The first cleaning should be with a typical household surface cleaner (i.e. Windex).  The cleaning should remove surface grime and oils which find it’s way onto the surface.

                                                   BUT YOU ARE NOT DONE! 

After the surface has been cleaned of dirt and oils, the surface needs to be cleaned of the residual chemicals found in the cleaner you just used to clean it!  As crazy as it may sound, the chemicals left on the mating surface by the cleaner can react to the adhesive on the film and create a gas!!!  Bubbles will rise.  We have found that once this chemical reaction has occurred, the film’s adhesive will not recover from it and the installation will fail.
 
To eliminate the potential chemical reaction, scrub the mating surface with a vinegar and water solution. We have found this works better than alcohol. Once the surface has been scrubbed, apply a final coat of the solution and wipe dry with a clean cotton cloth. Now you’re ready to install the steel film! 

Procedure:
The squared backing paper simplifies measuring and ensures straight, clean-cut edges. When applying film to larger surface areas, first remove one inch of backing paper and smooth down this initial section. Then, while evenly removing the backing paper with one hand, progressively smooth down the foil with the other hand. Always smooth from the center to the edges. For best results smooth with a soft cloth, this allows you to flatten out any air bubbles or soft creases.Should air bubbles form nonetheless, just prick them with a pin and flatten out.If the film has been applied, but it appears misaligned - no problem! Because full adhesion occurs only after several hours, the film can be carefully removed without stretching and reapplied correctly. 

Please note: If the film appears to have soft creases before applying, these will not show after installation. (see the dishwasher installation photos – the film appeared to have serious creases. Those creases disappeared once the film was installed and smoothed)

Applying at edges and corners:
To apply Faux Steel with a clean and exact edge and corners, overlap the edge by at least one half inch. Then, using a sharp knife, cleanly cut along the edge and lightly rub the cut with a fingernail. If you prefer to apply around an edge, carefully wrap the foil around pressing lightly with a heat gun or common hair drier (lowest setting). The heat releases the tension and the foil adheres firmly to the edge. 

Click HERE for more about heat guns!

The "Wet" Method:
The wet method is as is sounds.  The same steps used above, but first wetting the mating surface liberaly with normal tap water and a little liquid dishwashing soap.  It takes a while longer for the adhesive to set, but the film is even easier to manuver.

Removing Faux Steel:
Faux Steel is just as easy to remove as it was to apply. Normally it can be simply peeled off. But if it adheres more firmly, it should be warmed with a hair dryer and then effortlessly removed. Any adhesive leftovers can be cleaned off with turpentine or an alcohol-based solvent. To remove dissolved adhesive use a damp cloth sprinkled with some flour.

Cleaning Faux Steel:
Softmetal is totally indifferent to dirt. Cleaning with warm water is usually fully adequate. For more stubborn stains a drop of detergent does the trick. Dry off the damp areas with a soft towel. The film does not react to normal surface cleaners, so feel free to treat the surface just like a counter top. Avoid any cleaners containing abrasives as the surface will scratch or at least become dull.

A Final Encouragement

If installed correctly, this product is simply unbelievable! Every precaution should be taken to install the film using the instructions sent with every roll we ship. Should you have misplaced those instructions, please click the following link and print them again. Thanks!

                                                 Click here to view and print the installation instructions!
 

To see installation photos of a dishwasher having steel applied,
click here!