Window tint film is fast becoming one of the most hot selling household items throughout the country even though it has been around for quite a few decades. The advent of static cling window film, films that stick to the glass surface without any adhesives, is the main reasons behind why there is a sudden surge in sales of window films. First introduced as window tinting for the automobile industry, its application soon extended to commercial buildings and now a favorite among home owners. The innovative design concepts together with the latest engineering technology means that when applied, the glass window films no longer look “cheap” as it would have been many years ago.
In general, there are two types of glass films – the adhesive-free ones and the adhesive-based ones. Traditionally, all glass films are made to be adhesive-based. This means that they require some form of adhesive such as glue to stick the material to the glass surface. The installation process is messy and would require professionals to carry out the task. The process is also permanent and almost irreversible. To remove the window tint film, industrial chemical is required and the glass surface may be damaged by the removal.
The invention of window film that hold to glass surface without adhesive, the static cling window film, is the reason for the popularity of home window tinting film. Home owners now no longer need to employ professionals and builders to install the glass film for them. The window film installation is so simple and straight forward that almost anyone could easily carry them out. Tools required for the window film installation is also simple and can be easily and conveniently sourced from any hardware store. In fact, there are many tinting film merchandiser who would provide the tools as part of the package for the sales of window films bought through their shops.
You will need the followings to install static cling window film on any glass window or glass door in your home – a spray bottle, a measurement tape, a squeegee and a utility knife. First, clean the glass surface of any dust using window cleansing solution as what you would normally do. If there is some paint remnant on the glass surface, you may need to use a scrapper to scrap them off. Then, fill the spray bottle with some mild soapy solution. The soapy solution may also be from the window cleanser. Spray some of the soapy solution on the glass surface. Attach the window film on the glass surface and allow it to “float”. You do not need to be too worried about the final position at this moment, just ensure that the glass film cover the entire glass.
Spray some more solution on the surface of the glass film facing you. Then use the squeegee to squeeze out any air bubble and soapy solution underneath the glass film. As the soapy solution and air bubbles are being squeezed out, the glass film will automatically adhere to the glass surface through static action. Finally, use the utility knife to trim off any excess film to fit the size of the window.
Home owners uses many different types of glass film designs for different functions in the house. They uses frosted effect glass film on bathroom windows to add more privacy. Privacy window film may be able to withstand both moisture and heat and makes them the perfect solution on bathroom windows and shower enclosure glass doors to add privacy. Some of these window films make the glass totally opaque, some other provide semi-opaque effect. A good combination is to use fully frosted window film on the bathroom windows but use the light frost version on shower doors.
A great feature that home owners love about static cling window film is that although it obscures view, it still allows light to shine through. This way, you do not need to turn on additional lights. Besides, static window films also have good inherent properties in filtering out harmful ray of the sunlight. They can filter out both the infra-red ray, the components that causes heat gain, and the ultra-violet ray, the component that causes your carpets, furniture and upholstery to fade in color. Typically, glass film could easily filter out 80% of infra-red ray and 95% of ultra-violet ray. Different range of glass film will have different filtering capability.
Home owners also uses etched glass window film widely in their house for decoration purpose. When installed, the glass film will transform even the most ordinary looking clear glass to look like as if it costs hundreds of dollars. The popular etched glass film designs among home owners are those that have repeating geometrical patterns. The design range also comes with those that is specifically designed for storm door and for the sidelight lookout.
Glass films that provide stained glass effect are also a favorite among home owners for decoration purpose. Even though the technology to manufacture stained glass and colored glass is very much advanced now, the cost of producing such glass for home use is still expensive, making it almost impossible for home owners to enjoy stained glass look for their windows. Stained glass window film is the solution to these owners.
Overall, window film that can adhered to glass surface without any further adhesive is the solution to many of the problems faced by home owners. They can filter out harmful ray of the sun, add privacy and be used as decorative elements. It is also very convenient to buy these items off the shelf from hardware stores and DIY mall. You may even order them online.
