Installation Instructions

Generously spray the window with the Application
Solution, use a razor blade to remove stubborn dirt
or paint. Use special care cleaning the corners. Re-
wet the window, then squeegee downward. Wipe off
accumulated dirt from the window gasket with a soft
cloth. If possible, clean the outside of the window for
the best clarity.
CLEAN WINDOW
1.
Hint!
Greasy or smoke-covered windows can be cleaned first with
glass cleaner then rinsed thoroughly with the Application
Solution. Apply film to cool shaded windows when glass
temperature is between 45-90ºF. For best results, do not apply
in direct sunlight or freezing weather.
Please read these instructions carefully before beginning. You may
want to watch the instructional video online at gilafilms.com for
a thorough demonstration. We recommend practicing the steps with
a small piece of film or on a smaller window. Application is easier
with two people, especially on larger windows.
(Sold in GILA Tool Kit)
• GILA® Window Film Application Solution – Ready to
use for cleaning and application. Do not dilute or mix
with water.
• Squeegee and squeegee card – For smoothing the film
• Utility knife – For trimming the film
• GILA Edging Tool – To ensure a clean edge
• Low-lint cloth – For cleaning the film and the glass
Tools Needed
(Household items)
• Single-edged razor blade – For cleaning the glass
• Ruler or tape measure
• Transparent tape
• Scissors
Unroll the film on a clean, flat surface. Carefully measure
your window before cutting. Cut the film at least an inch
larger than the glass on all four sides. The excess will be
trimmed once film is applied.
MEASURE AND CUT FILM
2.
Hint!
Try to use at least one of the factory edges. Work in a dust-
free area. Turn off fans.
Leaving the film
on a clean, flat
surface, select
one corner of
the film and
attach two
small pieces
of transparent
tape (3-4
inches) to each
side – one on
the film and one on the liner. Leave some tape hanging
over the corner of the film (about 1 inch). Press the two
pieces of tape firmly together, then quickly pull them
apart to begin separating the clear liner away from the
adhesive side of the film.You have identified the liner!
Leave the tape in place and move to the next step.
IDENTIFY CLEAR LINER
3.
Hint!
Usually the liner is on the outside surface of the film roll. You
may want to fold the ends of the tape over themselves to
keep the two pieces of tape from sticking together.
Generously spray the Application Solution onto the inside
surface of the window and both sides of the film. This
helps reduce film curl and static electricity.
WET WINDOW AND FILM
4.
Hint!
Have a helper hold the film by the edges while you spray.
Flip the film over and repeat on the other side.
Peel the two strips of tape apart to release the liner
from the corner. As you begin to pull away the liner,
spray the exposed adhesive side of the film with the
Application Solution until the clear liner is removed and
the adhesive side is completely saturated. Try to keep
the film from touching itself.
REMOVE CLEAR LINER
5.
Hint!
Have a helper hold the film while you peel the clear liner
away and spray the adhesive side of the film. Handle the
film very carefully to prevent creasing.
Hold the film so that the adhesive side is facing the
window and apply to the glass. Use your hands to
smooth the film out and position it so that the excess
1” is overlapping the window on all four sides.
APPLY FILM TO GLASS
6.
Hint!
If you’re using a factory edge, line that up to the window
edge. For larger pieces of film, leave some of the liner on
the film while you apply it to the glass. Once the film is in
place, remove the liner completely.
Spray the entire surface of the film facing you with the
Application Solution. Lightly squeegee the centerline
of the film from top to bottom to set it in place. Begin
to smooth the film, starting at the top of the window.
Squeegee from the center to the right side and work
downward, leaving a 2” perimeter around the edges
unsqueegeed. Repeat this process for the left side.
SMOOTH FILM
7.
Hint!
If “fingers,” or longer, larger bubbles, appear along any edge,
wrap your squeegee with a low-lint cloth and carefully push
the “fingers” toward the edge of the film. The cloth will
absorb the excess water. The hard card squeegee works
great for this.
The GILA Edging Tool has a small slit along the edge.
Place the utility knife in this slit and line knife and
Edging Tool up to a top corner edge of the window.
Slowly and firmly, pull the knife and Edging Tool down
the window to trim the film. Re-position the knife
and tools to get the corners. Gently pull the trimmed
film away from the window. Repeat this process on all
four edges of the film.
TRIM FILM
8.
Hint!
The GILA Edging Tool leaves a 1/16” gap between the film
and the edge of the window, this gap is essential for the
proper thermal expansion of the glass. Use a new blade
after every 10 feet of film you cut. Cutting film causes the
blade to dull quickly, which can tear the film.
ENJOY THE VIEW!
10.
Rewet the film and squeegee from the center to the
right side, working from the top down.
Repeat this process for the left side. Press firmly to
remove all the water so that the adhesive can cure
clearly. If air bubbles are present, squeegee them out.
Any remaining small water bubbles should evaporate
as the film cures.
SQUEEGEE DRY
9.
Hint!
CORRECTING MISTAKES:
You may notice imperfections such as air bubbles or debris
between the film and the glass. EZMount adhesive allows
you to peel the film away from the glass, fix the problem,
and re-apply for up to 24 hours. Simply peel the affected
area of the film away from the glass and use your squeegee
or knife to remove any debris or bubble. Respray the
adhesive with the Application Solution and re-apply to the
glass. Once applied, re-spray the outer surface of the film
and re-squeegee.
CLEANING AND CARE:
For best results, use the Application Solution. Wipe clean with
a rubber squeegee or low-lint cloth. If using an ammonia-based
glass cleaner, do not allow the cleaner to stay on the film for
more than 2 minutes.
REMOVAL:
EZMount adhesive makes removal easy and clean. Removal
is as easy as peeling the film away from the glass. However,
depending on when you purchased your film, it may not contain
EZMount adhesive. If your film has been installed for several
years or it doesn’t peel off the glass easily, please use GILA
Film Removal Solution (which is sold at the GILA film display in
most retail outlets) to facilitate removal. More detailed removal
instructions can be found at gilafilms.com.
INTENDED USE:
GILA residential window film should only be applied as directed:
• Apply to the INSIDE surface of standard 1/8” single and
dual panes. This includes single, dual, removable storm panes,
all window shapes such as patio and French doors, and
half-rounds.
• Apply to the INSIDE surface of exterior removable
storm panes.
FOR WINDOWS LARGER THAN FILM SIzE
To cover larger windows, you may need to seam the film, as
you would wallpaper. To obtain a perfect butt seam, vertically
overlap two sides, then use a ruler as a straight edge to guide
your knife as you cut through the center of both layers of film.
After cutting the seam line, peel the loose sheet of film from
the top, then lift the edge and slide the other waste piece from
underneath. Rewet the glass, lay down the film, rewet the film,
then squeegee from top to bottom in a slow, firm vertical
motion. A week after installation, you should waterproof the
seam with a coat of clear fingernail polish.
CAUTION:
Do not apply GILA residential films to plastic or Plexiglas
surfaces or to motor vehicle windows. For information on
products designed for these applications, visit gilafilms.com. Do
not apply any film to frosted, etched, leaded, cracked, holed, or
deeply scratched glass, or any otherwise flawed or defective
glass or glass that is more than 40 years old.
CONSUMER SUPPORT:
For additional technical support or product inquiries,
please write, call, or go online:
GILA Film Products
P.O. Box 5068 • Martinsville, VA 24115 USA
Consumer Service Hotline, 1-800-528-4481
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm EST
web: www.gilafilms.com • gilahelp@cpfilms.com
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:
Film may last up to 10 years, depending on exposure to the
elements, handling, and care. GILA will gladly replace any
product with a manufacturing defect. Send the original sales
receipt, an explanation of the defect, a 4” x 4” sample of the
defective film, and the product UPC code from the packaging to:
GILA Film Products • DIY/WAR
P.O. Box 5068 • Martinsville, VA 24115 USA
All claims must be submitted in writing.
Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.
HI0603
© 2007 GILA is a registered trademark of CPFilms Inc., a division of St. Louis-based Solutia, Inc.
Great work. You have successfully applied your GILA
Window Film. The film will fully “cure” over the next 7
to 10 days. Dry, sunny weather speeds curing. During
curing, the film might appear hazy, this effect will
disappear with time.