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Solar Control, Safety and Security Window Films Tech Bulletin
Edge Protection Sealant Instructions
The practice or method of sealing film described in
this technical bulletin can be used on metalized films
to improve the durability when exposed to potentially
corrosive environments including areas adjacent to the
ocean (within 10 km/6 miles). One method is to use the
Edge Protection Sealant (EPS) system described below.
A secondary method using an neutral cure alkoxy silicone
sealant is presented later in this document. Although
it is recommended that the procedure outlined in
this document is used on the products listed below
this procedure is required in the event of warranty
re-installation due to edge corrosion.
• Slate
• Silver AG Low-E
• Sterling
• Sterling 4 mil
• TrueVue
Note: The use of Solar Gard approved edge sealant is
required for all architectural applications of LX.
1
Install the film making certain to remove as much
installation solution as possible during the
squeegeeing process .It is imperative to use only sharp
stainless steel blades when trimming the film. Trim the film to
leave a gap (recommend 3mm/1/8”) between the film and
the frame or gasket (see illustration 1). When edge sealing
it is best to trim the film using a 5-way tool or similar card
to provide a small gap. If you are unable to see the small
gap between the edge of the film and the frame or gasket,
the edge sealant process will be ineffective, as complete
coverage of the perimeter of the film can not be verified.
Illustration 1
2-3´
Recommended 3mm/1/8” gap
Once the film has been properly installed, the edge
protection sealant can be applied on a window-by-window
basis or after all windows have been completed. The edge
protection sealant can be applied as long as the edges
of the film, untreated glass edge and window frames are
completely dry.
2
Prepare applicator using materials supplied in the
EPS kit. A complete EPS kit includes:
1. (4) 250 ml edge sealant containers
2. (2) 125 ml plastic bottles
3. (2) Applicator brush tips*
4. (2) Plastic bottle caps
*EPS must be properly installed using a supplied
Solar Gard applicator or a pony hair brush.
In a well ventilated area, use a small funnel to pour edge
sealant into the 125 ml plastic bottle. Tightly screw on the
applicator brush to the bottle. Check for leakage by tilting
the bottle upside down and gently squeezing until the edge
sealant begins to flow from the brush. Place the bottle in
the upright position and inspect for leaks around the cap
area. Always test for leaks to prevent spilling or accidental
damage on the job site.
3
Shield the gasket or frame by using a paint guide
while the sealant is being applied. With a smooth,
continuous motion, run the applicator along the film
edge while squeezing the
bottle applying sealant
continuously on the edge
of the product.
4
Inspect all edges to
ensure complete
coverage. Voids or
light spaces should be
touched up to ensure
complete coverage.
5
Place cap on unused edge sealant.
Remove all EPS items from the job site.
NOTE: 1 liter of Solar Gard’s edge protection sealant
will cover approximately 1,200 meters (4,000 lineal feet)
of edge or 200 glass panels with dimensions of
122cm x 213cm (48” x 84”).
EPS clean up instructions
The list of approved sealants is as follows:
• Dow Corning® 9-1374 (Clear)
6
Should clean up be necessary, Solar Gard
recommends using mineral spirits to wipe up any
spills or excess sealant. Always wear the appropriate eye
and hand protection when handling chemicals such as
rubber or disposable nitrile gloves. Cleaning procedure
should be done in a well ventilated area over a proper
disposal can. Mineral spirits and eye and hand protection
is available at any paint or home improvement store.
Do not use paint thinner, acetone or MEK. Never
dispose of any EPS item at the job site.
7
Clean used installer bottles when you return toyour
shop. Empty remaining contents back into the edge
sealant container unless the sealant will be used within
a few days. Pour a small amount of mineral spirits into
the bottle used for installation, replace the cap, shake
vigorously for a few seconds. Remove the cap and screw
on the used brush tip. Once again shake vigorously for a
few seconds. Turn the bottle upside down over a proper
disposal can. Gently squeeze the bottle until cleaning fluid
flows through the brush end. Gently wipe the brush on a
paper towel. Repeat this procedure a few times until the
brush appears free of edge sealant. Dispose of any left
over cleaning agent in the disposal can. Wipe the parts
of excess cleaning agent and allow to air dry. Cleaning
the installer bottle should never be performed in the
customer’s home or place of business.
Tip: Place the used brush tips in a zip lock bag at the job
site until you reach a safe cleaning area.
Other edge sealing compounds
While edge sealing is still a requirement for select films,
other methods are available in addition to EPS. Neutral
cure alkoxy silicone is an approved product for edge
sealing purposes. Although other manufacturers make a
variety of silicones and sealants, only approved silicone
edge sealants may be used. Any substitutes to the
products below must be approved by Solar Gard
Technical Services.
• Dow Corning® 995
• GE Multisil
• H.B. Fuller HBF 100
For best results use a caulk gun with a high thrust ratio
(>10:1). These types of guns require less effort to dispense
the silicone. Choose a silicone color that most closely
matches the window or door frame.
Instructions:
1.Take care that the surface of the film and frame are
dry prior to sealing the edges.
2.A low tack tape may be used as a guide to help create
a straight edge appearance when installing the silicone
by masking the film to within 3mm (1/8”) of the edge
on all four (4) sides.
3.Cut the tip of the caulk tube so that a very small bead
of caulk comes through.
4.Place the tip of the tube so that it is touching the film
and the frame or molding.
5.Using the window molding or window frame as a guide
run a bead of silicone around the entire perimeter
of the filmed glass.
6. If necessary, use your finger or caulking tool to
smooth out the silicone and make it look even and
aesthetically pleasing.
Tip: Lightly spray the silicone bead with your soap and
water solution before spreading. This will help prevent the
silicone from spreading further into the frame or vision
area of the filmed glass.
7.If tape was applied, it should be removed immediately
after being “tooled”.
8.Advise customer of the sealant and its drying time.
Exceptions: If a structural sealant is utilized as a wet-glaze
anchoring system to the Solar Gard safety film, then the
EPS does not need to be applied.
www.solargard.co.uk
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
Unit 13, Ball Mill Top Business Park
Grimley, Worcestershire WR2 6LS
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1905 640 400
[email protected]
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