Apex Ultra is a 2 mil super ceramic film built for performance. With increased rigidity, higher ceramic content, and superior heat absorption, it delivers exceptional clarity and durability, but it also requires precise technique.

This guide breaks down the exact installation process demonstrated in the Geoshield Apex Ultra installation video, including:

• Back glass shrink technique
• Reverse roll method
• Interior install process
• Edge lock-down strategy
• Two-stage door installation
• Touch-up correction methods

When installed correctly, Apex Ultra lays flat, locks down tight, and delivers a clean, distortion-free finish.

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Understanding Apex Ultra’s 2 Mil Super Ceramic Construction

 

Before installation begins, it’s important to understand what makes Apex different.

Apex Ultra is:

• 2 mil thick
• Acrylic adhesive layer  
• High ceramic content
• More rigid than 1.5 mil films
• Highly heat absorbent during shrinking

This rigidity makes it durable and stable, but it also means installers must:

• Shrink hot and slow
• Allow cooling before carding
• Use firm pressure during water extraction
• Be intentional with direction and edge control

If your shoulders don’t feel it after installing Apex, you likely did not apply enough pressure.

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Back Glass Installation

 

Step 1: Pre-Cut Pattern and Leave Excess Material

When working with a plotter-cut pattern:

• Leave approximately ¼ inch of excess film around the pattern.
• Do not weed the excess before shrinking.

Reason:
If you remove the excess while the liner remains attached, the liner and film shrink at different rates. This causes pinching and distortion during the shrink process — especially with 2 mil film.

Step 2: Dry Shrink Prep and Alignment

Using dry shrink prep:

• Ensure the glass surface is completely dry.
• Film side faces you.
• Align the pattern and tack the center using a Cherry Suede, MacTac, or preferred shrink card.
• Dry shrink prep behaves similarly to pressure-sensitive adhesive — once set, it holds.

Step 3: Minimize Fingers Before Shrinking

To reduce vertical fingers on curved glass:

• Stretch the film horizontally around the curvature.
• Follow defroster lines during positioning.
• Pull evenly toward the edges before locking down.

When done correctly, the film forms horizontal tension lines rather than tall vertical fingers — making shrink more controlled.

Step 4: Shrinking Apex Ultra (Hot and Slow)

Heat Gun Settings:
Steinel at 1150°F, max airflow.

Key principles:

• Start at the top of standing material.
• Aim heat down the angle of the glass.
• Keep a close, even distance.
• Work top to bottom.
• Expect the film to continue shrinking after heat passes.

Common Mistake

Many installers overshrink because they chase instant results. Apex continues shrinking after heat application. Move methodically and allow material response.

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Avoiding Distortion

 

Because Apex absorbs significant heat:

• Do not immediately card while film is hot.
• Allow brief cooling time.
• Work in quadrants.
• Shrink one section, move to another, then return.
• Immediate pressure on hot film can distort the surface.

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The “Plow” Squeegee Method

 

Once fully shrunk:

• Pull pressure at the base.
• Start above the shrunk area.
• Squeegee toward the factory edge like a plow.
• Always move in the direction the film wants to shrink.

If you encounter a tall arrow-shaped ripple:

• Either follow the direction of tension carefully
• Or lift slightly and re-squeegee

Never force against tension — that’s how creases happen.

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Guaranteeing the Shrink

 

After shrinking:

1. 1. Lift a section.

2. 2. Re-card it down.

3. 3. Apply light heat if necessary.

4. 4. Confirm no fingers reappear.

This “lift and recard” step prevents post-install pop-ups.

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Reverse Roll Method for Back Glass

 

Because this is a plotter pattern, reverse rolling is done on the peel board.

Step 1: Weed Excess Film

• Spray exterior to reduce static.
• Roll film away from pattern.
• Leave only accurate shape.

Step 2: Prepare for Reverse Roll

• Lightly spray liner as you peel.
• Maintain even slip layer.
• Do not oversaturate — just consistent lubrication.

Apex’s 2 mil rigidity actually makes it easier to roll tightly.

Step 3: Create Tight Roll

• Fold initial flap back.
• Roll and pull tight.
• Aim for roughly dime-sized roll diameter.
• Ensure liner shifts evenly ahead of roll.

A tight roll provides better control during interior installation.

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Interior Back Glass Installation

Prep

• Remove third brake light if possible.
• Clean glass thoroughly.
• Apply even slip layer (not dripping, no dry spots)

Applying the Film

1. 1. Attach liner to roll to expose adhesive.

2. 2. Drop leading edge to glass.

3. 3. Keep top from contacting headliner.

4. 4. Slide into position.

5. 5. Unroll fully.

6. 6. Remove liner gently.

Adjust placement before full water extraction.

Water Extraction

Using a Flat Out blade:

• Tack center first.
• Work center-out in sections.
• Use firm pressure.
• Extract maximum water.

Because of Apex’s ceramic density, aggressive extraction is required.

Locking Down Edges

After install:

• Moisture often remains at matrix edges.
• Use a Tri-Edge wrapped in absorbent material.
• Apply firm pressure along top and sides.
• Absorb trapped moisture.

This step dramatically reduces edge lift risk after vehicle leaves the shop.

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Door Window Installation (Two-Stage Method)

 

Apex Ultra is fully two-stage compatible.

Step 1: Shrink with Excess Left On

Just like the back glass:

• Leave excess around pattern.
• Shrink with liner side away from you.
• Organize fingers.
• Heat evenly.
• Perform lock-down pass.

Step 2: Weed and Prepare

• Remove excess.
• Flip liner side out.
• Film is ready to install.

Door Prep Process

1. 1. Blade entire glass surface.

2. 2. Clean seals using Tri-Edge wrapped tightly.

3. 3. Eliminate contamination from perimeter.

4. 4. Dry all edges completely.

5. 5. Final mist and extraction.

Rule:
Where there is water, there is contamination.

Installing Top Half

• Partial liner removal (leave base protected).
• Drop leading edge first.
• Point into seals.
• Slide into position.
• Align top edge with minimal light gap.
• Tack center.
• Lock front and rear edges.
• Roll window up.

Installing Bottom Half

Because of Apex rigidity:

• Create a controlled “hump” in the center.
• Seat front corner first.
• Slide bottom into seal.
• Break tension gently.
• Repeat on opposite side.
• Extract water down and out.

Despite rigidity, Apex remains highly manageable with proper control.

Touch-Up: The Dusting Method

Two-stage installs may leave minor tuck looseness.

For small touch-ups:

• Use heat gun at tip.
• “Chisel” the area with quick, controlled heat bursts.
• Allow film to settle.
• Do not overheat.

Apex is forgiving when handled properly.

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Final Inspection

 

Check for:

• Edge moisture
• Matrix ripple
• Light gaps
• Seal tuck security
• Surface contamination

Any remaining overspray on exterior glass should be bladed and cleaned before delivery.

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Apex Ultra Installation Recap

 

When installing Geoshield Apex Ultra:

• Shrink hot and slow
• Allow cooling before carding
• Guarantee shrink with lift-and-recard
• Reverse roll tight
• Extract water aggressively
• Lock down edges with absorbent barrier
• Use controlled two-stage technique on doors

Apex Ultra rewards deliberate technique. Its 2 mil super ceramic construction delivers premium performance — but it demands precision.

Installed correctly, the result is:

• Flat, distortion-free glass
• Clean edges
• Strong adhesion
• Professional finish