Frequently Asked Questions
Solar/Visible light/Thermal performance/Energy saving of KristalBond
How much solar energy does KristalBond reject?
From the SIRIM/PSB report, based on KristalBond coated on 6mm clear float glass, it can reject a total solar radiation of about 50 %, these includes 90 % of IR, 99 % of UV and 15 % of visible light.
What is so special about KristalBond coating since there is not much difference in physical appearance after it is applied onto the glass?
Solar radiation rejection on 6mm clear float glass is 20%. After application it is 46%, including 99% harmful UV and 90% IR. Hence, KristalBond will help to create a more conducive living environment while you can enjoy clear view and maximise natural light harvesting for the reduction of artificial lighting.
How can the heat be blocked since the VLT of KristalBond is very high? (How does KristalBonded glass offer heat reduction?)
Unlike most tinted glass, which blocks most of the visible light and allows transmission of the IR, KristalBond blocks the solar IR to 90% while allowing high visible light transmission of 76%. That means KristalBond coated glass allows more light transmission rather than heat.
Will the KristalBond coating cut/block the incoming sunlight and make the interior look darker?
No, the visible light transmission drops by only 10~14%. For example, base on 6mm clear float glass, before coating VLT is 88% and after coating is 76% but it can still cut off up to 90% IR and 99%.UV.
Does tinted glass provide the similar effect like KristalBond, reducing the heat?
Tinted glass does reduce the heat. However, the trade off is loosing VLT, coloured image and so on. But KristalBond coating provides high VLT which lets the natural light coming in more while providing UV cut up to 99% and IR cut up to 90%.
How much energy can be saved before and after coating?
Energy saving simulation is very complicated and requires a special engineer to simulate it. With the cost covered by the client with necessary data, it is possible.
On average, KristalBond reduces temperature around 3-5degC, on extreme cases, 7-10degC.
Does the KristalBond increase the Energy Absorption or the Energy Reflection?
KristalBond coating is absorptive.
How can the 10% of Infrared Transmittance give 55% of DET (Solar trans)?
Total solar spectrum covers from 280nm to 2,500nm which consists of UV, Visible light and Infrared. Each of them typically occupies 2%, 47% and 51% of total solar energy respectively. Therefore, while KristalBond coating only transmits 10% of Infrared, there are still about 50% of solar energy which comes from UV and Visible light, to be addressed. Hence DET 55% is the result.
Does KristalBond coating take out glare?
KristalBond provides a slight reduction in VLT, resulting in less glare without compromising the clear view.
However, it does not remove the glare completely, since the main target of the KristalBond is to harvest the VLT to the maximum level.
Will KristalBond distort the image like film?
KristalBond minimizes the distortion.
KristalBond coating is chemically bonded onto the glass without adhesive; therefore it is bubble-free.
Moreover, once it is cured, it forms the structure similar to that of the glass. Hence the image distortion remains minimal.
Physical properties/warranty of KristalBond
What is the durability of KristalBond? Does it bubble or peel like tinted films?
KristalBond has the similar composition as the glass. KristalBond is chemically bonded to the glass without using adhesive. It won’t bubble and peel off from the glass surface like film. KristalBond provide 10 years warranty against cracking, bubbling and peeling.
What is the thickness of KristalBond coating? Film thickness?
The thickness of KristalBond is an average of 7 micrometer while most films are about 40 micrometer thick. (Depending on films).
When the glass breaks, can KristalBond hold the glass like the film does? Does film provide better safety feature?
KristalBond doesn’t change any glass safety specification, which means if the original glass is supposed to break at certain impact, it does break.
Is KristalBond coating scratch resistant? What is the hardness of the coating?
The Hardness of KristalBond coating is 6H. However, it is not scratch-proof.
Is KristalBond coating fire resistant?
KristalBond coating is combustion resistance, tested under JIS R3211:1998 and JIS R3212:1998.
How long can KristalBond coating last?
KristalBond gives up to 10 years warranty against bubbling, peeling and cracking.
Application of KristalBond
What is the maximum or minimum size of the area that KristalBond can coat?
No limit on height. Width can be as wide as 4m.
Are there any noticeable joints after KristalBond coating?
Unlike film, which comes with fixed size, KristalBond coating is seamless. You won’t see any joints on the coated glass.
Is there any glass that can not be coated?
KristalBond can not be applied on coated glass surface such as reflective glass (coated side), low e glass (coated side), frosted glass (treated side), decorative (printed side) and wire glass. Please consult KristalBond representative for further clarifications.
KristalBond is interior coating or exterior coating?
KristalBond is for interior coating only.
What colour can KristalBond provide?
Currently, KristalBond is clear as standard, ensuring clear view with low haze level, as well as light green and blue upon request.
How long does it take to be coated?
Depending on the windows sizes. (1 team average can do up to 50m2/ 538ft2 per day, subject to term and condition) Please check with application/tech support team for further information.
Can KristalBond be coated on tinted film?
No. We have to remove the film first before apply the liquid on the glass.
What is the smell after coating onto the glass and why has this type of smell? Does the smell after coating affect health?
It contains solvents and it will dissipate in 1 day. If open the ventilation or window, it will disappear faster. The amount used in the product is within the threshold specified by the relevant authorities.
If you are sensitive to the smell, it is advisable not to stay in the area for at least one day.
How the Application Process look like?
We will do the protection on your fixed furniture then tape the protective plastic sheet on the edge and rubber of the glass, and then clean the glass before coating. The surface drying process takes about 1 hour. It takes 7 days for full curing. After 7 days you can clean your glass as usual with soft cloth and mild detergent.
KristalBond is a liquid coating and for sure it would attract dust unlike those films. How are you going to make sure these particles level minimised?
We will do some process to minimize the particles before we do the actual coating on the glass such as protection, thoroughly cleaning the glass and vacuum the work place.
Do you need to dismantle the glass panel during the coating?
No. Coating will be done on site, without removing the glass from the frames.
How do you ensure the coating thickness of KristalBond?
By controlling the amount of the liquid on the specific area at the specific ratio.
All authorised applicators are trained to follow the application instructions, which are designed to make sure uniform finish of the coating.
It also has a self-levelling property to spread uniformly if proper application process is observed.
Maintenance of KristalBond
What are the precautions to clean the KristalBonded glass? What detergent shall we use?
You can wash the window by using soft cloth and mild detergent. Do Not use any acidic or alkaline detergent.