How to remove the protective film from plastic windows

One of the advantages of metal—plastic windows is the absence of the need for labor-intensive care. At the same time, compliance with basic recommendations for window care can significantly increase their service life.

The basis of any window structure is a plastic (polyvinyl chloride) profile. During its manufacture, a protective film is glued to the surface — after completion of repair or installation work, it must be removed as soon as possible. It is intended only to protect the profile from contamination and mechanical damage during transportation/installation and is not designed for long-term service.

But sometimes the owners of metal-plastic windows forget to remove the film after installation or finishing. In this case, due to the polymerization of the glue, it will be much more difficult to remove the film. In addition, the glue turns yellow under the influence of ultraviolet light — because of this, ugly stains may remain on the surface of the profile.

Tips for removing films from metal-plastic windows, given below, will help you cope with this situation.

How to remove the film if the structure is installed recently

The adhesive that is used to fix the film on the profile is designed for temporary use. Therefore, its adhesion is low. It is very easy to separate the film — it is enough to gently pry its edge and remove it from the profile with minimal effort. If a part of the glue remains on the surface, it can be easily removed with a sponge or soap solution.

Sometimes, after the installation is completed, there is a need to protect the window from contamination or damage during finishing work. To do this, it is better not to leave the film on the profile, but to use masking tape. It is strong enough, easily glued to PVC and just as easily removed after finishing. Small dirt is then easily removed with a soft sponge or rag.

How to remove the film that has dried on the window

Over time, the glue with which the film is fixed on the profile polymerizes and dries. Because of this, it becomes more difficult to remove the film from the profile — it breaks when trying to separate it from PVC and leaves hard-to-remove traces on the window.

It is possible to solve this problem and not damage the profile using such techniques:

• If the glue is not completely dry, you can try to soften it by applying a soap solution with a sponge.
• Another useful device is a school eraser. A small spot of glue dried on the window can simply be erased without a trace.
• Stain removal formulations can be used to clean the profile from glue residues or small pieces of film. The main thing is that the product does not damage the polyvinyl chloride.
• PVC cleaners are even better suited. They do not dissolve PVC, but at the same time they quickly soften both the glue and the material from which the film is made.

Advice! For removal, it is better to use a ceramic or plastic scraper. Unlike metal spatulas, plastic and ceramics are less likely to leave scratches on PVC.

To soften or peel off the adhesive with a protective film, it is sometimes recommended to use a hair dryer (industrial or conventional). This technique is effective, but when the plastic profile is overheated, it can deform. Therefore, it is worth using the heating technology with caution.

The material from which metal-plastic windows are made is sensitive to the effects of certain chemicals. Therefore, it is not necessary to use solvents based on acetone, chlorine or aggressive acids to remove the protective film. Also, do not use abrasive cleaners — the dense particles contained in them will inevitably leave traces on the surface of the profile.

The protective film should be removed from the window no later than 3 months after the installation of the structure. This will prevent the glue from drying out and facilitate the work of putting the window in order. 

You can order plastic windows by following the link