TECHNICAL BULLETIN

Avery Dennison® Exterior Window Films

Publication: 01/2018

Introduction

Avery Dennison® Exterior Window Films are flexible polymer laminates with a hard abrasion-resistant coating optimized for outdoor architectural applications. A soft multilayer construction combined with an exceptional scratch-resistant coating provides an extremely robust product, guaranteed against harsh weather conditions for extended periods.

Avery Dennison® Exterior Window Films offer a universal solution for installation on modern glazing systems, minimizing the risk of thermal breakage or seal failure, and enhancing the efficiency of high-performance reflective, tinted, laminated, or low-emissivity windows. These films maximize solar energy rejection and improve the exterior appearance of the building.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

• Soft multilayer construction
• Unique scratch-resistant coating for outdoor applications
• Optimized pressure-sensitive adhesive systems
• 99% UV ray blockage
• Wide range of products for outdoor use

Product Applications

Type of Glazing

Avery Dennison® Exterior Window Films are suitable for outdoor installation on tinted, laminated, double-glazed, or high-performance low-emissivity windows, and for use in locations where access for standard indoor installation is difficult or prohibited. These films can be applied without fear of glass breakage and outperform similar films installed indoors.

Avery Dennison® Exterior Window Films enhance the efficiency of high-performance reflective, tinted, laminated, or low-emissivity windows. For example, the combined effect of near-IR reflection by the film and far-IR reflection by the low-emissivity glass generates emissivity levels lower than those offered by low-emissivity coating alone.

Avery Dennison® Exterior Films are not recommended for use on textured, hydrophobic, or other glazed panels with an exterior coating.

Film Features and Benefits

Universal Installation

• Suitable for outdoor installation on modern glazing systems
• Negligible risk of thermal shock
• Enhanced functionality of high-performance glazing
• Uniform and modern appearance for all types of windows in the building

Extended Longevity

A unique hard and durable coating and the soft construction of the product reduce mechanical, physical, and chemical stresses in the laminate, extending the film's lifespan:

• Durability tested by accelerated field test methods (i.e., standard weathering equipment and exclusive extreme proprietary condition simulation)
• Durability up to 7 years

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

• Easy-to-clean scratch-resistant coating
• Easy-to-wipe anti-graffiti coating

Installation and Maintenance

Glass Preparation

The ambient air temperature during installation should be between 5°C and 40ºC.

• Do not install film in high winds or heavy rain!
• Use a wetting solution made of water and detergent-free soap, such as baby shampoo.
• Only use non-abrasive cloths and soft squeegees to clean the glass.
• Use a new razor blade to remove dirt, dust, or any other small particles from the glass surface.

Film Installation

Wetting Solution

The wetting solution should consist of water and detergent-free soap, such as baby shampoo. Use about 4 drops of soap per liter of water for the sliding solution. The detergent-free soap used should not contain additives such as lanolin or silicone that could affect the adhesive bond strength.

Edge Sealing

Outdoor installation of Avery Dennison® Exterior Films requires a neutral silicone sealant for the edges for outdoor use (such as Dow Corning 995 or 885, GE Max 5000, or an equivalent neutral silicone sealant for outdoor installation) on all four sides of the film. Profiles must be free of paint, emulsions, etc., before installation and the edge sealing process.

Joint Splicing

If joint splicing is necessary, please use Dow Corning 1199 neutral edge sealant. Caution should be exercised when using any cleaning chemicals. Refer to the manufacturer's safety data sheet and follow all instructions and guidelines.

Installation

Recommended Tools: Spray bottle with wetting solution (one liter of tap water and 4 drops of detergent-free soap); scraper, cutter.

1. Glass Preparation: Thoroughly clean the glass and frame with soapy water and a scraper. Be very meticulous during the cleaning and preparation of the glass and frame to minimize dirt and imperfections under the film.
2. Spray the film on both sides to avoid static charges (less dirt during installation) and flatten the film.
3. Wet the glass again with a generous amount of wetting solution.
4. Using two pieces of tape, separate the backing from the film.
5. Caution! It is recommended to have two installers to ensure careful handling of the film during installation.
6. Remove the release liner from the film and spray the exposed adhesive layer with a large amount of wetting solution.
7. Place the film on the glass with the wet adhesive side against the glass.
8. Using a sturdy 15 cm safety film squeegee, wipe the film from the center with firm movements downwards and outwards, eliminating trapped water and air bubbles between the film and the glass.
9. Trim the edges of the film adjacent to the window frame, using the cutter and cutting tool.
10. Remove the edge trim.
11. Wet the film surface again and press firmly with the squeegee, wiping from the center until all air bubbles and remaining water are removed from the edges.
12. Wipe the edges of the film and the glass using a card wrapped in a paper towel.
13. Allow the film to dry for 24 hours, then within 72 hours, finish with edge sealing on all four edges.

Maintenance

Exterior films should be cleaned four times a year to maintain the appearance and transparency of the film. This measure is particularly important on all sloped or horizontal installations, as dirt accumulation and precipitation can cause problems. Installations in areas with high air pollution (such as heavily industrial areas) may require more frequent cleaning.

To ensure maximum film lifespan, do not use ammonia-based cleaning products to prepare the glass for installation, nor abrasive cleaning products to clean the film surface. Films should be cleaned with a non-abrasive liquid cleaner that contains no solvents or alcohol, and has a pH between 4 and 10 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline), such as water with a few drops of Johnson's baby shampoo.

Removal of Window Film

Removing the film will be easier and more effective if the ambient air temperature is between 15°C and 30°C. We recommend removing the film by gently scoring it.

Instructions for Film Removal

1. Preparation:

   • Cut the film into strips about 5 cm wide with a cutter, avoiding contact with the glass.
   • Start removing the film from the edge using a window film scraper.

2. Removal:

   • Slowly and gently remove the film strip from the surface at a 90° angle with a continuous motion.

3. Adhesive Residues:

   • Adhesive residues may remain on the glass after film removal.
   • These can be removed by gently wiping the adhesive traces (not the entire surface) with a non-abrasive cloth or a towel soaked in IPA (isopropanol) or denatured alcohol (ethanol).

©2016 Avery Dennison Corporation. All rights reserved. Avery Dennison and all other Avery Dennison brands, this publication, its content, product names, and codes are the property of Avery Dennison. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. This publication may not be used, copied, or reproduced in whole or in part for any purpose other than marketing conducted by Avery Dennison.

DISCLAIMER

All statements, technical information, and recommendations from Avery Dennison are based on tests deemed reliable, but do not constitute a guarantee. All Avery Dennison products are sold with the understanding that the buyer has independently determined the suitability of these products for their use. All Avery Dennison products are sold in accordance with Avery Dennison's general terms and conditions of sale, see http://terms.europe.averydennison.com.