Your windows let in lots of beautiful natural light. Unfortunately, they also let in harmful ultraviolet rays and don't provide good insulation. Applying window film can help solve these problems by keeping out ultraviolet rays and providing some insulation, as well as protecting your privacy. Materials:
Window film
Spray bottle
Measuring tape
Straightedge
Marking pen
Small utility knife with breakaway blades
Razor blade scraper
Broad knife
Squeegee
Coffee filters
A variety of residential window films is available, including dark film for privacy, reflective film to keep your house cool in the summer, bronze film for soft lighting and frosted film for a translucent look. Many films also have a low-E coating that resists the passage of heat. - Mix a cleaning solution using 1 ounce liquid detergent and 12 ounces distilled water. Don't use household window cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar. They can dissolve the film's adhesive.
- Generously spray a window with the cleaning solution.
- Scrape off caked dirt or paint with the razor scraper, and spray the window again.
- Pull a squeegee down the window to remove the solution.
- Wipe off accumulated dirt from the window gasket with a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth. Repeat the process until the window is clean.
- Unroll the film on a flat surface. Measure the window, and use a straightedge to cut the film 1" larger than the dimensions of the window.
- Spray the inside surface of the window with your cleaning solution.
- Remove the backing from the window film. It may help to have a partner hold the film while you remove the backing. You can apply pieces of transparent tape to the top corners of the backing and use them as handles to pull away the backing.
- Generously spray the adhesive side of the film to prevent static cling.
- Starting at the top of the window, apply the adhesive side of the film to the wet glass. Use your hand to remove wrinkles or bubbles.
- Spray the entire surface again, and use the squeegee, pulling outward from the center of the window, to remove any remaining bubbles or water (figure A).
- Use a broad knife and a utility knife to remove excess film (figure B).
- Spray the entire surface one last time, and use a squeegee to remove the cleaning solution. Use a credit card wrapped in a coffee filter to squeeze out water near the edges of the film.
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