Let's start in order. Sun protection film for windows is different. It differs in the density of tinting, the color of the coating, the method of installation and removal from windows. Physically, window film consists of an ordinary transparent film, on which a thin layer of metal is deposited. Moreover, the instructions clearly indicate that it is necessary to glue the film on glass with this "metal" layer. If you stick it the other way around, then, firstly, the effect of reflecting sunlight will not be achieved, the effect of the film in this case is much lower, and secondly, you can’t tear it off the glass later.

If you turn to professionals for help, they will come to your home or office and paste the film on the windows themselves. Moreover, they use a reliable proven film and know how to glue it so that there are no bubbles left and the window does not lose its transparent properties. A well-glued film is even invisible on the glass and its presence can be detected only by opening the window and making sure that it turns out to be much lighter than it seems on the street.

But the services of professionals are expensive, and good film flies into the pit. So, for example, if I have seven windows in my apartment, then sticking the film with the help of professionals turns into a very tangible waste. When I took the prices and got the price of the service, expressed in five figures, I felt a little uncomfortable. The desire to save money and manage on our own grew stronger with each sunny day. Looking ahead, I can say that it was easier to immediately install with silver coating and argon inside and forget about the problem for many years.

Well, to be completely honest, I don’t really trust professionals, because among them quite often there are random people who will do the job on the principle of a blunder, and if you start to resent, they will send you away. By nature, I am not a brawler, but I'm already a little tired of "wiping up puddles" for the so-called professionals.

Therefore, when the next spring came, and the sun powerfully reminded of itself, I went to the store to buy window film. This is now such a film is sold in almost every hardware store. And then it was a terrible deficit. Therefore, I was very pleased when I managed to find and purchase several rolls of the coveted product.

Here's what film I managed to buy.

I hope by now this manufacturer has gone bankrupt and ceased to exist. At least his site is no longer open. Such a "kind" attitude towards a representative of the domestic industry was born after using his miracle products.

The fact is that the metal layer on the film was applied extremely unevenly. There were places with a very thick layer, while in others it was practically absent.

Let's digress from the fact that I did not stick the film on the glass quite accurately. It was the first experience. There were bubbles that, no matter how hard I tried, I could not expel. I know that a real professional would be horrified and would pass an appropriate verdict on my mental incompetence :). The problem shown in this picture is the uneven density of the metal layer. In fact, three pieces are pasted here at once. Pay attention to the left wide piece. On the left side, it is quite normal, but the closer to the right edge (in the middle of the window), the more transparent the film becomes.

The most striking thing was that this unevenness was already revealed after sticking the film on the window. I glued it with ordinary water. Only not from the tap - there we have a lot of bleach and other nasty things - but pure spring.

I did not want to go for another batch of film, which could turn out to be just as successful. All summer the film remained pasted on the glass. In principle, in part, it really saved from harsh sunlight in the summer.

But the main "ambush" was waiting for me in the fall, when it was time to shoot the film.

In those areas where the metal layer was normal, everything went without complications. But the areas devoid of a metal layer turned out to be firmly stuck to the glass. Even in the summer in the heat, I noticed that the film is very hot from the sun. Apparently the layer adjacent to the glass softened a little and "grabbed" tightly.

To scrape off protective film had to use tools. Naturally, the surface of the glass was scratched. Further, banal claws were used :). The job went faster and without scratches on the surface. The film was removed in small pieces and was completely transparent:

On one window on the balcony, I did not begin to remove the film from the glass. You just don't have the patience.

I called the manufacturer at the number indicated on the package. The director himself answered. I started telling him about the problems with his products, but he wasn't particularly impressed. Having swallowed another piece of a sandwich (he constantly ate something during the conversation), he suggested that I go to court and hung up.

Of course, I didn't go to court. A roll of film cost about 60 rubles, and the fact that I spent a lot of time and ruined the windows removing it, so it still had to be proved. Apparently, the manufacturer knew that no one would sue him because of these pennies, so you can safely send everyone to court, and drive the marriage yourself with complete impunity.

It happened in 2010. Since then, I do not support the Russian manufacturer, but buy imported German film from EMTEC. Attaches and removes with one touch. No bubbles and "undeveloped" areas% experience - a thing to come. No problem, even though it's four times more expensive.

There is a Russian film with similar quality:

Sometimes I buy it.

But now I'm already a scientist: before I start to blur the film on the windows, I first roll out the roll and look at it through the light. Fortunately, more such "successful" rolls have not yet come across.

And one more thing: it is better not to glue the film on the glass, but to fasten it to the frame with adhesive tape. It is more convenient, there are no bubbles left and then, after removal, you do not have to wash the windows from streaks.

So, buying tint film for windows, be careful. Beware of fakes and intrigues of domestic manufacturers. If you are completely unbearable from the heat, spend a little more and order a sticker from a trusted company. Or consider installing sprayed double-glazed windows. They have a lot of interesting features that you don't even know about. At the same time, save on heating.

Self-adhesive mirror film has not surprised anyone for a long time. More and more people are using it to make their lives more comfortable and beautiful. What is this material, what advantages does it have?

What is mirror film

Note! Self-adhesive polymer films with metal coated that reflects light is called specular.

A variety of film materials have varying degrees of light reflection, thickness and density, affecting its quality and price.

At one time, mirror films were very popular with motorists. for several reasons:

• hid those sitting in the car from prying eyes;
• partly protected the interior from overheating;
• sun protection film on the windshield shielded the driver's eyes from sunlight and oncoming headlights;
• high-density film materials protected the glass from breaking and dispersing small fragments.

True, at night and in the evening, the visibility of the road was sharply reduced, which increased the accident rate. And therefore, in a number of countries, tinting of car windows was prohibited.

But transparent materials with an adhesive surface began to be used for home and office windows.

At one time, mirror films were very popular with motorists.

Material for manufacturing

The most common raw material for the production of reflective film materials is (PVC). Differ 2 types of films:

1. Calendered, rolled with hot calender rolls, melted granules or polyvinyl chloride powder. Belongs to the economy class. The disadvantage is, albeit slow, but shrinkage, a tendency to shrink.
2. Cast ones are produced in a slightly different way, and are of higher quality. Polyvinyl chloride granules with dye (for tinting materials) are melted in the furnace. The molten mass flows out onto the belt, forming a film. Passes through the primer rollers, then heats up again. At this stage, a polymer plasticizer is added. The heated mass is rolled out by the calibrator, cooled and wound on the shaft. Cast tape is of higher quality. It is less prone to shrinkage, more plastic, and therefore does not tear as quickly as calendered.

Please note that cast films are stronger, higher quality. If you want the self-adhesive to last longer, choose cast.

Elite film polymers include those made polyurethane. They are distinguished by higher wear resistance, strength, and are not afraid of temperature changes. But they are also much more expensive.

The most common raw material for the production of reflective film materials is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

mirror film prices

mirror film

Mirror Film Properties

Light reflection

Reflection of light is the main purpose of a mirror material. From the street, it looks like reflective foil, or a mirror. It reflects the sun's rays, objects, people on the street. Materials with tinting have the appropriate shades: blue, green, cherry, brown, etc. Silvery films reflect up to 30% sunlight. Tinted films absorb part of the sun's rays, so that even less light enters the room.

Dark tint finishes undesirable to stick in children's rooms, kitchen, living room, as they absorb up to 80% of light. In autumn and winter, when there are very few sunny days in residential premises, dusk will reign, people will experience discomfort. During the day, additional lighting is required.

It is advisable to stick darkened tints on the bedrooms, especially if the sun looks there in the morning and is used only for sleeping. In other rooms, bluish or silver is suitable.

Mirrored solar control film protects the room and objects in it from burnout. This property can be successfully used in art galleries, museums.

Thermal insulation

Summer sun rays have a negative effect on furniture. Summer heat destroys the lacquer surface, causing it to crack. Under the action of heat, the veneer on cabinet furniture may lag behind.

Upholstered furniture also suffers from the sun's rays. Fabrics burn out, lose light. Artificial leather, leather substitutes crack under the influence of heat within 2-3 years, the upper “leather” layer peels off. Wallpaper on the walls is subject to fading.

As you know, a significant proportion of winter heat loss falls on glass. Self-adhesive mirror film has properties, and will not release heat from the house. Thus, in the summer, the mirror film for the window will not let excess heat into the house from the street, but in the winter it will not let the heat out of the house.

impact resistance

Self-adhesive mirror film on windows significantly increases strength glass. The increased impact resistance is explained three reasons:

1. The adhesive layer that holds the film on the window somewhat links the crystal lattices of the glass, thereby increasing the impact resistance.
2. Part of the impact force is absorbed by the polymer, and the glass bears a significantly weakened force.
3. Even if the glass does break, it will hold on the adhesive layer.

The most durable polyurethane film materials are able to protect glass from a blast wave or from a shot from a traumatic pistol.

decorative properties

From the street, mirrored glass looks unusual. In low-lying windows you can look like in a mirror.

Mirror sun protection film is an excellent solution for French balconies, where the bottom glass is often covered with colored metallic tinting.

Scope of mirror films

A decorative film in the form of a mirror appliqué or rosette looks unusual and stylish. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - most often used in interior design. It is ideal for decorating ceilings and walls. Mirror PVC panels without an adhesive layer are used as stretch ceilings. Unlike window films, ceiling film is not transparent material, and therefore, under it, ceiling mount systems, electrical wiring and communication pipes are perfectly hidden. PVC material has high enough strength, not prone to flammability.

The disadvantage of PVC films is that at -15°C they become brittle and brittle. This limits the use on the street, but does not prevent the use of mirrored or decorated with a pattern, self-adhesive films in the interior of the room. For example, sheets of stained glass film are glued to interior glass doors, wardrobes, etc.

Polyurethane films can be mirror and stained glass. Self-adhesive stained glass navels are used in car tuning.

Mirrored windows are used for pasting large windows in offices and shopping centers.

Automotive PU films protect the surface of the car from impacts of pebbles flying off from under the wheels of passing cars.

Along with the thinnest films, made of PVC and other plastics, they produce denser sheet material with a metallic reflective surface, which is applied for decorating walls.

Such sheets have a thickness of up to 2 mm, and are glued to smooth, carefully plastered walls. A safe mirror pushes the walls apart, visually enlarges the space. You can stick it in the bathroom without fear that it will break and hurt someone.

How to stick a mirror film

Mirror Self Adhesive Window Film pasted by yourself if the glass is small. But it will be more convenient and efficient to work with an assistant. One holds the film so that it does not slip, the other pulls and expels water from under it. A sheet is cut from the film to fit the glass plus an allowance of approximately 1 cm on each side. The sheet is pasted on cleanly washed damp glass.

It is important that there are no grease stains and dust on the window before pasting. Therefore, before pasting, the glass is washed with warm water with the addition of dish shampoo. Then the remains of the shampoo are washed off the glass, and the glass itself is wetted clean water. Water is applied with a household spray gun both on the glass and on the film. On moistened glass, the canvas is easily adjusted and leveled.

After the material has been leveled, water is expelled from under the upper edge, and the edge of the sheet itself is rubbed so that it grabs a little with the glass.

Then, with a rubber spatula, water should be carefully expelled from the center to the edges, holding the material with one hand.

Try to keep it from moving out and puckering up.

In conclusion, when all the water has been driven out, the frame must be wiped of water with a soft rag, and the excess carefully cut off with a wallpaper knife, but so as not to damage the wood or plastic.

Note! In the same way, you can glue the mirror.

The film material pasted on the mirror will extend the life of the glass and make it safe. This is especially true if there are small children or pets in the house.

Where to buy mirror film

Mirror self-adhesive films for interior decoration can buy in construction, hardware stores and even on the Internet. There is consumer demand for film polymers, which store owners strive to satisfy. The price ranges from 250 to 650 rubles for 1 running meter. Wholesale buyers, for example, companies specializing in working with interiors, can purchase a film sheet in a roll at a wholesale price - from 1,400 rubles per roll.

Useful video: how to stick a mirror film on a window

Inexpensive film coatings used in the interior have another advantage. Annoyed polymer is easily removed from the wall or glass with a hair dryer. And in its place, you can stick a new coating of a different color, with a different pattern. Thus, the interior can be refreshed at any time.

The use of a special protective film from the sun on the windows is a considered and rational solution for many apartment and private houses, the windows of which face the sunny side of the premises. It is chosen, as a rule, for protection from sunlight and prying eyes.

Important! Toning with the help of such a film is an actual and even trendy solution that has become widespread in Europe and the CIS countries.

If the person lives on the ground floor, then hide inner space apartments can be kept from prying eyes with the help of thick dark curtains, blinds, but often with the use of all these means there are certain difficulties, because it is not always possible to hang heavy blackout curtains or order the installation of blinds on windows.

Therefore, as an alternative to curtains and blinds, you can consider a film that can be glued to windows of any type. It can be glued without problems on your own - without resorting to the help of specialists.

Therefore, to glue the sun-protection film on plastic windows you can do it yourself, savings arise already at the stage of purchase and installation of the product. Purchasing curtains or installing blinds is an expensive undertaking, while film sun protection material will be inexpensive. You can glue the mirror film on any type of windows: wooden, plastic, aluminum.

Companies that manufacture such protective film products claim that their products are gradually replacing bulky and uncomfortable blinds from the market.

The film has the following advantages:

• The ability to control the level of illumination of the room.
• Ensuring that indoor plants are protected from direct sunlight.
• Ensuring the protection of curtains from UV exposure and fading (which is important if the curtains are colored).
• Ensuring protection of furniture upholstery from fading.
• A high level of security, protection of the home from burglary and unauthorized entry.

Important! You can glue the film on the windows yourself - it sticks by itself, so no additional adhesives are required.

Before gluing a protective film on windows, you need to figure out what kind of film material you should buy, because. Several types of such products are sold in stores at once.

Taking into account the requirements for the functions of the film material, the following types of products can be distinguished:

• Automotive.
• Architectural.
• Decorative.
• Protective.
• Sun protection.

You can glue the self-adhesive film on windows made of wood or plastic. These products are made from polyester. This polymeric substance provides complete transparency of the film material, a high level of its elasticity, as well as decent strength.

If it was decided to glue the film on the window, then when choosing a model, it should be borne in mind that products may have different number layers (single-layer, two-layer, multi-layer materials), different composition of each layer (for example, polyester and other types of polymeric materials), coloring pigment substances (to give the product certain color characteristics).

Mirror films with one-way visibility combine two properties - privacy and sun protection. The Silver metallized film provides excellent daytime privacy, but the one-way visibility effect changes at night as there will be more light in the interior than outside. The mirror effect will be reversed and the side of the film with the most light will become a mirror. Neighborhood film is ideal for living areas where you want to maintain privacy during the day without blocking much of the sunlight. Additional curtains or blinds will correct the properties of the film at night. Facades of buildings from the street have an attractive appearance while reducing cooling costs due to efficient heat dissipation. In addition to the usual Silver, you can choose films with an additional color: Blue, Green, Gray, Gold, Bronze.

Silver mirror film not only provides privacy from neighbors during the daytime, removes glare and excess light, but also has excellent heat-shielding properties, so that the interior of your home or office building will be comfortable and cool. One Way Mirror Silver rejects about 99% of UV rays, helping to reduce fading on your precious furniture or other UV-sensitive items. Mirror film reflects up to 82% of all solar energy, keeping your room at a pleasant, moderate temperature and reducing energy consumption for cooling.

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Pasting windows with a film: what does it give and how is it done

Few people want to become the hero of the show "Behind the Glass". But living in your own house or on the ground floor of a high-rise building does not exclude such a possibility. The reason may be ordinary forgetfulness or simply unwillingness to curtain windows during the day. But you can solve this problem once and for all, and self-adhesive window film will help to do this.

I have such a need arose from the moment the tenants moved into the house built nearby. And with it, the need to study the types of films and how to stick them.

Which film to choose

In principle, I am a rather prudent aunt, and I took care of sun protection when I ordered new windows. They are energy efficient and have a UV filter. And the tulle on them is an excellent remedy from prying prying eyes.

But not so long ago we were lucky enough to buy a plastic one at a decent discount. front door. Glazed. But completely transparent. Since a door of non-standard sizes to order would cost twice as much, this one was taken without cavil.

In fact, there are two problems: neighboring windows opposite and visitors, who are not always welcome, but there is no opportunity to pretend that we are not at home. They see us. And it is necessary that we see who is standing behind the door, while remaining invisible ourselves. Explained clearly?

Here is a self-adhesive mirror film that would just cope with this task: an uninvited guest will admire only his own reflection, and in the meantime we will make faces behind the glass. With the lights on, of course, it will not work, but in the evening we curtain the windows and close the first door leading to the veranda.

Yes, that's how bad we are. But closer to the point - it's time to choose a film and learn how to glue it. Because calling a specialist for such a volume of work is simply ridiculous.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen films (including automotive films) are the most popular. With their help, you can:

• Regulate the penetration of sunlight into the room, as they have a different degree of transparency.

• It's beautiful curtain and upholstery protection upholstered furniture from burnout, and domestic plants - from the aggressive effects of ultraviolet rays.
• As well as the ability to maintain a comfortable air temperature in the room, as they reflect UV rays from the street and infrared heat from the room, allowing you to save on air conditioning and heating.

Decorative

Self-adhesive film on windows can be colored, mirrored, matte, stained glass, have an ornament or pattern on the surface.

Protective (anti-vandal)

Such films are multifunctional, and can protect not only from light and prying eyes, but also from specific actions. Namely:

• From fragments. Even if the glass is broken, it will not shatter into small pieces capable of causing significant injury. Relevant for families with small children;
• From penetration. In general, glass sealed with a film is very difficult to break, especially if you choose a material upper class protection A3 0.6 mm, capable of withstanding an impact with a force of 9.5 J or 182 kg / cm 2. The maximum that an attacker can achieve is the appearance of cracks on the glass. There are also thinner films with not so impressive characteristics: A1 0.24 mm thick and A2 0.412 mm thick.

• From the vibration of sound waves. Simply put, you can protect yourself from wiretapping with your own hands. It is unlikely that ordinary people need this - just for information.
• From a bullet from a pneumatic or traumatic weapon. Also, just in case.
• from the spread of fire. If the glass breaks in a fire, the film will not allow outside air to enter the room, so the flames will spread at a slower rate.

We don’t have small children, we don’t have enemies either, but you can protect the glass door from breaking. Therefore, we choose a protective mirror film without a decorative pattern with a metal coating.

By the way, it can be aluminum, titanium, bronze, nickel and even silver, the price and color depend on the type of deposition, and strength, light transmission and quality depend on its density and the number of film layers.

Self-sticking

Since I always glue the wallpaper in the house myself, I think I can handle this job as well, since sticking a film on a window is only a little more difficult. And the technology is very similar. Of course, if you take out the glass, process it, and then put it back in place, it would be easier, but I won't risk it.

Training

TO preparatory work This includes cleaning, creating the right environment, and preparing everything that is needed in the process itself.

I didn’t make a reservation about cleaning: before work, you really need to not only thoroughly wash the glass so that there are no stains and stains on it that will be buried under the film, but also make sure that dust does not hover in the air. Settling on the glass and the adhesive base of the film, it both worsens the quality of gluing and spoils the appearance.

Therefore, in addition to wet cleaning, it is advisable to periodically moisten the air at the window from the sprayer. In any case, the surfaces to be joined must be wetted, so this will not harm.

Cleaning to be done throughout the room

• Another spray for soapy water;
• Detergent or baby shampoo;
• Stationery;
• Soft spatula for smoothing the film;
• Paper towels or microfiber towels.

It remains to make sure that the air temperature in the operation area is above five and below thirty degrees- this is required by the instructions so that the glue does not dry too quickly, but not too long.

Performance

The first thing to do is to thoroughly wash the window or door on both sides using a soft detergent, rinse it and rub it until the streaks disappear.

Then we unfold the film and pretend to cut to get less waste. If the glass is large, it must be measured in advance and try to find a film of the desired width in order to avoid joints.

• IN clean water add baby shampoo, Fairy or other detergent - two or three drops per half liter is enough to ensure the film slides over the surface. Just do not shake the mixture strongly - we do not need foam at all. working fluid pour into a spray bottle.
• For gluing an anti-vandal film, an ordinary soap solution may not be suitable.. Therefore, we look at the instructions, which describe the preparation of a working solution capable of dissolving the adhesive base.
• Cut off a piece from the roll the right sizes with a small allowance in length and width, and only after that, laying it on a flat surface, remove protective layer from the adhesive side, wetting the freed surface from the spray gun with soapy water. From it we spray glass.
• Now about how to glue the film on the window glass. It must be carefully and slowly lifted, holding the upper edge, and applied as accurately as possible to the opening. Slow - because sudden movements often cause the film to fold, and it sticks to itself. It is almost impossible to unstick the glued areas without damaging the material, this piece will simply have to be thrown away.

• If this step is done without excesses, it will be easier further, since the film slides well on wet glass, it can be moved to the desired position. And only after that you can begin to expel water from under it.
• If you know how to glue wallpaper, then you know perfectly well how to stick without bubbles: for this, smooth movements with pressure are performed with a spatula from the middle to the edges. And in order not to scratch the film, the spatula must be moistened with water. The squeezed out liquid is wiped off with a soft cloth.

• Now you can cut off the excess film - it will no longer budge.

Everything. It remains to wait for complete drying. This will take from two weeks for a regular film, up to 3-4 months for a protective film. . During this time, it is better not to touch the surface. even if bubbles appear on it. They will disappear on their own.

But then no precautions are needed, the glass can be washed, wiped as usual. They say that cleaning windows with film is even easier than without it.

Conclusion

The video in this article shows the entire gluing process in detail and it seems that nothing can be easier. But it only seems. If I had to paste over all the windows in the house, I would invite specialists without a moment's hesitation. Because of one door, it’s somehow even embarrassing to disturb people, I’ll try it myself.

And, of course, I will be grateful to those who have already successfully completed this task, and will tell in the comments about the nuances that may arise in the process.

September 22, 2016

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