Window Film FAQ's
There are a lot of misconceptions about window films. Select any of the links to learn the answers to frequently asked questions.
What is window film made of?
Do you install window film on the inside or outside of a car or building?
What is the procedure to install window film?
Can you apply window film to Plexiglas®?
Can you apply window film to tinted or Low-E glass?
What is the life expectancy of window film?
How is 3M window film warranted?
Will my energy costs decrease?
Will my furniture fade be reduced?
How do I clean the filmed surface after installation?
How long has AGE been installing window film?
Detailing FAQ’s
Select any of the links below to learn answers relating to our detailing service.
Why is detailing necessary?
My car is practically brand new, why do I need it detailed if it isn’t in bad condition?
What is a clay bar and why is it important?
What is the difference between “waxing” and “polishing”?
What are swirl marks?
Can all scratches be removed from the paint?
What are paint sealants?
How often should I wash, wax, or polish my vehicle?
Window Film FAQ’s
What is window film made of?
Different polyesters are transformed during the manufacturing process to produce a thin, transparent film that adheres to glass when a pressure sensitive adhesive is activated by a mild solution of detergent and water.
Do you install window film on the inside or outside of a car or building?
Window film is typically installed on the interior side of a window.
What is the procedure to install window film?
The individual installation steps, assuming a typical interior application, would be as follows:
- Prepare window area by placing drop cloths around area
- Thoroughly clean interior side of glass pane and gaskets with a mild solution of detergent and water to remove dirt and other residue
- Wet glass with solution
- Place film against glass
- Squeegee to remove excess solution between glass and film
- Trim film to gasket
- "5-way" film edges to ensure film lies flat
- Wipe film to ensure clean finished product
- Remove drop cloths
Can you apply window film to Plexiglas®?
No. The film’s specially designed adhesive will not adhere to Plexiglas®.
Can you apply window film to tinted / Low-E glass?
Absolutely! You will notice enhanced energy performance from your tinted / Low-E glass windows after installation.
What is the life expectancy of window film?
The life expectancy of window film is dependent upon multiple variables (climate, exposure to sun, etc…). The average life expectancy is ten years and beyond; and, many customers have had 3M window film on their windows for over twenty years.
How is 3M window film warranted?
Please visit the warranty section for more information.
Will my energy costs decrease?
Absolutely! The amount of money saved depends upon the type of film chosen and certain property-specific variables (location, climate, existing energy costs, HVAC system, etc…).
Will my car interiors fade be reduced?
Yes! Furniture and fabric fade is partially caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. All 3M films block out 98% - 99.9% of UV light.
How do I clean the filmed surface after installation?
Window films may be washed with common washing solutions (including ammonia-based products) thirty days after installation. Abrasive cleaning agents and bristle brushes which would scratch the film can not be used. Synthetic sponges, squeegees, or soft cloths are recommended in addition to the cleaning solution. To maintain your warranty, do not use tape or other adhesive products on the film.
How long has AGE been installing window film?
AGE has been installing window film since its incorporation in 1981. Our certified, in-house production crew have performed applications on hundreds of cars and buildings throughout the UAE.
Detailing FAQ’s
Why is detailing necessary?
Having your vehicle detailed on a regular basis helps reduce deterioration of the finish. Older vehicles had single stage paint finishes that easily oxidized and reduce d over time. Today's vehicles mostly have clear coated finishes which can still oxidize, lose shine, and peel (also known as clear coat failure). Cleansing, polishing, and waxing can help reduce these harmful effects and prolong paint life. Not to mention a regularly detailed car can hold its value better and best of all can look great. A vehicle is a very expensive investment, why not keep it looking its best!
My car is practically brand new, why do I need it detailed if it isn’t in bad condition?
While a next to new car or brand new car may not need high reconditioning, it still needs to be maintained. Constant upkeep will help keep your vehicle looking new for as long as possible. If polishing is not needed to remove defects then a light cleanser can be applied after clay barring, then a wax or sealant applied to lock the beauty. Remember that although vehicles have clear coat, the clear coat still has to be protected from the elements.
What is a clay bar and why is it important?
Automotive clay bar is pretty much just that, a bar of clay made specifically for automotive finishes. Whether your car is less than month old or years old, the paint is subjected to constant exposure to industrial fall out, tar, bugs, brake dust, exhaust, overspray, and general pollution. Washing and even polishing is not effective enough to remove these harmful contaminants from your paint. Clay barring the vehicle will "pull" these items from the paint leaving the finish as smooth as glass and improves overall clarity. Claying also ensures that waxes or sealants bonds to the surface properly increasing the durability of protection.
What is the difference between “waxing” and “polishing”?
Waxing mainly refers to adding a layer of carnauba wax to increase shine and protect the paint. Polishing is using chemicals and/or abrasive polishes to reduce scratches, remove oxidation, remove swirl marks, and improve the appearance of the finish. Hand polishing is possible but machine polishing is more effective and faster.
What are swirl marks?
Also known as "spider-webbing," swirl marks are very fine scratches in the clear coat of paint finishes that appears to look like spider webs in circular patterns. Swirl marks are highly visible under direct sunlight or powerful artificial lights such as the ones found at gas station pumps or street lamps. Swirls usually occur due to improper washing techniques and/or using abrasive materials when touching the paint. In order to remove swirls, polishing is necessary to level the clear coat safely to where swirls are no longer visible.
Can all scratches be removed from the paint?
The answer is yes AND no. Scratches are essentially removed paint from the surface. Depending on the severity of scratch (how deep and wide) the clear coat around it can be leveled (either wet sanded or polished) to reduce the appearance of the scratch. Some scratches are simply too deep to reduce safely, general rule of thumb, if you can catch the scratch with your fingernail it is too deep to polish out completely.
What are paint sealants?
Sealants are synthetic and chemically engineered polymers used for paint protection. They have similar characteristics as traditional waxes such as improving appearance and adding a protective barrier against the elements but that is as similar as they get. Generally, sealants have more durability (how long it lasts on the paint) then waxes. Sealants can last anywhere from 3-6 months depending on environmental conditions and other factors. They can last longer during summer heat as they have a much higher melting point than traditional carnauba waxes.
How often should I wash, wax, or polish my vehicle?
Washing, waxing, and polishing should be done "as necessary," but if a time recommendation had to be given, we suggest washing your vehicle once a week, waxing once every 1 to 2 months, and semi-deep polishing twice a year. We would also HIGHLY recommend clay barring your vehicle at least twice a year as well. Keep in mind that these recommendations are subjective due to differences in environmental conditions and how vehicles are kept.
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