FAQs
What actually is ClearShield® and how does it work?
ClearShield is a unique advanced polymer technology that chemically bonds to ordinary glass, upgrading it to ClearShield Glass. Treated glass prevents contaminants from bonding to the surface and will protect against corrosion and etching from contaminants including soap build up, sea salt, salt and chlorinated water, bird droppings and pollution.
Completely transparent, chemically inert, non-hazardous and UV stable and unlike a coating, ClearShield becomes part of the glass so it will not peel, discolour or crack transforming unprotected glass to maintain its appearance, be easy-clean, making it low-maintenance and hygienically superior.
Perfect for shower glass, external architectural glass, shower enclosures, glass balustrades, pool fencing, splash backs, boats and solar panels.
How Long has Clearshield been around?
Ritec International Limited were the pioneers of 'non-stick' glass surface technology developing Clearshield in 1987 for the tough environment of oil rigs.
ClearShield is the most durable and the best quality glass protector proven in all types of real-life environments, not just lab results for over 40 years. It is non-hazardous and makes glass more hygienic as no bacteria, viruses or fungi can stick to the protected glass.
Better for the environment.
ClearShield is the only liquid-applied Glass Surface Treatment not classified as hazardous or toxic. It also resists bacterial growth for a more hygienic environment.
For more information see Technical data and Salt Spray and Graffiti testing data.
How much does it cost?
New showers consisting of two sides are priced at a flat rate of $300 plus GST. Showers that require restoration can vary in price, but a general guideline would be to add another $100-$150 on top of new shower price.
Glass balustrades, exterior and marine glass are quoted on a m2 rate. Volume and accessibility is taken into account when quoting.
How long does it last?
With a simple and economical after-care program, ClearShield glass looks and performs like new for up to fifteen years for exterior glass, up to ten years for glass shower doors and two years on marine glass.
Will I still need to clean the glass?
Yes you will but not as often as unprotected glass. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a no clean surface. The application of a glass protection product reduces cleaning time but it does not eliminate it entirely.
For external glass balustrades ClearShield Glass recommends following basic maintenance to optimise the performance and durability of the unique protection.
To maintain external glass hose dust, reside off and over time build-up of reside on glass apply ClearShield glass cleaner, agitate onto glass. It’s a relatively easy cleaning process that is required to maintain the clean clarity as overtime being by the sea the marine build up needs to be washed off.
Check out aftercare video of how to maintain your treated exterior glass.
What is the best way to clean my shower screen once it has been treated?
An Aftercare Kit is supplied that contains Limescale remover and Conditioner for the use on shower glass. Kits can be purchased online.
For best cleaning results we recommend as part of the warranty using ClearShield cleaning products. A mild detergent and a micro fibre cloth to dry the shower works well. It is not recommended to use any abrasive, bleach or high alkaline products on a treated shower.
Check out aftercare video of how to maintain your treated shower.
How often should I clean the shower screen?
A quick clean is recommended once a week to keep the surface clean.
Where can I purchase more aftercare cleaning products?
If you require additional Clearshield products they can be purchased online at http://www.clearshield.co.nz/browse
What if the glass is already installed and has become stained?
Renovation is the ideal solution for exterior and interior glass surfaces that have been heavily contaminated and stained.
Renovation process effectively removes contaminants from the surface that have not yet etched further into the glass, mostly caused through chemicals used to clean the glass. When we get the glass to be hydrophobic - water sheeting off the glass showing no contamination on the glass, we then apply glass protection so no further corrosion can damage the glass.
Immediately after renovation, the glass is protected with ClearShield to prevent its surface to start staining again.
Why does the glass get so dirty?
Glass is porous, allowing hard water minerals to seep into the glass over time will cause corrosion. Hard water which contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium carbonates appear when water comes in contact with limestone or chalk deposits.
Hard water creates that unsightly and resistant water spots these cannot be used removed from regular cleaning Soap sticks to the mineral after the minerals have built up on the glass. The issue is the water borne minerals. Inevitably, unprotected glass becomes contaminated over time, ruining the clarity and appearance. The result is costly and difficult cleaning.
There are so many brands how do I assess glass treatment brands in the market?
Worldwide there are only five basic technologies for liquid-applied glass surface treatments but 100’s of rebrands in the market.
Polymeric resin – multi-molecular, strongest chemical bond (ClearShield® )
Reactive silicone fluids – mono-molecular coating (Diamond Fusion)
Bi-functional silane coatings
UV-cured silane coatings
Hybrid organic-inorganic coatings - based on silanes ‘sol-gel’ process.
All appear very similar, at the time of application. The difference is the performance and durability. Clearshield is not a coating.
ClearShield is the choice for experts in glass protection for a reason.
ClearShield unique cross-linking of polymers making it the most durable and the best quality glass protector.
Only glass protection liquid applied not classified as hazardous or toxic
Awarded Green Mark green building product status.
40+ years tried. Tested in real life environments.
Complete System – renovate, protect, maintain system
Is not a rebrand.
ClearShield becomes part of the glass so it will not peel, discolour or crack.
Can it can be applied to my boat while docked?
Yes we can apply Clearshield while in the marina. Glass already contaminated is renovated whilst is in port or dry dock, fitting in with normal operating and maintenance schedules.
Clearshield Glass are a Westhaven Marina Approved contractor and have restored and protected marine glass, for Fullers ferries, Riviera’s, Fishing crafts and super yachts.
See a snapshot of the marine gallery.
Having the glass protected means that glass corrosion from harsh sea salts and fume exhausts as well as general dirt and staining are all easier to remove thanks to the ‘non-stick’ surface. This results in improved visibility, pristine-looking glass and fewer passenger complaints.