These are the questions we get asked most often, on quotes, on site and over the phone. If yours is not here, call us and ask. We would rather answer it properly than have you guess.
Window film is a thin, multi-layered material applied directly to existing glass. Different films are designed to manage heat, glare, UV, privacy, safety or a combination of these. Films are available in different shades and performance levels, so the right product depends on the glass and what you need the film to do.
Glazing film is another term for window film applied to the fixed glass in a building. It includes solar and heat control film, safety and security film, privacy and frosted film, and anti-graffiti film. Tint.Melbourne installs glazing film on homes, offices, warehouses, schools and other buildings across greater Melbourne.
The benefits of window film can include reduced heat and glare, UV protection, privacy, improved glass safety and changes to the appearance of existing glazing. The benefits vary between products, so a film intended for privacy will perform differently from one designed primarily for solar control or safety. Film selection should start with the problem you want to address.
The percentages shown on window film usually refer to visible light transmission, or how much visible light passes through the film and glass. A lower visible light transmission percentage generally produces a darker appearance, but it does not automatically mean better heat rejection. Solar performance also depends on the construction and specifications of the film.
One-way film is a reflective privacy film that relies on a difference in light levels between the two sides of the glass. During the day, when it is brighter outside than inside, the reflective exterior can reduce visibility into the building while still allowing people inside to see out. At night, interior lighting can reverse that effect, so one-way film should not be relied on for complete night-time privacy.
The level of tint (VLT) you should choose for your home or office depends on what the window is for and how much natural light you want to keep. VLT is the percentage of visible light the film lets through, so a lower number means a darker film. Films that let through less than about 15% of visible light can make a room feel dark, so for living areas and offices we usually recommend a lighter grade and get the heat reduction from a reflective or ceramic film instead. Darker grades suit rooms where glare on screens is the main problem. We show samples on your own glass before you decide.
The film that is right for you depends on the glass and the result you need. Solar control films are used for heat and glare, frosted and decorative films are used for privacy and appearance, and safety and security films are designed to help retain broken glass. We also consider the window orientation, glazing type and how the room is used before recommending a film.
The window film brand we use is Llumar, with different grades available for residential, commercial, safety, security and solar-control applications. The film specified for a project depends on the glass and the required performance. The selected product and grade are identified as part of the quote.
Window tint is applied to the inside of the glass for most installations. Internal installation helps protect the film from weather and external wear, although exterior-grade films are available for applications where the inside surface cannot be used. The appropriate installation side depends on the glass, access and film being specified.
How long it takes to tint your windows depends on the number and size of the panes, access, frame type, glass condition and whether existing film needs to be removed. Many residential installations can be completed in a single visit, while larger or more complex projects take longer. We provide an estimated installation time when the work is quoted.
Window film cannot be applied successfully to every surface. Standard architectural film is designed for suitable smooth glass, while heavily textured, patterned, damaged or uneven surfaces may not provide the finish or adhesion required. We check the glazing before specifying film where there is any uncertainty.
Windows can look hazy or slightly cloudy after installation because a small amount of moisture remains between the film and the glass while the adhesive cures. This usually clears as the film dries, with curing time affected by the film, weather and amount of direct sunlight. The process can take from several days to a few weeks.
How long window tint lasts depends on the film, the glass, exposure to sunlight and weather, installation quality and ongoing care. Quality architectural films are designed for long-term use, but the expected lifespan and warranty vary between products and applications. Avoiding abrasive cleaning products and blades will also help prevent unnecessary film damage.
Your window film is covered by the warranty that applies to the film and installation specified for the job. Tint.Melbourne currently provides a lifetime installation warranty for residential installations, while commercial product and warranty terms vary according to the film and application. The applicable warranty can be confirmed as part of your quote.
Window film does not prevent glass from breaking. Safety and security films are designed to hold the broken glass together on the film so the fragments do not fall or fly, and heavier security grades keep the pane in the frame through repeated impact. The glass can still crack under enough force and will still need replacing, but the risk of injury and the ease of entry are both reduced.
Window film can improve glass retention when the appropriate safety or security film is installed. Safety film is designed to help hold broken glass together, while heavier security-film systems can provide greater resistance to deliberate impact or forced entry. Performance depends on the film, glass, framing and attachment system used.
Safety film is a clear or tinted film designed to help retain glass fragments if a pane breaks. Where AS 2208 requirements apply, an appropriate tested film and glazing system needs to be specified for the particular application rather than assuming that any safety film automatically makes existing glass compliant. We can provide relevant product and film specification documentation where required for a project.
Window film can help with privacy, with the appropriate option depending on how much visibility you want to reduce and when privacy is required. Frosted film provides consistent obscurity, while reflective and one-way films rely partly on differences in light levels. Bathrooms, meeting rooms, internal partitions and suitable overlooking applications are common uses for frosted privacy film.
Blocking UV rays can help reduce fading and deterioration of furnishings, flooring, fabrics and artwork. Some window films block up to 99% of UV, although UV is not the only contributor to fading. Visible light, heat, materials and exposure time can also affect how quickly items fade.
Window film can reduce glare by lowering the amount of visible light passing through the glass. Solar control films are commonly used where direct sunlight makes rooms uncomfortable or screens difficult to see. The amount of glare reduction varies between films, so it can be balanced against the amount of natural light you want to retain.
Window tinting does not give privacy at night on its own. Reflective and one-way films work by reflecting towards the brighter side of the glass, so during the day people outside see a mirror while you see out. At night, with the lights on inside and darkness outside, that reverses and the room becomes visible from the street. For a window that needs privacy after dark, frosted film provides the same obscurity at any time of day, and blinds or curtains can be combined with a lighter solar film where heat is also a problem.
After window tinting, use a soft cloth or rubber squeegee with a suitable non-abrasive cleaner once the film has had time to cure. The current care guidance is to wait around 30 days before cleaning the filmed surface and to avoid ammonia-based cleaners, abrasive materials and blades. Window film is designed to be durable, but the surface can still be scratched.
Damaged window film is generally replaced rather than repaired. The film can usually be removed from the affected pane and new film installed without replacing film on every window in the room. Where damage falls within the applicable warranty, coverage will depend on the warranty terms for that installation.
If your question is not covered here, contact us with the details of your glass or the problem you are trying to solve. You can also read more about residential window tinting, commercial window tinting, safety and security film or decorative and frosting.
