Step-by-Step Guide For GRP Film Installation
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- View installation video above
- Install kit is required (sold separately)
- An average installation should take about 20 minutes
- We recommend having two people install the product
- Before application, insure the windshield is extremely clean with no cleaner residue, dust, lint, or contamination of any kind
- When finished, let the film cure for 2 to 4 hours
- Washing the vehicle is not recommended for at least 3 to 5 days after the initial installation
- Film is susceptible to removal if pressure washer stream is applied to the edge of the film
- Please read through all instructions and FAQ’s below before beginning the install process
01
Thoroughly clean the windshield and place a clean lint free towel on the hood of your vehicle, removing any dust and debris. Ideally, clean the entire vehicle, as any dust or debris can impact the quality of the installation. Installations are best when performed in a garage or enclosed area, and it is important to ensure that ceiling fans or vents are turned off.
Note: If applying to a polycarbonate windshield, it may be best to remove it and place it on a level and flat surface with the center and edges well supported to minimize any bending of the windshield when pressure is applied with the squeegee and hard card.
02
Generously apply solution to the windshield surface and use the provided squeegee to thoroughly clean the windshield again.
Note: Polycarbonate windshields tend to attract dirt from static built up within the material. Use tape or a clean lint roller to remove dust just before install.
03
Re-apply solution to the windshield, ensuring that there are no dry spots. Don’t worry about applying too much solution.
04
Remove the liner layer, which is clearly marked, from the film and generously spray installation solution on the film’s adhesive, which will be exposed when you remove the liner. Make sure the windshield is still wet with solution, and apply more if necessary.
05
With the help of a friend standing on the opposite side of where you are standing, lift the film from towel and apply it to your windshield. Align the edges of the film with the windshield edges, allowing an equal amount of space around the all around.
06
Squeegee your windshield to remove all the solution, starting from the center of the windshield and squeegee from top to bottom, and then again from the center out to the sides. Be sure to apply a LOT of pressure to remove as much solution as possible. Repeat the squeegee steps to remove as much moisture as possible. It may take a few days for the moisture to completely dry. The hard card with a paper towel wrapped around it can be used to remove any remaining bubbles and firm up edges.
Tear-off Installation FAQ
Do I need to have a friend help install the film?
We recommend having two people install to help guide the film over the hood and onto the windshield. Having someone help you will make the installation much easier.
I bought the product, but don’t feel comfortable installing it myself. Can I bring this to my local window tint shop to have it installed?
Yes. Any automotive window tint shop should be able to install the film
What is the optimal temperature range for installing the film?
We recommend installing indoors at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Temperatures above or below this range might cause the film to cure improperly, which can lead to installation failure. Please be sure to install the Windshield Defense product when rain isn’t in the forecast for at least 24 hours. You will need to keep the product free from rain, mud, or snow to allow the film to cure properly.
Should I take the film out of the box and clean it before putting it on my vehicle?
Yes. We recommend taking the film out of the box, cleaning both sides and then letting it sit on a workbench or table overnight. The film needs time to relax and lay flat to adhere to the glass properly. Failure to follow these steps can result in a poor installation.
Do you recommend a specific paper towel to use for the installation process?
You can use any lint-free paper towel.
If I have Rain-X® or a hydrophobic ceramic coating on my glass, does it need to be removed before installing tear-off film?
YES. You MUST remove Rain-X® or any other hydrophobic ceramic coating before installing Windshield Defense™. Failure to do so can result in a poor installation because these special coatings will ruin the films adhesive. Tear-off film has hydrophobic properties that help remove rain while driving. Remember to remove these products from your vehicle’s windshield according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Does each layer need to be installed separately?
NO. Each tear-off is a pre-laminated, three-layer product and only needs to be installed once. Each layer can then be individually removed as needed.
If I failed to align the film on the windshield correctly, can I lift it off the glass and reposition it?
Yes, but you have no more than two minutes to do so. The adhesive will start curing once the liner has been removed and you have applied the installation solution. If you need to reposition the film, do it as quickly as possible and repeat the spraying of the installation solution on the films adhesive and the glass. Failure to do so can cause a poor installation.
How much pressure should I apply when removing the installation solution with a squeegee?
We recommend you apply VERY firm and consistent pressure with the squeegee to remove as much solution as possible from between the glass and the film. DO NOT BE AFRAID to apply significant pressure as you will not damage your Windshield Defense™. This part of the installation process is curtail to remove all of the installation solution that was used. If needed, repeat the squeegee steps multiple times to ensure the solution has been removed. Failure to do so will result in small blurry or white dots throughout the film. This can also slow down the curing process.
What should I do if any of the film pops up during the installation process?
If a small area of the film pops up during installation, simply grab a fresh paper towel to cover the squeegee and apply strong downward pressure. If that doesn’t solve the problem, let the area sit for 5 to 10 minutes while completing the rest of the installation. Squeegee the area again with a fresh paper towel, it should then lay down without issue.
How long do I need to wait until I can clean the windshield?
You can clean the windshield after the product has had roughly one hour to cure. Make sure to only use ammonia-free glass cleaners. We recommend Sprayway Glass Cleaner and Chemical Guys Signature Series Glass Cleaner.
Can Rain-X® be added on top of tear-off film?
You can add Rain-X® to your windshield on top of the tear-off layers, but it’s unnecessary. All our products have hydrophobic properties that help remove rain while driving.
After I have installed the film, how long should I wait before driving the vehicle?
Before driving your vehicle with film installed, we recommend letting the product cure for 2 to 4 hours. After you install the film onto your windshield, let it sit for roughly an hour indoors to ensure the film has had proper time to adhere. This also allows you to inspect the installation prior to driving. Any areas that may have popped up can simply be squeegeed back into place during this time. You can then bring the vehicle outside to let it continue curing in the sunlight.
Curing times will vary according to your location, the time of day and weather conditions. The film will cure faster if you live in a warm, dry climate and cure slightly slower in colder, more humid locations.
How long should I wait after installing tear-off film before driving my Vehicle in the rain?
We recommend waiting for at least 24 hours before any exposure to rain and 3 to 5 days before any wash.
Can the tear-off film withstand pressure washing?
Yes, but be mindful of direct pressure washer spray at an edge of the film. A direct hit to the edge may blow off the film.
I installed the product and then a rock hit my windshield. How long do I need to wait before I can remove a layer?
After the film has cured for 24 to 48 hours, it is safe to remove a layer if needed.