Spray bottle
For wetting the glass, adhesive and face of the film.
DIY installation guideHow to install
How to install
window film
A practical guide to applying reeded, frosted and coloured window films. Most adhesive-backed films follow a similar wet-application process, from preparing the glass to positioning, squeegeeing and trimming.
Start here
Before you begin
Thoroughly clean your workspace and check over your film before you begin. Make sure you have enough material, confirm the pattern direction and keep everything you need within reach.
- Check the instructions for your exact film before starting. Its specified solution, edge clearance, tools and curing time take priority.
- Confirm the film is suitable for your glass and the side you intend to apply it to.
- Clear a clean area for cutting and handling the film. Keep dust, pets and loose fibres away.
- Arrange a helper for large panels and safe access to the top of the glass. Protect nearby surfaces from water.
Tools and materials
What you’ll need
Gather these tools before removing the backing from your film.
Window-cleaning squeegee
For removing dirty water from the bare glass.
Vinyl squeegee
For pressing application water out from under the film.
Sharp utility knife
For cutting the film and trimming the edges neatly.
Trimming guide
A hard card or suitable guide to keep your cut steady.
Lint-free cloth
For cleaning the frame and catching runoff. Never wipe the adhesive.
Tape measure
Measure every pane separately before cutting your film.
Dishwashing liquid
A few drops of Morning Fresh Original in water, for films that allow a soapy-water solution.
Follow in order
Installing the film, step by step
Read through the process once before starting. Then work through one pane at a time.
- 01Measure and cut the film
- 02Clean the glass and frame
- 03Support the film on wet glass
- 04Peel the liner and wet the adhesive
- 05Turn and position the film
- 06Squeegee out the water
- 07Trim the edges
- 08Finish and leave to cure
Mix your application solution
For this wet-application method, use a few drops of dishwashing liquid, such as Morning Fresh, per litre of water. You only need a small amount. If your film specifies a different solution or dilution, follow that instead.
The solution lets you slide the film into position before the adhesive grips. Spray it onto the glass, the exposed adhesive and the outside face of the film. Too much soap makes the sheet slide around; too little can make it grab too soon.
Step 01
Measure and cut the film
- Measure the width and height of each pane inside the frame. Don’t assume neighbouring panes are identical.
- Check the pattern direction. On reeded film, keep the ribs aligned as intended across the panes.
- On a clean surface, cut the film roughly 20–30 mm larger on every edge. Leave the release liner attached.
Step 02
Clean the glass and frame
- Thoroughly clean the glass. Remove dust, dirt and residue, including in the corners and along the frame.
- Spray the glass again and use your window-cleaning squeegee to remove the dirty water.
- Wipe around the edges with a clean lint-free cloth. Check the pane before bringing the film over.
Step 03
Support the film on wet glass
- Give the clean glass a generous spray of application solution.
- For this method, rest the front face of the film against the wet pane, with the release liner facing you.
- Support the film while you get ready to peel the liner. A helper makes larger pieces much easier to handle.
Step 04
Peel the liner and wet the adhesive
- Start separating the release liner from one corner.
- As you peel it away, generously spray the adhesive you expose.
- Continue peeling and spraying until the liner is fully removed and the adhesive is wet.
Step 05
Turn and position the film
- Spray the glass again so it is still thoroughly wet.
- Carefully lift and turn the sheet so the wet adhesive faces the glass. Place it onto the pane.
- Slide it into position while it is wet. Check that the whole pane is covered, with excess at every edge.
- Align the pattern before squeegeeing. For reeded film, check the ribs against the vertical frame.
Step 06
Squeegee out the water
- Spray the outside face of the film so your vinyl squeegee can glide without dragging or scratching.
- Start near the top. Work from the centre towards the edges with firm, overlapping strokes.
- Gradually move down the pane, pushing the solution out so the adhesive can contact the glass.
- Keep the squeegee clean and the face wet as you work. Use any surface protection specified for your film.
Step 07
Trim the edges
- Once the film is firmly in position, hold a hard card or suitable guide steadily against the perimeter.
- Use a sharp utility knife along the guide to cut away the excess. Follow the edge clearance specified for your film.
- Carefully remove the offcuts without tugging on the installed sheet.
Step 08
Finish and leave to cure
- Spray the face again and make a final squeegee pass, paying attention to edges and corners.
- Catch runoff around the frame with your lint-free cloth without disturbing the film.
- Check for any areas you missed, then leave the film alone to dry and bond.
During and after installation
Common questions
If you’re unsure, send us the film name, a photo and a description of what happened. We can help you decide what to do next.
Ask for installation help ↗The film grabs before I can position it
Apply more solution to both the glass and the adhesive. If your mix is not giving enough slip, add a little more soap, within the guidance for your film. Keep both surfaces thoroughly wet while positioning.
The film keeps sliding when I squeegee
You may have used too much soap. Mix a fresh batch with less soap. While the film is still freshly applied and can be lifted without stretching, gently peel back the top corners one at a time. Spray the glass and exposed adhesive with the fresh solution to rinse away some of the excess soap, reposition and squeegee again.
There is a small pocket of water or haze underneath
While fitting, wet the face and gently squeegee trapped water towards the nearest edge. If it will not move, check whether it is an isolated pocket or general moisture haze. Haze can clear during drying and should not be punctured.
For a stubborn isolated bubble, a tiny release point at its lowest edge is a repair technique for some films. Only use it if the instructions for your exact film permit it; otherwise send us a photo before cutting or pricking the surface.
I can see dust on the film
During installation, try rinsing loose dust from the exposed adhesive with your application solution. Don’t wipe the adhesive with a cloth. If the dust is already trapped beneath film that has bonded, contact us before lifting it.
There is a crease in the film
Repair depends on the type of film and how badly it is creased. Send us a photo and the product name before attempting to rework it. Do not use a heat gun near glass or pour boiling water onto it; ask us for a method suitable for your film and glazing.
When can I clean the finished film?
For the reeded film shown in this guide, wait at least 24 hours before gentle cleaning. Use a soft cloth and avoid scrubbing the edges.
Other films have different waiting periods. For example, 3M specifies 30 days for FASARA. Follow your film’s care instructions if they require longer.
The installation shown in this guide
Before and after
Reeded film applied to the existing meeting-room glass. These are photographs of the actual Footprint installation.
