Window Film

Whether it is your bathroom windows, your front door or even your kitchen window, obtaining privacy while still letting light in is a difficult thing to do. Generally we end up with blinds, net curtains or drapes, which unfortunately can look too heavy in these applications. Another option is to use etched glass, but this can be very expensive and means you will have to replace the glass you have now.

Fitting a window film to the surface of your window will give you an etched glass look at a fraction of the cost and can offer a multitude of designs and colours to add individualism and charm to your home. Probably the best thing about it is that it is completely flexible. If you decide you don't like it any more you can simply remove it and start again. What could be simpler?

There a several types of window film which you can chose from depending on your needs. For simply adding interest to your windows you can buy a patterned film with interesting designs. These can be ordered to fit the size window you have, which will ensue that he design is in the correct position. You could even choose to add your own text, or come up with your own simple designs. Most manufacturers will allow a certain amount of flexibility for this. A popular design for Victorian homes is a patterned film with a border around the edges. This is great for front doors and will add charm to any period home. The cost can be as much as £100 for a large window, but this is cheaper than etching.

In addition to patterns, you could choose to have the number or name of your home added to the film. This will be perfect on your front door and will set your home apart from others. This application will work well in a business or office setting for internal doors.

If you simply want to add privacy to your home, plain window film with a frosted look is available. This is designed to keep out prying eyes while letting in 80% of the outside light. This is great for bathrooms even for rooms where the warmth of curtaining isn't required. Generally this can be supplied on rolls ready for application and will be cut to size by you. This will cost around £15 for an average sized window.

Application

• The first step is the ensure that the window is as clean as possible. Remove all grease and dirt from both the frame and window.
• Once clean spray the surface with soapy water. Peel the backing from your window film and apply it to the window. The soapy water will allow you to slide it into the correct position.
• Using a squeegee push the soapy water from the centre to the outside edges until it is all removed and the film is adhered to the window.
• Use a craft knife to remove any overlapping edges, cutting as close to the frame as possible. If it has been supplied cut to size this will not be necessary.

Window film should last for several years in residential use and just needs an occasional wipe over with a damp cloth. If you decide to remove it you simply pull it off. Once removed you cannot reuse it, however.