Frequently Asked Questions
ClearShield® FAQs
Q. What is ClearShield®?
A. ClearShield® is a truly unique and durable liquid-applied glass surface treatment. It is part of an award-winning glass surface renovation, ‘non-stick’ protection and maintenance system developed and solely manufactured by Ritec International in the UK. When applied to ordinary glass as a liquid, ClearShield® upgrades it to 'non-stick', easy-clean ClearShield Eco-Glass®.
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Q. What is the ClearShield Eco-System®?
A. The ClearShield Eco-System® is a professional 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 on-site to glass already installed. Where existing glass is stained and discoloured, 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 completes the System.
Q. How does ClearShield Eco-Glass® work?
A. ClearShield Eco-Glass® works like ‘non-stick’ cookware. It:
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is much easier to clean and keep clean – eliminating the need for harsh and abrasive cleaning products or methods
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resists staining and discolouration – keeping its ‘as-new’ appearance and performance much longer
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looks cleaner and brighter for longer between cleanings – improving general appearance, performance and customer satisfaction
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is 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 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, ClearShield® can only be applied by trained applicators.
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Q. What if the glass is already installed and has become stained / discoloured?
A. For glass already stained / discoloured, the ClearShield Eco-System® renovates the surface back 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 programme is recommended. The after-care programme 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. Just as ‘non-stick’ cookware needs some cleaning, so does ClearShield Eco-Glass®, but it is much easier! On average, cleaning is required 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 optimise its durability.
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Q. How long does ClearShield® last?
A. When a simple and economical after-care programme is followed, ClearShield Eco-Glass® looks and performs like new for years, depending on environmental conditions. Click here to visit our Caring for Your Glass page for more details.
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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 / discolouration and accessibility.
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Q. Can I apply it myself to my shower glass, boat windows, bathroom tiles, car windscreens, glass furniture, windows and conservatory glass?
A. Yes you can thanks to our Clear-Vision® range of do-it-yourself products. This is a retail / consumer version of the industrial / commercial ClearShield Eco-System® applied by trained specialists. Our current range includes:
Click here to visit our online shop (for residents in the UK and Ireland only; for Clear-Vision® enquiries outside of the UK or Ireland, please contact us). Please note Ritec International cannot provide any warranty on the durability of a Clear-Vision® product application as this is carried out by the consumer.
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Q. Is it necessary to use Ritec’s special cleaning products for maintaining ClearShield Eco-Glass®?
A. Ritec’s After-Care products are recommended because they are specially formulated to maintain the appearance and performance of ClearShield Eco-Glass® and therefore validates the warranty period. Other products may be used provided they are not abrasive and do not leave a residue or film, but Ritec should be consulted if the performance and appearance of ClearShield Eco-Glass® are to be optimised. Please be aware the warranty of ClearShield Eco-Glass® is void if non-Ritec After-Care products are used to maintain it.
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Q. How do I care for my ClearShield Eco-Glass®?
A. Click here to visit our dedicated page.
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®.
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Q. Does ClearShield® have any effect on glass colour, 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 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 ClearShield® / Clear-Vision® based on nanotechnology?
A. No, both our ClearShield® and Clear-Vision® glass surface protection technologies are, and always have been, uniquely polymeric resin-based. Our products are nanoparticle-free and therefore do 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 atoms [1]. 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-established [2]. 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
Unlike competitive products, ClearShield® and Clear-Vision® are uniquely polymeric resin-based so do not pose the potential dangers associated with nano glass products.
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References:
1. https://www.britannica.com/technology/nanotechnology
2. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15958-4
Online Store FAQs
Q. How secure is the Ritec ClearShield.biz online store?
A. The security of our users' financial transactions is extremely important to us and we are 100% committed to protecting our customers. For this reason, the payment system our online store uses complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). The PCI DSS is the highest information security standard for organisations or companies that accept credit card payments. This standard provides protection of the privacy and confidentiality of the card's data used to complete the online transaction. PCI Compliance helps to create a secure environment by improving the quality of the cardholder data in order to reduce the rate of credit card fraud cases. In addition, it ensures that the data for each payment is stored securely in a tamper-proof manner.
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Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept payments from all major debit/credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express. We also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay.
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Q. Do your shop prices include VAT?
A. Yes. Unless specified, the prices of all products include VAT at the prevailing rate.
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Q. How long does delivery take?
A. For England, Wales and Isle of Man: Typically 5 working days. For Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland: Typically 7 working days.
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Q. How are your delivery costs calculated?
A. Delivery costs are based on the weight of your order as well as the delivery destination region:
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Destination in England, Scotland or Wales:
• Total weight of order 2kg or less: £6 postage & packaging
• Total weight of order over 2kg: £8 postage & packaging -
Destination in Isle of Man, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland:
• All orders, regardless of total weight: £8 postage & packaging
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Weights are automatically calculated when you add items to your basket and you will be charged accordingly (to give you a general idea, a 500ml bottled product with packaging weighs around 600g). If you order £60 or more worth of products (including VAT), delivery is FREE regardless of weight and UK or Republic of Ireland destination!
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Q. Can I add a special instruction to my order?
A. Yes. In the basket during the check out process, click 'Add a Note' and type in any special instructions and we will do our best to fulfil your requests. However, we cannot always guarantee these can be met.
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Q. Can I collect my order from your office in North London instead of having it delivered?
A. Yes. In the Order Summary, select 'Collect from Ritec, Tottenham' in the dropdown menu. This will update your order to display 'Store Pickup FREE'. Please allow 1 working day after placing your order and bring a form of identification and your order confirmation email with you. Our office location is Unit 11, Compass West Estate, 33 West Road, London N17 0XL and we are open for collections 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays and the Christmas period). We have free visitor parking available.
Q. I live in the Channel Islands, can I still order from your online store?
A. Unfortunately you cannot at present order from our online store. You can however place your order over the phone by calling +44 20 8344 8210 during our working hours of 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays and the Christmas period).
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Q. I don't live in the UK or Ireland but am interested in your products, can you advise?
A. We have a number of retailers around the world. Contact us for further assistance.
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My Account FAQs
Q. What are the benefits of creating an account?
A. There are a number of benefits! You can view your current and previous orders, save and add multiple addresses and save payment card details, helping you to save time! You can also add products to your Wishlist.
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Q. How do I create an account?
A. If viewing from a desktop or laptop, click on '>> Log in / Sign up <<' below the 'Shop now!' button on the top right of the screen, then click on 'Sign up'. From there, enter your details and click the 'Sign up' button then follow the rest of the instructions.
If viewing from a mobile device, click the '>> Log in / Sign up <<' button above the 'Shop now!' button, then click on 'Sign up'. From there, enter your details and click the 'Sign up' button then follow the rest of the instructions.
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Q. How do I remove a saved credit or debit card?
A. Once you have logged into your account, go to 'My Wallet'. Click the down arrow to the right of the payment card you wish to remove and then select 'Remove Card'.
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Q. How do I manage my addresses?
A. Once you have logged into your account, go to 'My Addresses'. From here, you can edit or remove a saved address. if you would like to add a new address, click the 'Add New Address' button.
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Q. How do I access My Wishlist?
A. Once you have logged into your account, select 'My Wishlist'.
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Q. How do I add / remove products to My Wishlist?
A. Simply go to any product page and click on the heart icon next to the 'Add to Cart' button (from mobile devices, tap the black heart icon on the top right of the product image). This will add that item to your Wishlist which is accessible in your Account.
To remove an item, move your cursor over the product image and then click on the black 'X'. From mobile devices, tap the product image then the black 'X' on the top right.