Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I put these on?
A: They stick with static cling so you will need a clean, smooth glass surface for them to conform to. A mist of water on the glass helps them stick better. Gently wipe away any excess water, smoothing down any little edges so that the Gem is flat against the glass.
Q: It is winter and really cold here, can I still put them on my windows?
A: Yes. Soften the Window Gems first by dipping them in a bowl of hot water. Place them immediately one at a time where you want them on your window, wiping away excess water with a soft cloth.
Q: How far apart should I space the Gems on my windows to save birds?
A: We have found through years of experience and thousands of reviews, that spacing the Gems 12″-18″ apart is very effective at preventing window strikes. We acknowledge that the industry standard calls for a 1/2″ dot every 2″- 4″. While we applaud all the humans who are willing and able to achieve this, our product truly does seem to be highly effective at a much wider and more realistic spacing. The prismatic shifting colors and larger decal size catches the birds’ eyes and warns them away. That being said, if you try this spacing and still have a strike in an empty spot…try a slightly closer spacing. Also know that every window and situation is different. I have one picture window that is fine with 24″- 36″ spacing for most of the year, but during the fall, when the sunflowers in my yard have seeds, the birds go nuts and I need closer to a 15″ spacing to keep them safe.
Q: How do I care for my Window Gems?
A: We highly recommend washing your windows once a year, and in the process, removing the Gems, rising them off, and re-applying them to your clean windows. Moving them around once a year will prevent any dirt or water deposit build up around them. We are both lazy and have discovered this the hard way. Any deposits can be scraped off, but who wants to do that?
Q: Will they stay on during really cold winters, or storms?
A: Yes. We have both had them on our windows through several winters here in Mount Shasta. No, it doesn’t get sub zero here, but it did get down to 4° F once and they were just fine. We recommend applying them in warmer weather so that they can get nice and stuck when they are soft and pliable before the cold temps kick in.
Q: One of my Window Gems fell off, why?
A: They will always stick to clean glass. If some of them didn’t, 99.5% of the time it is because those that fell off were applied backwards. There is a smooth side that is supposed to go against the glass, and a textured side which needs to face away from the glass. It is hard to see, but you can feel the little ridges of the textured side with your fingernails.
Q: Can I put them on the inside? I can’t reach the outsides of my windows.
A: Short answer, yes. We say to put them on the outside to break up the reflections that birds see on the outer surface the glass, but if you really can’t reach the outsides of your windows, these are still going to help on the inside. We have had many customers report that they work from the inside as well. If you can put them on the outside, do. They are much more visible to birds on the outside of the window. If you simply want the gorgeous rainbows that they create, it doesn’t matter which side of the glass they are on.
Q: Where will I get the best rainbows from my Window Gems?
A: All our photos are taken in either the morning on an East facing window, or evening on a West facing window. Anytime sunlight shines THROUGH the window gem material it will act like a prism and turn that part of the sunbeam into a rainbow. If you live in the northern hemisphere you will get the best rainbows on east, south or west facing windows. Gems on windows facing due north will still be pretty, but won’t throw a rainbow on your floor.
