How to wash a window sill of a plastic window from a film. Effective methods on how to gently wash the film of plastic windows

Not everyone knows that after installing new plastic windows, you need to remove the protective film in time. It is usually advised to do this within 10 days. If the removal is delayed, the protective coating will stick to the glass. Getting rid of the old film is not easy. It is necessary to use only proven methods of removal, otherwise the glass may be covered with cracks and scratches. Cleaning should begin as soon as possible so that the film does not dry out even more.

The film dries on the windows and is difficult to remove for several reasons:

1. UV exposure. If the windows are on the sunny side, then the protective coating should be removed as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline, it will firmly stick to the surface.
2. Heating. If the window is heated under the influence of sunlight or heaters, the film dries to the glass very quickly. To get rid of it without a trace, you have to try.
3. Poor quality glue. If cheap glue was used in the manufacture of the film, then it will soon dry to the window. This can happen even before the deadline for its removal.

Regardless of the reasons for drying, the film must be disposed of. After all, it spoils the appearance of plastic windows.

Removal methods

It is possible to remove the old coating from the glasses at home. Even if it managed to stick strongly to the window, you can try to fix it.

But for this you should choose proven means and methods that will not harm the glass surface.

Mechanical impact

The easiest way to get rid of a dried film is mechanical action. To do this, its edge is hooked with a knife or blade and they try to tear off with their hands as much of the dried coating as possible.

This method is dangerous because noticeable scratches can remain on the glass. Therefore, you need to be very careful not to use metal scrapers. It is desirable to minimize the contact of sharp objects with the window.

hair dryer

If the protective coating adheres strongly, then you can use a building hair dryer. It should be used carefully - there should be no sources of fire and flammable objects in the room.

Action algorithm:

• direct a jet of hot air to a plastic frame or window sill, trying not to get on the glass;
• when the film heats up, you need to carefully pry off its edge with a knife and peel it off by hand.

It is important not to direct air directly onto the double-glazed windows. Otherwise, the glass will crack due to the temperature difference.

If it is not possible to use an industrial hair dryer, you can take a steam generator or a regular hair dryer. However, they will only be effective if the film has adhered recently.

White Spirit

A potent agent that helps to remove even a long-dried film is white spirit.

Mode of application:

• pry off the edge of the dried protective coating;
• apply white spirit in the gap between it and the window;
• gradually remove the film from the entire surface.

Use this tool very carefully, as the solvent can damage the surface of the window. Therefore, before use, it is necessary to check its effect on an inconspicuous area of ​​​​the double-glazed window.

Alcohol

You can also remove the old film from plastic windows with alcohol. For this you need:

• take denatured alcohol;
• using a spray gun, spray it on the old coating;
• leave for 5 minutes;
• pry off the edge of the film and tear it off with your hands.

Protect your hands with rubber gloves while working.

Ready funds

You can also use special tools to remove the old coating. They are able to effectively and quickly clean plastic windows.

1. Cosmophen.

Companies that install plastic windows often sell a special Cosmofen solvent.

There are three versions of this composition: No. 5, No. 10 and No. 20. They differ in the strength of the impact. The most aggressive is #5.

Therefore, it is advisable to use #20 or #10. Otherwise, you can dissolve not only the film, but also the double-glazed window itself.

2. Paint remover RP 6.

You can purchase a paint remover - RP 6.

Instructions for use:

• apply the product in a thick layer on the surface to be cleaned;
• wait 10 minutes;
• the coating should begin to bubble;
• after the allotted time, the softened film should be removed.

Using this method, it is necessary to protect your hands with thick rubber gloves, and your eyes with special glasses.

3. Noisy.

In household chemical stores you can find Shumanit detergent. They need to process the glass and wait for a certain time specified in the instructions. Then rinse the window with clean water and wipe it dry.

This tool is very caustic, so it should be used with extreme caution.

window washing

After removing the film, traces of glue will remain on the glass. You can wash off the remains using this method:

• prepare a concentrated soap solution by dissolving laundry soap shavings in warm water;
• moisten a rag with the resulting solution;
• wipe the window, not forgetting the edges and corners.

You can also wipe off the dirt with a newspaper. After cleaning, the glass is wiped dry.

It is advisable to remove the film from plastic windows immediately after installation. However, if for some reason the protective coating has dried to the glass, it is necessary to start solving the problem as soon as possible using proven means.

Newly installed plastic windows are always covered with a protective film. It is advisable to remove it as soon as possible, otherwise the coating will stick firmly to the double-glazed window, and it will be very difficult to remove it. There are several ways to remove the film.

Why does the film stick to the window

New PVC windows are covered with a protective film that needs to be removed

Double-glazed windows can be scratched during transportation and installation, so manufacturers cover them with a protective film. Its top layer is dense, it is easy to wash it. But inside there is a delicate material that quickly collapses and is tightly glued to the structure. Such an “addition” spoils the appearance of the room, it must be removed no later than 10 days after the installation of the windows.

The adhesive layer hardens over time. Temperature can affect the rate of this process. The windows are located above the heating radiators, warm air flows rise up and heat the double-glazed window. The film begins to dry quickly, and it becomes difficult to tear it off. If the sun's rays hit a window, the heating from the radiation is exacerbated by exposure to ultraviolet light.

Good materials, even in heat and direct sunlight, will not harden within 10 days, but film manufacturers are trying to save money. They can use cheap low-quality glue that sets very quickly.

The rate of dense adhesion of the film to glass depends on the quality of the material and the conditions in which the structure is operated. Be serious about choosing a company that installs plastic windows. Remove the coating immediately if the insulating glass units are exposed to heat or sunlight.

Mechanical methods for removing the protective coating

Building hair dryer will help remove the film from the window

Do not try to scrape off the film with a knife or scraper, no matter how firmly it adheres. With the inept use of tools, you can scratch PVC bindings and glass, expensive windows will look sloppy. Do not use a metal brush, its teeth will surely leave marks.

Do not scrape off with a knife, but only pry off the edge of the film, and then tear it off with your hands. If you don't take too long to remove the coating, it will easily come off the glass. It remains only to wash the window block to remove the remaining glue. Instead of a knife, it is better to use a special scraper for glass-ceramic tiles, it scratches the plastic surface less.

Heat the firmly adhered film with a building hair dryer. Using a steam generator or a hair dryer will not always give the desired result: the air flow temperature of household appliances is too low. Direct the air stream not at the glass, which can burst from temperature changes, but at the frame. Pick up the lagging edge of the film with a knife and separate it from the double-glazed window with your hands.

Mechanical methods help only at the initial stage - within a few days after installing the windows, and even better - immediately after the installers leave. If they do not work, you have to move on to other measures.

Chemical preparations for cleaning double-glazed windows from the film

When working with aggressive substances, protective equipment is useful

You can clean the windows from the dried film with the help of chemicals. All of them are harmful to the skin of the hands and dangerous to the eyes. Work with gloves and goggles. It is advisable to wear a respirator.

To reduce the adhesion of the protective coating to the glass or frame, you can use the following means:

• White Spirit. Peel off the edge of the film, and pour a little solvent into the resulting gap. The softened part of the coating should be well removed. Repeat the procedure until you have cleared the entire area.
• Denatured alcohol. Apply it to the entire surface with a spray bottle. After a few minutes, the film will become softer, pick it up by the edge and remove. You can wash off the remaining adhesive with soapy water or acrylic thinner.
• Cosmofen. A special solvent that is number 5, 10 or 20 depending on the aggressiveness. The strongest is number 5, it can dissolve plastic bindings. Take number 10 or 20 and follow the instructions.
• Paint remover SP 6. Apply it to plastic windows in a thick layer.
• "Shumanit". Detergent, which must also be used in accordance with the instructions. After 10 minutes, the coating will begin to bubble, remove it.

Be careful that the aggressive preparation does not damage the glass and frames. First, try it on an inconspicuous area: some drugs can ruin the plastic.

Folk remedies for removing coatings from windows

If you heat the film with a hair dryer, it will be easier to remove it.

Instead of aggressive chemicals, safer alternative methods can be used. Try to use:

• hair dryer complete with wooden sticks;
• brush;
• eraser rubber.

You can use a combined method. First, heat the film with a hairdryer, then clean it from the window with a sharp object. Use detergent or acrylic thinner to remove adhesive residue.

Wooden toothpicks or sticks for cleaning nails, kitchen spatulas made of wood are good, but they will need to be sharpened periodically. Wipe the stuck adhesive tape with a brush made of hair or synthetics with detergent, this method can give a good result.

Sometimes it is necessary to wipe off not the building film from the windows, but the old coating to protect the apartment from the sun's rays. It is made from lavsan, which is not affected by solvents. Clean the glass with a sponge and a strong detergent such as Shumanite. If it does not help, there is only one way out - to slowly clean the film with a knife.

The use of folk methods does not give a 100% guarantee. It all depends on the materials and the strength of the bond between the film and the coating. For example, an eraser on some windows quickly wipes the entire surface, on others it cleans a piece the size of a palm in half an hour.

Glad to see everyone on my blog!

After installing plastic windows, not everyone immediately removes the film from them. But in vain!

More than once I have seen in a recently built nearby house how the tenants rub it with wet rags and try to scrape it off with a scraper, because they did not immediately realize that it had to be removed immediately after the purchase.

What can I say, because many people buy apartments after the film has had time to dry tightly.

Therefore, be vigilant, read useful tips on effective cleaning methods and immediately check them in practice.

On the protective films of profiles, manufacturers write that it is necessary to remove the film from metal-plastic window structures immediately after carrying out work on their installation. But, for a number of reasons, this requirement is often neglected.

The protective coating protects the structure from contamination that inevitably occurs during repair or construction.

For example, the film may be useful in the design of slopes, external insulation of housing, and decorative work.

In such cases, the film adhesive remains on the frames longer and hardens over time. This complicates the process of peeling off the film, and the glue itself sticks to the windows in the form of unaesthetic black spots.

How then to remove the film from plastic windows?

Helpful advice!

This problem can be solved in two stages, successively applying mechanical and chemical methods.

The first will allow you to remove the film itself, while the second will deal directly with the glue.

Accordingly, to achieve the best effect, it is advisable to go through both stages. It is this approach that will allow you to effectively get rid of the problem and avoid scratches on the windows.

So, the protective coating can be safely removed with three tools:

• scraper for cleaning glass-ceramic stoves;
• industrial hair dryer (it is also acceptable to use household high power);
• school eraser.

In the first case, carefully separate the film with the sharp edge of the scraper. Due to the fact that this device is designed for glass-ceramic, the likelihood of scratches on windows is quite low. But you still need to be careful while working.

The second option is considered safer and more reliable. Hot air must be used to heat the glued surface.

It is important not to overdo it so that the film does not melt and stick to the structure tightly. While still warm, the coating is removed in one confident movement. If necessary, the edge can be pry off with any sharp object.

Removing the film with an eraser, at first glance, seems to be quite an exotic method. In practice, this method will require a lot of effort from you, but the PVC profile will certainly remain intact.

But in order to remove the film from plastic windows, the use of one mechanical method is not enough.

After the physical separation of the film, an adhesive remains on the window frames, which is firmly bonded to the structure. If the composition did not have time to dry well, you can do with an ordinary household rag and soapy water.

A well-dampened cloth should vigorously rub the contaminated areas. However, in some cases you will need more powerful tools. So, chemicals COSMOFEN 10 or FENOSOL showed themselves well. They are good because in addition to persistent dirt, they can also remove minor scratches.

You can also use "Nanoflex P-12" - an equipment cleaner. It is worth mentioning that the listed methods for removing the protective coating are suitable for all elements of window structures. The adhesive composition in them, as a rule, is used the same, which allows the use of the same tools for working with frames, double-glazed windows, window sills, and fittings.

In conclusion, we note that before removing the film from plastic windows, it is necessary to complete all construction work in the opening area. So you can keep the attractive appearance of the structures for a long time.

Naturally, with the exception of those works after which it will not be possible to physically remove the film.

source: veka.ua

Do we remove the film if we didn’t do it right away?

The frames of metal-plastic windows are protected with a special film in order to protect them from dirt, scratches and other damage during transportation and installation.

Removing the film from metal-plastic windows is extremely simple, if done in a timely manner, i.e. immediately after the windows have been installed.

If for some reason you tightened up with this, then removing the film can be a big problem. According to the instructions, the film must be removed within 10 days after the installation of metal-plastic windows.

If you increase this period to a month or two, then, most likely, nothing terrible will happen. When the film remains on the frames for 3 or more months, it will take a lot of effort to remove it.

Why does such an inconsistency arise? It turns out that the protective film consists of 2 layers and is glued to the frames with a special glue. Under the influence of heat and solar radiation, a thin inner layer of the film decomposes and tightly adheres to the plastic.

To separate the surface layer of the film is not as difficult as the inner one.

Reasons that increase the adhesion of the film to the frame:

1. The action of ultraviolet rays. While the film on the windows located on the shady side of the building can be removed after a few months, on the sunny side it will begin to soak into the frame in just a few days.
2. Glue quality. The lower the quality of the adhesive that holds the film, the more difficult it will become to tear it off. In the case of installing inexpensive metal-plastic windows, the possibility of encountering bad glue is higher.
3. Heat action. If the windows are installed in the winter, the film will begin to dry to the frame later. In the summer, this happens extremely quickly.

Finally, consider how to remove the film from metal-plastic windows if it was not removed in a timely manner.

• Use a building hair dryer. This is the best film remover. The main thing is to direct it to the frame, but not to the glass package, otherwise it has the ability to burst from the temperature difference. The film is heated with hot air, dissolves and is easily removed. The only problem is finding a building hair dryer. Some try to use ordinary, in turbo mode. This can be crowned with triumph only when the film is not quite firmly stuck.
• Contact a cleaning company. The bulk of such firms do a similar service, while they have the devices required for this: a building hair dryer, special scrapers and cleaners. And skill in solving similar difficulties.
• Using a professional scraper for cleaning glass-ceramic hobs. Such a scraper will not spoil the plastic.
• Slowly, piece by piece, picking up the edge of the film with a thin knife, blade or scraper, and then tearing it off with your hands. Cutting devices should be used as little as possible, trying to separate the film with your fingers.
• Adhesive residues can be washed off with the rough side of a sponge and bathroom detergent.
• weak solvent. When using a solvent, be extremely careful and test in an inconspicuous area first. The solvent has the ability to change the color of the plastic frames.
• Eraser. An ordinary school pencil eraser can help remove the remnants of the film.
• Rough, though not with a metal brush and soapy water. The method is suitable for film on the shady side.
• white spirit. Although it should not be applied on top, on pieces of film, but between film and plastic. To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to pry off the edge of the film, pour white spirit into this place, wait a little and separate the film.
• "Cosmophen". In companies that install metal-plastic windows, you can purchase a special plastic cleaning agent - Cosmofen. Based on the degree of activity of the active drug, Cosmofen No. 5, Cosmofen No. 10 and Cosmofen No. 20 are distinguished. No. 5 is the most powerful solvent, it dissolves plastic, as a result of this, it must be used with great care. In general, let's say 2 others. These are potent and unsafe means for a person's well-being.

Often the film is not removed because the repair is delayed and you want to protect the window frames from paint, whitewash and other contaminants. This is the wrong approach, which will give rise to even more dilemmas. It is much better to remove the protective film, and if necessary, stick masking tape on the frames. It won't be hard to take it off.

source: stroiportal-dnepr.com

Removing the protective film from PVC windows

We often hear questions like this:

“A year ago, plastic windows were installed in the company ****. All this time, the apartment was being renovated, and my husband and I lived with relatives.

Now, after the repair was completed, they found that the protective film that is glued to the plastic does not tear off. That is, the film that was inside the apartment came off normally, but from the side of the street it is held tightly.

How can I try to remove the film from the window? Is there any remedy?"

I have to disappoint you, I do not know of such means that can help you with 100% probability. After installing the window, the protective film must be removed immediately, otherwise it is destroyed in the sun under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and fuses into the plastic.

Note!

The protective film must be removed immediately, otherwise it is destroyed in the sun and melted into the plastic.

Manufacturers of plastic windows even write warnings on this film, but usually in a foreign language. In our practice, there was a case when we installed windows for the whole house for customers, and the profile from which the windows were welded lay for a long time on the street under the sun.

We were not able to remove the film from these windows, and the problem arose, of course, after all the windows were installed. As a result, we had to completely replace all the windows with new ones.

But sometimes, special cleaners can help to remove the film. We have Cosmofen plastic cleaner for sale. A very serious thing to say. Distributed specifically for window companies.

There are 3 brands of Kosmofen: Kosmofen No. 5, Kosmofen No. 10 and Kosmofen No. 20, they differ in the degree of dissolution of PVC plastic.

So Kosmofen No. 20 does not dissolve plastic at all, Kosmofen No. 10 is a weak solvent for PVC and Kosmofen No. 5 is the strongest solvent.

I think that if Cosmofen does not help you, then nothing will help you. The only way out is either to change the windows, or to spit and forget, thank God the film is on the street and is not visible from the apartment.

source: www.okna-lider.com

How to remove film from windows after installing them

When installing plastic windows, always remember that it is necessary to remove the protective film that trims the profile for safety purposes immediately after the windows are in place and all finishing work is completed.

However, real situations indicate that consumers often order PVC windows from one company of such well-known brands as KBE, PROPLEX, Veka or the eminent Rehau, and they are installed independently or with the help of other contractor companies.

In such situations, everyone completely forgets to remove the notorious protective film on the profile, which, under the influence of sunlight, sticks to the window so strongly that it is almost impossible to remove it.

In which case, it will be possible to make claims about the quality of the work performed, and its employees will be required to take care of removing the film from the outside of the profile.

On the windows, the film prevents scratches, both during their installation and during installation. Experts in this field recommend getting rid of such a harmful film within 10 days after the windows have been exposed to the sun.

If time is lost and the protective layer has not been removed, do not be self-willed, but listen to useful tips that have been tested by time and practice. Many make a gross mistake when trying to remove the film with a solvent. So the film will remain on the windows, and the profile can be hopelessly damaged.

Proceed with extreme caution, because the entire profile can be damaged from strong heating.

An equally effective tool for removing the film from the window will be the use of a special scraper used when cleaning cooking surfaces and ceramic tiles.

You can safely work with a scraper, because it does not damage the plastic surface.

Try very carefully to pick up the edges of the adhered film with a scraper and remove it piece by piece from the window. If possible, work only with your fingers, as even a safe scraper can leave scratches on the PVC profile.

When finished, thoroughly wipe off the remaining adhesive with warm soapy water. If the glue cannot be cleaned with soapy water, then use the special Cosmofen 10 cleaner.

It is important that it not only removes adhesive residue from the film, but also largely masks the resulting small cracks. From improvised means, an ordinary eraser from the school desk helps well, it perfectly rolls up the remnants of glue, helps to achieve the desired results.

All of the above tips are time-tested and give positive results with careful handling of all devices.

But if you conclude a contract for the production, supply and installation of plastic windows with one organization (which is the best option), then make sure that they take care of removing the film from the window as well.

The 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, the owners do not immediately peel it off or completely forget about it.

However, there comes a time when the protective material will still have to be removed. Then the question arises, how to remove the dried film from plastic windows?

Naturally, it is important not to damage the window during this process, and you also want to do everything as soon as possible and without any extra effort. What can be done in such a case? Effective methods exist, which means they can be safely used.

But in order to successfully remove the protective film, you must first understand the essence of the problem in more detail. Then it will be much easier to solve it.

Causes of Hard Film Adhesion

Why do you need a film on metal-plastic profiles? Companies through its gluing ensure the integrity of the product during transportation and installation. On the one hand, it is good that such protection is pasted on plastic windows. However, how can ordinary people get rid of it then? When the product is already 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 the installation of PVC window profiles, a thin film coating remains for some time, until the repair is completed, and dries up.

After a few weeks, the film adheres more strongly to the plastic and practically merges with it. Dealing with dried up protective material is no longer easy.

Why does protective tape stick more strongly over time:

1. Unscrupulous window manufacturers usually save on some nuances. Their range just includes glue, which is used to glue the protective material. There is such an unusual pattern, the lower the quality of the adhesive used, the stronger it attaches the film to the window. In this case, there are only two options, it is either to remove the film layer immediately after installing the metal-plastic product, or to choose the manufacturer more carefully.
2. The time of year, oddly enough, also greatly affects the adhesiveness of the protective tape. In winter and autumn, for example, the frame is cold, the glue seems to curl up and the adhesion of the film to is minimized. If outside the window is a warm season, then the stickiness increases, and it becomes difficult to clean the profile.
3. If you have a sunny side, then we can say with confidence that already a week after installing a PVC window, the film will stick strongly if it is not removed immediately. The fact is that under the influence of constant heating from sunlight, the protective tape seems to dissolve, connects with the adhesive mixture and adheres strongly to the plastic. And then it dries up. Therefore, draw your own conclusions, and it is better to immediately tear off the tapes from the frames.

These are the main reasons why the film protective layer can be difficult to remove even a month after installation. The whole essence is hidden in the adhesive composition. He must be fought with.

How to remove the protective film from plastic windows correctly? There are several ways. Choose individually the most suitable for you.

Mechanical Elimination Techniques

There are only two such ways. These are the most effective and proven methods.

Let's take a closer look at them:

1. Scraper application. If the question arose of how to remove the adhesive tape, then the scraper will help. In winter, of course, it is better not to use this method, since the adhesive remains dense, and it will be difficult to scrape off the protective layer without damaging the plastic. But in the summer, this is the best option, the protective coating should be removed well and quickly. The scraper is able to effectively cope with the melted adhesive composition on frames and double-glazed windows. Depending on the length of stay of the tape on the windows, it can be removed in different ways, in small parts or in large segments.
2. Stationery tape. How to tear off PVC film? Very easy with duct tape. The bottom line is that, as already mentioned, the adhesive protective paper is very thin, so it can not be easy to remove it with a continuous tape. Here an ordinary wide adhesive tape will come to the rescue. It is denser, and therefore stronger, than window tape, that's the whole point. All you need to do is simply stick the tape tightly on top of the film, and then tear it off along with it. Thin ribbons can be easily removed and remain on the tape strip.

All other methods are based on chemical exposure. But there is also a heating technique, which is also considered good and uncomplicated. However, it also has its own nuances.

Removal by heating

How to remove film from plastic windows? If you have a building hair dryer at home, then you can use it to quickly remove the old protective film from the metal-plastic window. You can also try using a household steam generator. The main point is to melt the adhesive layer between the film and the window surface, so that the tape will come off more freely.

The following points must be taken into account:

• you shouldn’t heat it too much, as the ribbon can melt, then the task will only become more complicated;
• after warming up, be sure to first let the window cool down;
• do not rush, otherwise the tape will be removed unevenly;
• you can not keep the hair dryer too close;
• hot air should not be directed to the plastic profile, but to the glass.

If you follow all the recommendations and perform the procedure correctly, then tearing off the sticky protective paper will not be difficult. It will be enough just to pry off the edge of the tape with a knife or scraper, and then remove the coating in a continuous piece without interruption.

Chemical removal method

You can also remove the film from plastic windows using chemistry. The basis of such methods for removing a protective coating from profiles are chemical agents. They are able to dissolve sticky material, which then will be easily peeled off, and then it can simply be washed off.

So, you can use the following cleaning products:

• Shumanite;
• Anti-scotch;
• Mellerud;
• LABEL OFF;
• composition of RP-6;
• composition of WD-40.

All these tools will come to the rescue to peel off old stickers, adhesive tape and wash off adhesive stains from PVC windows, as well as help to remove old paint. They are perfectly capable of scrubbing the protective tapes on the profiles, while not damaging the plastic surface at all.

If after removing the film there are still traces of glue, then they should be completely wiped off so that dust does not stick. You can use white spirit or acetone to remove them. And also try to clean the stains with a clerical eraser.

Removal of the sun protection layer

Another fairly common question, which concerns not only plastic, but also wooden products, is how to remove the sun-protection film from the window? Is it possible to rip it off at all? Yes, of course it's real. However, any kind of strong solvents are inappropriate to remove the film. How to wash the glass in this case? An ordinary knife and a soapy solution will suffice, or you can use Shumanit.

It should be said right away that removing sun protection will not be so easy. But if you spend some time and make an effort, then everything will work out.

How to clean film from glass? It is advisable to slightly warm the surface of the glass with a hair dryer before starting work. Next, carefully wipe the window with soapy water and proceed to remove the coating. The glue will gradually dissolve, and the protective canvas, tearing off, will have to be carefully pry off with a scraper.

Finally, the glass unit and the frame are washed off the sun-protection film by a store-bought glass cleaner. If scratches were found on the plastic after the work done, then Cosmofen will come to the rescue. However, before using it, you should carefully study the instructions.

Here are some simple ways to clean the film on the windows. The main thing is to do everything slowly and carefully. Then the result will be excellent, and there will definitely be no traces or defects left.

Enterprises producing metal-plastic windows supply their products with a protective film. Its role is to protect the frames from dust, dirt and scratches during storage, transportation and installation of window units. After that, it becomes completely useless and needs to be removed. Let's figure out how to do it.

When do you need to remove the protective film from plastic windows?

Ideally, the protective coating is removed immediately after the windows are installed or within a couple of days after that. However, if repair work is still ongoing in the room and the risk of damaging or staining the frames is large, this period can be extended. But not to infinity: after 1-2 months, especially in hot weather, it will be difficult to remove the film. If it is so necessary to protect the frames, instead of the factory coating, they can be pasted over with masking tape - there will be much less problems with its removal.

Why the film sticks and does not peel off well

The strength of the connection between the film and the frame is influenced by several factors at once:

• Adhesive coating. The worse in quality and cheaper the glue used, the faster it will stick tightly to the frame.
• Room temperature. Under the influence of heat, both the glue itself and the film begin to slowly melt and literally eat into the plastic of the frames.
• UV exposure. As in the case of heat, the sun's rays change the structure of the adhesive and the film, as a result, they stick to the window very quickly.

How to remove film from plastic windows: all possible ways

Even the old film is sometimes removed relatively easily, it turns out to be difficult only to pick up its edge. In such a situation, any thin and sharp object will come to the rescue: a knife, nail scissors, a needle, or something similar. But you need to work with them carefully so as not to injure yourself and not scratch the plastic of the frame. If that doesn't work, it's time to move on to more radical options.

Whichever method is chosen from those described below, it is very important not to damage the hydro- and vapor barrier coatings located at the junctions of the frames with walls and roofs during the removal of the film.

hair dryer

The hair dryer is brought as close as possible and a jet of hot air is directed onto the frames. Under the influence of heating, the dried glue and the film soften, and after fresh traces, the protective coating becomes really pry and remove. Practice shows that it is more efficient to blow not under the film, but at an angle from above along the course of tearing off the film.

The higher the temperature provided by the device, the more efficient the method becomes. The best option is to use not a weak enough technique for drying hair, but a powerful hair dryer. An alternative to a hair dryer can be a heater, if its mechanism of action is also based on blowing hot air, or a clothes steamer.

Solvents

Chemicals for diluting or dissolving paints, varnishes and other building fluids will most likely help remove the film from a plastic window. Acetone (and even acetone-based nail polish remover), mineral spirits and other kerosene-based liquids, car chemicals for tar removal, special decal removers, and more can work. The effectiveness of such funds in each case may be different, so it is better to check them empirically.

Procedure:

• Pry off the tip of the film at least a little. If this does not work out in any way, then at least cut or otherwise violate the integrity of the film, otherwise the solvent will be ineffective or useless at all.
• Apply the product - carefully pour, smear with a brush or rag.
• Wait 2-3 minutes.
• Pull the edge of the film and try to remove it from the treated area.
• If there is no result, add solvent and hold for some more time.
• At the end of the work, wipe the frames with a damp cloth, you can add detergent.

It is important to observe safety precautions - if the instructions for the tool recommend working with gloves and well ventilating the room, this should not be neglected. Otherwise, you can earn intoxication of the body and a chemical burn of the skin.

Scotch

This method is most effective if you need to remove individual small pieces of protective film from plastic windows. It is necessary to cut off a piece of wide adhesive tape at least 4-5 cm long (a smaller size will be inconvenient to hold in your hands). It is glued to the sections of the frame with the film, carefully smoothed, and then pulled very sharply. Ideally, the entire protective coating should remain on the tape strip.

Use only stationery tape (transparent or colored - it does not matter). Masking and double-sided adhesive tapes on a fabric and paper basis are covered with a less sticky adhesive composition.

Cold

The effectiveness of this method is based on the property of many polymeric materials to become rigid and brittle under the influence of low temperatures. In the case of a protective film, the glue will simply harden and stop adhering it so tightly to the frame.

If in winter in your region frosts reach at least -10 ° C, just wait for the cold weather and let the frames cool down well by opening the windows in the room for a couple of hours. If not, you can try to cool problem areas artificially by applying frozen bottled water to them and immediately trying to peel off the film following fresh tracks. But the effectiveness of this option is much lower.

Scraper

If the film has stuck so strongly that even intense rubbing with a brush does not help, it remains to use a sharp object. A knife is not suitable for this purpose - it will take a very long time to pick off the film with a tip, and it is inconvenient to hold a narrow blade flat. You can use a construction spatula, but a scraper for a glass-ceramic coating of electric stoves is even better. It is even more difficult for them to scratch the plastic of the frames.

Hard brush

In this case, you will need a stiff, but preferably non-metallic brush. She actively rubs the surface of the film until it is removed. An alternative to a brush is a metal sponge for dishes. Made from thin strips of metal, it cuts the film like a knife or a scraper, but unlike them, it does it more delicately, i.e. with less risk of scratching the frame plastic.

Vegetable oils

If the film itself was somehow removed from the plastic window, but a sticky layer of adhesive composition remained on the frames, vegetable oils will help here. They are abundantly lubricated with contaminated areas, left for several minutes so that they are saturated with liquid, and then removed with a cloth, sponge or brush. You can use absolutely any vegetable oils or drying oil.

The oil itself must also be removed from the frames, otherwise it will harden over time and form dark and sticky stains, to which dust will quickly adhere. Remaining oil can be removed with soap, dishwashing detergent, acetone or alcohol.

Oil alternatives:

• hard sponge with soapy water;
• weak solvent;
• ordinary stationery eraser. It is advisable to choose an elastic grater in the color of the frames (so that it does not stain them). From friction with an eraser, the remnants of glue and film will roll into large lumps that will fall off on their own or be easily removed with fingers or a damp cloth.

Video how to clean a plastic window from an old film

See also the video instruction for removing the protective film from plastic window frames that was not removed in time:

Contacting a cleaning company

If it was not possible to clean the film from plastic windows on your own, you should contact those for whom such tasks are the main activity. Cleaning company employees have a variety of tools and substances to remove dirt, and, no less important, experience.

How to remove the film from the plastic window sill

For a window sill, all the same methods are applicable as described above for window frames: heating with a hairdryer, solvents, sharp scrapers, a stiff brush, etc. But if the window sill is not perfectly smooth, but has a rough texture, then in addition to them, you can try abrasive substances - powdered detergents or ordinary baking soda. For a smooth surface, it is better not to use them, the risk of leaving scratches on it is too great. Read more about pollution, because this is not uncommon during repairs.

The protective film on the frames of plastic windows is designed only for their short-term protection against dirt and scratches. After installation, this coating should be disposed of as soon as possible, otherwise it will be quite difficult to remove it later, although it is realistic.