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Window Film Installation Prep Tips

5 Window Film Installation Prep Tips

Thinking of installing window film? We’ve got five window film installation prep tips to get you started.

You’ve decided to install window film to improve the comfort of your home. Awesome. Maybe it’s to tame the sun, control the glare, or block harmful UV rays. Or maybe you want to prevent fading, save energy, or add some daytime privacy.

Whatever the reason, installing window film yourself is an easy and money-saving way to upgrade your existing windows. To ensure your project’s success, we’ve got some tips on how to prep for window film installation.

Window Film Held Up To Glass -

Alexander Graham Bell said it best, “before anything else, preparation is the key to success”. It’s not glamorous or exciting, but proper prepping for your window film installation will make the job go smoother and easier. So here we go…

5 Window Film Installation Prep Tips

Prep Tip #1:  Clean the outside of your windows prior to window film installation.

When installing window film, you want a clean interior surface to mount the film on and the best way to tell if your windows are ready for film is if both sides are clean. If the exterior of your window is dirty, it will be difficult to tell if the inside is clean. Plus your film will look much better on clean windows.

The International Window Cleaners Association has a guide to cleaning architectural glass you can download here.

And, if you have your windows professionally cleaned each year, right after is a great time to install window film. 

Girl Cleaning Window -

Prep Tip #2: Remove any curtains or shades that make it difficult to get at the glass.

This is another thing you can do ahead of time so when your film arrives, you are ready to focus on the installation and not removing window treatments. This will also help you when it comes time to clean the inside of your windows.

Some blinds and shades roll or fold up enough that they don’t need to be removed, but if anything overlaps the glass, it’s best to temporarily remove it.

Prep Tip #3: Make sure you have space around the windows to maneuver.

If you have heavy furniture in front of windows that prevents you from getting access to them (think a piano or sofa), make a plan for how you will safely move those pieces prior to installation day. You may need to enlist the help of a strong friend to help you clear the path for film installation.

A few feet around each window will be enough for installation. You just don’t want to have anything close enough that you could bump the film into while installing.

Prep By Vacuuming -

Tip #4: Give the room a good vacuuming prior to window film installation.

Dust particles or animal hair can become airborne as you are moving around the project site and could potentially stick to exposed film while you are installing it. It’s a good idea to remove as much dust, dirt, and pet hair from a room as possible. We recommend giving it a good dusting and vacuuming before you begin the window film installation.

It’s also probably a good idea to keep pets away from the areas you will be filming. Sorry, not sorry Fido.

Tip #5: Clean the inside of your windows.

Properly cleaning your windows is the first step of window film installation. And if it’s been a while since you’ve washed your windows, it might be a good idea to clean them before installation day. This gives you enough time to really ensure that the glass is clean before you install your film. And makes installation day go more quickly.

Older windows can have dirt build-up and sometimes paint on the glass near the frame that will need to be removed. And if you ever tape things to the window, there can be residual adhesive stuck to the glass.

Then follow our pro window cleaning steps. Clean your windows thoroughly with a razor blade scraper, window cleaner, and squeegee. (All of these items are available in our Window Film Installation Toolkit). Then wipe them dry with a low-lint cloth or paper towel.

Prep Tips For A Successful Window Film Install -

Sometimes the sill that’s exposed to the outside can become quite dirty. If this is the case, take the time to clean up as much dirt as possible, first with a vacuum fitted with a brush attachment to pick up loose dirt and debris, and then with hot, soapy water. The less dirt that is on or around the window, the less chance there is of film contamination.

Window Film Installation Prep Tips Summary

With the prep behind you, you are ready to install some film!

Check out our window film installation instructions and videos or download our PDF instructions. Best of luck with your window film installation prep and tag us on social media @concordwindowfilm to share your results!

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