Encyclopedia of fire safety

How to remove sticky film from plastic windows. How to remove the protective film from plastic windows? Effective removal methods. How to clean mirror film with newspaper


Some work is desirable to perform immediately, so that there are no problems in the future. For example, withdrawal from plastic windows the protective film is often deposited, or for some reason not produced at all. In the future, under the influence of the sun, it bursts, cracks, takes on an unpleasant appearance, and the frame burns out in pieces, but such problems could have been avoided.

We will not beat around the bush, but we will immediately tell you how to remove the film from plastic windows, even one that has already hung for a decent time.

Newly installed plastic window

Follow instructions

When installing PVC windows, the craftsmen do not immediately remove the protective film from the windows. They work according to the instructions, and it clearly states that the film must be removed within 10 days after installation. window construction. Thus, they completely entrust the work of removing window protection to the owners. If you do not want to put up with this, offer the installers to complete the work to the end.

The protective film consists of two layers, on the first, decorative, the manufacturer's advertisement is usually applied, and the second, has an adhesive base that securely attaches it to the window surface. Being in a closed position, under the influence sunlight and warmth adhesive composition thickens more and more, tightly sticking to the window frame.

It will still be easy to remove the top layer after a couple of months, but the inner one will already stick quite firmly by this time. That is why the old film will be extremely difficult to tear off entirely. You will have to use a large arsenal of tools and tools to clear the window of the remnants of its former protection.

This is a common problem on windows.

Tools

So, let's look at how to remove the protective film from plastic windows, if the time for this work has been lost, and the materials have almost grown together.

The easiest way to remove the film from the window involves precise and careful work, which will take a lot of time and effort. Arm yourself with a sharp knife or blade, which will be convenient to pick up thin material, and gradually, piece by piece, tear it off the window. After the protective material is removed, it will be necessary to wash the window frame from adhesive residue. This can be done with a regular dishwashing sponge and detergent.

If you do not want to mess with the sticky adhesive on the PVC window frame, you can quickly erase it with an eraser. Again, enough a large number of time to process the entire frame. However, we note that not everywhere there will be grandiose remnants of glue, somewhere it will be removed along with the film.

If you think that protective covering not too strongly stuck to the frame, you can try to remove it with a building hair dryer. The heated adhesive composition will soften, and in this form it will be easier to work with the film. Use a rag and a hard scraper, and systematically separate the old film from the frame of your PVC window. You are unlikely to succeed quickly, but in terms of quality there will definitely be success.

Even the timely removal of material promises some difficulties.

Many housewives do an excellent job of removing protective coatings on frames with steam cleaners and steam generators. This method is extremely simple and effective: the steam heats and softens the film, making it elastic, after which it can be easily removed. Note that it is necessary to warm up the frame properly with steam, and do not pull strongly on the hooked end.

If you are dealing with ceramics and you have a scraper for glass-ceramic stoves in your house, then it is quite possible to use it. It will help to quickly and accurately scrape off all layers of unnecessary material. Residues of glue can be washed off detergent, while the frame should be rubbed with a brush with a strong pile.

Among all solvents, white spirit proved to be the most effective for removing the protective coating from the frame.

It is convenient to pry off the film with a sharp knife, and then remove the glue with a rag soaked in white spirit. If you can’t immediately wipe off the glue, you can soak it in a solvent for a couple of minutes, after which it will definitely be removed. It is also worth noting here that among all solvents, this one smells the least.

Using a window scraper

Scattered remnants of the protective coating can be removed with ordinary tape. To do this, wash the frame with a detergent composition, dry it. Then stick a transparent adhesive tape on it, smooth it over the entire surface, and then gently tear it off. With adhesive tape, many unwanted elements will be removed.

You can buy plastic cleaners at hardware stores. It is better not to use these products, or use them in extreme cases, because they can damage the frame of your PVC window.

Removing the sun cover

Many people are interested in whether it is possible to remove the sun-protection film from the glass, to which it has stuck quite strongly over the summer. Of course you can, but since this coating is made from a special material of lavsan, solvents will not help us, we will have to use physical force.

Note that the instructions for use of sunscreen films usually do not contain any information on how to remove it. Manufacturers apparently believe that it is installed on the glass forever. We will not argue with them, but we will use the available means to remove it.

To work you will need sharp knife, it is best to take a stationery option, as well as dishwashing gel. Using the gel, we will need to make a soapy solution, which we will gradually apply to the surface of the glass. Then we can easily pick up the soaked film and remove it with the sharp tip of a knife.

Cleaning glass from additional reflective elements

The process of removing the sun protection coating from the glass is very, very laborious, but if everything is done according to the instructions, the surface will be perfectly clean.

It is best to carry out such work on a sunny day, when the heated glass surface softens the glue. In this case, the shiny protective coating can be removed more easily. If the weather is bad, you can heat the glass with a building hair dryer or steam generator, but this must be done carefully.

In conclusion, I would like to note that when installing plastic windows, remove the protective film within 10 days, or ask the installers to do it right away. Otherwise, you run the risk of long, tedious and uninteresting work with windows in the future.

According to the rules, after installing plastic windows, the protective film must be removed within 10 days. This is due to the fact that the film in direct contact with the frame is very thin and delicate, and under the influence sun rays and high temperatures she is destroyed. As a result, we see a “tightly” adhering composition, and the longer it is not removed, the more it will dry out. Therefore, it is better to remove protection in time.

How to remove film from plastic windows? What is needed in order to clean the surface and prevent the adhesive base from sticking even harder? And what should be done if it was not possible to remove the protective film from the window in time? There are a number of ways to solve this problem.

How to remove sun protection film from a window

If you decide to do everything that is necessary in a timely manner, the film will be removed much easier. How to remove the film from plastic windows and not damage the material? Use one of the above methods that will allow you to solve the problem at home, without the help of specialists.

"Cosmophen"

This is a special solvent that can be bought from a company that installs plastic windows. There are 3 types of "Cosmofen" that differ in the degree of impact: No. 5, No. 10 and No. 20.

The strongest is number 5, and with careless use, you can "dissolve" not only the adhesive base, but also the plastic itself. Therefore, it is better to use the least aggressive composition.

In the process, follow the instructions for use, and it will not be difficult to remove the protective film.

Knife, blade or scraper

When using sharp objects, be careful not to damage the surface. The edge of the protection is hooked with a knife or blade, and the rest is removed by hand. Remember, the less cutting accessories you use, the less damage there will be on the plastic.

After you remove the film from the plastic window, noticeable traces of glue may remain on the surface. You can wash them with a sponge with a hard bristle and any foaming agent.

Building hair dryer

How to remove sun protection film from a window with a hair dryer? Follow the basic rule: when removing the protection, direct the air stream only at the frame, without affecting the double-glazed windows. Otherwise, the glass may not withstand the temperature difference, and cracks will appear on it.

The mechanism of action is simple - under the influence of heat, the adhesive base softens, and its removal will not take much effort from you. Similarly, you can use a steam generator or a regular hair dryer. The latter is effective only in cases where the film has not had much time to dry.

Solvent or white spirit

Before using one of these products, test it on an inconspicuous area of ​​the surface. If the chemical did not harm the plastic, you can get to work.

How to remove the protective film from plastic windows and clean the surface with a solvent or white spirit? First pry the edge of the protection, and then apply the substance in the gap between it and the plastic. Thus, gradually clean the entire surface.

Paint remover RP6

You will need to apply the product to the surface in a thick layer and wait 7-10 minutes. During this time, you will notice that the remnants of the protection begin to “bubble”.

After that, put on gloves and goggles and remove the film from the plastic. The remains of the product and the adhesive base can be washed with a concentrated soap solution.

Hard brush and soapy water

This method is effective when the window is on the shadow side. The adhesive base does not have time to heat up much, and its adhesion to plastic is not so strong.

Prepare a solution from warm water and soap and clean off the remaining protection using a stiff brush (not a metal one!).

Denatured alcohol

How to remove film from plastic windows with denatured alcohol? Pour the substance into the sprayer and "irrigate" the surface evenly. After 3-5 minutes, pry off the edge of the film with a knife and carefully remove it with your hands.

Be sure to protect your hands with rubber gloves when handling chemicals.

Detergent "Shumanit"

This chemical can be purchased at a hardware store. Clean the plastic strictly following the instructions for use, as this substance has a very strong effect.

Wash the area to be cleaned after treatment clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

If, after removing the main part of the protection, small “islands” of it remain on the surface, take a regular eraser and clean the surface.

Why does the film dry up?

How to remove the old film from plastic windows if it has dried up “tightly”? First you need to figure out why this happens.

How to remove old film from plastic windows if it is dry

How to remove old sun protection film from windows if it is stuck? You can use the following options:

  • Reach out to the experts who have special means to solve the problem quickly.
  • Use a special scraper designed for cleaning plastic and glass surfaces.
  • Use a strong concentration solvent, having previously tested it on an inconspicuous area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe plastic.
  • Use dish soap and a sharp knife. Moisten the surface with a soapy substance, and when it “sags” a little, remove the protection with a knife.
  • In some cases, the chemicals used for cleaning help to remove the old protective film. cookers. The principle of operation is the same as in the case of dish gel.

How to remove the old film quickly and easily? Take note of one caveat: sunny weather when the windows warm up well, it will be easier to remove it. If you do not want to wait for the right weather, warm the window with a hair dryer before starting work.

Many users, faced with the problem of a window film firmly “soldered” with a PVC profile, are in a hurry to experiment, which does not always end well. Especially in the case of colored windows, there is a risk of destroying them. How to effectively and without disastrous consequences remove the old protective film from plastic windows, the WINDOWS MEDIA portal will tell.

All plastic windows come on the market with frames protected by the manufacturer with a self-adhesive film. By law, the protective film should be removed as soon as possible after the installation of the windows is completed - especially when the PVC window is exposed to direct sunlight.

Why is it so difficult to remove the old protective film from PVC windows?

Unfortunately, it happens quite often that due to the negligence of the installers or the user himself, the protective film on the PVC profile can remain even for several years. In this case, when the hands reach the point of putting the new plastic windows in order, the user will be in for an unpleasant surprise - it is almost impossible to remove the protective coating.

It is difficult to remove the old window film from the profile of a plastic window, because it consists of two layers. The outer layer (transparent film) begins to peel off under the influence of ultraviolet rays and is relatively easy to clean. But at the bottom there is a second layer of white plastic with markings - it is he who adheres so strongly to the substrate.

Particularly bad is the presence old film looks in the case of a tree-like profile, because usually a protective coating is used white color. Under the influence of UV rays, the film undergoes vulcanization and adheres very firmly to the surface of the PVC window. At the same time, it becomes less durable and breaks easily.


Some try to wash away protective layer gasoline, acetone or other solvents - this helps a little, but at the same time you can remove the wood texture that is applied to the frame lamination (white PVC windows are, of course, insured against this). Experts do not recommend exposing the surface of a colored PVC profile too strong mechanical impact (scraping or sanding), because it is very easy to damage the lamination layer.

Eureka: there is a way to get rid of the old protective film!

Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of the protective film, we suggest considering one of them. This method is simple, effective and, most importantly, will not destroy the plastic window. However, the procedure will take quite a long time and will require the use of a device with a steam cleaning function.

Such a device can be bought without problems, they are often sold in supermarkets. Please note that the package includes a special hose that allows you to fix the nozzle. Versions of this device often appear on the market, in which steam exits directly from the tank through a nozzle. In this case, you will have to constantly hold the heater in your hands during cleaning, but it will soon become clear that heating the film in the lower part of the frame is impossible in this case (the window sill interferes).

Work begins with filling the purifier with water and connecting it to the mains. After a few minutes, you can start heating small area protective film with a jet of steam (hold the nozzle directly over the film or even touch it). Heat up a small piece of 1-2 cm across the entire width. If the window film is already too old and not peeling off, you will need to reheat it (after it has cooled down). At this time, you can heat the protective coating of the window from the other end.

To remove the protective film with steam, shortly after heating a small area, you should try to separate the film from the substrate with your fingernail. This must be done carefully and slowly, across the entire width of the tape. This is the most important point. It is necessary to make sure that a small piece of the film is peeled off across the entire width. Then you can grab the end and slowly (!) tear off the film with parallel heating with steam from above and below (at the points of contact with the substrate).

If the protective film begins to tear and its fragment does not come off, you need to use a fingernail in this place and lead to a situation where it will peel off again over the entire width. After removing a sufficiently long fragment, cut it off with scissors, leaving 2-3 cm so that there is something to catch on to continue further cleaning the PVC profile.

After removing the protective layer on the surface window frame remains white coating, which is quite difficult to wash off. And here there is a proven way - you can use a glass cleaner for this purpose (for example, Mr. Muscle).

When buying new plastic windows, do not ignore the advice of the window company, which is clearly stated in the instruction manual, when it is worth removing the protective film from the PVC profile. This will save you both time and money, and save your nerves. In general, compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations, not only in this paragraph, but also in all others, is the key to the impeccable appearance and durability of your plastic windows.

The frames of plastic windows are protected with a special film to protect them from dirt, scratches and other damage during transportation and installation. It is very easy to remove the film from plastic windows if you do it in a timely manner, that is, immediately after the windows have been installed. If for some reason you are delayed with this, then removing the film can be a big problem. According to the instructions, the film must be removed within ten days after the installation of plastic windows. If you increase this period to a month or two, then, most likely, nothing terrible will happen. If the film remains on the frames for three or more months, then it will take a lot of effort to remove it.


Why does this problem occur? The fact is that the protective film consists of two layers and is glued to the frames with a special glue. Under the influence of heat and ultraviolet light, a thin inner layer of the film decomposes and tightly adheres to the plastic. To separate the top layer of the film is not as difficult as the inner one.

Factors that enhance the adhesion of the film to the frame:

  • Exposure to ultraviolet rays. If the film on the windows located on the shady side of the house can be removed after a few months, then on sunny side it will begin to soak into the frame after a few days.
  • Glue quality. The lower the quality of the adhesive that holds the film, the more difficult it will be to tear it off. In the case of installing cheap plastic windows, the likelihood of encountering low-quality glue is higher.
  • The impact of heat. If the windows are installed in winter, the film will begin to dry to the frame later. In the summer it will happen very quickly.
So, let's look at how to remove the film from plastic windows if it has not been removed in time.
  1. Use a building hair dryer. it the best remedy to remove the film. The main thing is to direct it to the frame, and not to the double-glazed window, otherwise it may burst from the temperature difference. The film is heated with hot air, dissolves and is easily removed. The only problem is to find a building hair dryer. Some try to use normal, in turbo mode. This can only be successful if the film is not adhered very strongly.
  2. Contact a cleaning company. Most of these companies provide a similar service, and they have the necessary devices for this: a building hair dryer, special scrapers and cleaners. And experience in solving similar problems.
  3. With a professional scraper for cleaning glass-ceramic cookers. Such a scraper will not damage the plastic.
  4. Slowly, piece by piece, picking up the edge of the film thin knife with a blade or scraper, and then tearing it off with your hands. Cutting tools 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.
  5. Weak solvent. When using thinner, be very careful and test in an inconspicuous area first. The solvent may change the color of the plastic frames.
  6. Eraser. A regular school pencil eraser can help remove film residue.
  7. Tough but not wire brush and soapy water. The method is suitable for the film on the shady side.
  8. white spirit. But it should not be applied on top, on pieces of the film, but between the film and the plastic. To do this, pry off the edge of the film, pour white spirit into this place, wait a bit and separate the film.
  9. "Cosmophen". In companies that install plastic windows, you can purchase a special plastic cleaning agent - Cosmofen. Depending on the degree of activity of the active substance, Cosmofen No. 5, Cosmofen No. 10 and Cosmofen No. 20 are distinguished. No. 5 is the strongest solvent, it dissolves plastic, so you need to use it with great care. However, like the other two. These are potent and hazardous to human health agents.
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 lead to more big problems. It is better to remove the protective film, and if necessary, stick masking tape on the frames. It won't be hard to take it off.

A protective film on the frames of metal-plastic windows is necessary to protect against dust, dirt and scratches that form during transportation and installation. Manufacturers indicate that after installation of the structure, it should be removed immediately, without delaying it, especially in the summer. Why you need to hurry and how to shoot the film - we'll talk in this article.

So, remember that it is necessary to remove the protective film from the frame in a timely manner, namely, immediately after installing the windows or in the next 10 days. If the film remains on the frames for one or two months, then you can easily handle it. But if this period increases to 3 or more months, you will have to sweat and put a lot of effort into getting rid of it, as it sticks tightly. It is worth removing not only the film from the PVC profile, but also the one that is located on the ebbs and the windowsill.

Film adhesion enhancing factors:

  • The action of ultraviolet. This takes into account which side of the house the windows are located on. The film on the shadow side can be easily removed even after a few months. In the sun, it’s hard to tear it off after a couple of days.
  • The quality of the adhesive. Film glued with bad glue is more difficult to remove. This very often happens when installing inexpensive metal-plastic windows.
  • Heat. When installing windows in the summer, the film dries very quickly, eating into the frame, winter period this process happens later.
The methods by which this problem can be solved are as follows: mechanical, chemical. The film can be removed with a scraper designed for cleaning cooking and glass-ceramic panels. To remove adhesive residue, small scratches, use the cleaner. Suitable COSMOFEN 10 or FENOSOL. Cosmofen can be bought from a company that installs metal-plastic structures. Do not take Cosmofen No. 5, as it is the most powerful solvent capable of dissolving plastic. Acrylic Thinner P-12 can do the job, but be careful and test the chemical on an inconspicuous area as it can change the color of the plastic frames. It is also recommended to use microfiber.


If the film does not tear off, it is removed in small pieces, you can use an industrial hair dryer. If not, take a home machine with high power and use it in turbo mode. Direct the flow of hot air to the frame itself, because if you direct it to the glass packages, they will burst. Heat the film, gently pry it with something until it cools, at an angle of 45 degrees. For example, a clerical knife, blade or scalpel. Now you can easily tear it off the profile. Try to use cutting tool as little as possible, and more to act with your fingers. To remove marks, proceed as described in point 2. Another method is similar to the method described above, but involves the use of a steam generator instead of a hair dryer. considered more efficient. In addition, you can remove the film with chemicals:
  1. Pour denatured alcohol into the spray bottle. Take an ordinary container for indoor plants. Spray the compound onto the frame plastic window, wait for a while - as a rule, a few minutes are enough, prying off the edge, gently pull the film.
  2. According to numerous reviews, the Shumanit tool, which is produced by the Israeli manufacturer Buggy, is distinguished by its miraculous effect. However, it is very strong, and you should act with extreme caution.
  3. Also, white spirit will help you in this difficult task. However, remember that it is not applied on top of the film, but in the space formed between it and the plastic. To do this, it is necessary to pry off the protective film with a cutting object and pour the substance there. After some time, the film can be easily peeled off.


All these methods will allow you to remove not only the film from the profile, but also the stickers located on the double-glazed windows, since the same glue is usually used in these cases. But it is better to remove the film in time. And if you still have to repair, and you are afraid to stain the frame, cover it with masking tape.

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