Mark and cut the film 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the window you plan to cover. Privacy films can also reduce the fading of furnishings, floors and window treatments by protecting from UV rays. Learn how to install window film with these easy step-by-step instructions. Stop 2 inches before you get to the edge. Remove the backing from the film and spray the glass-side surface of … Window film is a clear, plastic film that can be applied to a window to provide extra insulation. Andersen® glass has several glass (glazing) options available to meet your energy efficiency needs. Applying window film is a simple process, with only a few basic steps. Spray the window liberally with the same solution you used to clean it. Look for window film installation kits that include the tools and materials you need for applying window film, including an application solution, a microfiber cloth, the applicator tool and a utility knife. Set the squeegee at the top center of the window, with the blade held vertically. Glare-control films can shield UV rays, helping reduce the fading of furnishings, floors and window treatments. Purchase an additional 15% to account for waste and scrap. Many types of window film are available for a variety of purposes. Imperfections hard to correct. Although the application process for both types of film is similar, there are some pros and cons to each. Understand window insulation film. If you want something to complement your new window film, check out our Window Treatment Buying Guide. New windows are a smart investment. Combination storm windows are custom-ordered to fit the exact dimensions of your existing windows and they're easy to install. Use privacy window film to block the view into your home and provide protection from UV rays. Adhesive. Always check the manufacturerâs information to make sure a window film is right for your windows and follow the instructions. Make sure the windows are very clean and dry. Before Applying Window Film Whether it is a window, door or wall, you need to take a few steps before applying the slick piece of film. You'll need the measurements to determine which kits to purchase. Start in the middle/centre of the window film and move horizontal with overlapping movements towards the edge of the window film. A double-pane glass structure requires an inspection before applying window film. Starting at the top and keeping the top edge level, place the wet surface of the film on the wet glass, working down the window. Some heat-control films also reduce heat loss in winter. Spray the window liberally with the same solution you used to clean it. Youâll have better results applying it in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the heat of the day. More opaque films have lower numbers. There are several types of window film available, from privacy window film to decorative window film. Solar window film, also known as solar control window film, can save money, improve indoor comfort and protect your furniture from sun damage -- but it can also cause problems. Link to Lowe's Home Improvement Home Page, Step 6: Apply the Window Film to the Corners, Types of Windows: Replacement Window Buying Guide. Assess your home and your needs and then choose the film that best meets those needs. Remove the backing from the film and spray the glass-side surface of the film liberally with the solution as you go. Squeegee from the top down the center and then from the center to one side, using firm overlapping strokes and pushing bubbles to within 2 inches of the glass edge. When done, pull the tint back towards the center. For overlapping pieces, once you remove the excess moisture use a straight edge and cut down at the overlap. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Apply the window film to the glass. Organizing Mistakes That Make Your House Look Messy. The film should begin to stick within 30 minutes and normally cures fully in four to eight days. Measure and record the length and width of each piece of glass you plan to cover. Applying the Film Once you are satisfied that the film will fit the window, apply a generous amount of application solution with a squeeze, or trigger spray bottle, and peel the protective layer off the tint film, and spray the exposed adhesive as well. The water makes it easier to position the film and helps hold it on the window. Use a small squeegee to burnish the film onto the window, pushing air bubbles to the edges (Image 1). Wipe the window clean. All you need is the right soap and a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the window. As a result, your home feels cooler and your air conditioner runs less. Difficult to remove UV rays can cause draperies, furniture, flooring and other home décor items to fade prematurely, so a higher UV rejection is beneficial. Installing window film is a common practice among homeowners to increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. It is applied precisely the same way (with soap and aqueous solutions), although the windows may require some additional cleaning since they are on the outside. Let's get together. Stop when you get near a corner. It reflects the sunâs heat, helping reduce your homeâs overall heat gain. If youâre applying film with an adhesive backing, use two pieces of clear tape to pull the first bit of backing from the film. Clean the side of the window where you wish to stick the clings using your favorite glass cleaner or equal parts vinegar and water. Application Process: To apply the film, fill a spray bottle with a soapy solution. 3M™ Blackout Film helps provide the ultimate in privacy. Spray the mixture on the door or window glass. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. If you need a second piece of film to cover the window, apply it as you did above, overlapping the first piece vertically. The film will take seven to 10 days to cure. Visible light reflectance is how much visible light the film reflects. If you have a crisp factory edge on the film, line it along the glass edge and make sure the rest of the film overlaps the window frame. Stylish and versatile, decorative window films offer a variety of patterns and colors, dressing up your windows while still allowing natural light into your home. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. Repeat for the remaining edges. When film is applied to the glass surface, it may cause heat build-up on the glass which could cause the glass to crack or break. Residential window films are applied directly to the inside glass surface you can touch inside your home. How to Install a Combination Storm Window, How to Replace a Light Fixture With a Ceiling Fan. Replacing a kitchen window above the sink and installing a garden window in its place is a favorite homeowner DIY project, but it's not a one-person job. Clean the window thoroughly. This mixture helps the film stick to the window but still lets you slide the film around so you can fit it properly into the corners before the mixture dries. To apply window film to glass doors or windows: Cut window film to the size needed. Excessive heat will cause the solution used to coat the glass and film to dry prematurely, potentially causing streaks. How to apply window film to glass kitchen cabinet doors. Follow these complete instructions to remove and replace a double-hung window. These films also reduce fade damage to your home's furnishings and floors by blocking out up to 99% of ultraviolet (UV) rays. When the film is firm, flat and free of bubbles, trim the edges with a sharp utility knife (Image 2). Making a window film application solution is not difficult. The film is applied to a window and then fixed in place using a heat source, such as hair dryer. Trim back from the corner to complete the cut. Pros: Long lasting. For this project, Karl chose a simple film that will keep people from seeing in through the windows, but will let light in. Learn how to install fiberglass insulation in an attic. Wash your hands and keep them moistened with the solution to prevent fingerprints on the film. We had medieval warriors attack the windows of Disaster House with axes, arrows and a battering ram just so we could show you how to install a replacement window. Once the window is lowered, you can use this top edge of the window as your guide. Applying Window Film. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a couple of drops of baby shampoo. Mix up a solution of soap and water in a spray bottle. Do the same on the other side of the film. Window Film can help you take full advantage of your windows, but offering you either extra insulation and r-value, or added privacy for rooms around the house. Spray the film again and squeegee it again as you did above. After cleaning, measure the window, then cut the film to include an additional 3/4 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.54 centimeters) of extra material on all sides. You can achieve professional results with a great cost savings by doing it yourself. Attach the other window films in the same way. The outer window film, in most cases, looks and feels the same as the inner window film. All rights reserved. MicroFiber Cleaning Cloth (3 per Pack) Vinyl-Cling Window Film. Use a credit card to remove air bubbles, working from the middle out to the edges of the glass.