, protecting it from dirt, minor scratches, and various damage during transportation, installation, and when performing finishing and construction work in the immediate vicinity of the window. It is not intended to remain on frames for a long time. Because the glue underneath dries and eats into the polymer material.
The sun protection layer itself will be damaged, lose elasticity, integrity, lose its technical characteristics, and it will be problematic to remove it.
The longer the tape covers structures, the more difficult it is to remove. Therefore, the main thing is to hurry up with the procedure, thereby significantly increasing the service life of the product.
Chemicals for cleaning foil glass
Protective measures will be useful when working with aggressive substances
Washing windows with dry film can be done using chemicals. All of them are harmful to the skin of the hands and dangerous to the eyes. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses. It is recommended to wear a respirator.
You can reduce the adhesion of the protective coating to the glass or frame in the following ways:
- White Spirit. Peel off the edge of the film and pour a small amount of solvent into the gap. The softened part of the coating must be thoroughly removed. Repeat the process until the entire area has been removed.
- Denatured Alcohol. Apply spray to the entire surface. After a few minutes the film will become softer, attach it to the edge and remove. Wash off any remaining glue with soap and water or acrylic solvent.
- Cosmofen. A special solvent, which, depending on its aggressiveness, is numbered 5, 10 or 20. The strongest is number 5, can dissolve plastic binders. Take number 10 or 20 and follow the instructions.
- Preparing to remove paint from SP 6. Place it on the plastic windows in a thick layer.
- "Schumann". A detergent that should also be used as directed. After 10 minutes the coating will crack, remove it.
Make sure that the aggressive product will not damage the glass and frame. Try your steps in an inconspicuous place first: some medications can damage the plastic.
How to remove film from plastic windows: safe for the surface
The protection is quickly removed on the day of installation of the structure. To do this, read the instructions and strictly follow all the points:
- Pry up the edge of the covering. On windows, start from the top corner for the side panels, and from any edge for the top trims. When cleaning the window sill, peel off the layer from the end. Use metal objects with caution to avoid damaging the surface and to avoid injuring your hands.
- Pull the raised edge down to the side. Carry out these actions with special care, trying to prevent the tape from breaking. If the glue is fresh, it will come off easily. In this case, it will be possible to remove entire fragments from all panels at once. Carry out the work wearing gloves, the material sticks to the skin of your hands.
- Wash the frame and window sill. Once the protective layer is removed, wipe the frame and window sill with a sponge or soft cloth, adding detergent to water. This will allow you to quickly remove the glue.
If the time to quickly remove the protective layer from the profile is lost, and the glue has dried, then you can use mechanical methods, folk remedies, and chemicals at home.
How to remove film quickly and easily.
Each of these solutions to the problem has been tested in practice many times. You can find supporting reviews for any version on the Internet.
Owners of plastic windows are often faced with the question of how to wash the protective film. Of course, it is much easier to remove it immediately after installing the window, but often owners do not remove it immediately or forget about it.
However, there comes a time when the protective material will have to be removed. Then the question arises, how to remove dried film from plastic windows?
Of course, it is important not to damage the window during this process, and you also want to get everything done as quickly as possible and without any additional effort. What can you do in this case? There are effective methods, which means they can be used safely.
However, to effectively remove the protective film, you must first understand the problem more thoroughly. Then it will be easier to solve.
How to clean a window from dried protective film with solvents
Suitable solvents for cleaning window frames are those that are inert to the PVC materials from which the window frame is made. They will also not affect the film itself, so applying solvent to the film will not work. To separate from the surface, the solvent must be applied directly to the adhesive base.
Medical alcohol
Alcohol is a good solvent for the adhesive base. To use it you should:
- apply a little alcohol to a cotton pad;
- moisten the edge of the film so that the liquid penetrates inside;
- separate from the window;
- repeat the operation.
Alcohol is good because it removes the film immediately along with the glue. After cleaning, wipe the frame additionally with a clean, dry cloth.
Nail polish remover
Has the same properties as alcohol. To clean the window, use a cloth or cotton pad soaked in liquid to treat the film and carefully remove it from the frame.
White Spirit
White spirit is a solvent obtained by distilling petroleum. You can buy it at a regular hardware store. If you need to remove large areas of dried film, it is best to use this solvent, since the cost of white spirit is lower compared to acetone. To completely remove it, you should:
- Apply white spirit to a small area using a paint brush. Try to get the liquid inside under the film.
- Wait up to 5 minutes.
- Remove the film.
- Repeat the operation in another place.
- Finally, wipe the frame with a damp, clean cloth.
Detergent Shumanit
Schumannite is a grease solvent used to remove old or burnt grease from various surfaces. It is used for quick cleaning of barbecues, kitchen equipment, tiles, etc. It can also be used to clean glue residues. The product must be used with gloves, as it is aggressive.
Schumanite is sprayed onto the window frame, left for 2 minutes, and removed with a damp sponge along with traces of glue. After this, be sure to treat the surface with a damp sponge so that no traces of Schumanite remain.
Causes of hard film sticking
Why do we need foil on metal-plastic profiles? By using it, companies ensure the integrity of the product during transportation and installation. On the one hand, it’s good that such protection is glued to plastic windows. But how can ordinary people get rid of this? Once the product is in place and the protective layer is no longer needed.
Very often, windows are changed during a complete renovation of an apartment or house. This means that after installing PVC window profiles, a thin coating remains for some time until the repair is completed and does not dry.
After a few weeks, the film adheres more firmly to the plastic and practically mixes with it. Processing the dried protective material becomes quite difficult.
Why does the protective tape stick together over time:
- Unscrupulous window manufacturers usually save on some nuances. The glue that is used to adhere the protective material falls between them. There is such an unusual pattern: the lower the quality of the glue used, the stronger it attaches the film to the window. In this case, there are only two options, that is, removing the film layer immediately after installing the plastic product or a more careful selection of the manufacturing company.
- Oddly enough, the season also has a big impact on the adhesion of the protective tape. For example, in winter and autumn the frame is cold, the adhesive seems to curl and film adhesion is reduced to a minimum. If it’s a warm season outside, the viscosity increases and it’s difficult to clean the profile.
- If you have a sunny side, you can say with confidence that within a week after installing the window, the PVC film will stick tightly if it is not removed immediately. The fact is that under the influence of constant heating from sunlight, the protective tape apparently dissolves, combines with the adhesive mixture and firmly adheres to the plastic. And then it dries up too. Therefore, draw your own conclusions and it is better to immediately remove the tapes from the frames.
These are the main reasons why the protective film layer can be difficult to remove even a month after installation. The whole essence is hidden in the adhesive composition. You must fight with him too.
How to properly remove protective film from plastic windows? There are several ways. Choose individually the one most suitable for you.
Special formulations
If the folk methods at hand for removing film from a window are powerless, professional means will come to the rescue .
The TOP 3 most effective and popular special formulations are presented below:
Hg Sticker remover
The Hg Sticker remover can easily remove film on a plastic window.
It is enough to slightly pry off the protective layer, treat it with Hg Sticker remover and leave for a few minutes. Afterwards, the protection with glue residue comes off very easily from the surface of the window.
The average cost is 480 rubles. (capacity 300 ml). You will find reviews here.
Cosmofen
Cosmofen low-solvent cleaner is an excellent tool for removing film from windows. A liquid composition with a minimal solvent content will clean plastic surfaces without a trace not only of the protective layer, but also of traces of stickers, various markings and dirt.
German quality is confirmed by relevant certificates. Method of application: the cleaner is applied to a napkin, which is used to wipe the film on the window. After two to three minutes, the protective layer is easily removed, without any residue.
The average cost is 330 rubles. (iron can with a capacity of 1 liter). Reviews can be found here.
Glutoclean Sticker Remover
Glutoclean Sticker Remover is a highly effective product that will very carefully remove film from the surface of a metal-plastic window structure. The method of application is simple: wipe the film with a cloth thoroughly soaked in Glutoclean.
To speed up the cleaning process, before applying the product, the protective layer must be slightly separated from the surface of the frame or glass. After cleaning, the windows must be wiped with a soft sponge soaked in clean water.
The average cost is 880 rubles. (capacity 500 ml). Reviews can be found here and here.
Before applying any special product, you must carefully study the manufacturer's instructions, and also test the composition on an inconspicuous area of the plastic window.
Mechanical elimination methods
There are only two such methods. These are the most effective and proven methods.
Let's take a closer look at them:
- Scraper application.
If you have a question about how to remove the tape, a scraper will help. In winter it is definitely best not to use this method as the adhesive is thick and it will be difficult to peel off the protective layer without damaging the plastic. But in summer this is the best option; the protective coating should be removed well and quickly. The scraper is able to effectively deal with the melted adhesive composition on frames and double-glazed windows. Depending on how long the tape remains on the windows, it can be removed in a variety of ways, in small pieces or large sections. - Office tape.
How to tear film using PVC? Very simple, with adhesive tape. The main thing is that, as mentioned, the adhesive backing paper is very thin, so it is not easy to remove with continuous tape. This is where regular wide adhesive tape comes to the rescue. It's tighter, and therefore stronger, than window tape, that's the whole point. All you have to do is stick the duct tape tightly to the foil and then peel it off. Thin bands can be easily removed and remain on the belt.
All other methods are based on chemical action. But there is also a heating method, which is also considered good and uncomplicated. However, it also has its own nuances.
Method number 10
A rather original way to get rid of leftover tape is to use toothpaste . In this case, a layer of toothpaste is applied to the surface of the plastic frame and left for 5-10 minutes. Then, the frame with the dried paste is thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth and washed with soap and water.
After such a procedure, as a rule, all traces of glue and tape residues disappear, and the plastic is not damaged or scratched. Despite its unusual nature, this is one of the most popular methods for helping you decide how to clean plastic windows from tape and how to get rid of scratches on plastic.
Heat removal
How to remove foil from plastic windows? If you have a dryer at home, you can use it to quickly remove old protective film from a plastic window. You can also try using a steam generator. The main purpose is to melt the adhesive layer between the film and the surface of the window so that the tape moves freely.
The following points should be considered:
- do not warm up, because the tape may melt, then the task will become more difficult;
- after warming up, you first need to cool the window;
- do not rush, otherwise the tape will be removed unevenly;
- you can't hold the dryer too close;
- hot air should be directed not at the plastic profile, but at the glass.
If you follow all the instructions and perform the procedure correctly, you will not be able to tear off the adhesive backing paper. All you have to do is lift the edge of the tape using a knife or scraper and then continuously break the coating with a hard piece.
Heat
High temperature is a good helper in the fight against protective film stuck to plastic. The source of hot air can be a steam generator or a hair dryer.
Steam generator
A universal assistant with old, complex contaminants - a steam generator - will help you quickly and carefully remove film that has firmly adhered to plastic. Under the influence of hot steam, the glue dissolves, and all that remains is to simply remove the loose strip of protective film from the plastic.
Algorithm of actions:
- turn on the steam generator to the network, wait until the water temperature reaches the specified level;
- Carefully spray the film that has dried on the window sill with a stream of hot air;
- Lift the edge of the film with a scraper and remove it from the plastic surface.
During the cleaning process, you must ensure that hot steam does not get on the glass unit. Sudden temperature changes can cause glass to crack.
Construction hair dryer
If you don’t have a steam generator at hand, a hair dryer will replace it. The polymer material is heated with a stream of hot air , after which, carefully prying up the edge, the protection is torn off from the plastic window sill.
You need to work quickly with a hair dryer. Overheated film is very difficult to remove from plastic. It stretches, tears and tightly sticks in pieces to the plastic surface.
How to remove film from a windowsill using a hairdryer, video instructions:
Chemical removal method
Remove the foil from the plastic windows and you can pass the chemistry. The basis for such methods of removing the protective coating from profiles are chemicals. They are able to dissolve sticky material which then peels off easily and then you can simply wash it off.
So you can use these cleaning products:
- Kshumnit;
- Antiscotch;
- Mellerud;
- LABEL OFF;
- RP-6 composition;
- WD-40 composition.
All these products will come to the rescue to remove old stickers, stick tape and wash off glue stains from PVC windows, and also help remove old paint. They are ideal for cleaning protective strips on profiles without damaging the plastic surface.
If there are still traces of glue after removing the foil, wipe them off completely to prevent them from sticking to dust. You can use white alcohol or acetone to remove them. Also try cleaning up stains using a writing eraser.
Folk remedies
The following folk remedies, which can easily be found in every home, can speed up the process of mechanical cleaning of the window sill.
Laundry soap
As long as the protective tape retains its plasticity, it can be removed with a strong solution of laundry soap .
The steps are simple: dissolve three to four tablespoons of laundry soap shavings in five liters of warm water. Moisten the film with the resulting product and leave for five to ten minutes.
Afterwards, carefully prying up the edge of the protective layer, the tape is easily removed from the plastic in one piece.
School eraser
Contaminated areas are rubbed with a white office eraser , after which the window sill is wiped with a clean damp cloth. You cannot clean plastic with colored school erasers (they leave indelible marks on the white windowsill).
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil will help clean the plastic window sill from the remnants of the protective layer and glue.
To do this, the contaminated areas are generously lubricated with oil and left for five to ten minutes. Afterwards, the dissolved glue along with the film is removed with a rag or damp sponge.
After cleaning, be sure to wipe off any remaining oil with a cloth soaked in soapy water. Otherwise, dirty sticky stains will form on the surface.
Stationery tape
Pieces of tape will help remove traces of tightly adhered film from the plastic surface of the window sill. The steps are simple: a piece of wide (at least 50 mm) stationery tape is glued to the area of the dried protective tape.
The adhesive tape must be pressed firmly against the surface so that you can tear it off the plastic window sill along with the adhered protection in one sharp movement.
This method is effective only if you use stationery tape. Masking tape or double-sided construction tape are not sticky enough to remove the protection from the plastic.
Removing the film
Another fairly common question that concerns not only plastic but also wooden products is how to remove sunscreen from a window? Is it possible to tear it off at all? Yes, of course it's true. However, all types of strong solvents are not suitable for film removal. How to wash glass in this case? All you need is a simple knife and soapy water, or you can use Schumanite.
It should be said right away that removing sunscreen will not be so easy. But if you put in the time and effort, it will all end.
How to clean foil from glass? Before starting work, it is recommended to slightly heat the glass surface with a hairdryer. Then thoroughly clean the window with soapy water and begin removing the coating. The glue will gradually dissolve, and the protective sheet must be carefully attached with a scraper after peeling.
Finally, the windshield wiper cleans the glass and sun frame. If, after finishing work, scratches are found on the plastic, Cosmofen will come to the rescue. However, you should read the instructions carefully before use.
Here are some simple ways to clean window film. The main thing is to do everything slowly and carefully. Then the result will be excellent, and there will probably be no traces or defects left.
If the protective film on metal-plastic windows is not removed in time, it can stick very strongly to the plastic profile, and its removal will be extremely difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of the protective films covering the profiles of new metal-plastic windows. But what if the film is already very stuck? Let's look at several ways to remove foil from a plastic window
.
The following tips will help you remove protective film not only from the window frame, but also from window sills and window sills. First of all, it should be noted that when removing the old film, another problem may arise - the need to clean the profile from the glue that glued the protective coating.
How to get rid of sticky coating using traditional methods
Folk remedies will allow you to safely clean the frames and enjoy the results.
Vegetable oil
A good solution would be to take vegetable oil. Apply the product to the stained area using a cotton swab and wait 1 hour. As the oil dries, lubricate the surface systematically. Clean with a paper towel and rinse with a non-abrasive cleaning solution.
Soap solution
A wide range of household chemicals allows you to wash the protective layer. To do this, take soap, dissolve it in warm water, and soften the entire profile area with a sponge.
If the packaging is held firmly, then resort to mechanical methods.
Prohibited methods and substances
To successfully remove adhesive tape and its residues from plastic surfaces, do not use elements that lead to color changes or deformations.
These include:
- cleaning powders with hard and massive fractions. They leave scratches on the surface;
- chemicals containing acids or aggressive components. Plastic interacts with such substances and loses its color and shape and eventually collapses.
The following methods are considered quite dangerous:
- Mechanical . Contamination can be removed using blades and spatulas. But you need to act extremely carefully. In most cases, the surface receives visible damage.
- Working with a construction or household hair dryer . Apply heat to the plastic at the required distance (minimum 30 cm) and no more than 2-3 minutes. Otherwise the glass unit will burst.
Vegetable oil
This is almost a universal cleaner when it comes to removing tape from surfaces. Vegetable oil dissolves glue well without damaging plastic, glass and other materials. If a few drops of oil drop onto the windowsill, they will not damage the tiles or paint layer.
Sunflower and olive oils are best. You can also use essential ones: citrus or mint.
How to properly clean a window
- Apply oil to the dirty areas using a cotton swab and let the solvent work.
- Periodically wipe the surface with a clean cotton swab and apply a little more oil. Typically, most tape marks will come off within an hour or two.
- Once the remaining adhesive tape has been removed, clean the surface of any grease. Regular dishwashing detergent is best.
Scraper for cleaning glass and ceramics
Using a scraper is a very simple and quick way to clear a large area of the window at once from the adhesive tape and its residues that have not yet been removed, as well as from fresh traces of the tape. How to do it:
- Use a scraper to pry up the edge of the adhesive tape.
- Gently pull the edge of the tape. If you feel that the film is starting to tear, pry it again.
- After removing the mounting adhesive tape, use a scraper to scrape off as much of the remaining adhesive as possible.
If the surface is not completely clean, use an eraser or one of the cleaning agents listed below to remove any residue.
