Window films are mostly used at home to provide decorative as well as functional use. However, knowing the option will definitely help you decide which type will work best for you and following detailed instructions for installation to ensure that they will look great.
Moreover, you can also window tint your cars as it can help it secure from the thieves and keep the temperature of the car in level. You can visit Tintshoppe nearby that offers window tinting for cars.
While coming back to the window tinting for residences, there are basically 2 types of residential window film that you can buy in the market today.
Adhesive
The adhesive is a thin type of polyester film that bonds strongly to the glass. It is a good, permanent, protective and often less expensive than cling film. However, the only drawback is that it is very tricky to work with installing and is also more difficult to remove.
Non-adhesive
Non-adhesive are a slightly thicker vinyl film that’s easy to work with during installations and removal. These films can be reused but they are less transparent than adhesive films and the static properties attract more dust to the film.
Additional Options
These following window films come in both cling and adhesive varieties except for the security film which has an adhesive side.
Decorative Film
This film gives ordinary glass an upscale look of stained glass, etched glass, frosted, or textured glass. This film can provide privacy and can also block UV rays but it is less effective at reducing heat.
Solar Film
As the name suggests, the solar film reduces glare and will block up to 99% UV rays thus helping to reduce cooling costs significantly.
Privacy Film
This film features a frosted, reflective or colored surface in varying degrees of darkness. Basically privacy films prevent viewing from the outside but may also reduce incoming natural light outside views.
Security Films
Security films make the glass shatter resistant and harder to break while holding glass fragments together if the window is broken. Security films provide excellent insulation from the outside temperatures.
Tips for Choosing
- If you are renting a home or redecorating it often then you should choose a window film that removes easily without leaving residue behind.
- Use solar film on windows that are great for outside views and exposes furniture upholstery, expensive rugs or artwork to daily direct sunlight.
- Decorative privacy films are a good choice for front doors with inset glass windows and sidelights.
- If your home is prone to high winds from thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes then security window film is a smart choice.
When not to Apply Window Film
There are certain situations where you should avoid applying window film such as:
- To a single pane window that is bigger than 100 square feet.
- On clear glass thicker than 3/8 inch.
- When the outside temperature is below 40oF as the adhesive solution may get freeze.
- In direct sunlight, as the application solution may evaporate too quickly.
How to Measure Window Film?
After that, you have decided what type of window film to install and where it is the time to measure your windows. However, the measurement should only include the inside surface of the glass.
- First of all, measure the width of the window inside the frame.
- After that measure the height of the window inside the frame.
- Lastly, add 2 inches to all the sides.
How to Install a Window film?
Steps
- Spray the cleaning solution onto the glass and wipe down with a lint-free cloth.
- After that, use the razor blade to scrape off any debris and dirt.
- Spray the solution again and wipe away any remaining residue.
- Use a paper towel to remove any excess moisture at the edges and corners.
- Measure and cut the window film making it 1 inch larger than the window’s surface on each side.
- Then remove the adhesive side and place the film on the glass.
- Holding the film at the corners, press the west side of the film starting from the top and smoothing it out as you go down.
- Use the squeegee and firm pressure to slide air bubbles and excess solution to the edges of the window film. And voila! Your film is fixed on your window.
Furthermore, if you have a car and wish to add window tint film for the car then you can fit in the same manner as your window if you love DIY.
