FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We hope this page answers any questions you may have about Ritec ClearShield®. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Q. What is Ritec ClearShield®?
A. ClearShield® is part of an award-winning glass surface renovation, ‘non-stick’ protection and maintenance system developed and manufactured by Ritec International in the UK. When applied to ordinary glass as a liquid, Ritec ClearShield® upgrades it to 'non-stick', easy-clean ClearShield Eco-Glass®.

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Q. What is the Ritec ClearShield Eco-System®?
A. The Ritec ClearShield Eco-System® is a unique and complete system that converts ordinary glass into 'non-stick', easy-clean ClearShield Eco-Glass®. It can be applied in any factory, as it adapts to all volumes of production, as well as to glass already installed. Where existing glass is stained and discolored, this can be brought back to an 'as-new' appearance thanks to the System's unique renovation process. A simple and environmentally responsible range of maintenance solutions complete the System.

Q. How does ClearShield Eco-Glass® work?
A. ClearShield Eco-Glass® works like ‘non-stick’ cookware. It:

• is much easier to clean and keep clean – eliminating the need for harsh and abrasive cleaning products or methods

• resists staining and discoloration – keeping its ‘as-new’ appearance and performance 
  much longer

• looks cleaner and brighter for longer between cleanings – improving general appearance, 
  performance and customer satisfaction

• remains more hygienic – the newly-upgraded surface resists the adhesion of bacteria

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Q. How and where is ClearShield Eco-Glass® made?

A. The durable glass surface protection is part of a complete and unique system, the Ritec ClearShield Eco-System®. It allows the surface of ordinary glass to be converted into a ‘non-stick’, easy-clean surface in the factory or on-site to glass already installed. Whether applied in the factory or on-site, Ritec ClearShield® can only be applied by specially-trained applicators.

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Q. What if the glass is already installed and has become stained / discolored?
A. For glass already stained / discolored, the Ritec ClearShield Eco-System® renovates the surface to its original and ‘as-new’ appearance. Then, after the glass is converted into 'non-stick' ClearShield Eco-Glass®, a simple and economical after-care program is recommended. The after-care program keeps ClearShield Eco-Glass® looking and performing like new for life – keeping its promise of visibility, clarity and cleanliness.

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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. We have developed special after-care products to maintain the performance and appearance of ClearShield Eco-Glass® to optimize its durability.

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Q. How long does Ritec ClearShield® last?

A. When a simple and economical after-care program is followed, ClearShield Eco-Glass® looks and performs like new for years, depending on environmental conditions. Maintenance and durability guidelines based on specific environments exist. Please contact us for guidelines that are relevant to your specific application or environment.

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Q. How much does it cost?
A. This depends upon where and how ClearShield Eco-Glass® is produced. If factory-produced, 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 / discoloration and accessibility.
 

Q. Is it necessary to use Ritec’s special cleaning products for maintaining ClearShield Eco-Glass®?

A. Ritec’s products are recommended because they are specially formulated to maintain the appearance and performance of ClearShield Eco-Glass®. Other products may be used provided they are not abrasive and do not leave a residue or film, but please contact us for clarification.

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Q. I recently purchased a shower with ClearShield Eco-Glass® protection. Do I need to do anything to activate the warranty?

A. Yes, please click here to register your shower. Once we receive your details, we will confirm and activate your warranty.

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

Q. Does ClearShield® have any effect on glass color, optical properties or light transmission?

A. No, except to maintain the original performance by keeping the glass cleaner and brighter.

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Q. Can Ritec 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.

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Q. Is Ritec ClearShield® based on nanotechnology?

A. No, Ritec ClearShield® glass surface protection technology is, and always has been, uniquely polymeric resin-based. Ritec ClearShield® is therefore nanoparticle-free and does not pose the potential dangers associated with nanotechnology.

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Q. What is nanotechnology?
A. Nanotechnology is the manipulation and manufacture of materials and devices on the scale of atoms or small groups of atoms¹. The production of nanoparticles with specific properties is a branch of nanotechnology.

 

Q. Are nanotechnology and nanoparticles harmful to health?
A. Use of nanoparticles have established benefits in a wide range of applications, however, the effects of exposure to nanoparticles on health and the environmental risks associated with the production and use of nanoparticles are less well-established². For further reading on the potential dangers of nanotechnology and nanoparticles, Lund University in Sweden (one of Scandinavia's largest research universities active in many internationally important research areas such as nanotechnology) has a dedicated FAQs page:
https://www.nano.lu.se/research/nanosafety/frequently-asked-questions-about-nanosafety/faq-nano-dangerous

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Unlike competitive products, ClearShield® technology is uniquely polymeric resin-based so do not pose the potential dangers associated with nano glass products.

References:
1. https://www.britannica.com/technology/nanotechnology
2. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15958-4