ClearShield® is the name of the glass surface protection system which is produced by Ritec International in the UK. ClearShield® is a unique polymeric resin which, when applied to a glass surface is known as ClearShield Eco-Glass™ ... also known as self-cleaning glass.
Developed over 37 years ago for the marine glass industry, ClearShield® continues to evolve as emerging market sectors request a total glass surface protection system which is reliable, has stood the test of time, and which is backed up by a strong and ethical company.
ClearShield® is Green and Safe. The treatment is non-toxic once cured, and all chemicals in use have world standard safety data sheets. It can be used on new glass or old contaminated glass, on clear glass or sandblasted glass.
01 Glass surface
02 Magnification of ClearShield Eco-Glass™
The surface of ordinary glass is not smooth and consists of microscopic peaks and potholes. Organic and inorganic contaminants fill these potholes, and some react chemically with the glass, firmly bonding to the surface. Because of this, cleaning glass becomes more difficult.
When applied to ordinary glass in liquid form, ClearShield® cross-links with itself and the glass to form a strong chemical bond that gives the glass both high performance protection and durability, upgrading it to ClearShield Eco-Glass™. ClearShield® is completely transparent, chemically inert, non-hazardous and UV stable. Unlike a coating, ClearShield® becomes part of the glass so it will not peel, discolour or crack.
Analogous to a 'non-stick' frying pan, ClearShield® prevents contaminants from bonding to the glass surface and limits further damage caused by corrosion and chemical attack. Cleaning is now easier without the need for harsh abrasives or methods – as well as saving time and effort.
ClearShield Eco-Glass™ performs like new for life following a recommended simple and economic after-care programme.
The two biggest enemies of glass are moisture and alkalinity. Either individually or together, they can etch or dissolve the surface of glass, making it appear dull and sometimes white in appearance. Some dirt can damage the surface, and further harm can be caused in efforts to remove it.
Moisture can be in its liquid form, such as rainfall, or as a vapour in high humidity areas.
Alkalinity comes from hard tap water, sea water and construction materials such as cement dust and building run-off from concrete, bricks or mortar.
Organic dirt does not normally attack glass but can attach firmly to the surface and be difficult to remove. For exterior glass, this includes traffic film, bird droppings and tree sap. For interior glass, organic dirt includes fingermarks, smoke and cooking oil vapours.
Inorganic dirt bonds chemically to glass and is difficult, if not impossible, to remove using conventional cleaning methods. Inorganic dirt on exterior glass includes sea spray, industrial emissions, metal oxides from railways and construction materials such as cement dust and building run-off. For interior glass, an example is limescale from hard tap water.
Ritec's ClearShield Eco-System™ for glass is the first and only technology with guaranteed performance and added value at every step of the glass supply chain – specifier, processor, fabricator, contractor, installer, end user.
Based on the following 10 key advantages, Ritec ClearShield® has developed, through actual field experience over more than 37 years, a perceived value in each market sector of the flat glass industry. In addition, Ritec has, periodically, improved the proprietary chemical cross-linking system, inhibitors and stabilisers of ClearShield®, which together determine its performance and durability.
Ritec's expertise has allowed the company to develop technologies for the renovation, protection and maintenance of other surfaces as well. This includes Ritecoat System® for metals and powder coat surfaces.