Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions regarding window film, their function and use

What is window film for?

Generally speaking, one can say it improves the quality of the glass, depending on the specific type of film. Window film can then transform ordinary glass into safety, solar control, insulating or sandblasted glass, depending on your specific needs, without the laborious and costly ordeal of window replacement.

What types of window film are there?

The main types of film are: safety (security), protective, solar control, insulating, privacy and special and automotive. It is always necessary to carefully select the film so that it caters to your needs and leaves you completely satisfied.

I have an apartment with south facing windows. In the summer, my apartment is unbearably hot. I’m trying to decide between blinds and film. Which is more effective?

We definitely recommend window film. The most effective against sunlight is external film, which is installed from the outside and directly reflects the sun’s rays. This prevents the glass and window interspace from overheating and heat from transferring into the room. Internal film is also highly effective when applied onto the external glass from the inside (an option that is not available for new, double pane windows). If you already have blinds at home then you probably know that they provide shade, though when you touch them on a hot day they are burning hot- meaning they radiate heat into the room. Equally important is the question regarding maintenance.

We installed security film on our windows. The next day the film looked foggy. Is the film defective? Can it be fixed?

This happens quite often. It is a fog that is formed from an aqueous solution used during the film’s installation which reacts with the adhesive, sometimes causing a foggy appearance. This often subsides after several days once the film dries and eventually disappears completely. At a regular temperature, the drying time can take around 30 days. The drying time is thus longer in colder, winter months.

I live in a ground-floor apartment with big windows and balcony doors facing the street. I would like to secure these windows. What is the most suitable type of film for me?

Our SMC AX safety film is intended exactly for this purpose. It is completely transparent, does not block sunlight, and is practically invisible on glass. This film is certified in the P2 category and is also recognized by insurance companies as providing full-fledged security.

What happens to windows that have your brand’s safety or protective film after a forced entry incident?

In the event of forced entry through windows with safety film, the glass will crack. However, along with the foil, it will remain intact, preventing the spillage of broken glass. In addition to this, it serves as a barrier for the intruder, as it will either slow him down or discourage him completely.

What about window film maintenance? How can I wash it without damaging or scratching it?

All FUSION films are equipped with multiple anti-abrasion layers. Once the film has completely dried and set (about 30 days), the film is washed in the same way and with the same products as regular glass without film. You must, however, watch out for aggressive substances such as ammonia, thinners, acids etc. Also stay clear of sharp, hard objects such as steel wool, screwdrivers, as well as sand, which could damage the anti-abrasion layer.

Our apartment is on the ground floor facing the street and we don’t like that people can see in. Is it possible to make our windows more opaque for people looking in while still allowing us to see out? We don’t want the windows to be too dark or prevent sunlight from coming in either. Can it be done?

Yes- partially. Internal reflective film is intended for this purpose, as it will allow you to achieve the desired effect to a certain degree. This film comes in a range of dark shades (with varying light transmission)- the darker the film, the more it serves as a type of mirror and prevents others from being able to see in. However, this type of film also limits the amount of sunlight that comes through, depending on how dark the film is. I would personally recommend something in between, which would be a film with 35-40% light transmission. Due to the laws of physics, it is impossible for film to be completely opaque while transmitting the same amount of sunlight as transparent glass. This type of mirror film is dependent on light intensity, which means that during the day, the film will serve as a mirror from the outside- this however will decrease in the evening as the amount of sunlight decreases. Scientifically speaking, this cannot be avoided. In order for the film to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary for the lighting ratio to be 1:5. That means 100lx in the apartment and 500lx outside. So when you turn the lights on in the evening, this ratio is reversed, making the film less effective than during the daytime, in which case curtains or blinds are the only solution.

I have 2 small children and we have a lot of glass surfaces in our home. I’m afraid of the children getting injured if they accidently break any of them. Can window film help?

We highly recommend protective film for such purposes. It’s clear, invisible on glass, and prevents the spillage of broken glass in the event that the glass is broken, protecting children from being injured. We recommend this film for all areas that are often frequented by children as well as adults, including schools, pre-schools, clubs, sports centres, hospitals etc. Bare, unprotected glass poses a high threat in such areas. Unnecessary injuries can be prevented with protective film.

I would like to secure my windows at home with security film, but I have a big window sill with flowers. I’ve heard that your film retains UV rays- will this affect my plants? I don’t want to risk losing them.

This film in no way interferes with plants. Even though the film does have a very strong UV filter, it is completely transparent, meaning it doesn’t prevent sunlight from shining through the windows and plants can get the sunlight they need for healthy growth. Keep in mind that they are delicate and cannot be left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, otherwise they might burn.

When replacing our bathroom windows, we forgot to install sandblasted windows to prevent people from looking in. Can this be fixed using window film?

Of course. Our privacy film is intended exactly for this purpose. This film transmits light, however you cannot see through it. You can even choose which colour you’d like: classic matt white, bronze, grey, or even silver.

I would like to install solar control film in my apartment. We have a lot of windows facing south and it is unbearably hot in the summer. I’ve noticed that the solar control film you sell indicates either 40% or even 20% light transmission. Won’t that make my apartment too dark?

The stated light transmission figures are measured by machines using percentages. It has been proven that the naked eye perceives light transmission differently than technical devices. For example, even transparent glass retains over 10% of natural light, a fact which goes undetected by the naked eye. The naked eye only begins to notice this retention of light at about 50% light transmission (this percentage must be uniform for the entire surface of the window). Even in this case, the naked eye is still unable to decipher whether the glass is clear or tinted. That being said, we still recommend not using window film darker than 40% light transmission. Light is evenly dispersed throughout the room and the loss of light is almost imperceptible to the human eye.

Does solar control film only provide sun protection or does it have other features?

Solar control film is intended primarily for sun protection. It significantly reduces the temperature in the room, partially reflects and partially absorbs the sun’s rays, providing passive cooling. In addition to this, it retains up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which have negative effects on both people’s health and the lifespan of the interior. What is more, it has certain protective properties, as in the event of accidental window breakage the film retains the broken glass and prevents it from spilling out. It can even improve the overall appearance of the building and can be used for design purposes.

Can window film be installed on plexiglass?

There is special film for polycarbonate (plexiglass) intended for this purpose, as it is already adapted to suit a different surface type. Unfortunately, this film does not come in a large selection of colours like classic window film does. We are also sorry to say that our brand does not carry window film for plexiglass.