How to Install Removable Window Film | SOYAFILM®

SOYAFILM® · INSTALLATION GUIDE

Removable pre-cut window film

A successful installation starts with clean glass, plenty of application solution and a little patience. Because SOYAFILM® is soft, adhesive-free and reusable, you can lift, adjust and, if necessary, reinstall the film.

Read the entire guide before you begin. This gives you the right conditions from the very first window.

Car with removable pre-cut window film from SOYAFILM

Important before you begin

Never install in direct sunlight. For the best result, work in a clean, dust-free space at around +20 °C. Do not install below +5 °C or above +25 °C. The film is always installed on the inside of the glass.

QUICK GUIDE

Installation in five steps

1

Check

Check the fit on the outside of the glass.

2

Clean

Clean the glass and surrounding panels thoroughly.

3

Spray

Wet the glass and film thoroughly.

4

Install

Position the film and squeegee out the solution.

5

Allow to dry

Leave the film undisturbed for 24–48 hours so it can set.

PREPARATION

What you will need

Tools

  • Spray bottle
  • Installation squeegee with a clean, undamaged edge
  • Clean microfibre cloths
  • Industrial alcohol or isopropyl alcohol
  • Good work lighting

Application solution

Mix approximately 3–4 ml FilmApp per litre of cold water. Distilled water is recommended, especially if your tap water has a high mineral content.

Do not use washing-up liquid or other additives in the application solution. Do not use hot tap water.

Only FilmApp is recommended for optimum performance and to keep the SOYAFILM® warranties valid.

The right environment

Work indoors or in deep shade wherever possible, away from wind and dust. The recommended temperature is around +20 °C. Allow the film and vehicle to reach the same temperature before installation.

STEP BY STEP

Complete installation guide

1

Wash the vehicle around the windows

The vehicle must be clean both inside and out. Otherwise, dirt from seals and panels can end up between the glass and film.

2

Check the fit on the outside

Place the film against the outside of the glass before installation. Check which window it belongs to, that it is facing the correct way and that the shape fits. The actual installation is then carried out on the inside.

3

Make any minor adjustments

If the vehicle has an alarm, GPS or rain sensor, a rear-view mirror or replacement glass, a minor adjustment may be needed. Keep the film on the outside, shine a light from inside and cut only the film with a sharp, suitable tool using very light pressure.

4

Deep-clean the glass

Wipe the glass with industrial alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. Then spray on application solution and clean with the squeegee. Repeat until the glass is completely free from grease, dust and particles. Never use methylated spirits or products that leave a residue.

5

Rinse the film

Rinse the film with application solution so loose dust particles run off. Hold the film by its edges and avoid contact with clothing, panels and other dirty surfaces.

6

Wet the glass and film generously

Spray application solution on the glass and film. The solution allows the film to slide into place without setting too early.

7

Position the film on the inside

Bring the film inside carefully without allowing it to touch panels or fabrics. Place it against the glass and adjust it until it sits correctly along every edge.

8

Squeegee out the solution

Spray the outer surface of the film as well so the squeegee glides easily. Work from the centre towards the edges using calm, overlapping strokes. Spray, squeegee – spray, squeegee. Never squeegee dry film and do not apply unnecessary pressure.

9

Check the edges and bubbles

Check the position in good light. Carefully squeegee out visible pockets of solution and make sure the edges lie against the glass.

10

Allow the film to set

Keep the vehicle in a garage or deep shade for the first 24–48 hours. Do not drive straight into strong sunlight or high temperatures. Complete drying normally takes 1–3 weeks depending on temperature, season and humidity.

DOOR WINDOWS

Installation on opening windows

The film is cut to extend a few millimetres beneath the side seals and approximately 2–4 cm below the lower seal. This reduces the risk of light gaps when the window is raised.

  1. Lower the window a few centimetres and clean the top edge of the glass as well.
  2. Install the top of the film a couple of millimetres below the top edge of the glass, rather than exactly edge to edge.
  3. Once the upper section is in place, carefully raise the window and guide the film beneath the lower rubber seal using plenty of solution and the installation squeegee.
  4. If the seal is very tight, it may need to be loosened. Removal methods vary between vehicle models; find the model-specific instructions before loosening the door panel or seal.

Important: Do not operate the window for the first 48 hours or until the film is firmly set along the edges. Cold or humid weather may require more time.

REAR WINDOWS

Installation on fixed windows

On fixed rear windows, the film is normally cut to extend beyond the transparent area of the glass and slightly over the black outer border.

On a saloon or coupé with a large, steeply sloping rear window, it is especially important to work calmly and methodically. Use the recommended mixture of approximately 3–4 ml FilmApp per litre of water.

Take care around heating elements. Never use a knife or other sharp tool against the inside of the glass.

DOT MATRIX & EDGES

Cleaner-looking edges with TintGel™

The ”dot matrix” is the area of raised black dots or lines along the outer edge of the glass. Because the surface is not completely flat, all types of window film can have difficulty sitting fully against the glass between the dots. Its appearance varies between vehicle models and types of glass.

Clean the area thoroughly with industrial alcohol and a clean, slightly coarser cleaning sponge. For a cleaner result and improved durability, we recommend TintGel™ Dot Matrix Fix.

1. Apply

Apply a thin, even layer of TintGel™ to the dot matrix area and along the edges to be treated.

2. Allow to dry

Wait approximately five minutes, then install the film as normal using application solution.

3. Work gently

Reduce pressure on the squeegee over the dot matrix area. Once the solution and TintGel™ have dried, the layer becomes transparent.

Warranty information: On all windows except opening door windows, TintGel™ must be used along the outer edges for the film-adhesion warranty to remain valid. TintGel™ is included when purchasing pre-cut window film for three or more rear windows.

When removing film after using TintGel™, work at around +20 °C and release the film slowly. TintGel™ is water-soluble and can be washed off with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.

DRYING TIME & OPTICAL CLARITY

After installation

Initial setting takes approximately 24–48 hours. Complete drying normally takes 1–3 weeks and may take longer in cold or humid weather.

SOYAFILM® is designed to be removable and reusable. Optical clarity is very good for this type of film, but the material is softer and does not provide quite the same crystal-clear view from inside the vehicle as a thin, adhesive professional film. Clarity is at its best only after all the application solution has dried.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Common questions after installation

White dots are visible

Common causes include minerals in the water, dust, dirt or incorrectly mixed application solution. Use distilled water, the correct FilmApp dosage and clean the glass thoroughly.

Air bubbles appear after drying

Check the glass for uneven areas or welding spatter from a previous repair. These particles can be felt by hand and prevent the film from lying flat.

An edge will not stay down

Clean the area again, check that FilmApp has been dosed correctly and use TintGel™ where applicable. Avoid high temperatures until the film has set.

I am not happy with the position

Carefully release the film at around +20 °C, rinse both the film and glass, and reinstall it. This is one of the major advantages of removable SOYAFILM®.

The film has been left in direct sunlight

Move the vehicle and film to a cool, shaded place. If the film has shrunk or become distorted, contact us before attempting to reinstall it.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Need advice during installation?

Send us a clear photo of the window and film together with the vehicle model and registration number. This helps us assist you more quickly. Once installation is complete, you are also welcome to send photos of the result and a few words about your experience with SOYAFILM®.

Chat is open Mon–Sun 09:00–21:00.