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Window Film

9 replies

TheAmusedQuail · 23/04/2025 20:55

Has anyone successfully applied window film?

I got some from Ikea last week, followed the directions to the letter (or rather to the image) and nope. Full of bubbles. I used the tool, supposedly to push the bubbles out, but most of them were fixed in place. I left it 24 hours, thinking it might dry out overnight (you spray with water before applying). Nope.

I don't like being overlooked in the front and want to be able to work in the living room (I WFH) without delivery men et al spying me and banging on the door. But I also hate net curtains, blinds and loath plantation shutters with a huge passion.

Window film for the bottom windows is the ideal solution, but I can't do it!

OP posts:
Geneticsbunny · 23/04/2025 22:55

Did you use washing up liquid when you applied it?

savuni27 · 23/04/2025 22:58

I have successfully done it but it took an incredible amount of patience, I was so frustrated! I did the patio doors and it was a 2 person job! I used lots of water from a spray bottle which helped and then just smoothed the bubbles out. To be fair, it was worth the effort as it’s lasted years and still looks fresh! The patterned films tend to be more forgiving if you miss the odd bubble.

Original poster
TheAmusedQuail · 23/04/2025 22:59

Geneticsbunny · 23/04/2025 22:55

Did you use washing up liquid when you applied it?

No, just water. Should I have done?

OP posts:
TicketyBoo11 · 23/04/2025 23:04

Yes, lightly soapy water..sprayed on the window and on the film as you unravel it. Glide the film onto the window then use the smoothing tool to push the bubbles to the side. You may have to start again with a new piece.

MouldyCandy · 23/04/2025 23:58

I can't remember which TV program it was on, but the presenter suggested blasting a hairdryer at the corners to ensure they stick down. That's where mine is lifting but it's been up for around 10 years with no other issues. It wasn't from IKEA though.

Original poster
TheAmusedQuail · 24/04/2025 07:38

MouldyCandy · 23/04/2025 23:58

I can't remember which TV program it was on, but the presenter suggested blasting a hairdryer at the corners to ensure they stick down. That's where mine is lifting but it's been up for around 10 years with no other issues. It wasn't from IKEA though.

Edited

I did try a hairdryer. It made the bubbles a little more flexible, when trying push them out, but there were so many, it just looked a mess.

OP posts:
Geneticsbunny · 24/04/2025 07:41

Are you able to pull it off and try again with soapy water? Alternatively you can carefully stab the bubbles with a pin but it will cause small visible marks in the film. The soapy water stops it sticking immediately, so you have time to peel and restick till you get the bubbles out.

Original poster
TheAmusedQuail · 24/04/2025 09:05

Geneticsbunny · 24/04/2025 07:41

Are you able to pull it off and try again with soapy water? Alternatively you can carefully stab the bubbles with a pin but it will cause small visible marks in the film. The soapy water stops it sticking immediately, so you have time to peel and restick till you get the bubbles out.

I took it back to Ikea and got my money back in the end. But I do want to try again. It's the ideal solution to my large front windows.

OP posts:
oddsoxxes · 24/04/2025 14:27

Blossom and Brush do beautiful window films. Expensive but mine has been up for 6/7 years and still makes me happy

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