Window film can help you solve problems with heat, glare, fading and privacy without
blocking your view. It is a simple, cost-effective way to increase your
home's comfort, energy-efficiency and overall appearance. All you need
are a few common tools, a helper for large windows and some free time
in the morning or evening to make your home the coolest house in the block.
Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service
to you.
Which Window Film Do I Use?
There are several types of window film from which to choose. Assess your home and
your needs, then choose the film that best meets those needs:
Insulating films add year round comfort.
Insulating films add year round comfort to your home. They reflect the sun’s
heat in summer. Reflecting the sun’s heat in summer helps reduce your
home’s overall heat gain. As a result, your home feels cooler and your
air conditioner runs less. Insulating films also retain up to 55 percent
of your home's heat in winter. These films provide comfort you can feel
and savings you can see in your utility bills. In addition to increased
comfort and lower utility bills, insulating films reduce fade damage
to your home's furnishings, floors and window treatments by blocking
out up to 99% of UV rays. Insulating window films are affordable, energy-efficient
improvements for all existing residential windows, including dual-panes
and can pay for themselves in less than a year. They improve the comfort
of your home and reduce your utility costs by reducing your top source
of heat gain.
Frosted films provide 24-hour privacy.
Glare reducing or static cling films help reduce the glare and
provide the flexibility of being removable and reusable. These films
prevent television and computer screen washout and can improve the look
of your home. Glare reducing static cling films also block 99% of UV
rays. Glare reducing films should be applied to the inside of single-pane
windows and to the outside of dual-pane windows.
Privacy films help create privacy for you and your family. Frosted privacy
films are translucent and allow light to pass through while providing
24-hour privacy. Mirrored privacy films provide daytime privacy. They
allow you to see outside, but stop others from seeing in during the
day. Black static cling films are also offered to provide daytime privacy
and reduce the amount of light that comes into a room. Privacy films
also block 99% of UV rays.
Tools and Materials
Window film
Rubber squeegee
Utility knife
Spray bottle
Straightedge
Baby shampoo
Bottled water
Lint-free cloth (or coffee filters)
Transparent tape
Preparation
Measure and record the length and width of each piece of glass you plan to tint. You
will need the measurements to determine which kits to purchase. Add 15
percent to your window film purchase to account for waste and scrap.
Application
Apply the film in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
Excessive heat will cause the solution used to coat the glass and film
to dry prematurely and could cause streaks in your project.
Clean your windows thoroughly with a mixture of one teaspoon baby shampoo
to one gallon bottled water. It is important that you use a solution
of no-tears baby shampoo and bottled water to provide the correct pH
and final clarity to your project. Never use any cleaner containing
vinegar or ammonia to clean the film. Do not clean the windows with
any cleaner containing vinegar or ammonia immediately before applying
the film, as this could damage the film.
Cut a piece of film 1" wider and 1" longer than the window you plan to cover.
Spray the window liberally with the same solution you used to clean the windows.
Keep your hands moistened with the solution to prevent leaving fingerprints
on the film.
Use transparent tape to remove the backing from the window film.
Use two pieces of transparent tape to remove the backing from the film. After
you have exposed an inch or so of the film's adhesive backing, spray
the film with the solution. On large pieces, you will need a helper
to keep from contaminating the film when the backing is removed.
Starting at the top, place the adhesive side of the film on the glass and work
your way down the window. Position the film so it is centered on the
glass and spray with the solution. Squeegee any bubbles to within 2"
of the edge of the window. Keep the surface of the film wet with the
solution so the squeegee will pull across it easily.
Use a utility knife to trim the film. Leave a 1/16" border between the edge
of the film and the window.
Re-spray the surface of the film and squeegee out any bubbles. Bubbles will be
able to escape through the space between the film and the edge of the
window.
The film should begin to stick within thirty minutes and normally cures fully
in four to eight days.
CHOOSING AND APPLYING WINDOW FILM
Window film provides an inexpensive way to
weatherize your windows. Window film is a relatively inexpensive way
to upgrade windows. You can purchase films that block certain percentages
of UV light, films that have insulating properties (lower U-Factor)
and films that block solar heat (higher SHGC).
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us know your do-it-yourself experiences. We'd love to hear from
you!
These How-To's are provided as a service from Lowe's, the Original Home Improvement
Warehouse of How-To information for the World Wide Web. The information
in Lowe's "How-To" clinics is intended to simplify jobs around
the house. Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and
local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for
omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always
exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that
may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in
doubt about any procedures.
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