How to apply Window Film

[1calibama]

Can this film be applied to plexiglass? We have skylights and need a "reasonably priced" alternative to accordion shades. Wanted to buy protectant plexiglass to insert into a slot that is in the frame, but can't find the plexi.

[tapplastics]

@1calibama Adhesive backed window film cannot be applied to Plexiglas (acrylic). It will bubble due to the expansion and contraction of the plastic. There are two solutions to your problem.

One is our vinyl-cling window film. It can be applied to the outside of your skylight, or to a piece of acrylic. It does not use adhesive, so it is re-usable. It can be removed and re-applied over and over.

[tapplastics]

Another option is to use a piece of transparent bronze or grey acrylic. We can cut it to size for you. If you come into a store, we can do it while you wait, or you can order it from our website, cut to your size.

[alech1979]

Questions:

1. With respect to the clear safety film, do you apply the film to both sides of the glass? if not, which side?

2. How does the film protect from a break in? I understand that it holds the glass in place but what else happens if you try to push through it?

3. Does the film stretch if you try to push through the shattered glass?

4. What is the life of the film?

[tapplastics]

1. Safety film is normally applied to the inside of the glass. Some businesses also apply it to the outside for graffiti protection. When the film is damaged, it gets replaced, not the glass. Exterior applications have a shorter life due to exposure to the weather. When the film is applied to both sides of the glass, the strength is dramatically increased.

[tapplastics]

2. The film is highly resistant to tearing. So, even though the glass breaks, the film does not.

3. The film stretches very slightly. It would be virtually impossible to actually push through the film. The window would probably come out of the frame first.

4. For interior applications the film life is indefinite. It will never need to be replaced. Exterior applications have a one to two year life before the appearance degrades.

[lostindiancamp]

I am currently applying Gila Privacy Control window tint. What am I doing wrong, once the tint is on the window , the appearance is wavy?

[tapplastics]

@lostindiancamp There are two possible reasons. If the film is not squeegee with the hard squeegee, water remains behind the film, creating waviness. The other possibility is the film itself. Gila film is manufactured for the do-it-yourself market. It is not a professional quality film. We sell only professional grade film at TAP Plastics. It can be purchased by the foot, rather than pre-cut rolls. That minimizes waste and cost. If properly installed, our film will never fade or bubble.

[pnutbuttababi24]

This an incredibly long video but putting up shirk film is actually a lot harder than I thought.

[qommoq]

thank you for this efficient instructive video with no BS included.

[stangcrazygirl]

Wow I see why people pay other people to do this. I was going to try it but it looks difficult. lol.. To me anyway. :-/ I will just get some black curtains or something. lol.

[barflairer]

Exceptional video. Thank you for putting such a clear and precise video of how to put up window film.

[wolfxinstein]

thank you. educational video. thanks

[Roxycan21]

Fantastic video!!! I was so confused by the paper manuel I got and other videos on here did not seem to help, I will now go and try fit my car window tints, thank you

[marcsparc]

I am a professional installer. This is a very good tutorial, however, I would not use baby shampoo, it can leave a residue (despite what the video says).

The only thing I will say is that it takes a fair amount of practise to get good at this, and if you're using an expensive film, you can easily throw away more film than you would have spent on having it professionally installed.



[faheemia]

Definitely the Best video about tinting... explains everything and also tell you the tips and tricks for a good job, which are often missed by others. Perfect

[juanchantun]

This video is a great tutorial, I applied film to all my home windows following it closely. The guy explains it crystal clear, well done!

[kinkabala]

does this film work well , i mean does it blackout the window completely from the outside or is it just more of tine i.e. darker tone ?

[tapplastics]

@kinkabala It depends on which film you use, and whether it is day or night.  The R-20 Silver film is very reflective. During the day it will look like a mirror from the outside. However, at night the effect reverses. Since it is dark outside at night, the light from the interior passes through the film and can be seen from the outside. The opposite is true during the day time.

[becsmidd]

One thing he doesn't mention: When you peel the film apart (just as he does) the sticky side of the window treatment - not the lining- is facing you. Make sure to flip it around so that it adheres to the window. He does this in the video, but you have to pay close attention.

[rebo2000us]

Gee, I should have viewed this video yesterday. I wasted $50 on some expensive heat-repelent tint for my west-facing sliding doors. I couldn't get it as smooth as this guy and the film kept sticking to itself. It looks like the soapy solution is key. I used plain water and couldn't slide the film on the window. I'm ready to try again!

[cat123456789101]

If you store your film on the adjacent window panel you should also make sure it is clean too as it may pick up dirt.

[tapplastics]

@cat123456789101 That is correct. The entire area should be clean to prevent nearby dust from getting on the window or film.

[chicbull1]

good video thanks

[vientodepaz]

exelente explicacion

muchas gracias.

tk

[kimbahpnam]

can you use a razor to scrape?  will it be just as effective?

[tapplastics]

@kimbahpnam razor blade can be used to remove window film.

[paconot]

The absolute best instructions on the web.

[Mariachi94]

This is actually unbelievably hard to do.

[tapplastics]

@Mariachi94 Actually, it is easier than hanging wallpaper.

[sueportal]

This guy is right on! Followed his instructions exactly and achieved perfect results! Wish he would comment on other jobs...

[nahad74]

are you using R-20 silver or R-50 silver in the video and do you have any videos of what it looks like from outside in the sunlight

[tapplastics]

I believe we were installing the R-50. R-20 will look like a mirror from the outside in sunlight. The R-50 will have very slight reflectivity, but will not be shiny silver. It is not very noticeable, and that is what makes it attractive for many people.

[chisaoboy]

Well done. Best vid on the topic... super thorough. Thank you.

[MrGreenvision]

You make the installation look so easy, a cave man can do it. Well, I'm planning to install film on my small window and hope is as easy as you show on this video. Great video!

[barefootinthehead1]

Man can i say "ur the best around" and such a soothing voice! PROPER JOB!

[chemkouv]

you can use a ruler instead 5-way tool

[chadshearer]

great vid i'd tap that glass too

[osvaldope]

nice job

[osvaldope]

i been tinting for 85 years

[davabran]

I love these vids. I like how you never see the guys face.

[xenophileca]

What a great video! Great presenting! Thank-you very much for sharing that. I feel my views are similar to yours when it comes to this kind of stuff. Feel free to drop by and post a comment on my YouTube as well I am new here and could use a little help!

[Mariachi94]

Thanks a lot. This helped a lot.

[Mariachi94]

I keep and getting damn creases on my film. Any idea how I can avoid them?

[cjdistheman1]

better done then said