Effects of condensation on window film

This time of year, we get the odd call from people about their window tinting looking bad.
In most cases, we find that the scratch resistant coating is failing, due to condensation.

Window film is made of polyester with an adhesive coating on the glass side and a scratch resistant coating on the top side. This layer is very hard and has little flexibility.
After a few years of thermal cycling (hot-cold) the top coating can break down, especially if it is exposed to UV light.The coating is cracking into tiny little pieces and may show up as loss of optical clarity initially, then becoming almost opaque.
If you now add condensation into the equation, the whole thing happens much faster. The water soaks the weakened layer and when you wipe the glass it looks dirty.
There is nothing you can do to remedy the problem and the film needs to replaced. Unfortunately you cannot claim under warranty, as condensation is considered an environmental cause and excluded from liability of the film's manufacturer or agent.

This problem is not found with frosted film, used in wet areas, such as bathrooms. Frosted film can be effected with glue failure by condensation. This becomes evident, when it starts to shrink and develops wrinkles. We only use cast vinyl, to avoid these problems and you can be assured of the film lasting for many years without any problems.

Ph 0800 846 892

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