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 a unique liquid manufactured by Ritec International in the UK. When applied to ordinary glass using the ClearShield Eco-System™, it upgrades glass to 'non-stick' ClearShield Eco-Glass™.

Q. How does ClearShield Eco-Glass™ work?

A. ClearShield Eco-Glass™ works like ‘non-stick’ cookware. It 1) is much easier to clean and keep clean – eliminating the need for harsh and abrasive cleaning products or methods; 2) resists staining and discolouration – keeping its ‘as new’ appearance and performance much longer looks cleaner and brighter for longer between cleanings – improving general appearance, performance and customer satisfaction.

Q. How long does it 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. As a general guideline, the service life of ClearShield protected glass is up to 15 years for vertical exterior glazing, and up to 10 years for sloped glazing and up to 5 years for horizontal glazing. The durability may be longer for interior glazing. 

The durability of the special protection may be affected by harshness of the environment, the type of cleaning compounds and methods used, and the frequency of cleaning. Such matters are outside the control of the manufacturer.

Q. What is the after-care programme and what is its purpose?

A. The after-care programme consists of: 1) after-care products specially formulated to maintain the appearance and performance of ClearShield Eco-Glass™; 2) a “booster” to restore the appearance and performance whenever reduced by atmospheric abrasion or chemical attack, such as hard water deposits or concrete run-off.

Q. How is ClearShield Eco-Glass™ made?

A. By a special process (the ClearShield Eco-System™) which converts the surface of ordinary glass into a ‘non-stick’, easy-clean surface that is chemically inert.

Q. Where is this conversion process carried out?

A. Either to new glass in the factory of a glass processor/fabricator or to existing glass in a building, marine vessel or transportation vehicle.

Q. Does this 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. 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.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. This depends upon where and how ClearShield Eco-Glass™ is applied. If factory-applied, 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.

You can contact us for more information and to get a specific quotation.

Q. What if the glass is already installed and has become stained/discoloured?

A. For glass already stained/discoloured, the ClearShield System renovates the surface to its original and ‘as-new’ appearance. Then, after the glass is converted into ClearShield ‘Non-Stick’ Glass, a simple and economical after-care programme is recommended.

The after-care programme keeps ClearShield ‘Non-Stick’ Glass looking and performing like new for life – keeping its promise of visibility, clarity and cleanliness.

Q. What will attack ClearShield Glass?

A. Similar to ‘non-stick’ cookware, abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals can attack the surface of ClearShield Glass. However, such products are not necessary due to the ‘easy-clean’ properties of ClearShield Glass.

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. How do you clean ClearShield ‘Non-Stick’ Glass?

A. Ritec have developed special after-care products to maintain the performance and appearance of ClearShield Glass for life.

Q. Is it necessary to use Ritec’s special cleaning products for maintaining ClearShield ‘Non-Stick’ Glass?

A. Ritec’s products are recommended because they are specially formulated to maintain the appearance and performance of ClearShield Glass. 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 Glass are to be optimised.

Q. Can I apply it myself to my shower glass, car windscreen, boat windows, glass furniture,  windows and conservatory glass?

A. We offer the do-it-yourself kits. This is a retail/consumer version of the industrial/commercial ClearShield System applied by trained specialists.  DIY kits are available for shower glass, automotive glass, boat windows, glass furniture, windows and conservatory glass.