Acrylic Plastic

• 1). Measure the size of the frame on the outside of the picture window, and figure out the best way to attach the acrylic plastic to this frame. This may require additional framing material.
  
  
• 2). Order the sheet of acrylic plastic from a local or Internet window company. A local company may also be able to install the product for you.
  
  
• 3). Handle the sheet of acrylic plastic with care. It usually comes with a protective paper covering that sticks firmly to the surface and will need to be removed just before or after installation. This helps keep the sheet from being scratched.
  
  
• 4). Install the acrylic plastic in front of the existing picture window, with additional framing as required. Avoid an air-tight installation so that condensation build-up is not a problem.
  
  
• 5). Clean the acrylic plastic very carefully and only with the products recommended by the manufacturer to avoid scratches.
  
  

Film

• 1). Measure the window and order the protective film you decide is best for your location and requirements.
  
  
• 2). Lay down towels or a drop cloth because this process uses a lot of soapy water or application solution.
  
  
• 3). Clean the window on the inside and outside very thoroughly with a razor blade, squeegee, and lint-free cloth. Anything left on the window could cause a bubble in the film.
  
  
• 4). Cut the film so that it is at least one inch larger than the glass on all sides, except the factory-cut straight edge.
  
  
• 5). Place tape on either side of the film overlapping the corner where you will start pulling the film from its clear backing. Press the tape together, and pull it apart to start pulling the backing from the film.
  
  
• 6). Spray the film on both sides with the application solution to keep static from attracting dust. Spray the window with enough of the solution to make sure it does not dry out during placement of the film.
  
  
• 7). Start to peel the clear backing off the film, and spray the application solution on the sticky side of the film as the backing is removed. Face the sticky side of the film toward the window.
  
  
• 8). Line the straight edge of the film with one straight edge of the window, either the top or a side. Lay the rest of the film down along the surface of the window. The window and the adhesive surface of the film should be quite wet at this point.
  
  
• 9). Spray the smooth side of the film with the application solution, and gently run the squeegee down the center of the film to adhere it in place, removing the bubbles and moisture. Squeegee the rest of the window from top to bottom, working from the center out. Leave a small edge of a couple inches around the outside un-squeegeed. Do not squeegee any part of the film if it is dry because this may scratch the film or pull at it, causing wrinkles. Simply spray the dry area before using the squeegee on it.
  
  
• 10
  
  Trim the edge of the film with the straight edge and razor blade. Leave about a 1/16-inch gap to allow for the expansion and contraction of the glass in the heat, and squeegee the rest of the water out from under the film. Remember to keep the film wet while using the squeegee.
  
  

Storm Shutters

• 1). Decide on the best option for your area and situation. (See the "Shutter Selection Matrix" in the resources section for a variety of options. Many of the options are not available for do-it-yourself installation.)
  
  
• 2). Measure the window, taking into account where the anchors will be installed in the frame.
  
  
• 3). Cut the chosen material to size with an appropriate saw blade. It may be plywood, metal or polycarbonate.
  
  
• 4). Install the anchors into the frame with the drill and screwdriver as needed.
  
  
• 5). Install the chosen material with the anchors. Leave adequate time to complete the installation before a high-wind event.