What is it?
Window film is a thin laminate polyethylene film that is applied to the interior of windows in homes, cars, boats, and office buildings. Decorative uses also include sprucing up glass light fixtures or glass cabinets. These films block harmful UV rays and can add privacy and even artwork to an otherwise boring window. Highly reflective films create a one-way mirror effect, while textured and colored films block images for privacy. Some window films are permanent while others are easily removable and leave no residue.
How to Apply
Most of these window films are fully removable, making them a great choice for renters or for those of us who have trouble with commitments. Application is simple and straightforward. First, make sure your window is thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and allowed to fully dry. Second, measure the glass area you are covering and add a quarter inch to your measurements to allow for irregular edges before cutting the piece. Third, spray the glass thoroughly with Windex.
Pro Tip: The instructions for most of these films tell you to use soapy water to apply the film. In my experience, using soapy water amplifies air bubbles and leaves the soap residue on the glass. Use windex to avoid visible air bubbles or soap scum.
Once your glass is sprayed down, separate the film from the paper backing and line up the corners on your glass. Be very careful not to get the paper backing wet before you remove it. Finally, use a squeegee or old credit card to smooth out the film. Start in the very center of the glass and work your way to the edges. Then stand back and admire your “new” glass!
Windows
The most common use for most of these is adding them to a residential window, either for privacy or just for looks. It instantly transforms a room and hides any unsightly views. Many of the frosted or decorative ones provide great privacy without sacrificing natural daylight. I have used these in many furnished rentals and my own home to create more ambience and privacy.
Side lights
Side lights wouldn’t be side lights without light passing through, so don’t cover them up with curtains or blinds. Instead, use window film to prevent nosy people from peeking into your home through the side lights, or even to keep your dog from barking endlessly.
Glass cabinets
A straightforward albeit time-consuming DIY involves using window film to personalize glass cabinets. Many decorative films mimic the look of pricey frosted glass, rice paper glass, or even expensive stained glass without breaking the bank. As an added bonus, most of these decorative films are fully removable without leaving any residue. If your current choice goes out of style, upgrading the look would be a minimal cost.
Light Fixture
Another DIY cost-saving project uses decorative window film to spruce up a dated glass lighting fixture. Ugly old fluorescent kitchen lights, dated and bulky glass pendant lighting, or even an exterior porch light with glass panels can be transformed with a wide assortment of window film.
Home Office Privacy
These days everyone is spending more time at home. Maybe you had to partition space for a home office, possibly a former laundry room or guest bedroom. Add some privacy to those windows without sacrificing natural daylight by adding decorative, frosted, rice paper look, or any film.
Shared Shower Privacy
Speaking of shared areas needing more privacy, a shared bathroom containing a glass door shower is the perfect spot to add frosted glass. Replacing a shower door to do this might be out of your budget, but you can update with a roll of frosted glass privacy film.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Artscape-24-in-x-36-in-Etched-Glass-Decorative-Window-Film-01-0121/100616373
Glass door panes
A beautiful door with glass panes might be in need of TLC or even added privacy. For the cost of two rolls, you can transform the look of any glass door and improve your outdoor living area while adding much-needed privacy.
Add Color on Transom Windows
Interior windows above a door deserve some attention without compromising the light they let through. There are lots of options that mimic stained or etched glass.
Cars, RV’s, Boats, Commercial
Highly reflective films, such as the kind used in commercial office buildings, can deflect heat and provide privacy during the day. These films do not provide privacy once the sun goes down and the one-way mirror effect goes away. That’s why these are best suited for offices or automobiles.
Winterizing
A different type of window film used for winterizing homes is a one-time use shrink wrap to winterize homes. The film is applied to the interior of the window using double sided tape, and shrinks when you apply heat. These films are not re-useable and sometimes the tape can leave a residue. Read more about them in my Winterizing 101 blog post.
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