Frequently Asked Questions

The main cause of fading is ultra-violet light, however there are a number of other factors to consider when fade control is contemplated. The main problem is ultra-violet, but even if all solar UV is blocked at the windows by a UV film, there may still be serious problems caused by Ultra-violet from display lighting.

Fluorescent lights are the main offenders in terms of ultra- violet output, but many types of display lighting produce high levels of UV radiation. To make matters worse, display lights are normally high intensity and are frequently close to the items on display. Many are also housed in efficient reflectors which concentrate the light and ultra-violet rays on the items for which fade protection is required.

It is thus clear that lighting must be considered when a total fade control programme is required. In addition to UV, visible light and infra-red (heat) cause some fading. As a guide, UV causes about 40% of (solar caused) fading. Visible light and heat each cause about 25% and the balance is caused by other factors.

On this basis, if solar fading is to be controlled, we need to stop not only the UV, but also a large proportion of the heat and light as well. Sun protection films can absorb up to 99% of these damaging rays. The use of these films in has considerably reduced the loss of goods through ultra-violet damage, especially when low UV lighting is used as well.

No.  Only a tinted or opaque band across the top of the windscreen is permitted and must be no lower than 10% of the height of the windscreen and also above the portion of the windscreen swept by the wipers.

Yes. We have films suitable for almost any application, so we can tint the windows of boat, caravan or tractor. In fact, we can apply film to almost any glass surface in any building or vehicle.

When it is installed by a qualified installer, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, we guarantee that your SunGard Film will not peel. We have the best guarantee in the business for your protection, so your windows will look great and perform well in the long term.

Inferior products, or film installed by poor workmen can peel. So why take risks? Choose SunGard film installed by a SunGard professional and you will have peace of mind, knowing that you have selected the best film, installed by the best tradespeople and it is backed by the best guarantee.

Yes it can. In the unlikely event that you need to remove your film, contact the company from whom you purchased the product of SunGard Australia for a quotation to remove it or advice on how you can do it yourself.

Considerable care must be taken to ensure that the glass is not damaged in the removal process.

The removal procedure is quite a lengthy process as your film is designed to last for many years and the adhesive system is designed to be permanent.

Solar film does reduce the natural light, but your eyes are capable of adjusting to very bright or very dark conditions. It is difficult to see well at either extreme.

You will have great difficulty reading a book in bright sunlight, just as you will in low light levels, but the difference in light intensity is huge. Our eyes can cope with these changes but are happiest when it is neither too dark, nor too bright.

In most situations, we recommend a window film that will not significantly reduce your seeing-ability after the windows have been treated.

Under certain conditions, window film will exhibit iridescence. This phenomenon usually occurs at night, when the source of illumination within a building is fluorescent lighting.

The amount of iridescence may vary from almost imperceptible, to very visible and most frequently occurs when the film is constructed using one or more layers of sputtered metal. It can however occur in non-reflective films as well.

When iridescence does occur in window film, the only way to stop it is to prevent the fluorescent light from illuminating the film.

Yes. Depending on the film type, all SunGard film carries a manufacturer’s guarantee, the duration of which depends upon the type of film, the use of the product and whether or not film is used on internal or external glass.

Premium films in domestic applications have a lifetime guarantee. At the other end of the scale, some films carry a seven year guarantee. If film is applied externally, it will have a two or three year guarantee.

Films used on commercial applications have a guarantee of up to twelve years.

The workmanship is guaranteed by the installation company for the same period.

When you choose Sun-Gard film, you pay nothing. The cost of the film and the labour to replace it are covered.

The film is obviously the same and the installation is the same, so why the difference? Quite simply, commercial glass is cleaned by contract office cleaning companies, who may use harsh chemicals that may damage the film over time.

If the film is cared for as per our recommendations, the life expectancy will be the same as a residential application.

Yes, you can have a single window tinted, however there is usually a minimum charge. So while you can have only one window tinted, you may find that you can have two or three windows treated without additional cost.

Many factors affect the time taken to tint windows. The first is size of the windows and the total area involved. Obviously, the larger the area, the longer the time needed. If the panes are small, it will also take longer.

The second factor is the time of year. At peak periods, such as summer, it may take longer to schedule your work because of a backlog of jobs in the system. However, the delay is usually quite short.

External installations are weather dependant, so they too, may be delayed until suitable weather is forecast.

Like all products that use adhesive, the adhesive must cure to achieve a proper bond to the glass. Once the adhesive has cured, your windows will look very much as thought they have been factory-tinted. You may see some changes in the appearance of the film while it is curing.

Change are normal at this time.

Although the film appears perfect at first, you may see it become hazy and milky, or develop an “orange peel affect” or even large bubbles. This is quite normal, and should not cause alarm. After curing, these apparent imperfections will disappear.

Curing takes from 3 to 30 days, depending on the weather, humidity and the amount of sunlight falling on the glass. As you would expect, curing tends to be faster in summer and slower in winter.

Above all, do not touch the film until curing is complete.

Yes. They should be cleaned in the normal manner, but the following points should be observed: Do not clean the film for at least four weeks after installation.
Use a spray, synthetic sponge or a moist cloth to apply the cleaning solution.

Warm water and a detergent, methylated spirits and water or a conventional window cleaning solution may be used.
Do not use any brushes or abrasives in the cleaning process as they will scratch the film. “non-scratching” cleaners such as Jif or abrasives such as Ajax and Bon Ami must never be used.

Dry the film with a good quality rubber squeegee a chamois or a moist soft cloth.

Yes. Untreated polyester is a tough wear-resistant product but its surface is not as hard as glass and it can be damaged by abrasive cleaners and improper treatment. Polyester is not unlike a laminated kitchen bench top, your car's paint-work or stainless steel.

All will last for a long time if properly cared for, but all can be scratched is they are cleaned incorrectly. But bear in mind that even glass can easily be scratched if you are not careful.

Virtually all SunGard Solar Film has a scratch resistant coating which makes the film even more durable than standard polyester, so it looks great in the long term and is easy to clean.

Window film is an extremely strong product. So strong, in fact that the tensile strength of SunGard Solar Film is half that of steel (of a similar thickness). It is really very tough and it is very tear-resistant, but it is not indestructible. Please refer to the cleaning instructions.