Window Film FAQs

Window film is a versatile, thin laminate film that is typically applied to the interior or exterior surfaces of glass windows in automobiles, homes, commercial buildings, and boats. The film is usually made from polyester or other thermoplastic polymer materials and is designed to address a variety of issues related to glass, including heat, glare, UV radiation, privacy, safety, and aesthetics

Heat Reduction: Helps keep interiors cooler by blocking solar heat. UV Protection: Blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing furnishings from fading. Glare Reduction: Minimizes glare from the sun, improving comfort and visibility. Privacy: Increases privacy by preventing outsiders from looking in. Safety and Security: Holds shattered glass together in case of breakage, reducing the risk of injury. Energy Efficiency: Reduces cooling costs by keeping interiors cooler.

High-quality window films are designed to be clear and not obstruct your view. Some films are virtually invisible, while others are tinted for additional benefits like privacy and glare reduction.

Window film can actually benefit indoor plants by reducing the amount of UV and heat they are exposed to, which can prevent scorching. However, it's important to ensure plants still receive adequate light.

The cost of window film varies widely based on the type of film, and the amount of meters need. On average, the cost can range from R100.00 to R621.00 per running meter.

Installing window film is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects there is. All Adhesive Films have a pressure sensitive adhesive system protected by a removable release liner which must be removed prior to installation. Films are installed using water and soap based solution. See the how to install page for detailed instructions.

Squeegee, Spray bottle, cutting knife, tape measure, water, Sunlight soap and paper towel, We supply basic tools (Cutting knife, Squeegee and instructions) free with every order.

The film is always on the inside. The film will stick to the outside, but it will greatly reduce the life of the film. This is due to the fact that the UV stabilizers are incorporated within the film's mounting adhesive, so the adhesive side must be facing the sun (installed on the inside, facing out).

Yes, the films can be installed in humid and moist conditions. Installation on the outside of the shower door is recommended.

We would recommend using our Simglass cleaner or use a small amount of Sunlight in water.

Yes. Unlike other decorative glass processes, films can be removed if desired. This of course is a huge advantage and most landlords do not object to their tenants' installation of film when they find out the product can be removed. To remove the film simply peel away the film from one corner and pull the film from the glass. If any adhesive remains on the glass it can easily be removed with a spray of soapy water and a single edge razorblade. (Blades cannot be used on Plexiglas or Polycarbonate sheets to remove film.)

Contact us – 060 861 1222 / info@tintfilm.co.za for more information on installers in your area.

Orders should be placed via email before 15:00 or online. Orders will only be processed after proof of payment is received.

No, we do not do cut to size. Each film ordered is supplied as one continuous roll at the meterage you require. How long does it take for order to ship? (Including samples) All orders will be shipped within 2 business days from our Johannesburg warehouse. Shipping can then take between 1-7 days depending on your location and shipping method.

Automotive window film is a thin, multi-layered polyester material applied to the windows of vehicles to reduce heat, block UV rays, enhance privacy, and improve the overall appearance and safety of the vehicle.

One of the safety benefits of automotive window film is that it helps hold the glass together in the event of an impact, reducing the risk of injury from flying glass shards. We do have films that are 100 microns or thicker are smash and grab proof. Select from our tinted films or clear safety films.

35% Visible light transmission can be used on all windows of a vehicle, besides the front windscreen 70% Visible light transmission is allowed on the front windscreen of a vehicle.

We have a wide range of heat and UV reduction window films that are specifically designed to have the highest performance and effect against the South African sun. Our solar films are available in a wide range of reflective, sputter, non-reflective films and Nano ceramic films. Our solar films start at a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 70% and go as far down as 5% VLT. These films are also available in varying degrees of thickness beginning at 50 micron and going as thick as 100 micron (please request spec sheet for thickness of film). We also have a range of high Infrared (IR) reduction films; these are our Nano Ceramic films with an IR reduction up to 82%. All heat and UV reduction films are 152cm wide and can be purchased as roll of 30 meters or in linear meter.

Will window film really stop fading of fabrics? There are six factors affecting fabric fading: 1. Ultraviolet Light 2. Visible Light 3. Heat and Humidity 4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone) 5. Age of Fabric 6. Dye Fastness Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject 95-99% of solar ultraviolet light. Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained. No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light, solar heat and visible light. Since almost all window films reject about 98% of UV light, we recommend a film that cuts half of the heat and half of the light. If you think that this is too dark, check it out. You won't even see it. North facing windows let in UV, so we recommend treating all of the glass in any room.

Decorative Films are ideally suited for applications that require day or night privacy without sacrificing natural light levels in both commercial and residential applications. Commercial applications are found in banks, restaurants, health clubs, hotel foyers, conference rooms and office partitioning. Commercial buildings are dramatically increasing the use of internal glass walls as partitioning. This brings natural light into offices creating greater work productivity, as well as the illusion of more space while offering privacy. Residential applications include glass windows, solariums, bathrooms, entry doors and sidelights, mirrors, back splashes or any other flat glass surface.

Window film can be applied to any flat smooth glass windows. However, certain types of low-E or tinted windows may not be compatible with some window films. It’s important to consult with a professional to ensure compatibility.

No, most of our films can be cannot installed onto Perspex. Unlike glass or mirror, Perspex tends to shrink and expand by temperature, it may cause many small air bubbles between glass surface and film as time goes on.

Always interior. The film will stick to the outside, but it will greatly reduce the life of the film. This is due to the fact that the UV stabilizers are incorporated within the film's mounting adhesive, so the adhesive side must be facing the sun (installed on the inside, facing out).

Yes, there are several types of window films, including: Solar Control Films: Reduce heat and glare. Safety and Security Films: Hold glass fragments together. Decorative Films: Add privacy and aesthetic appeal. UV Blocking Films: Protect against ultraviolet rays.

Adhesive is more of a permanent option therefore very difficult to remove once applied. Film adheres to the glass with a pressure sensitive adhesive. This makes adhesive films a bit more difficult to work with. Static-Cling is caused by a build-up of static electricity once applied to any smooth non-porous surface. Our static cling film (non-adhesive) is therefore easy to apply, easy to clean, removable and reusable! If you would like to remove the film and reuse it at a later stage you can simply to pull it off and place the linear back onto it.

Vinyl film is a flexible film and will stretch therefore can be used on Perspex/Plexiglas or polycarbonate and also for printing purposes however polyester film is not flexible and wont stretch therefore will only stick to glass surfaces and cannot be printed on.

Yes we do have many alternatives. Most common is Clear Frost and or SXGF-0198 Etch Light. Please see our Products page for more options.

Yes we do have an alternative to stained glass. The SXEG-1025 Doves, SXEG-1027 Abstract and SXEG-1026 Fish are all already available stained glass designs. On our website are many more stained glass options.