Privacy film on double glazing

Stilernin2

Has anyone had experience of installing privacy film on their double glazing?  

i)   Any views on which brand to buy?
ii)  Any tips on installation?
iii) Is there any truth in the view that the mirroring of the sun heats up the space in between the double glazing more than it is designed for and damages it?

grumbler

iii) - nonsense

TELLIT01

I used privacy film on our porch rather than replacing all the glass with obscured.  I can't remember the supplier but definitely recommend starting on the smallest pane first.  The instructions seemed fiendishly complex but actually easy enough when doing it in practice.  Make sure you really wet the film thoroughly to avoid bubbles.

It may seem odd to worry about privacy on a porch, but our neighbours had always taken our post in for us when we were on holiday.  That way there wasn't anything to indicate the house wasn't occupied.  When they died we didn't have anybody else who could do it.

ChasingtheWelshdream

I have recently used a frosted/etched glass design on some double glazing. I bought it from The Window Film Company, made to measure.

As Tellit01 says, wet the film thoroughly and spend the time squeegee-img any bubbles and you’ll be fine. I’m very pleased with ours.

theonlywayisup

Use The Window Film Company, not the greatest website - they do have a 10% voucher if you google it - but their product and after-sales are second to none.  

https://www.windowfilm.co.uk/video-instructions

Do not touch Active Windowfilms with a very long bargepole - simply the opposite.  They probably have another name as they also trade on Amazon & Ebay.  

The WFC will send you a credit card sized squeegee thing to help in application and they have videos but it is really easy.  You need a spray bottle with water and a touch of fairy liquid in.  Spray it on the film (on a flat surface) remove the backing and apply to the window, having sprayed that too.  Then use the squeegee to remove the bubbles. 

Just make sure you have everything prepared before you start.

There is some truth in damage - having had some with the firm I chose to bargepole - but reputable firms will give you details as to which film should be applied to which type of glazing. WFC have oodles of choice. 

poultrum

we have some mirror 1 way film on double glazing , don`t know if its damaging the glass and easy enough to fit. But we have noticed that at night if we have a light on inside, it does`nt work . 

theonlywayisup

poultrum said:

we have some mirror 1 way film on double glazing , don`t know if its damaging the glass and easy enough to fit. But we have noticed that at night if we have a light on inside, it does`nt work . 

It does work, but you have misunderstood how it works.

The film works on the light balance, with the side of the film that is brightest exhibiting the reflective properties. During daylight hours this is always the side of the film facing outwards.  If you turn on a light within that room the result is reversed. 

Stilernin2

Thanks everyone, some useful info here.  I want to use it on my bedroom windows which are quite big and south facing.  The back gardens are only about 50 ft,  so I always feel that the neighbours can see straight in during the day, so am always drawing the curtains.  I did understand the 'mirror' effect when the room light is on.

Cheers

twopenny

I use the foil backed car window shades on double glazed windows in bedroom, in hot  spells. I asked two different people in the business and they both said it wouldn't hurt.
I put up open work cotton nets on bedroom window at ground level and this causes the glass to reflect like a mirror during the day so you can't see in. 
Well i hope so the builder's have just arrived an im lounging in my pyjamas!

Apodemus

twopenny said:

Well i hope so the builder's have just arrived an im lounging in my pyjamas!

Just remember that if the sun is shining on something light-coloured in the room, the reflected light can overcome the normal effectiveness of net curtains or reflect coatings just as if the lights were on and it was dark outside...

kdotdotdotdot

I've just done a bathroom door (panes of clear glass) with something on Amazon by Rabbitgoo.  I've discovered that window films come with different levels of privacy, from completely opaque to something patterned that's still somewhat see-through.

With a bedroom window, you'd probably want something that's at least partly still see-through otherwise you'll not be able to see out of the window. 

Whatever you choose, you'll definitely need a squeegee.