How to clean filmed glass (and keep the warranty)

Most of the questions we get after an installation are not about the film. They are about the cleaning crew. This is the answer we give, straight from 3M’s care bulletin and the service calls we have run.

Leave it alone for 30 days

Freshly installed film is still curing. The mounting solution between the film and the glass evaporates through the film over the first few weeks, and while it does you may see a light haze, small water pockets or a slightly cloudy look. That is normal and it clears on its own — faster in warm sun, slower in cold or shade, longer on thick security film. Do not press the pockets, do not squeegee them, and do not wash the glass at all for the first 30 days.

After that, clean it like glass, gently

3M names the cleaners: Windex® Original or a similar glass cleaner; 3M™ Glass Cleaner Concentrate #1; isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol diluted 2:1 with water; or water with a few drops of dish soap used with a squeegee. Apply with a clean soft cloth or microfiber, a good-quality non-abrasive paper towel, or a synthetic sponge. Light wiping motion, then squeegee dry. Never leave the film wet.

Wipe along a film splice, not across it. Use a separate towel for frames and sills, and separate cloths and buckets for inside and outside glass. Do not scrape at the attachment bead.

The five things that void the warranty

1. Any adhesive on the film. Tape, stickers, decals, suction cups, hooks, Command™ strips. Removing them damages the film. If you need numbers, a frost band or a decal on filmed glass, Epic prints a film-safe layer that goes on and comes off clean.
2. Knives, razor blades, scrapers, brushes, scouring pads. They cut or scratch the surface and the edge.
3. Abrasive or gritty cleaners. Powders, pastes and “heavy duty” sprays.
4. Pressure washers or steam. Water forced at the edge can lift the film or the attachment.
5. Washing in the first 30 days. Adhesion is still building.

Cheap brown paper towels and newspaper are not on 3M’s void list, but they scratch — use cloth or good-quality towels.

Something looks wrong?

A haze that has not cleared after 60 days, a bubble that is growing, a lifted edge, a scratch, a broken pane: send a photo with the building address to [email protected] or use the service request form. A real person replies within one business day. The full instructions, including DI-NOC and Fasara, are always current at epiccos.com/care.

Download the care guide (PDF)