Window Films

There are many reasons why home owners install window films in their home. In particular, window films are getting very popular in North America. There are many different patterns and designs that may be choose from, and these suit the different functions of the window film. One of the most popular type of window film that home owners use is the self-adhesive window film type that can stick on the window through static action. One of the more popular design is the etched glass window films.

Installing window films on your home has many benefits. Among some of the main reasons why home owners install window films is for the purpose of adding privacy to their homes. This is where etched glass window film comes into the picture. Traditionally, to etch a glass would require that you take out the entire window panel and send them to a factory to have it sand-blasted.

The basic design of etched glass is to make the entire glass window look frosted, different patterns can be incorporated. Sand-blasting a glass is not a reversible process, certainly not in an easy way, meaning that once you have etched your glass, you would not be able to have a clear glass again.

Using etched glass window film on the other hand, provides you with all the benefits of having your glass etched, as if by a professionals. There are many different patterns and designs that you may choose from. The different designs and patterns suit your different needs, depending on what you hoped to achieve. For example, if adding privacy is your main concern, then you can choose a fully opaque or a semi-opaque frosted glass film.

Many owners install fully opaque etched glass window film on their shower doors or windows. The window film can withstand both moisture and heat, making them very suitable at shower rooms. Another beauty of putting up window film is that while it obscures view, it continue to allow natural sunlight from the outside to enter the room. This way, you will continue to save on electricity bill and get more sunlight.

Many home owners also install etched glass window film for the purpose of enhancing the look of their house or windows. Repeating geometric pattern is popular among home owners. There are many types of designs available in the market. If you have a door that lead out to the garden, you may want to try some nature-inspired etched glass film design such as those that have leave or birds as its pattern.

General designs and patterns of etched glass window film falls into one of the following themes:

• Abstract and geometric designs
• Contemporary
• Traditional and Ornamental
• Flowers, leaves and vines
• Accents

The following designs are popular etched glass window films under the abstract and geometric theme: Austin Privacy, Chateau Glass Block, Monte Carlo, Orleans Decorative, and the Pebble Etched. Most of the designs listed under this theme is most suitable for adding privacy and for decorative purpose. Those who prefer comtemporary designs may go for the Austin Privacy or Monte Carlo and if you would want those without patterns, then you may use the fully-frosted or lite frosted design. With etched glass window film, even the most ordinary looking glass will look as if it costs hundreds of dollars.

Not only you do not need to replace the entire window, you can carry out the entire process of installing the window film by yourself. Besides, etched glass window film not only enhances the look of your window, there are many other benefits too. Etched glass window films, when installed on glass door or glass windows, are able to filter out up to 90% of UV ray from the sunlight spectrum. UV ray is what causes carpet, furniture and curtains in your home to fade in color.

During broad daylight, the window film helps to keep heat out of the house and at night it helps to keep within the house. It has very wonderful functions during the winter and summer too, for those who live in climatic conditions. During summer, heat entering the house is filtered. This way, you need not turn up your air-conditioning that much. During winter, heat is kept within the house, and you do not need to turn up the heater that much. In other words, using etched glass window film is friendly to the environment as it helps to reduce energy consumption is it is kinder to your wallet.

You will find that all the window films fall into one of the two categories: those that come with adhesive and those that comes without. With those that comes with adhesive, the vinyl films has a layer of adhesive glue as part of the window film. Installing this type of window film is best carried out by professionals as they can sometimes be messy. Worst when it comes to removal of the window film. Chemical has be used, and again, you may need to employ a group of professionals to carry out for you.

The best type of film then, is to get those that is adhesive-free. This type of film stick to the glass window through static action. They are easy to install and may be easily carried out as a DIY project. Installation of this type of film takes only 15 minutes for smaller window pane and for larger windows, you may need approximately 30 minutes and you may want to carry it out in a group of two people.

Installing self-adhesive window films involves very simple procedures. You begin by thoroughly cleaning the glass surface of dirt and dust as any dirt or dust will cause proper installation. Window cleaning solution will suffice for the cleaning and you would want to use a scrapper if there is any stubborn stain or paint remnants stuck to the glass surface.

Take the measurement of the glass window and cut out the window film to a size that is slightly larger than the glass window. Fill up a spray bottle with soapy solution and spray the glass surface. Remove the backing paper off the window film and position the window film on the glass window. If you are installing the window film for the first time, you would want to start with a smaller window. As you build on your confidence, you can then work on larger windows or doors.

Spray some of the solution on the surface of the window film and then use a squeegee to squeeze out all solutions and air bubbles beneath the window film. The etched glass window film will stick onto the glass surface on its own. The final steps involve using a utility knife to trim off the window film to fit the window size and shape perfectly.

If you are using plain-looking etched glass window film, such as frosted or light frosted, you can try adding some decorative accent at the corner or middle of the window to enhance its design and look. You can also add border to the entire window.

The other creative way is to just install decorative accents on the corner, middle or make a border around clear glass. There are many different types of etched glass accents that you can choose from and there are just so many ways to decorate your window.

Many manufacturers is able to provide a warrantee between three to five years for the window film that you purchased. The lifetime of the window film will probably last twice as long as the warrantee. You can conveniently purchase window film from many different types of stores. Hardware stores is a good place to start, and so is DIY store. When purchasing, always check on the credentials of the manufacturer.

Not all window films are created alike, and you would want to buy yours from quality and reliable manufacturer. Buying from online is fine too, as long as you can satisfy yourself that there are many happy users who have bought theirs from the site.

The ease of purchasing, installing and removing self-adhesive window film not only makes the window film popular among home owners, they are now fairly popular among interior designer and architect too. Etched glass window film is only one type of the many different types of window films available in the market today, and you can also consider may other types of window films design such as stained glass window film and others.

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