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Etched Glass Window Film
Our etched glass window film is a self adhesive frosted window film ideal for privacy day and night, or as a contemporary alternative to net curtains. Once applied in a matter of minutes, etch glass film makes your windows or doors opaque instantly. Our window film is available by the metre in 1.22m and 1.0m widths, or for ease of installation cut to size to your exact measurements.
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Product Description
- Self-adhesive
- By the metre or cut to size
- Easy to apply with no bubbles
- Suitable for bathrooms or kitchens
- Free application tool
- 5 year warranty
Our Purlfrost branded etched glass window film is a premium frosted window film ideal for a contemporary interior with a subtle colouring and slight sparkle finish giving it a realistic frosted glass look. It is a thin, translucent self adhesive material, allowing 80% of natural light through. Once applied to a window or door, the film will give you 24 hour privacy from either side of the glass . The film is suitable for application on any smooth glass surface including double glazed units, and can be used anywhere in the house or office, including on a bathroom window as it is resistant to condensation.
Etched effect glass film is widely used to replace net curtains on street facing bay windows. It is a stylish and classy alternative, and by applying it on the bottom half of your windows, you can achieve the privacy you need at the level where it matters, whilst still allowing you to see out from the top window. Your etched frosted window film can also be trimmed short of the edge of your window to create a practical and decorative clear see through area around the frame.
As well as working like a privacy frosted covering, etch glass window film can also be used to hide an unsightly view, but also for enhanced security in your home or place of work. The etched finish will make your glass opaque therefore hiding you valuable items from sight.
How easy is etch glass film to apply?
Window film is very easy to install. You will need a few basic tools and a spray bottle, and we even throw in a small application tool with your order for free, as well as a comprehensive and easy to follow set of fitting instructions. Soapy water is the key ingredient, which allows you a bubble free application. Take a minute to watch our video tutorial. It's really that easy.
How does etch effect film work?
The film is a thin self adhesive window vinyl with a subtle grainy pattern embossed in the film. It is silver in colour with a light sparkle which gives it a very realistic frosted glass effect.
How is the film supplied?
You can purchase our film by the roll in a width of your choice, or cut to your exact measurements using our state of the art CAD plotter. Our Purlfrost branded window films come with our own trademark backing paper with a metric grid allowing you to easily mark and cut your film, and even create your very own designs or numbers.
Can etch film be applied externally?
Yes, frosted window film is a very durable material that can be used on glass balconies for example, but there's no warranty for external use. The film will last for many years as long as it is not in direct contact with the elements.
Buy online with confidence from Purlfrost
Our website is packed with practical window film products for your office or your home, available for delivery in the United Kingdom from our London office building. Our customer service and experience is second to none and we are the best rated window film company on Truspilot with over 8000 reviews from satisfied customers. We hold plenty of stock of a wide range of window films and tend to ship your order within 24h of your purchase, using either Royal Mail or TNT for shipping throughout the country. Free shipping is available for orders over £50.00.
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How To Apply
Step by step instructions on how to apply window film & frost glass
Regardless of the type of window film or stickers you purchase, whether frosted, tinted, mirror or decorative, the principle on how to fit window film will be the same. We also have several targeted video tutorials which you will find by clicking here.
Glass Preparation (the crucial task)
Make a slip solution using a few drops of washing up liquid mixed with water in a spray bottle and thoroughly clean the glass. Use a glass scraper to remove specks of paint, or any other glass covering like stickers.
Film Cutting
Unless your window film is already cut to size, and if the film has a paper liner with a metric grid, measure your glass at the top and bottom, and left and right and mark and cut your window film. You can also cut the film bigger than required and trim it once applied to the glass.
Film Application
A. Thoroughly wet the glass with the slip solution.
B. Place the window film face down an a flat surface and expose a small amount of the adhesive or cling side.
C. Spray the adhesive or cling side liberally with the slip solution as you peel off the protective liner.
D. Slip the adhesive or cling side of the film on the glass butting one edge and the top against the window frame or rubber gasket (double glazed unit).
Squeegee Technique
A. Liberally wet the face of the film with the solution to act as a lubricant fro your squeegee or felt edged tool.
B-C. Squeeze out the solution from under the film using a firm and even pressure, starting from the top and working your way down and across the film.
Film Trimming
Run a credit card and a retractable knife blade down the edge of the glass to trim any excess film. The thickness of the card will allow for a small gap to help any remaining solution to be squeezed out. Once trimming is complete go over the film once more to squeeze out all the solution.
Final Checks
1. Make sure that all the solution has been squeezed out.
2. Wipe the film and any remaining solution with paper towel.
3. Inspect the film on both sides of the glass to check for any trapped solution or air bubbles.
How To Remove Window Film
Removing window film can be a very easy process, but it all depends on how long the film has been on the glass, and the type of film that was used.
Here's a video tutorial which shows the basic principal.
Typically, films are either made using PVC or PET.
PVC is a soft material which can be peeled off the glass with a glass scraper. Any glue residue can be removed with soapy water and a scraper.
PET is a brittle material widely used for solar and safety film, and might be made of layers of mettalised material. To remove this type of film, use a wide glass scraper and lubricate with soapy water to remove the film.
As a rule, old PET film are more difficult to remove than PVC films.
For large panes, it is best to first score the film into strips with a sharp knife. This means that you can tackle it in more manageable pieces.
Measuring Tips
Ready to place your window film order?
You will first need to measure the glass, in centimetres, using a tape measure. Only measure the glass you want to cover.
Width: measure from left to right at the top and the bottom of the glass, and take note of the largest measurements (some older wooden windows are not perfectly square).
Height: measure from top to bottom on the left and the right of the glass, and take note of the largest measurements.
Top tip
Leaving a clear gap around frosted or patterned film is a stylish and practical option, allowing you to peep out when someone is at the door for example. To create a clear outline around the film, deduct twice the width of the desired clear outline, to the width and the height of your pane.
For example, if you want a 1cm (10mm) clear gap all the way round, deduct 2cm from the width, and the same from the height.
Fitting the film with a gap all the way round is much easier, especially on old wooden windows and doors which are not always in the best condition, and where the edge of the glass has paint encroachment.
Care
How To Care For Your window film After Installation
Window film is very easy to look after and you won't need any special products to clean it with. In fact, soapy water, similar to the solution you used to apply the film is the best cleaning product.
Do's
Wait for at least 3 weeks before first cleaning your film
Use soapy water
Use a soft cloth or paper towel
Use a rubber edged squeegee (unless the film is printed or has cut outs) in good condition
Don'ts
Do not use abrasive products
Do not use Amonia based products
Do not use defective or damaged squeegees
Caring for printed films, or films with cut-outs
Extra care must be taken when cleaning printed films, or films which have been cut out and have exposed edges. Gently clean with a soft cloth only, and take particular care around the cut areas. Do not rub too hard or use a squeegee as it could damage the print or your cut film.
Caring for static cling films & stickers
Take extra care around the edges and clean your sticker or film from the centre out. Do not use a squeegee.