The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for applying a sheet of energy control film to the surface of a window panel wherein the film comprises an adhesive stratum adapted to contact and cause the film the adhere to the panel. The method includes the steps of: submerging the window panel in a filtered demineralized water bath; submerging the energy control sheet and passing it through the bath; submerging a removable protective layer in the bath and superposing it upon the energy control film sheet; and pressing the energy control sheet, while submerged in the bath, into intimate contact with the window panel by squeegeeing across the exposed surface of the removable protective layer. The method also includes the steps of: prewashing the window panel before submerging it in the filtered demineralized water bath; and eliminating static electricity from the film before submerging it in the bath to loosen the dust and dirt particles from the film and then washing the film to remove the loosened dust and dirt particles. In applying the energy control film to an acrylic or polycarbonate window panel, the method also includes the step of preheating the acrylic or polycarbonate to remove excess water and uncured monomers.