Bring on the privacy, but hold the bubbles
Hardware stores often sell window film installation kits, which may include a proprietary application solution, a plastic squeegee, a microfiber cloth, and a utility knife. Research the contents of the kit before buying unnecessary tools and supplies to save yourself some money.
Window film can serve a variety of purposes: You can give your home more privacy, block out the sun to reduce screen glare and lower your AC bill, or just add a decorative film to breathe some life into your space. Window film installation kits are usually very affordable, and it’s easy to apply film to several windows in an afternoon (with the help of a friend!). New to this project? Here’s how to apply window film with water (or the solution provided in the kit) in 10 easy steps.
Head to your local hardware store (or just browse online) to find a window film installation kit to tackle this project. All you need is a rough idea of how much film you’ll need (buy 15% more for excess trim and for mistakes) and what you’re trying to accomplish with the window film application. Here are a few types of window films to choose from:
Purchase privacy window film to prevent people from seeing through your windows from the outside. Privacy films are ideal for bathroom windows or first-floor bedroom windows that look out to the street. You can also install them on interior glass doors to add privacy to specific rooms.
With frosted translucent film, light can still pour through the window, but peeping eyes cannot. You can also purchase mirrored privacy films that allow you to see outside but not the other way around (like a two-way mirror). Black privacy window films reduce the amount of sunlight that comes in; think of it like tinted car windows.
Tired of having to close the curtains or lean to one side of the couch to see the TV without a glare? Install anti-glare window film (also called glare-reducing or glare-control window film).
In addition to reducing the glare on TV and computer screens, these window films can reduce the UV light that enters your home and leads to fading furniture, floors, wall art, and walls.
You can apply heat-control window film to keep your home a little cooler during the summer months. This film reflects the heat (and UV rays) from the sun, which naturally keeps the room temperature lower without having to run your air conditioner as much and as hard. An added benefit is the deflected UV light, which, like anti-glare window film, helps protect your floors, furniture, wall art, and walls from fading over time. Depending on the window film you buy, it may also help prevent heat loss during colder months.
Keep in mind that applying heat-control window film to an old, inefficient window is merely a bandage to a larger problem. If your window is no longer energy efficient, you may need to replace it entirely. Window replacement prices are high, but the savings on your energy bill and the improved value of your home often make the project worth the investment.
Window film isn’t always about solving a problem—sometimes it’s just about having fun. If you’re tired of a room’s aesthetic and want to refresh it on a budget, applying a decorative window film is an easy DIY project to try. Decorative window film can look especially nice on kitchen windows, but it’s just one of many kitchen window ideas to consider when rethinking your space.
Some window film installation kits come with their own application solution that you can use to clean your windows and apply the film. But if there’s no application solution in your kit, you can easily make your own.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo with 1 gallon of bottled water. The distinctions here are important: Baby shampoo and bottled water will provide the right pH needed for the application.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle, then spray down the entire window. Use a shower squeegee to thoroughly clean the glass. After each complete “squeegee motion,” wipe off the squeegee with a clean, non-linting cloth (like a microfiber towel) to ensure you aren’t just pushing dirt and dust particles around the window.
After squeegeeing the window, spray it down again, and take a new paint scraper to the glass. There can be minute flecks of paint, dirt, and dust that you can’t see that could affect the installation, so scrape the entire window, even if it looks completely clean.
When squeegeeing the glass panes, you may inadvertently scoot dirt and dust to the edges of the window, where it gathers along the frame. Take a clean cloth and wipe down all the edges of the frame to remove any lingering particles.
Measure your window (or individual panes for more complex windows) and cut the window film to size. It should be 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the dimensions of your window.
You’re almost ready to apply the window film—but you need to spray down the glass again. The solution you created (or that came with the kit) is crucial to adhering the film to the glass.
Adhere two pieces of clear tape to a corner of the window film piece you cut—one piece of tape on each side. The tape will give you leverage to begin peeling the window film from its release liner (the backing of the window film).
As you peel off the window film, liberally spray the adhesive side that will lay on the glass. It’s helpful to have a second person manage the spray bottle as you peel back the film. If you don’t have a helper, lay the film on a clean surface as you peel it; you want to ensure no dirt or dust particles land on the adhesive side.
Note: The key difference between how to apply non-adhesive window film and self-adhesive window film is that, for the former, you do not need to spray the film as you peel off the release liner. As long as the glass itself is wet, you should be fine. For self-adhesive, you need to be more careful when peeling off the film—you don’t want dust, dirt, or any other particles to attach to the film before application, which is why you must spray it as you peel.
Carefully apply the film to the glass, starting at the top. If this is the first piece of film you cut, there will be a straight factory edge that you can line up plumb with the top of the window. Otherwise, install it so there’s a slight overhang past the top of the window.
Continue to work your way down the window, gently applying the film. Ensure that it slightly overhangs the sides and bottom of the window.
Once the film is completely laid against the glass, spray it down with solution. Then, use a plastic card squeegee (many kits come with these) to push the water bubbles out. Start from the center and push outward with the squeegee, stopping roughly 1 inch from the edges. Continue to spray the film as needed to keep it wet while squeegeeing.
To trim the window film, take your 5-in-1 tool to a corner of the window and use the tool to press the edge of the film against the window frame. Then take your utility knife and, starting from the corner, begin to trim the film. Move the utility knife and 5-in-1 tool along the frame together until you’ve trimmed the entire side. Repeat for the other three sides of the window.
Grab the plastic squeegee one more time. Spray down the film again and use the squeegee to push out any remaining bubbles. This time, you can force the water out to the edges. Cover the squeegee with a microfiber towel so that it catches any excess moisture as you push it out the edges of the film.
Once the moisture is completely gone, voila! Your film is finally installed.
Note: You may be tempted to clean your window film shortly after application, but it can take several days or even weeks for the film to bond completely to the glass. Wait at least 30 days before cleaning.
Once you know how to apply window film and have gotten one or two windows under your belt, installing the film on additional windows is easy. There’s usually no need to hire a local window installer to tackle this job—just invite a friend over to help (and maybe thank them with some well-earned pizza!).
If your window film doesn’t come with an installation kit and its own application solution, you can make your own—but don’t use soap! Instead, use 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo mixed with a gallon of bottled water. Make sure the bucket in which you mix this solution is completely clean.
Do not use Windex or any glass cleaner when applying window film. These products contain ammonia, which will damage the film. Instead, use the application solution provided with the installation kit. If there is no solution, make your own using 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo and a gallon of bottled water.
