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.
Ritec ClearShield is a durable, invisible polymer coating that creates a non-stick surface on glass. It resists water marks, limescale, soap scum, and dirt — making the glass much easier to clean and helping it stay looking new for years.
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.
Browse Glass with Ritec ClearShield
Add Ritec ClearShield to your order easily in our configurator:
Glass Price Calculator (Ritec option available on most products)
Questions you might still have
Q: Can Ritec be applied to existing glass?
A: Yes, aftermarket kits exist, but factory-applied Ritec (done immediately after processing) bonds better and lasts longer.
Q: Does the coating change how the glass looks?
A: No — it is completely invisible and does not affect clarity or light transmission.
Q: Can I use standard glass cleaners on Ritec-coated glass?
A: Yes, but use mild, non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals or scouring pads that can wear the coating prematurely.
Make your glass easier to clean for years to come
Add Ritec ClearShield (+£40/m²) when configuring your glass.
Open Glass Price Calculator Browse Toughened GlassUnsure if Ritec is right for your project? Send us the details and we’ll give you honest advice.