Types of Window Film
There are several types of window film available, from heat-control film and privacy window film to security window film, decorative window film and more.
Caution
Some windows, such as insulated, laminated or low-E windows, aren’t compatible with some window film. Check the film documentation to ensure your windows are compatible with the film you’re considering.
Heat-Control Window Film
- Heat-control window film can help reduce solar heat gain and glare.
- This film also reduces ultraviolet (UV) exposure, helping protect furnishing, floors and window treatments from premature fading.
- Actual comfort and impact on energy savings depend on factors like sun exposure, window orientation, glass type and climate.
Glare-Control Window Film
- Glare-control window film makes bright interiors more comfortable.
- This film can also block UV rays to reduce fading.
- Some glare-control films can help your home feel cooler.
Privacy-Control Window Film
- Privacy window film restricts views into your home during the daytime
- This film also reduces glare and UV exposure.
- Frosted films improve privacy day and night.
- Mirrored films provide daytime privacy while allowing outside views and reflecting some of the sun’s heat.
- Black films offer daytime privacy and reduce the amount of light entering your home.
Window Security Film
- Window security film, or window protection film, helps absorb impact from break-in attempts and accidental damage.
- Security film for windows helps hold broken glass in place.
Decorative Window Film
- Decorative window film dresses up windows while allowing natural light into your home.
- These films can also reduce glare and improve privacy day and night.
Key Window Film Ratings
- Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) indicates how well the film keeps solar energy from entering through the glass, with a higher rating indicating better heat rejection.
- Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures film transparency, with a lower number indicating a more opaque film.
- Visible Light Reflectance (VLR) measures the visible light the film reflects, with a higher number indicating a more reflective film.
- UV Rejection measures how much UV radiation a film blocks, with a higher rating indicating better protection from fading.
- Shading Coefficient (SC) measures the total reduction of heat gain, with lower numbers indicating the film blocks more heat.
Steps for Applying Window Film
We’ve outlined steps for installing one type of window film that applies directly to glass but always follow the instructions for your film.
- Practice with a couple of small pieces of film to get familiar with the application technique.
- Most window film applies to the interior of single and, if compatible, double-pane glass, but check the documentation to determine the correct surface for your film.
- Apply window film when it’s cool and the windows aren’t in direct sunlight.
- If you’re applying large sheets of window film, enlist a helper.
- You might need a window film installation kit that includes application solution, a microfiber cloth, an applicator tool and a utility knife.
Step 1: Measure Your Windows
- Measure the glass you plan to cover and record the measurements to determine which kits to purchase.
- Purchase an additional 15 percent to account for waste and scrap.
Step 2: Clean the Windows
- Clean your windows with the manufacturer’s window film application solution or a mixture of warm, soapy water, according to the product instructions.
- Scrape away any paint or grime.
- Spray the window again, then squeegee the glass and dry everything with a microfiber cloth.
Caution
Cleaners containing vinegar or ammonia can damage window film.
Step 3: Cut the Window Film and Remove the Backing
- Unroll the film on a flat surface with the liner facing up.
- Mark and cut the film 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the window.
- Wash your hands and keep them moistened with your application solution.
- If the film has adhesive backing, use two pieces of clear tape to pull the first corner of backing from the film.
- Spray the window liberally with the application solution.
- Remove the backing, spraying the glass side of the film as you go.
- Make sure both the window and the film are wet before applying the film.
Step 4: Apply the Window Film
- Spread a drop cloth under the window.
- Starting at the top of the window and keeping the top of the film level, place it on the glass, pushing it against the glass and working your way down the window.
- If you have a straight edge on the film, align it to the glass edge.
- Spray the film and push any large bubbles to the edges with your hand.
- Squeegee from the top down the center and then from the center to one side to push bubbles toward the glass edge.
- Repeat for the other side, then press the film firmly into edges and corners.
Step 5: Trim the Film and Remove Excess Moisture
- Use a utility knife with a sharp blade to trim the film, stopping at each corner and trimming back from the corner.
- If you need a second piece of film, apply it as you did above, overlapping the first piece vertically.
- Spray and squeegee the film again.
- Wrap the plastic card from the installation kit with a layer of microfiber cloth to push excess moisture out from under the film.
- Once you remove moisture from overlapping pieces, use a straight edge and cut downward at the overlap to remove the excess film.
- Wet the film and squeegee down the seam from the top.
Good to Know
Haze and small pockets of moisture are normal and typically disappear as the film cures.
Step 6: Allow the Film to Cure
- Wipe the window clean.
- The film should begin to stick within 30 minutes and normally cures fully in four to eight days.
- If you applied multiple pieces of film to windows, wait about a week and apply clear nail polish along the seam to block moisture.
Tip
If you want something to complement your new window film, check out our guide to window treatments.
How to Remove Window Film From Windows
We have general steps for removing window film below but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove Static-Cling Window Film
- Lift a corner of the film and peel it away from the window.
- If the film is in good condition, you can roll it up and use it again.
Remove Adhesive Window Film
- Spread a drop cloth under the window.
- Spray the film with a removal solution or a mixture of vinegar and soapy water.
- Tape a plastic bag over the window and wait about 30 minutes.
- Check to see if the film peels away, if not, spray and cover again.
- Once you can begin to peel the film away, pull it from the glass, respraying or scraping it away with a razor blade if necessary.
- Remove any remaining adhesive from the window by applying the removal solution, letting it sit for several minutes and then wiping or scraping it away.
Caution
Use care when scraping the window to avoid scratching the glass.