Window glass, although durable, is quite fragile and can break if handled carelessly. Protective window film will prevent damage to the glass. The main properties of such a film are flexibility and strength. Why does protective film protect glass? You can do the following experiment: stick tape on a newspaper and try to punch it, it will be difficult to do.
The same effect is obtained with the glass on which the film is glued. And even if the window receives a strong blow, the glass will not shatter into small fragments, but will remain glued to the film.
Types of protective films for windows
Protective films for windows are available in several types:
Shockproof and bulletproof
With the help of such a film you can obtain armored glass. If a stone hits, such glass will not only not break, there will not even be any traces left on it. Also, for those who are afraid that they might shoot at the window, there is a bulletproof version of the protective film.
Shatterproof
When applied to glass protected by this film, it will not break, but will fall out of the frame completely like car glass.
Heat resistant
Protects glass in case of fire, withstands exposure to open flame for 45 minutes.
Sun protection film
Protects the room from ultraviolet rays and does not transmit 99% of harmful radiation. This way you can protect walls and furniture from fading.
With spectral selective filter
It can be called a multifunctional film - it protects against heat loss from the room, has good noise insulation and protection against infrared radiation.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of all types of window films is their ability to influence the functional characteristics of glass.
In addition, glass acquires functions unusual for it:
- Shatterproof. If the glass breaks, the fragments do not fall inside the room, as they remain glued to the base.
- Counteracting unauthorized entry. An attacker cannot get inside the premises, even by breaking the glass. After all, even broken glass retains its structure and remains in place, glued to the base.
- Increased strength. With weak impacts, the glass does not break, since the film, having great transverse tensile strength, is able to absorb slight deformation of the glass. For the same reason (the material dampens sound vibrations of glass), it can increase the sound insulating properties of glass and almost completely eliminate the possibility of listening by removing sound vibrations from glass using special equipment.
Its main disadvantage is the need for professional installation. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is not so easy to carry out high-quality installation on glass.
In addition, improper installation can negate all the positive qualities of glass that the film material gives it.
Certain positive properties of film materials are also their disadvantages.
So:
- Thermal insulation - if the heating is turned off in winter, they will prevent the heating of the room by the sun's rays.
- Tinting – in the dark, they somewhat impair visibility.
Installing a protective film
The protective film is installed in several stages:
Glass preparation
- The first step is to clean the seals and the surface of the glass from dirt with a scraper;
- Then the glass needs to be washed thoroughly, for this you cannot use aggressive detergents, you can use, for example: liquid soap, baby shampoo, etc.;
- After this, the glass is wiped dry with paper towels.
Opening the protective film
- We take the dimensions of the glass for the future film;
- Using a stationery knife or scissors, cut out the film; it should be 3 cm larger than the size of the glass.
Pasting film on windows
Before gluing the protective film, the glass must be moistened with water and a small amount of detergent. Place the film on a flat surface and remove the protective layer, constantly spraying it with water.
The film should not be allowed to stick together, otherwise it will be irretrievably lost. Holding the film by the edges, place it on the glass. Align and smooth from the center to the edges. Using a utility knife, we cut off the excess film, the one that protrudes beyond the edge of the glass.
If necessary, adjust the position of the protective film and remove excess liquid using a spatula. We wait for the film to dry, which lasts 1 - 2 weeks.
Armor film
Film for windows with a booking effect is also called protective, impact-resistant, shock-proof, vandal-proof or anti-vandal. Security measures are always important, both for businesses and individuals. There are many ways to protect yourself from vandals and other unscrupulous citizens. Methods such as installing alarms, durable doors with reliable locks are known to everyone. But windows and storefronts on the first floors often remain the most vulnerable part of the building. They can not only be damaged, scratched, or broken by vandals, but also burglars can easily break through the windows. In such cases, a protective film for glass will come in handy. Another important factor in favor of covering glass with anti-vandal film is that even if it breaks, the glass will not fly in different directions, but will remain on the film in the window frame, thereby not injuring people around or damaging property.
In our assortment you will find armoring films in three classes of protection, in accordance with GOST R 51136-98: A3 (600 microns), A2 (400 microns) and A1 (300 microns). The difference between the films is their thickness. Class A3 film is considered the most durable, the impact energy is 382 J and can withstand a 3-fold drop of a ball weighing 4 kg from a height of 9.5 m. Class A2 film can withstand a similar drop from a height of 6.5 meters. A3, respectively, from a height of 3.5 meters. Since armor film performs such an important function as protection against vandals and intruders, it is important to understand the need to use high-quality film. Our company uses only high-quality materials from manufacturers in the USA and South Korea. We confirm the quality of materials by having certificates of conformity for all products.
Anti-vandal film is presented in our assortment in various versions:
- Colorless, transparent, without additional effects. Completely invisible on glass.
- With tinting effect - you can choose different levels of darkening and color.
- With a matte effect - it will make the glass opaque (white). Additionally, it will protect from prying eyes.
- With a mirror effect - it will exclude the possibility of strangers seeing what is happening inside the room.
Reinforcement of glass showcases, windows and doors with anti-vandal film
From our company you can buy film immediately with professional installation (pasting) on windows. After your application, a specialist will arrive at the site at a convenient time and measure the area of glass that needs to be tinted in order to calculate the amount of material required. He will show samples of products and give professional recommendations on the choice of film in a particular case. Next, we sign the contract, agree on the date and time of installation, and at the appointed time, a team of specialists will carefully and competently carry out the installation in compliance with special application technology. The film is applied to the glass from the inside of the room. The installation time depends on the area of the pasting. You can also visit our office to view film samples. We will be happy to answer all your questions and help you choose the right film. You will receive a durable safety coating on the glass that protects against vandals and unauthorized entry into the building through the window.
The zaSteklom team does not recommend installing the film yourself, as this can lead to damage to the material and coating. Contact professionals and get quality service at an affordable cost. If installed correctly, the film will last for 10 years.
3 simple rules to extend the life of your protective film
- Two weeks after installing the film, the coating cannot be washed or cleaned
- Do not use abrasive detergents to clean the surface.
- Use only liquid detergents to clean dirt.
How to remove protective film from windows
If for some reason you need to remove the protective film from the window, you can do this in several ways:
First: Picking up the edge with a sharp object and pulling it towards you, peel off the film with a sharp downward movement. The remaining glue is removed with a detergent or a special product that is used to clean glass after tinting.
Second: If you can’t remove the film using the first method, peel it off where possible. The remains need to be pryed off with the blade of a stationery knife. Then moisten the gluing area with soapy water or white spirit. After 2 - 3 minutes the film can be removed.
Third: The protective film can be removed using a hair dryer. The film is heated and removed using a sponge, its hard side.
Degree of protection
Depending on its thickness and strength, protective film is divided into three protection classes:
A1 (thickness 300 microns) - the weakest protection, almost two times weaker than A2;
A2 (thickness 400 microns) - average degree of protection, comparable in strength to a car windshield;
A3 (thickness more than 600 microns) - the highest protection, almost twice as strong as the previous one.
Installation features and material cost
Installation of film materials on window glass is a very responsible and painstaking process, which can be carried out both on a single piece of glass (double glazing) and on objects where windows are already installed.
It is best if it is performed by professionals who have special tools and certain experience in carrying out such work.
Incorrect installation can lead to:
- The appearance of air bubbles.
- Reduced transparency.
- Deterioration of light transmission.
- Destruction of the integrity of the film coating.
The cost of film materials for windows depends on the manufacturer’s brand, purpose and manufacturing technology.
So, the price of one square meter (in US dollars) is:
- Protective , up to 300 microns thick – ranges from 4.9 to 22.86.
- Thermal insulation - ranges from 12.86 to 36.86.
- Decorative – does not exceed 17.96.
As for the armored one, its cost and the cost of its installation are largely determined by the protection class and amount to approximately $70 per 1 sq. m. m.
Liquid glass
Liquid glass to protect your phone
Liquid glass is an emulsion that, when applied to the screen and exposed to warm air, hardens, forming a protective layer. It is very thin (0.0004 mm), so it remains invisible to the naked eye.
But liquid glass has not received wide recognition, and reviews are mostly negative.
Main disadvantages:
- shockproof properties are low;
- short service life (no more than 6 months);
- It is impossible to monitor the condition of the protective coating.
Benefits of windshield protection with ClearPlex film
- Absolute transparency. The unique ClearPlex film, only 0.1 mm thick, was created in the laboratories of Madico (USA) specifically for car windshields. Optically optimized, therefore it does not create distortions and does not tire the eyes.
- Premium protection. When gravel hits, the armor coating effectively distributes the impact force over a large area, thereby preventing the appearance of defects on the glass surface.
- Unique protection with athermal effect. The film has a high energy-saving effect and absorbs 99% of ultraviolet radiation and up to 90% of heat flux. The windshield, instrument panel and interior heat up more slowly in the sun. This reduces fuel consumption for air conditioning, and in electric cars it significantly saves battery power.
Hydrogel film and its advantages?
Smartphone with a glued hydrogel film
Technology does not stand still, and now another new product has appeared on the market - hydrogel film.
It is created on the basis of an innovative polymer material that absorbs and retains moisture. Does not dry out and is resistant to ultraviolet rays.
Advantages of film
➡️ The hydrogel protective accessory has a number of truly unique advantages:
- Self-healing—small scratches disappear within 24 hours, while larger scratches diminish over time.
- Anti-glare effect - you can work comfortably even in bright sunlight.
- High strength and wear resistance - will last a long time without losing its qualities.
- Easy to care for - no fingerprints left on it. Therefore, it is easy to clean with a napkin or material.
Self-healing hydrogel film
In addition, it:
- not afraid of mechanical influences;
- absolutely transparent, therefore does not distort color rendering;
- easy to glue and dismantle, and this can be done several times;
- does not affect the sensitivity of the sensor;
- absolutely environmentally friendly and safe.
Along with all the advantages, the price is reasonable.
Disadvantages of film
There is only one drawback, but a significant one - the hydrogel film on the phone does not protect against impacts.
What other films are there?
- Armored film for the phone is a film for the phone body and screen. Made from polyurethane. It is also used to protect cars from stones on the roads.
View of a phone with armored film
Plus: you can completely cover the phone with film .
- Oleophobic film for phones is a development of German scientists; the exact composition is still a trade secret.
Pros: you can forget about fingerprints on the screen and easily remove dirt from its surface.
Cost of protective film for windows *:
| Name | Light transmission | Film color | Cost per roll | Price for 1m2 (per cut) |
| SAFETY 4 MIL | 87% | TRANSPARENT 112 MKM | 11,500 rub. | 500 rub. |
| SAFETY 7 MIL | 85% | TRANSPARENT 200 µM | 18,500 rub. | 850 rub. |
| SAFETY11 MIL | 82% | TRANSPARENT 336 µM | 24,000 rub. | 1500 rub. |
| *The prices for protective film indicated in the price list are for informational purposes and are not a public offer | ||||
Windshield armor
We will cover the car windshield with ClearPlex armor film (USA).
The protective coating will increase resistance to mechanical damage, protect against large chips, cracks and scratches - these are inevitably caused by stones and gravel that fly out from under the wheels of oncoming and ahead cars. Preventing chips on the windshield in the form of protection with a special film is several times cheaper than replacing the glass. This is especially true for heated windshields.
How we protect car windshields with special film
Types of glass
Characteristics of safety glass
Safety glasses differ in geometry, glass thickness and strength. Includes several layers: silicone, deterrent, anti-reflective, safety and oleophobic. Therefore, the level of protection is high.
Glass coating options:
- glossy - standard;
- matte - you can work comfortably in bright sunlight;
- ultra-transparent - the effect of no coating on the screen;
- private - it is impossible to see information on the screen if a person looks at it at an angle.
Depending on volume:
- 2D - a rectangle with sharp corners, protects only the screen;
- 2.5D - rounded edges, there are holes for the central button and speaker;
- 3D - designed specifically for phones with curved screens;
- 4D, 5D, 6D and 9D - they are thicker than the previous type, fit tightly and are glued to the entire screen area. The shockproof properties are more pronounced. There is no plastic frame, they are made of solid glass, which indicates the high quality of these protective accessories.
Advantages of glass:
- Protects the screen from impact when dropped.
- If there is a strong fall, the glass will break, but the screen will remain intact or the damage will be minor.
- Availability.
Smartphone screen after a fall: the protective glass is cracked, but the screen remains intact.
Disadvantages of glass:
- Options are not presented for all gadget models.
- Great thickness.
- If the phone falls on its end, the glass will not help.
