When ordering glass for showers, splashbacks, or exterior balustrades, you’ll often see the option to add Ritec ClearShield. Here’s exactly what it does and whether it’s worth the extra cost for your project.
How Ritec works at a material level
Untreated glass may look smooth, but under a microscope its surface is full of tiny pits and valleys where dirt, limescale, and grease get trapped. Ritec ClearShield fills these microscopic imperfections and bonds to the glass, creating a super-smooth, non-stick polymer layer. Water and dirt bead up and wipe away far more easily.
Where Ritec works best
Ritec is highly recommended for:
- Shower screens and enclosures (fights soap scum & hard water stains)
- Kitchen splashbacks (resists grease and cooking splatters)
- Exterior glass balustrades and Juliet balconies
- Sandblasted or satinised glass
- Marine/coastal environments
- Conservatory roofs and hard-to-reach windows
How long does it last?
With normal use, Ritec ClearShield typically lasts 10–15 years. It doesn’t make the glass self-cleaning, but it makes regular cleaning significantly quicker and more effective. Avoid abrasive cleaners to maximise its lifespan.
The most common reason people regret not getting it
Shower screens and glass roofs become a constant cleaning battle without the coating. Most customers who skip Ritec later wish they had added it — especially in wet or hard-to-reach areas.