What is sticky back plastic? Well, if you live in the UK you probably already know. For those who do not live in the UK, it is simply adhesive film, and in relation to sticky back plastic window film the US equivalent is adhesive window film. Sometimes the origin of specific terminology is somewhat unclear, however there does seem to be a correlation between this and a very popular children’s television program, Blue Peter. The program’s producers went to great lengths to avoid mentioning any brand names on the show, thus Cellotape or Scotchtape was always referred to as ‘sticky tape’ and any adhesive plastic film was called ‘sticky back plastic’. The name seemed to stick, till now ‘sticky back plastic’ is a term that is as commonly heard as any other when referring to this item.
Usually you buy it in rolls. A sticky back plastic roll should have all the specifications needed on the roll itself, such as the width and length and any other pertinent information. Not all plastic comes in rolls. You can also buy sticky back plastic sheets. These sheets can be used for covering smaller surfaces. Often safety decals, designs that are meant to be placed on tall windows and glass doors to provide a visual reminder that there is glass ahead, are bought in sheets rather than rolls.
There are many different styles of plastic film available, ranging from colored sticky back plastic to clear sticky back plastic. Some of the plastic is plain, while other sticky back plastic designs range from being very decorative and artistic to downright funky. Funky sticky back plastic is often used to be decorative rather than to actually provide either privacy, or UV protection and covering, with designs providing a chance to dress up a window or even a mirror artistically in a very modern type of design. Sticky back plastic art is fast becoming an art form in itself, with people constantly coming up with new and fresh ideas for doors, windows and mirrors.
Here are some common uses for sticky back plastic window film:
- Provide eye-catching visual effects
- Provides privacy without compromising the amount of light entering into a room
- Used as an alternative to net or lace curtains
- UV protection film cuts back on both heat and light entering into a room
- Safety decals for glass doors and full length glass patio windows
- Filtered colored light can change the mood of a room. Try golden film for a warm, sunny effect
- Provide additional protection in the event that a door is smashed or broken; glass will be contained and will not scatter everywhere
- Obscure valuable items in a room from prying outside eyes
- Cut back on computer screen or television screen glare
Creative Designs: While colored or shaded sticky back plastic covering can look great on windows for a real classic look how about trying frosted film? It comes in various levels of opaqueness and you can cut it in such a way that you have very interesting repeating designs on a window. Circles and squares going out from the center of a panel widening consecutively can look great. For a child’s room, try cutting out some kiddy designs and placing them along the bottom section of glass for something different.
Lettering: While it does not sound very decorative, you can have a lot of fun with sheets of cut out lettering as well. Used for advertising and signs, where they are placed on plain glass windows, you can also use them to write cute notes on your child’s bedroom window or mirror, or for a big ‘welcome’ sign on your front door, (or a ‘no salesman’ sign, if that is your preference!) You can buy numbers as well as letters, thus you could use them for your street number as well.
Patterns: There are quite a few standard patterned sticky back plastic film styles around too. Some have horizontal lines going across, square designs, circular designs and a multitude of other patterns. Patterns can be frosted, or etched into colored window film.
Atmosphere and Lighting: Some of the most stunning designs using sticky back plastic for windows use small pieces of colored film. Try putting small rectangular pieces of gold film in the middle of your window for an interesting effect. Or, alternatively edge your window pane in colored film. Depending on the color of the film, you can create some amazing effects, that can add color, warmth, or atmosphere to any room.
UV Protection: If sunlight is fading your furnishings, how about adding some UV coated film to your windows. It is available in many different varieties, ranging from reflective film to tinted or even clear UV coated film. This can protect harmful UV rays from entering your home or provide protection against glare on your computer screen or television screen.
Usually instructions for applying the frosted window film are included with the film when you buy it. If you are doing a lot of windows, or large areas you will probably want to enlist the help of someone else. If you are applying small decorative cutouts or safety decals you should be able to do that yourself easily. Sticky back plastic film is cheap, easy to apply and looks great; plus there is an amazingly large variety of different options to choose from.