How to Install Stained Glass Window Film

As an alternative to installing standard window blinds, shutters, or curtains, a new trend in decorating is using decorative window films. Stained glass window film is one such type of film and provides both privacy and beauty to your home. Installing yourself is 100% possible and in fact can be done in a short afternoon or over a weekend.

Things You Will Need

* Your chosen decorative window film- (For our purpose, we'll be using stained glass window film)

* A household squeegee (if you can find one with a stiff handle it makes the job easier)

* A construction utility knife with a brand new blade (Make sure its a SHARP blade!)

* Spray bottle that you'll use for spraying the window and film.

* Some type of straight edge. A painters Edging tool works great

* Baby shampoo- J&J or just generic works just fine

* Water- It sounds hokey...but actual bottled water is better than tap

* Lint-free cloth (or coffee filters) -Microfiber cloths are very good

* Clear tape ( Scotch Tape is fine)

Step 1 Planning and Preparation for the Installation

You will first want to measure and write down the length and width of each window or doorway that you plan to add the window film material to. Most stained glass window films come in various widths so the closer you can get to your actual window size, the less scrap you'll have at the end of your project. Another helpful tip is that you may want to add about 10 percent more to your measurements when you go to purchase the material. This will account for mistakes, and any "overrun" that you may cut.
Step 2 Application of the Window Film

My advice is to to start your project in the early morning or late afternoon. This will avoid the hottest part of the day and any sunshine that might be intense. Since you'll be spraying the water solution directly on the window also, if the window is very warm, it will dry up too fast and complicate your installation.
Step 3 1. To start the project, make sure you first clean your windows very thoroughly with a mixture of one teaspoon baby shampoo to one gallon bottled water. It is very important to use the Baby shampoo and bottled water to ensure the mixture gets the correct pH balance. This will help add a professional final finish to your project. It is wise to AVOID using any window cleaner that contains either vinegar base or ammonia base.

2. Using the measuring figures that you recorded earlier, trim a piece of window film to that size allowing for a border that is 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the actual surface you'll be applying it to.

3. Once your pieces is cut and ready to apply, begin spraying the window area with the shampoo solution. Its also a great idea to spray your hands to keep them moist and from leaving oily fingerprints on the window film. Its messy I know, but don't be afraid to really spray everything. It is much better to have more water than not enough on the window.

4. Now take the cut out piece of window film and separate the backing from it. You can do this by attaching two pieces of transparent tape...one on each side of the facing, and then pull it apart. Imagine opening a bag of potato chips, only instead of using your hands and fingers you would be doing it with two pieces of tape. That's the same thing you're trying to do here. The end state is to get the backing off of the window film. As you peel the backing away, start spraying the film with your soapy solution. This will eliminate static and will make placement on the window much simpler. You may need a helper to assist you in this step.

5. Starting at the top of the area where you are applying your film, attach it to the glass and smooth it as you work your way down the window. Position it so that it is centered on the glass and spray it down again with the solution. Remember, its messy, but its OK to liberally spray the window and the film with the shampoo solution. Once the film is in place, you now want to use your squeegee to start working any air bubbles and trapped water out behind the film. It might also help to spray the surface of the stained glass window film a little to assist the squeegee in gliding across the surface.

6. Now take the sharp utility knife and using your straight edge positioned next to the edge of the window, you're going to want to trim the material. Please leave a 1/16 inch border between the edge of the film and the window.

7. Once most of the excess window film is trimmed off, one more time, go ahead and re-spray the surface of the film and squeegee out any bubbles. This time you're hoping to remove all the remaning air bubbles as you move them towards the edge of the glass. If you have the 1/16th inch gap, they should be able to escape out at the edge of the window.

8. At this point, you can dry off any excess water from the edges or surface using your lint free cloth or coffee filters. Expect everything to permanently dry and stay in place within about 30 minutes. The full cure time takes approximately a week.

Final Thoughts

Installing stained glass window film is an easy do it yourself project that can be accomplished on your own or with a partner. It adds beauty and style to any living space and can afford an amateur decorator many options for livening up an area.