Reading time: approx. 6 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Category: Installation Instructions & Tips
A sun strip on the windshield protects against dazzling sunlight and gives your vehicle a sporty, individual look at the same time. Installation is easier than you might think – with the right preparation and our step-by-step instructions, you'll succeed on the first try.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly how we at Folientechnik Bayer recommend installing a sun strip – from preparation to the finished result.
What is a sun strip?
A sun strip – also known as a windshield wedge or sun protection strip – is a self-adhesive film that is precisely applied to the upper edge of the windshield. It serves two purposes:
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Sun protection: Reduces glare from low sun – particularly practical during morning and evening drives
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Appearance: Gives the vehicle a sporty, tinted look similar to window tinting – without much installation effort as it is applied externally
What you need – The tool list
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Sun strip from Folientechnik Bayer (precisely cut for your vehicle)
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500 ml tap water + 5–6 drops of dish soap (mounting fluid)
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Spray bottle
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Soft plastic squeegee
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Clean, lint-free cloths
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Quiet workspace at room temperature (min. +15 °C)
What you need to consider before installation
Prepare the window:
The windshield must be clean, dry, and free of dirt and grease residues. Stone chips or scratches cannot be concealed by the film – these should be professionally removed beforehand.
Temperature & weather:
Always work at room temperature. Below +15 °C, the film becomes stiff and the adhesive strength can be severely impaired. Also avoid high humidity or wetness – both delay drying and worsen adhesion.
💡 Tip: A garage or covered parking space is ideal. Never work in direct sunlight on the window – the film will otherwise dry too quickly.
Making your own mounting fluid
Simply mix your own mounting fluid:
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500 ml tap water
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5–6 drops of commercial dish soap
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Pour everything into a spray bottle and shake gently
The fluid ensures that the film can still be repositioned after application – this is the decisive advantage of wet application.
Installation – Step by Step
Step 1: Clean the adhesive surface
Clean the windshield thoroughly with the mounting fluid and a clean, lint-free cloth. Pay particular attention to the upper edge of the window where the sun strip will later sit – rubber residues and dirt often accumulate there.
Step 2: Peel the film from the liner
Fold the white backing paper just before the film and carefully roll it back. This allows the film to be easily and cleanly removed without damaging the edges.
⚠️ Important: Do not touch the adhesive layer with your fingers – skin oils permanently impair adhesion.
Step 3: Moisten film and window
Spray both sides of the film generously with the mounting fluid while peeling it off. Also spray the window surface generously. The moisture allows the film to be precisely aligned in the next step.
Step 4: Position
Place the film on the moistened windshield in the upper area. Thanks to the mounting fluid, it can still be easily moved and precisely aligned. Then let the film dry for approx. 15 minutes until it no longer slides.
💡 Tip: Take a photo of the alignment before final pressing – this gives you a reference if you need to correct anything.
Step 5: Squeegee
Spray the film lightly again with mounting fluid to avoid scratches from the squeegee. Then evenly push out the fluid from the inside out with the soft plastic squeegee. Work in overlapping strokes with even pressure.
💡 Tip: If the film still shifts while squeegeeing, simply let it dry for another 5–10 minutes and then squeegee again.
Step 6: Let dry – 3 days patience
After squeegeeing, the film must dry completely – this takes three days. During this time, please do not wash the vehicle, as the adhesive layer is still curing.
⚠️ Note: Do not wash for 3 days – then the sun strip will hold reliably for years.
Common mistakes – and how to avoid them
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Window not thoroughly cleaned: Grease residues or wax residues prevent permanent adhesion
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Too little mounting fluid: Better to spray generously – too much is better than too little
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Worked in the cold: Below +15 °C, the film becomes brittle and tears more easily
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Washed too early: Wait at least 3 days for the film to fully cure
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Backing paper removed too quickly: Always peel off slowly and evenly
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Sun Strips
Is the sun strip applied externally or internally?
The sun strip is glued to the outside of the windshield – this is important for durability and also makes it easy to remove if necessary.
How long does a sun strip last?
Our sun strips are made of high-quality cast premium film and, with correct installation, last up to 8 years – even with regular trips through the car wash.
Can I remove the sun strip again?
Yes, the sun strip can be removed without leaving any residue. Simply heat it with a hairdryer on a medium setting and slowly peel it off. Remove adhesive residues with isopropyl alcohol.
Find the right sun strip for your vehicle
At Folientechnik Bayer, all sun strips are precisely cut to your vehicle model – no cutting, no reworking. Available for BMW, Audi, VW, MINI, SEAT and many other models. UV-resistant, self-adhesive and weather-resistant.
👉 Discover your suitable sun strip now: folientechnik-bayer.com
*All information in this article is based on our current knowledge and experience as well as manufacturer specifications. It does not represent an agreed quality, an assured property or a durability guarantee. Actual results may vary depending on the substrate, weather conditions and processing.
Tags: Apply sun strip, install windshield wedge, sun protection strip windshield, apply sun strip instructions, install windshield wedge yourself, film windshield