What is window film?
Window film is a polyester film generally made of PET, Polyethylene Teraphthalate, the same polymer used to manufacture water bottles. Most films are applied to the interior surface of a glass window in a home, commercial building or car. They have a scratch resistant coating on the outer surface to protect the film.

How many types of films are available?
There are many types of window films. Some are clear and feature multiple layers of PET to offer protection from shattering glass, others are tinted with metals, dyes or pigments to reduce the visible light transmitted through the glass, and block heat coming through from the sun. There are even decorative window films that can replicate the look of frosted glass or etched patterns which is approved by Interior Designers.

What are the benefits of window film?
Window films have many benefits depending on your choice of film.
a) Safety films can hold shattered glass in place to offer protection from threats like:

• Burglary attempts
• Graffiti
• Wind-born debris
• Natural disasters
• Bomb blasts

b) Tinted window films, also called solar control films, can do the following:

• Significantly reduce solar heat gain and temperature inside a building
• Reduce air conditioning costs
• Extend life of HVAC systems by reducing maintenance and strain on the system
• Decrease a building's environmental emissions
• Increase occupant comfort
• Reduce glare to improve visibility inside, especially for computer and TV screens
• Provide daytime privacy
• Block up to 99% of UV radiation
• Fade protection for furniture, carpets, woodwork, and other interior furnishings

c) Decorative and aesthetic film

• Improve building aesthetics and accent windows
• Signage, name and branding

How is window film installed?
Window films are installed by professional window film installers. The installation process starts with the installer thoroughly cleaning your windows to remove even the smallest pieces of dirt. A piece of film is cut roughly to the size of your window, its release liner is removed, and an application solution is sprayed on the film's adhesive to activate it. The application solution is also sprayed on the window. Then the film is installed on the glass and the installer squeegees all the application solution out from between the glass and film. The film installer will also do some final edge trimming to ensure the film fits perfectly.

How long does the film take to fully cure?
When the installer squeezes out the application solution during installation, it is nearly impossible to get every drop of solution out. Thus there is a drying time (cure time) for the film, during which the remaining application solution between the film and glass evaporates. During this time, the film is still performing to its full solar control and safety capabilities. However it is common to see bubbles, haze, streaks, and other visual defects in the film as it cures. This is completely normal, and these will disappear as the film dries out.

The amount of time for the film to fully cure can vary drastically. If it is a dark solar control film on a south or west facing window in a hot climate in summer, the film can be completely cured within a few days. However if it is a heavy gage safety film installed on a north facing window in wintertime, it's not uncommon for the curing process to last over a month. Remember though that the film will perform as designed during the drying time, the bubbles and streaks are purely cosmetic.

How much does window film cost?
The cost of window film will vary depending on the required function (solar, safety, aesthetics or a combination of different functions), the performance, size of the window, and the application area.

Will it scratch?
Special scratch resistant coatings (SR or ER for external) stand up well to normal every day abrasion, wear and tear, and make cleaning and maintenance trouble free. However when someone deliberately causes damage with sharp objects, it will no doubt result in scratches.

Is customization possible?
Any and every type of design is practically feasible. However the cost shall be a factor as per the extent of detailing and customization required.