Window privacy film

[cleo333]

Hi can anyone advise if window privacy film is any good and how hard is it to apply ? I’m interested as I don’t want to blind the window as it’s so lovely to have so much light but it is a bedroom

I use the DC Fix one from B&Q or online, that is slightly sticky. It comes off easily. I like the rice paper type.

We’ve applied the cheaper film from EBay with not too many problems - it can be tricky to cut a straight edge but it’s mostly fine. Recently I bought two pre-cut to size pieces from Purlfrost for some door panels and that was so convenient. Much more expensive though.

Regarding condensation, I leave a small gap between window edge and film. The condensation mainly sits below the level of the film but where the film has got damp, it hasn't come unstuck. The gap also means I can still see out a bit.

Spray more water than you think - I struggled with air bubbles on my first one but it was because I hadn't used enough water.

Also I find there is less condensation on the windows with the film than previously

We have one from Amazon. Was easy to put on - used a dough cutter thing to get the bubbles out. Ours is a stripy one for the kitchen window as we're near a public path. Plenty of light gets in and we don't have the whole window covered.

I knew neighbours who had the whole window in the frosted style one and I found it weird that they couldn't see out and it blocked a lot of light. Think about how much you want to cover - is it an equivalent of net curtains, or voile, for example? and how much of the window do you want or need to cover? We have it so we are obscured, but not all the window. If I stood at the window naked and someone walked past they would be able to see me. However, it is the kitchen, so am unlikely to do that 😄Amazon has a load of different options, so I'd look there. Pick one that has a good rating, but ultimately they are all pretty much the same.

The WIndow Film Company. I think I bought it via eBay. It was a bit more expensive than others. I chose a white pattern with little fleur de lis to put on a Victorian bathroom window. It looked like etched glass that had always been there. It lasted at least five years and is still there as far as I know (left that property now). Easy to attach with water and cut with a Stanley knife.

I see a PP used IKEA film. It's dreadful. Don't buy it.

I will definitely update when the weather turns. I dont think the condensation would cause it to slip but I’m interested to see the effect it has. I also use a window vacuum (sigh). I actually have some on one of the bathroom windows that was here for privacy before I moved in so I’m not sure which brand it is but I have noticed that actually I get less condensation on that one, maybe it insulates the window somehow. I am somewhat obsessed with the condensation issue!

Purlfrost, cut to size if preferred.

I used a Karcher window vac on the filmed window and the film stayed in place, even when it had heavy condensation on it. Film does make the windows slightly warmer to the touch so I think it helps with condensation in some cases.

Purlfrost: ordered to size, easy-peasy to put on and I couldn't have settled in my new house without it. Lets pretty much all light in, I think. (Probably reduces need for window cleaning too, which was an unexpected benefit.) I can't see in or out - very peaceful in my goldfishbowl-esque cul se sac!

I used Brume on the bottom panes of my sash windows to stop the dog barking at every passer by. Its been up two years now and its great. Easy to apply and easy to clean

Edited to correct typo

I actually just changed the glass and it wasn’t very expensive about £200 for privacy glass in the double Glazed window.
Alternatively you can literally buy a can of spray paint that does this from B&Q I’ve started it. I really do need to finish it and if it goes wrong you just get nail polish remover and just wipe it off.