If you’re looking for more privacy, wanting to hide an unpleasant or boring view, or just wanting to add some spice and liveliness to your windows you can’t go wrong if you choose frosted window film. It can provide relief from heat and glare, help shield your furniture from harmful sun’s rays and privacy frosted window film will give you added privacy without cutting out any of your view. It is a simple, cost-effective way to increase your home’s comfort, energy-efficiency and overall appearance. Not only is it useful for many different reasons, but it is also very easy to apply; so easy in fact that almost anyone could do it!  Now, that’s certainly a plus these days with the costs of renovation and building sky-rocketing. Anything that can be a DIY project wins hands down in my books.

Most frosted window films these days work on any glass surface, even double glazed units, and are designed to be used all around the house or workplace.  You can apply them to any window, or to glass doors in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms or on office windows.  Frosted window films are available in a variety of colors and patterns.  You can easily buy the regular opaque white or cream film, or pink, green, grey or silver colored film is you prefer.

No more problems with peeling film either, nowadays the durable window films are specifically made to last for years if applied properly and according to instructions.  At the same time, this opaque window film is also fairly easy and quick to remove too, so can be used even in rented locations, or as a temporary security measure.

If you want to apply the frosted glass window film yourself it’s easy to do. Depending on the size of the surface you are covering, you may need a helper for a few hours.  It’s a perfect weekend project, so grab some help, get a few tools together and get started.

First of all you need to figure out how much film you will need to purchase.  Measure the area of the windows you plan to tint, then add around 15 to 20 percent on to this amount to allow for mistakes (yes, we know you won’t make any, but just in case…), and scraps and waste from when you cut to measure the film.

It’s best to apply the film during the cooler part of the day, so shoot for an early morning or late evening timeslot.  Applying the tint to a warm or heated glass causes streaks, so it’s better to apply it when the windows are cool.

The film should be applied to squeaky clean windows.  One of the best solutions for cleaning windows, believe it or not, is baby shampoo. Mix one teaspoon of shampoo to one gallon of water.  Do not clean the windows with vinegar, commercial window cleaners or ammonia, as these leave a residue on the window that reacts with the glue on the film.

Measure out the film and then cut the piece a little longer and wider than the area you are going to cover. You don’t need to allow a lot of extra, but enough so that if you don’t get the film perfectly square you’ll have enough to cover the area anyway. An inch or two top and bottom should be sufficient.

Get a spray bottle, fill it with the same solution of baby shampoo and water that you used to clean the window and spray the surface of the window with this.  Wet your hands with this same solution too so that you don’t leave any finger marks on the film as you’re working with it and putting it up.

Now you’re ready to take off the backing from the film. The easiest way to get it off is by using transparent tape.  Just stick a couple of pieces on a corner of the film, and gently pull it back. The backing should start peeling off the film.  As you keep peeling the film off have your helper spray the film with the solution again, to keep it moist.

Once all the backing is off carefully lift up the film, and beginning from the top of the window or top of the area you want covered, slowly place the sticky side of the film on the surface and gradually work down the area. It’s important, as you’re working with the film, to keep it wet as that makes it easier to work with and easier to get any air bubbles out.  So, use the solution again and now spray the external side of the film.

When you have all the film in place, make sure it’s centered. Now is the time to make any minor adjustments as once the film backing dries it will be too late to do so.  Have a squeegee on hands so you can push any bubbles that have formed out towards the edges of the film.  You may not be able to get the bubbles out entirely, but as long as you can get them towards one of the edges they should work their way out within a short amount of time.  If you find the film is getting dry and hard to work with, just spray it with the cleaning material again.  That will help the squeegee move across the film easily and will shift those bubbles to the edge.

Once it is up, it is time to trim the film.  Err on the side of leaving a little bit more film on the window as a border, say 1/8 of an inch or so, as that’s better than trimming the film too closely and leaving window exposed. It also allows for a little shrinkage should that happen.  Now would be a good time to squeegee those bubbles all the way out the edge if you can, or as close to the edge of the film as you can get them.

Film should be sticking by about thirty minutes, though it will take anywhere up to a week before it’s firmly attached so be careful with opening and closing the window, etc. during this time.

And that’s all there is to it!  Quite simply, you can renovate and decorate your own house, add charm and style to your house with a film such as gila frosted window film! You can even hang Home Depot curtains or shades on the window for additional window dressing, and it will still look great. For example Home Depot have some great sheer curtains that would really accentuate a nicely frosted window. Alternatively, you can use this type of film in your bathrooms instead of hanging bathroom blinds.