How to remove protective film from plastic windows. How to remove the protective film from plastic windows? Effective Removal Methods

From the article you will learn:

In order for profiles plastic windows were not damaged or soiled during their delivery to the installation site, as well as during the installation work, they are covered special film. The protective material has an adhesive backing and can be easily removed after installation.

Manufacturers recommend not to delay the removal of the film coating and do not leave it on the frame for longer than for 10 days after placing the window on permanent place. In principle, if you violate the deadline slightly and start removing protection through 30-60 days, then there will most likely not be any particular difficulties. Removing the film after this period can cause unexpected difficulties, and cleaning the frames will require considerable effort.

Why does the film lag badly behind the plastic?

The reason for the ultra-strong "seizure" of the film with the surface of the frames is simple:

The film consists of two layers, on the bottom of which glue is applied. This layer is quite thin and unstable, it quickly collapses under the influence of high temperatures and sunlight. The resulting substance is tightly glued to the frames, and when you try to tear off the film, only the outer (protective) layer is separated from the structure.

There are several circumstances that accelerate the process of durable bonding of materials:

  • Influence of ultraviolet. The more shaded the plastic window area is, the longer the bottom layer of the film will break down. The sun's rays accelerate the process of decomposition and absorption of the adhesive substance into the plastic.
  • Heat. In the cold season, the film retains its integrity longer, and with the advent of heat, its inner layer collapses faster.
  • Adhesive properties. High-quality adhesive breaks down the film more slowly and allows more time for easy peeling. cheap adhesive compositions shorten this period. Film from inexpensive windows of dubious quality should be removed as quickly as possible.

Read also: Ventilation valve for plastic windows. Types and principle of operation

How to remove old film?

  1. With help building hair dryer . A directed stream of hot air from a professional device will allow you to easily remove even a long-adhered film. Under the influence of high temperature, the adhesive composition melts and can be removed without much difficulty. There is one subtlety in working with a building hair dryer - it is impossible for hot air to get on the glass, as it can burst from a sharp increase in temperature. If the film did not have time to stick strongly, then the situation can be corrected by a regular hair dryer used in the “turbo” mode.
  2. With a scraper designed for cleaning glass-ceramic plates. The tool has an adjustable blade that will not damage the plastic surface.
  3. By hand. The film is removed in small pieces, which are picked up with a sharp blade, razor or scraper. The main work is done by hand, the tools must be used very carefully so as not to scratch the frame. To remove traces of glue, a household sponge with a rough surface is used.
  4. household solvent. Only mild chemicals are suitable for working with plastic. Before starting processing, the action of the composition must be tested on a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe frame, which is not particularly striking. If the solvent has not changed the color of the plastic, then it can be applied to the entire surface.
  5. white spirit. A solvent gasoline familiar to everyone will help if it is applied not on the surface of the film, but between it and the frame. Painstaking work requires separating the edge of the film from the surface and instilling a dissolving liquid into the gap. After some time, the treated area can be removed from the frame.
  6. School eraser. After removing the outer layer, the remnants of the film are removed by rubbing with an ordinary rubber band. The process is long and laborious.
  7. With a stiff bristle brush moistened with soapy water. Do not use products with metal pile. The method is effective only for windows located in the shade.
  8. Cosmophen. A modern substance for cleaning plastic products is available from companies involved in the installation and repair of windows. Cosmofen is divided into types, depending on the concentration of the active substance, and has a numbering. No. 5 is considered the most active - it is able to dissolve plastic, and therefore it must be used as carefully as possible. Numbers 10 and 20 are less "vigorous", but their effectiveness is not so high either. Cosmofen refers to substances that are harmful to human health, and therefore, before using it, all safety measures must be taken (wear a respirator, gloves and other protective equipment).
  9. Order film removal at a cleaning company. Almost all major "cleaning" agencies have in the list the service of cleaning plastic windows from pollution of various kinds. Their specialists are equipped the right tools(hair dryers, solutions, scrapers) and have experience in similar work. This method is the fastest and least energy consuming.

The protective film under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, sunlight and time strongly sticks to plastic profile and glass, bursts, cracks, dries up. Remove the protective coating no later than 10 days after installing a new window. To separate the film from the plastic, use a scraper, a dull knife, or a stiff brush. Heat the dry tape with hot air from a hair dryer or use solvents (white spirit, RP6), denatured alcohol, Shumanit, professional tools to clean plastic. Wipe off the remaining glue with a school eraser, nail polish remover, and vegetable oil. To remove self-adhesive window tint or sunscreen, use A complex approach.

Adhesive tape protects new windows during transport, installation, installation construction works in room. Untimely removal leads to its drying out. Knowing how to remove the film from plastic windows, you can quickly and effectively restore their attractive appearance and remove dust adhering to the adhesive base without damaging the surface.

Why does the film stick to the window

A protective film is applied to a new metal-plastic frame using an adhesive composition.

Its quality largely determines how easily and quickly it will be removed. Unscrupulous manufacturers use a cheap coating that "sticks" to the window, bursts and peels off. It is difficult to tear off such a film even on time.

Hot summer weather, as well as the south side of the window, exacerbate the situation.

A profile installed in winter is somewhat easier to clean if done on time. In frost, the coating also collapses, bursts, loses elasticity.

Important! Remove the protective film no later than 10 days from the date of installation of the new profile, so that it does not have time to stick and collapse.

How to remove the protective film from the window

To remove an intact film from a plastic frame or window sill, it is enough to pick up its corner with any sharp object (scissors, knife, fingernail), and then carefully separate along the entire length. The coating will easily move away from the profile, will not tear and will not leave sticky marks.

The old, stuck film will have to be removed using improvised means or solvents.

Conventionally, methods for removing dried film can be divided into:

  • mechanical (brushes, scrapers, blades);
  • chemical (solvents);
  • temperature (heating with a hairdryer).

In some cases, a complex approach may be required to remove a very old, damaged coating.

Mechanical methods for removing the protective coating

Using a scraper, a knife, a hard brush is one of the most popular methods for cleaning a profile from a protective film. You need to act very carefully so as not to damage the plastic or glass.

Hard brush

Any brush with stiff, non-metallic bristles or dishwashing sponge with an abrasive layer will do.

Action algorithm:

  1. Use your hands to remove the coating from the maximum possible surface area.
  2. Dilute laundry soap in warm water.
  3. Wet the brush.
  4. Remove the sticky layer in a circular motion.
  5. Wipe the plastic with a clean cloth.

Scraper

Use a special glass-ceramic scraper or a construction rubberized spatula.

  1. Remove the coating with your hands as far as possible.
  2. Wipe the frames with a damp soapy cloth to remove dirt and dust.
  3. Holding the tool at a comfortable angle, remove the sticky layer.
  4. Wash the windows with a hard sponge and soap, wipe with a fresh cloth.

Knife, blade

Use a dull knife or blade to avoid damaging the profile and injuring yourself. Wash the frames with soapy warm water, clean gently with a blade.

Important! Metal tools may leave deep scratches on plastic, where dust and dirt will clog. Their use is not recommended.

Scotch

After removing the tape, wash the frame well

The method is effective for removing cracked, dried-out film from PVC windows.

Cut off a small strip of wide stationery tape, stick it to the frame, tear off sharply. Small, dried pieces of the protective coating will stick to the adhesive tape and with it will move away from the plastic.

Chemical preparations for cleaning double-glazed windows from the film

Chemical solvents corrode the adhesive base, quickly and effectively remove the film from the windows.

October 14, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior decoration, construction of dachas, garages. The experience of an amateur gardener and horticulturist. He also has experience repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and much more, for which there is not enough time :)

After installing double-glazed windows, many people are interested in the forums - how to remove the 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 the protective film from plastic frames.

A few words about the protective film

The film on plastic windows protects the plastic surface during the transportation of windows and their installation. Moreover, manufacturers use special adhesives for gluing it, so that in the future there will be no problems with removal. But, the coating is not intended to be on the windows for a long time.

The fact is that gradually the glue under the film dries up and eats into the surface of the plastic. In addition, the coating itself is destroyed in the sun and loses its characteristics. As a result, when removed, the old film begins to tear or even crumble.

From this it can be concluded that it is necessary to remove the film in the near future, after the installation of windows. True, if the windows are cheap, then problems may arise even when removing a recently glued coating, due to the use of low-quality glue.

But, in any case, you should not despair, because there are quite effective ways to remove the old film from plastic windows, even if it has “tightly” eaten into the plastic. The main thing is to be patient and some means, which I will discuss below.

In summer, glue dries much faster and eats into plastic than in cold weather.

Film removal methods

So, the dried protective film can be removed from the surface in the following ways:

Method 1: using a scraper

First of all, try to remove the film with a scraper or other sharp object, such as a mounting or even a blade. The only thing, work with sharp tools must be very careful not to damage the plastic.

The instructions for removing the coating with a scraper are as follows:

  1. first of all, you need to pry off the edge of the protective coating with a scraper or other sharp object. The unglued edge must be large enough to be grasped;
  2. then you need to pull the foam and try to tear it off in one quick movement;
  3. if the tape starts to break, pry it up again, but try to use as little as possible cutting tool and work more with your fingers so as not to scratch the plastic.

A similar method can be used if the protective coating has not had time to collapse under the influence of the sun. Otherwise, it will not work to tear off the film, and it is not advisable to constantly pick it with a scraper, as it will take a lot of time, and besides, it will certainly lead to scratches on the plastic surface.

Even if you successfully peel off the protective coating in this way, there will probably be areas with glue on the surface of the plastic. You can remove them in the ways that I will discuss below.

Method 2: with an eraser

If the old coating has become easily torn or even crumbled, it can be removed with an eraser. True, this method is only suitable for small areas, for example, if there is a film or glue residue left in some places after working with a scraper.

To clean the surface, choose the most elastic band possible. With it, simply rub the contaminated area with your hands, as if you were erasing a pencil from paper. As a result, the remaining adhesive and protective coating will roll into a roller that can be removed with your fingers.

It is very difficult to completely clean the frames in this way, so it is better to use a less time-consuming method.

Method 3: hair dryer

If the coating cannot be removed with a scraper alone, you can heat the film with a hair dryer before peeling off the film. This is done as follows:

  1. turn on the hair dryer at maximum power and heat thoroughly small plot coatings;
  2. then tuck in the tape and pull on the edge. After heating, the glue should become much more "pliable";
  3. after that, you need to heat the next section and remove it in the same way;
  4. the remaining glue must be reheated and then wiped off with a paper towel.

Even more effective method how to tear off the protective coating is to heat it with a steam generator. It is also mono to use a building hair dryer, however, work with it carefully so as not to melt the film, and especially the plastic frames.

It must be said that this method is quite effective. As a rule, it allows you to get rid of even the most stubborn glue in the plastic surface.

Method 4: medical or industrial alcohol

Now consider how to remove the film from plastic windows with alcohol. This method is effective in removing film and adhesive residues.

The procedure is carried out as follows:

  • the contaminated area should be treated with medical 96% alcohol or denatured alcohol using a sprayer or cotton solution. As the alcohol dries, it should be reapplied within a few minutes;
  • then you can start removing the old adhesive and film residue with a paper towel. In the process, you may need a scraper or other tool to pry off the film.

I must say that alcohol allows not only to clean the surface of the old protective coating, but also to bleach the plastic, as well as get rid of other contaminants.

Method 5: vegetable oil

Choosing how to wipe off the remnants of the coating and glue, you can give preference vegetable oil. The last one can be anything, the only thing to keep in mind is that after the oil on the surface of the window will remain, even after you wash it. So it's best to use essential oil which smells good.

The instructions for removing the coating with this tool look like this:

  1. before washing the surface, you need to apply oil to the contaminated areas with a cotton swab, then wait an hour. As the oil dries, the surface should be periodically lubricated;
  2. after the specified time, the contaminated areas should be wiped off with a paper towel;
  3. at the end of the work, you need to wash off the oil with a non-abrasive detergent.

Method 6: white spirit

White spirit is quite potent. The only thing before using it, wipe a small, inconspicuous area of ​​plastic with a solvent. The fact is that not all PVC windows are resistant to this solvent.

If you are sure that the solvent will not harm the plastic, do the work in the following order:

  1. the edge of the film must be torn off with a scraper or other sharp object, as far as possible;
  2. then the space between the film and the plastic surface should be treated with a solvent;
  3. wait a few minutes before peeling off the film. After that, the tape should easily fall behind;
  4. in the area where the film has not begun to tear, white spirit should be applied again.

If vapor barrier tape was used when installing the window, make sure that the solvent does not get on it, as it may deteriorate.

Method 7: "Shumanite"

"Shumanit" is a powerful detergent, which is intended primarily for removing grease from the surface. However, it also does a good job with adhesives that are used when gluing a protective coating. The only thing to remember is that Shumanit contains substances that can react with frames, so you should not apply it for a long time.

Dried film and old adhesive can be removed with this tool in the following way:

  1. old glue should be treated with a composition. If the old coating remains on the surface, the area under it, as well as the edges along the tape, should be processed;
  2. almost immediately after applying "Shumanit", the coating should be peeled off, and the remaining glue should be wiped off with a damp towel;
  3. at the end of the work, the plastic surface must be washed with any suitable detergent.

Method 8: "HG Sticker Remover"

Talking about how easy it is to remove the old film, one cannot fail to mention such a tool as HG Sticker Remover. It is sold in shops household chemicals, as a rule, in vials with a capacity of 300 ml.

In general, this composition is designed to remove stickers and all kinds of self-adhesive stickers from the surface. However, as practice shows, with the help of Sticker Remover, an old protective film can also be easily removed.

The principle of its use is similar to working with other solvents:

  1. before tearing off the film, you should pick it up and treat it with a tool;
  2. after a few minutes, the coating can be peeled off;
  3. then the surface should be treated again with the composition;
  4. After a few seconds, the product with adhesive residue must be removed with a paper towel or a clean cloth.

Method 9: "Cosmofen 10"

If you ask plastic window manufacturers for advice on a protective coating remover, they will most likely tell you about Cosmofen 10, which is a mild PVC solvent designed specifically for this purpose.

You can also use its analogue, which is called "FENOSOL". The price of these compounds ranges from 300 rubles per liter.

As in previous cases, the old film is pre-tucked, after which the composition is applied. Also, these products can be used to remove adhesive residue.

Before washing the surface of the glue, you need to wait a few minutes until the product reacts.

Method 10: "P-12"

Finally, I will talk about the RP-6 product, which is an acrylic solvent. With it, you can easily remove adhesive residue.

The only thing before doing the job, be sure to check if the solvent reacts with plastic frames. The fact is that some types of plastic under the influence of "RP-6" can change color.

The composition is applied in the same way as other solvents. As a rule, several minutes are enough for it to react with the old adhesive.

Conclusion

There are quite a few ways to remove the protective film from plastic windows, as we found out. The choice depends on how strongly the glue has eaten into the plastic. In some cases, it is enough to use a scraper, while in others it is simply not possible to cope with this task without a hair dryer or special solvents.

For more information, see the video in this article. If you have any difficulties with the removal of the old protective coating, ask them in the comments, and I will be happy to answer you.

October 14, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

Taking care of the warmth and comfort in their homes, many prefer the installation of plastic windows. These modern designs are impeccable appearance, sealed. Usually, after the installation is completed, a protective film remains on the frames, which is often forgotten to be removed in time. Over time, it tightly dries to the plastic surface, after which it becomes difficult to get rid of it. It happens that you need to remove from the windows sun protection film or remove traces of glue. Effective methods will help to cope with these problems.

Why is it difficult to remove the protective film from windows

The main function of the film applied to plastic window frames at the factory is to provide effective protection of products during transportation. But under the influence of aggressive external environment(heat, ultraviolet) they are able to stick together with a plastic surface. In addition, high-quality adhesives are not always used in the manufacture of protective films, which makes it even more difficult to remove such protection over time. Get rid of the film without attaching special efforts, you can within 10 days after the installation of double-glazed windows. If for some reason it was not possible to do this on time, do not despair.

If the protective film is not removed in time, it will be much more difficult to do this over time.

How to remove film and adhesive tape from plastic windows

Using chemical or mechanical methods, you can cope with this task. For work you will need:

  • construction or household hair dryer;
  • scraper for cleaning glass-ceramic surfaces;
  • denatured alcohol;
  • eraser;
  • solvent for acrylic;
  • White Spirit;

When choosing shop means it is necessary to carefully study its composition. Solvents containing harsh acids and acetone can damage frames, as can abrasive cleaners.

Mechanical methods

A scraper, eraser, hair dryer and other tools will help to remove the film mechanically.

How to use the scraper

The method does not require special physical costs, since the film is removed very easily with a scraper. However, careless handling of the tool can cause damage to the plastic frames.

  1. Using a scraper designed specifically for glass-ceramic panels, carefully remove the remaining film.
  2. After the procedure, clean the surfaces with Cosmofen 10, Fenosol or acrylic thinner R-12.

How to remove film with an eraser

To remove film from window frames You can use an ordinary soft eraser. Although the method requires a lot of physical effort, using it will not damage the surfaces. With the help of an eraser, you can also get rid of the sun-protection film on the windows.

  1. Rub the film remaining on the surface of the frames or glass with an eraser.
  2. Remove adhesive residue with white spirit or any other cleaner.

Using a hair dryer or steam generator

This method is different high efficiency and allows you to get rid of the film quickly and easily. However, work with similar devices should be as careful as possible: excessive overheating of the PVC surface can cause irreparable damage to it. If you have an industrial hair dryer at hand, the procedure for removing an old protective film will not take much time and effort. If it is not there, you can get by with an ordinary household appliance or a steam generator.

  1. Heat up the surface of the film.
  2. Gently pry off its edge with a knife or other sharp object.
  3. Remove the remaining glue with the help of the same cleaners.

Using a building hair dryer, remove the protective film from the windows

Chemical methods

Using tools and fixtures to remove the protective film from plastic window frames, even a specialized scraper, you can scratch PVC profile. It is for this reason that for many people faced with solving a similar problem, the most acceptable option is to use chemicals. With their help, you can remove the film with a minimum of effort and without damaging the surface of the window. However, these substances must be handled with care.

Denatured film remover

Denatured alcohol is one of the means that allows you to quickly and efficiently clean plastic surfaces from a protective film. When using it, personal safety precautions must be observed, protecting open areas skin and mucous membranes. The method is simple and effective, does not require special physical costs.

  1. Pour the substance into a spray bottle.
  2. Apply denatured alcohol to the surface to be treated.
  3. After 5 minutes, remove the film by prying it with a sharp object or a clerical knife.

How to remove film with Shumanite

The effective substance is the Shumanit detergent. Using it, you do not have to make special physical efforts when removing the protective coatings from the window. Since the components of Shumanit are very aggressive, remember the safety precautions: use gloves and goggles, ventilate the room well.

  1. Apply it to the surface.
  2. Remove the film without the need for special physical effort.

Step-by-step instructions for using RP-6

The RP-6 tool, designed to remove paint, will also help get rid of the protective film. Its effectiveness is quite high, and working with it requires the presence of protection on the hands.

  1. Apply the substance in a generous layer on the surface of the film. After 10 minutes, the film will begin to foam right before your eyes.
  2. Remove cover. It will come off without much effort.
  3. Wash off adhesive residue with soapy water.

How to use Scotch Remover to remove tape and film from PVC windows

Scotch Remover, a specialized tool designed to remove tough stains from glass and plastic surfaces, will also provide the desired effect when removing the film. When working with it, it is necessary to use protective glasses and gloves, as well as to ventilate the room well.

  1. Shake the bottle with the agent.
  2. Spray the substance onto the film surface.
  3. Remove film.
  4. Wipe the cleaned surface with a clean cloth.

How to use WD-40 penetrating lubricant

One of the most gentle means for plastic surfaces is VD-40. This lubricant is widely used in the automotive industry. The composition includes a number of components that can penetrate the most difficult pollution. With it, you can easily get rid of protective films stuck to double-glazed windows, as well as clean adhesive traces. When working, it is recommended to use gloves.

  1. Apply the composition to the film.
  2. After a few minutes, remove it from the surface.
  3. Wipe the treated area with soapy water, rinse with clean water.

WD-40 is a universal cleaner that will easily remove the film from the PVC window frame and adhesive traces.

Attention! When working with chemicals it is necessary to remember about personal safety, trying to avoid getting these products on open areas of the skin and mucous membranes. To do this, use safety goggles and latex gloves.

How to remove solar control film (foil) from a window

Throughout the hot summer days windows and glazed balconies of many apartments are exposed to scorching sunlight, which negatively affects the internal microclimate of the premises. Enough effective means protection from them is a film that can reflect the sun's rays.

With the onset of autumn and cold weather, the need for such protection disappears and the film must be removed. However, such materials can firmly eat into the surface of the window under the influence of the sun, after which it becomes difficult to remove them. To solve the problem, you can use:

  • denatured alcohol;
  • steam generator;
  • eraser.

You can also remove the sun protection film using various detergents:

  • Domax;
  • Shumanite;

Using these formulations, it is also advisable not to forget about safety precautions, follow the recommendations of manufacturers and dosages. If after them the adhesive base of the film remains, you can use the following means:

  • liquid with Kiehl Tablefit spray: apply on a tissue and clean the surface;
  • stain remover Taygeta S-405: apply to the remaining glue for 15–30 seconds;
  • FORMULA X-5 liquid solution: works after 10-15 minutes;
  • Super CMF-240 from Krizal: positioned as a “dirt separator”, it removes the adhesive base of the film worse than the previous ones, but for allergy sufferers it may be the only applicable remedy from industrial formulations;
  • strong alkaline liquid Merida Impet for removing stubborn dirt: apply to the adhesive for 2 minutes.

Means for removing adhesive contaminants from various surfaces - gallery

Domax will allow you to get rid of the film and its traces
Cosmofen is a strong and highly toxic cleaner with high efficiency Fenosol is a high quality cleaner used on plastic surfaces
Kiehl Tablefit - a product designed to remove adhesive traces
FORMULA X-5 allows you to quickly destroy traces of glue Super CMF-240 quality universal cleaner

Soap solution and old newspapers

There is another method of removing the sun-protection film, which does not require special material costs. To use it, you will need:

  • soap solution;
  • old newspapers.

Operating procedure:

  1. Holding the newspaper with your hand, lean it against the glass and moisten it with plenty of soapy water using a spray bottle. Repeating this operation again and again, it is necessary to close the entire window space with newspapers.
  2. Leave newspapers stuck to the window for 1 hour, periodically spraying them with soapy water.
  3. Remove sun protection film along with newspapers.

This simple and effective method very effective, but requires enough time. Using it, you will not harm the treated surfaces.

Safety

  1. When removing protective films from double-glazed windows, it should be noted that many of the chemicals are very aggressive solutions and can harm the body. For this reason, they should be handled carefully, not forgetting to use rubber gloves, goggles, and if prone to allergic reactions, a respirator.
  2. When rubbing the adhesive from the glass, do not press too hard on the surface. Otherwise, the glass may crack or fly out.
  3. When working with sharp objects, care must be taken not to damage the plastic surfaces and cause accidental injury to yourself.

Using simple mechanical and chemical methods for removing protective film coating from windows, you can achieve the desired result without much effort. However, it should be remembered that such work is not in a hurry, and when performing it, one should not forget about safety precautions.

The repair is over, there are brand new double-glazed windows on the windows, the builders have put the openings in order. It would seem that you can safely wait for winter to check if PVC windows are as good as they say. But you are absolutely in vain to think that you have got rid of all the problems. All windows are covered with a protective layer, and you will have to tear it off. We will talk about how to remove the film from a plastic window if it is not removed.

Why is this film necessary?

Why don't the masters who install PVC windows tear off this film themselves? The fact is that the installation of double-glazed windows usually does not end the repair, but only begins. This is followed by repair of openings, and even the entire room. In addition, glass can be scratched during transport and during installation. To avoid all these troubles, stick a protective material.

The instructions say that the protection must be removed from the plastic windows no later than ten days after installation. It is best to do so, because otherwise you will not have to remove it with a slight movement of your hand, but solve a much more difficult question - how to tear off the film from plastic windows.

Important! It is necessary to remove not only the film, but also the adhesive layer, which always remains on the profile.

What is the film made of?

Before you think about the question of how to remove the protective film from PVC windows, you need to find out what you have to deal with. Then it will be easier to choose cleaning methods. The protective material has:

  • the outer layer, which is usually removed without difficulty;
  • the inner layer;
  • adhesive strip, which is tightly attached to the profile.

Important! The inner layer is so capricious that it melts even from the spring sun.

How to clean plastic windows from old film mechanically?

For mechanical way cleaning you will need:


Option 1

You will have to act very carefully so as not to scratch the profile. The protective material peels off more easily if it is properly warmed up. For this, you need a hair dryer - you can take a household one, but it’s better if there is an industrial one, which in some construction stores give for rent. Having prepared everything you need, get to work to remove the film from plastic windows:

  1. Heat the surface with a hair dryer to puff up the protection. In this case, the jet of hot air should not fall on the PVC profile - it can be extremely sensitive to high temperatures.
  2. Pry the edge of the film with a sharp object - it should come off easily.
  3. Solvent remove the adhesive strip.

Important! It is necessary to remove with a knife or blade evenly and quickly so that the material does not have time to cool. Otherwise, the result may turn out to be the opposite, the film will not only not be removed, but will stick even more strongly.

Option 2

This method is good if the windows face the shady side. Make a soap solution, moisten the brush and wash away all the protective coating inch by inch.

Important! A metal brush cannot be used for such work.

Option 3

The film from plastic windows can be removed using a regular school eraser. True, the process is laborious, therefore, in this way it is better to remove small fragments that remain, for example, after being removed with a knife.

Option 4

Perfectly removes such a protective material with a construction scraper for cleaning ceramic and glass surfaces. You can buy one at a hardware store.

Important! The advantage of this method is that the scraper does not scratch the plastic.

How to remove the film chemically?

This method is more gentle than mechanical. There is much less danger of scratching your precious plastic. In addition, even heavily adhered coating fragments can be removed with solvents. There are quite a few chemical methods how to remove the film from plastic windows if it is not removed.

Suitable for the procedure:

  • "Cosmophen";
  • White Spirit;
  • any other solvent.

Option 1

To remove the protection, the special tool “Cosmofen” is just perfect. You can buy it from the same company that installed PVC windows for you. There are several varieties of this drug. It is best to buy it from those who installed windows, since a reputable company selects related products precisely for the material from which the main products are made.

Option 2

An excellent tool for cleaning PVC material is white spirit. But remember that he does not dissolve the film, but separates it from the window. Therefore, you will need some kind of sharp object, such as a blade or knife:

  1. Pry off the edge of the protective cover.
  2. Pour white spirit into the resulting gap.
  3. Remove the film.

Option 3

You can try using a solvent. The method is not very reliable, but sometimes gives good results. Not every solvent is suitable, and it is better to pre-test it somewhere in an inconspicuous area.

How to wash plastic windows?

After the protective coating has been cleaned, it is best to wash the window. Suitable for profile cleaning soft detergents- do not forget to look at the label in the hardware store. There is special means for washing such products, but those intended for ceramic surfaces are also suitable.

Important! It is better to wash not with a rag, but with a foam rubber sponge.

Process order:

  1. Wipe dust off window sills and window frames.
  2. Make a detergent solution.
  3. Wash the glass in zigzag motions.
  4. Wipe it with a soft cloth or blot with paper.

Important! To give the glass a shine, finally wash it with an aqueous solution of ammonia - a few drops per 1 liter are enough. If you wash windows for the winter, then to prevent frost and snow on the window, wash it from the outside with saline.