4 Cleaning Tips for Common Window Film Types

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Window tinting has been widely talked about these days. A window tint is less porous than glass, so it doesn’t get dirty easily. For this reason, a window tint doesn’t require as much cleaning and maintenance when compared to normal windows. However, when the time comes, cleaning your tinted window films is imperative.

The good thing is, cleaning tinted windows is a relatively easy process. All it takes is cleaning with warm water and a mild detergent to keep your window tinting in good shape and condition. Take note that any abrasive cleaners, blades, or rough sponges are not advisable to be used in cleaning the window tints.

Below are common window tinting types. Keep on reading to learn four cleaning tips for your window tints.

 

  1. Cleaning Window Film

The rule of thumb with cleaning window films after tinting installation is to wait a week after installation to clean your tinted windows. As part of the curing process, you shouldn’t wash your window until the film has had enough time to cure. Once cured, take note of the following:

  • Prepare a mixture of dish soap and water
  • Apply the cleaner of your choice with a soft, lint-free cloth
  • Don’t use paper towels or other materials that might leave streaks behind
  • Use a rubber squeegee but be gentle and careful not to damage the film
  1. Cleaning Decorative Films

It’s worth knowing that a decorative film is more durable than other types of tinting. For this reason, regular cleaning is not necessary. Also, it is made up of vinyl material, so dirt and smudges aren’t noticeable. Consider the following cleaning tips:

  • Use lint-free cloths with mild soap and water. Other cleaning detergents like bleach or Windex can peel off the window tint
  • Using rough sponges or harsh cleaning agents is not advisable
  1. Cleaning Solar Tinting

Solar tinting is made from polyester material, meant to block UV rays and heat. However, it isn’t as durable as a decorative film. It is thinner and more transparent than other tints, allowing you to see the dirt and dust. That given, make sure to observe the following cleaning tips:

  • You might have to clean this type more than other types using the same cleaning solution and cloth material
  • Ammonia-based cleaners can discolour or ruin the film’s adhesion
  1. Cleaning Security Film

Security films are much clearer than other window tints that look almost the same as the regular glass. It allows sunlight into your home while providing extra protection. When it comes to cleaning, consider the following tips:

  • Clean as often as you would clean your normal window glass. It’s not hard to see smudges, dirt, and dust on this window film
  • Use lint-free cloths and mild detergents same as other window tinting types
  • Avoid ammonia-based cleaning products

There are several different types of window films available in the market today. We hope that the quick cleaning guide provided above for some of the most common types will help you perform the needful. Though your tinted window films require less maintenance, they deserve a little cleaning as well to be in good shape and to last for as long as possible.

Cooltone are Brisbane’s leading window tinting and films specialists, contact us for all your commercial and residential projects.

Home Window Tinting – Lifespan and Durability Factors

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Installing tints on your windows comes with several amazing benefits. Tinted windows protect your home from sun damage, reduce heat build-up, and provide your house with additional security and privacy. With all these advantages, it’s no wonder many homeowners are excited to install these add-ons to their houses.

Despite the many benefits they offer, tinted windows require you to shell out cash that may not have been part of your home budget. Window films are additional expenses, which is why homeowners simply consider them items that would be nice to have. Before they take the plunge and make the purchase, property owners want to know their durability, life expectancy, and whether or not their investment will be worth it.

So, how long does window film last? Given the right conditions, window films can last for more than 20 years. However, the answer to the question depends on a lot of factors. In this post, we discuss how window tinting works and what determines its durability.

 

How Tints Work to Protect Your Home 

Technically, window tints aim to lower the amount of solar heat transmission getting into your home. The process is two-fold: window tints are designed to increase both solar absorption and solar reflection. Solar absorption refers to the heat trapped in the film, while solar reflection is the amount of heat it is able to bounce back or block from coming in.

Good-quality window films have built-in UV protection and heavy-duty coating to ensure that they’ll last for a long time. However, other factors come into play when it comes to their durability. We list them below:

 

1 – Quality and Type of Materials

There are different types of window tints available today, each one offering a different combination of opacity, brightness, colour, and thickness. The materials used matters a lot because they may require a specific installation. For instance, polyester-based films stick better to particular types of glass than others.

 

2 – Quality of Installation

 You may have the best type of window film, but it will simply go to waste if it’s not correctly installed. The services of a professional window tinting company ensure the best results for your windows. Professionals use specialized equipment and are trained to install films without trapping air bubbles inside the glass. Not only does this make the tinting job look better, but it also increases the tint’s durability.

 

3 – Climate and Location 

Homes with windows facing either east or west are usually hotter because they deal with sunrise and sunset every day. In these instances, the tints work harder to absorb and block solar transmissions. Due to the natural wear-and-tear, window tints in these conditions may fade faster and have a shorter life expectancy.

Installing tints for your home windows may be an additional expense, but when you consider other variables, you’re actually getting a higher return of investment. The good news is, most tint companies offer a lifetime warranty to their services. Therefore, if ever your window tints need minor repairs and adjustments, a skilled technician can assist you for free. This means you and your family will be able to enjoy your investment’s benefits for a very long time.

Cooltone is Brisbane’s leading residential and commercial tinting supplier and installer, our team of consultants and fleet of installers can arrange the right window film for your home to ensure the best result in terms of heat reduction, glare reduction and UV protection is added.

Speak with one of our friendly staff to find out how we can help.

 

 

 

4 Reasons Why You Should Install Frosted Window Films

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Windows enhance the building’s beauty and provide functional benefits. There are different window types that can be installed at home or in the office. One window addition that you should know is a frosted window film. As the name suggests, frosted window films have designs applied to existing windows for unique frosted glass appearance. They are now commonly used for both commercial buildings and residential homes.

There are various reasons for homeowners and building owners to install such frosted window films. Below are four common reasons to invest in frosted window films, whether they are for your home windows or office building.

 

  1. For enhanced privacy

Frosted window films are excellent at providing offices and homes with a privacy barrier. The opaqueness of films installed creates a wonderful design for windows. They can range from near see-through to transparent to fully opaque. The films also vary in tones, colours, and designs. In most cases, frosted glasses are best for bathroom windows since they’re capable of blurring the inside. However, they can also be installed in other parts of the home or building. By using frosted window films, they can help increase privacy while allowing the natural light coming into the room.

 

  1. For energy efficiency

 

Frosted window films can be used to conserve energy by reducing the heat and temperature from getting into a room. They filter the sun’s rays during summer and keeps the cold out during the winter season. As a result, these can help reduce power consumption and conserve energy. If you want a window film that helps in controlling temperature and preserving energy, then the energy-control frosted window film will be your best option.

 

  1. For additional security

 

Apart from privacy, security is another benefit of installing frosted window films. They can provide added security to homes and offices by reducing the possibilities of injuries and damage to property. This is because they are sturdy enough to hold broken pieces of glass, should there be disasters or property crimes. If you’re looking to upgrade your properties with frosted window film, it’s best to contact a window tinting expert and have them install it for you.

 

  1. For aesthetic decorations

 

Lastly, frosted window films can enhance the aesthetics of any home or office. The advantage of frosted glass is that it has a unique style that doesn’t sacrifice any natural light from entering any space. Frosted window films are very versatile and can last for as long as possible. Apart from their functional benefits, however, frosted window films can add decorative elements to your windows, enhancing their overall look and appearance.

 

Frosted window films can be a great window addition to your home or office. Not only do they enhance the look of your decor and enable natural light to enter your space, but they also provide privacy and security, and an increase in energy efficiency.

 

As most companies have various types of tints, it’s best to consult your window tinting experts to see which will suit your home or commercial window needs.

 

If you’re looking for a professional glass frosting service in Brisbane, contact Cooltone, we stock a wide range of films for all types of finishes.

8 Residential Window Tint FAQs Answered

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You’ve heard of the benefits window tints bring to any space—from creating a cooler environment to saving your electricity bills. As a result, you’ve probably pondered on the idea of tinting your home’s windows. There’s no doubt that questions are lingering in your mind.

Let’s address eight frequently asked questions that will help you understand the product and the process of your residential window tints.

“Are window tints expensive?”

There are many different factors when it comes to pricing, such as quality and type of film. Not only that, but the installation process will also come at a cost—how many windows you want to put a film on, window size, and more. That said, residential window tinting is generally affordable for the average homeowner. Talk to your local provider for a more accurate quote on window tints or get in touch with us for some advice!

“Can window tints actually help me save money on electric bills?”

Yes! Window films act as a layer of protection against sunlight and will also keep out the heat. Aside from that, it keeps the in-house temperature inside, giving your heaters or air-conditioning units less work to do.=

“Are there laws on how window tints like there are for auto tints?”

There are no laws dictating how dark or how light your residential window tints must be. Therefore, you can install whatever darkness of window tints that you would like. That said, some homeowner associations have their own regulations on what you can do to your home. If you belong to any, be sure to ask in regards to tinting your windows.

“Can I clean my home’s windows normally?”

The simple answer is yes, you can clean your home’s windows normally. However, you’ll have to use the right tools. A simple wipe down with soapy water and a soft, warm cloth will do. Do not use any strong cleaning chemicals (especially those that contain ammonia) or tools that can scratch the film. Take note that if you’re planning to clean the windows right after installing them, only do so after 72 hours to allow them to cure, or stick to your window correctly.

“Are window films installed inside or outside of the window?”

Most window films are installed on the interior side because it is where it is most efficient. At the same time, the window itself keeps the film safe from outside weather—rain, wind, and more— that could’ve damaged the film if it were installed on the exterior.

“Does window tint reduce glare on computer and television screens?”

Yes, window tints are known and used to reduce glare on screens. Whether you’re looking to get some work done or enjoy your favourite reality show, good window tints will certainly make it easier to do so!

“Will window tint make my home very dark?”

No, it will not. Window tints still allow light to enter your space. In fact, it may brighten your home even more, as you won’t need to use curtains or blinds anymore.

“Do I really need a professional to help install my window tints?”

Although you can do it yourself, we do not recommend it. The smallest mistake can result in high costs, and you don’t want that. Once the film gets damaged, there is no way to repair it. With a professional’s help, you can be sure that the window film is installed correctly on the first try.

Excited to go out and buy some window tints? Before doing so, make sure that it does exactly what you want it to do, as there are many types of window films out there. And with that, we hope that your questions in regards to window tints have been answered once and for all.

Cooltone is Brisbane’s leading window films supplier and installer, speak to us to arrange a free measure and quote.

Our Guide to Cleaning Tinted Windows – The Do’s and Dont’s

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Getting your windows tinted is an excellent way to enhance your residential home, commercial building, as well as vehicles. Beyond creating a sleek look, the window tints offer an array of benefits including privacy, protection from the sun’s UV rays, heat absorption, and reflection to help with insulation.

 

To that end, window tints also require proper caring. The procedures are not complicated and can be quickly done, but ensuring that it is executed correctly is crucial if you want to maximize the life of your window tint. Generally, its lifespan can stretch between 10 to 15 years, along with a 5-year warranty from most film manufacturers. To help it maintain its tip-top shape and performance, our tips below should help you care for your windows properly.

 

Best Cleaning Solutions and Products for Window Tints

 

It’s crucial to be on the lookout for cleaning products or equipment that can damage the tint when washing your windows. To that end, the best cleaning solution merely is mixing soap with warm water. It is a mild yet highly effective product that will do its job well without the risk of damaging your tint in any way. Meanwhile, steer clear of the following products:

 

  • Products containing ammonia – Ammonia (NH3) can cause the film material to become more brittle, which ultimately shortens its lifespan and leads it to crack through time. Additionally, it also has a tendency to lighten the colour of the tint.

 

  • Abrasive equipment like paper towels, newspapers, and scourers – Avoid using any cleaning equipment that has rough surfaces as it can leave behind scratches, which can widen in time and ultimately lead to the demise of your window tint.

 

  • Never use knives for popping air bubbles – It goes without saying that knives have a high chance of making a tear on the tint, though many people still use it for popping air bubbles. For a safer and more effective alternative, opt to use credit cards instead and use the short side of the card to push the bubbles to the edge of the window.

 

How to Properly Clean Tinted Windows

 

Step One: Let the Window Tint Cure

 

When the window tint has just been installed, it’s essential to let it cure between 7 to 30 days. The range is varied as the curing process largely depends on the climate, wherein mild temperatures and low humidity levels are the best climate that helps tints to adhere to windows properly.

 

Step Two: Clean and Wipe

 

Once the window tints are cured, it’s time to clean the windows. Use a rubber squeegee or a cotton cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. Be sure to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals, especially the ones that contain high amounts of ammonia.

 

Once it is cleaned, dry it by wiping the windows using a soft microfiber cloth. The strokes should move horizontally from top to bottom and rub the towel after every stroke. Keep in mind that it’s best to clean windows when there is no direct sunlight hitting the surface.

 

Step Three: Wipe off Residue

 

If there is any residue remaining, wipe it clean by using a cotton cloth dabbed with acetone. This will not damage the film and can quickly remove the adhesive. After removing any residual glue, wipe it until it is thoroughly clean and dry.

 

Cooltone has been providing professional window film solutions for Brisbane residents since 1981, if you would like to arrange a free measure and quote contact our consultants today on 1300 302 212.