ClearShield®: Frequently Asked Questions
We hope this page answers any questions you may have about ClearShield®. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Q. What is ClearShield®?
A. ClearShield® is part of an award-winning glass surface renovation, ‘non-stick’ protection and maintenance system developed and manufactured by Ritec International in the UK. When applied to ordinary glass as a liquid, ClearShield® upgrades it to 'non-stick' ClearShield Eco-Glass®.
Q. What is the ClearShield Eco-System®?
A. The ClearShield Eco-System® is a unique and complete system that converts ordinary glass into 'non-stick', easy-clean ClearShield Eco-Glass®. It can be applied in any factory, as it adapts to all volumes of production, as well as on-site to glass already installed. Where existing glass is stained and discoloured, this can be brought back to an 'as-new' appearance thanks to the System's unique renovation process. A simple and environmentally responsible range of maintenance solutions completes the System.
Q. How does ClearShield Eco-Glass® work?
A. ClearShield Eco-Glass® works like ‘non-stick’ cookware. It:
is much easier to clean and keep clean – eliminating the need for harsh and abrasive cleaning products or methods
resists staining and discolouration – keeping its ‘as-new’ appearance and performance
much longerlooks cleaner and brighter for longer between cleanings – improving general appearance,
performance and customer satisfactionremains more hygienic – the newly-upgraded surface resists the adhesion and growth of bacteria
Q. How and where is ClearShield Eco-Glass® made?
A. The durable glass surface protection is part of a complete and unique system, the ClearShield Eco-System®. It allows the surface of ordinary glass to be converted into a ‘non-stick’, easy-clean surface in the factory or on-site to glass already installed. Whether applied in the factory or on-site, ClearShield® can only be applied by trained applicators.
Q. What if the glass is already installed and has become stained / discoloured?
A. For glass already stained / discoloured, the ClearShield Eco-System® renovates the surface to its original and ‘as-new’ appearance. Then, after the glass is converted into 'non-stick' ClearShield Eco-Glass®, a simple and economical after-care programme is recommended. The after-care programme keeps ClearShield Eco-Glass® looking and performing like new for life – keeping its promise of visibility, clarity and cleanliness.
Q. Does ClearShield Eco-Glass® require cleaning?
A. Yes. Again, just as ‘non-stick’ cookware needs some cleaning, so does ClearShield Eco-Glass®. On average, cleaning is required less than half as often as with ordinary glass. We have developed special after-care products to maintain the performance and appearance of ClearShield Eco-Glass® to optimise its durability.
Q. How long does ClearShield® last?
A. When a simple and economical after-care programme is followed, ClearShield Eco-Glass® looks and performs like new for years, depending on environmental conditions. Maintenance and durability guidelines based on specific environments exist. Please contact us for guidelines that are relevant to your specific application or environment.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. This depends upon where and how ClearShield Eco-Glass® is produced. If factory-produced, the cost depends mainly upon type of glass and method of production. If on-site, the cost of converting ordinary glass into ClearShield Eco-Glass™ depends mainly upon condition of the glass, e.g. the degree of staining / discolouration and accessibility.
Q. Can I apply it myself to my shower glass, boat windows, bathroom tiles, car windscreens, glass furniture, windows and conservatory glass?
A. We offer the Clear-Vision® range of do-it-yourself products. This is a retail / consumer version of the industrial / commercial ClearShield Eco-System® applied by trained specialists. Our current range includes:
Clear-Vision® DIY Glass & Ceramics Kit
Clear-Vision® DIY Shower Enclosures Kit
Clear-Vision® DIY Windows & Glass Furniture Kit
Clear-Vision® DIY for Vehicle Glass
Click here to visit our online shop (for residents in the UK and Ireland only; for Clear-Vision® enquiries outside of the UK or Ireland, please contact us). Please note Ritec International cannot provide any warranty on the durability of a Clear-Vision® product application as this is carried out by the consumer.
Q. Is it necessary to use Ritec’s special cleaning products for maintaining ClearShield Eco-Glass®?
A. Ritec’s After-Care products are recommended because they are specially formulated to maintain the appearance and performance of ClearShield Eco-Glass® and therefore validates the warranty period. Other products may be used provided they are not abrasive and do not leave a residue or film, but Ritec should be consulted if the performance and appearance of ClearShield Eco-Glass® are to be optimised. Please be aware the warranty of ClearShield Eco-Glass® is void if non-Ritec After-Care products are used to maintain it.
Q. What will attack ClearShield Eco-Glass®?
A. Similar to ‘non-stick’ cookware, abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals can attack the surface of ClearShield Eco-Glass®. However, such products are not necessary due to the ‘easy-clean’ properties of ClearShield Eco-Glass®.
Q. Does ClearShield® have any effect on glass colour, optical properties or light transmission?
A. No, except to maintain the original performance by keeping the glass cleaner and brighter.
Q. Can ClearShield® be used for plastics such as acrylics or polycarbonates?
A. No. ClearShield® only works on vitreous surfaces such as glass, ceramics and porcelain. It washes off other surfaces.
Q. Is ClearShield® / Clear-Vision® based on nanotechnology?
A. No, both our ClearShield® and Clear-Vision® glass surface protection technologies are, and always have been, uniquely polymeric resin-based. Our products are nanoparticle-free and therefore do not pose the potential dangers associated with nanotechnology.
Q. What is nanotechnology?
A. Nanotechnology is the manipulation and manufacture of materials and devices on the scale of atoms or small groups of atoms [1]. The production of nanoparticles with specific properties is a branch of nanotechnology.
Q. Are nanotechnology and nanoparticles harmful to health?
A. Use of nanoparticles have established benefits in a wide range of applications, however, the effects of exposure to nanoparticles on health and the environmental risks associated with the production and use of nanoparticles are less well-established [2]. For further reading on the potential dangers of nanotechnology and nanoparticles, Lund University in Sweden (one of Scandinavia's largest research universities active in many internationally important research areas such as nanotechnology) has a dedicated FAQs page:
https://www.nano.lu.se/research/nanosafety/frequently-asked-questions-about-nanosafety/faq-nano-dangerous
Unlike competitive products, ClearShield® and Clear-Vision® are uniquely polymeric resin-based so do not pose the potential dangers associated with nano glass products.
References:
1. https://www.britannica.com/technology/nanotechnology
2. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15958-4