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Home window film installation is an excellent and doable DIY project for people who want to enhance the performance of their home’s windows. Whether you’re looking to reduce heat, block UV rays, or add a decorative touch, window film is a cost-effective solution that you can install yourself with the right tools and techniques.
So if you are considering home window film installation, you’ve landed on the correct page. We walk you through all the steps plus offer tips and tricks to ensure a flawless home window film installation.
Why should you consider home window film installation? Well, solar control window film offers a range of advantages for homeowners:
Heat Reduction: Solar control window films are made to reject the sun’s energy and prevent it from entering through your window’s glass and into your home. Concord Window Film’s ComforTech Ceramic Series solar control film rejects up to 82% of solar energy when applied to glass. These films will reduce the heat entering your home and make you space more comfortable.
Energy Efficiency: By blocking a significant portion of solar heat, window film cools your space, reduces the strain on your air conditioning system, and lowers energy bills.
UV Protection: All of Concord Window Film’s high-quality window films block 99% of UV in the 300-380nm spectrum when applied to glass, protecting you and your family from harmful UV rays.
Fade Control: Our film also helps prevent fading of furniture, flooring, and artwork. By attacking the three main causes of fading: UV, visible light and heat – we can protect your home from photodegradation.
Glare Reduction: Solar control window film reduces the light entering a window, reducing glare from sunlight, and making it more comfortable to watch TV or work on a computer.
Privacy Enhancement: Our transparent and opaque window films provide privacy without blocking natural light.
Security and Safety: Safety films add an extra layer of protection, making windows more resistant to breakage. And when they do break, the film holds the glass together. Our 4MIL safety film meets the International Building Code’s requirement for a tempered glass film for windows 9 square feet or less – making it an economical choice where tempered glass is needed according to code.
The following tools and materials are needed for a successful home window film installation with a professional result:
Window Film: Select a film type and shade (VLT) based on your needs (e.g., solar control, privacy, decorative, or safety film).
Installation Solution: A mixture of water and a few drops of Slip Tack in a spray bottle. Our “recipe” is one teaspoon of Slip Tack to a quart of water. If you don’t have Slip-Tack (comes in our Installation Tool Kit) you can substitute baby shampoo.
Squeegee: A rubber squeegee helps remove air bubbles and excess solution. This is probably the most important tool to get right. Our squeegee is made specifically for window film installation – not too hard and not too soft – to get the job done without damaging our film.
Utility Knife: Used for trimming excess film to achieve a precise fit.
Razor Blade Scraper: To remove any dirt, stickers, or residue from the window surface.
Lint-Free Cloths or Paper Towels: For drying and cleaning the window surface.
Tape Measure: Essential for accurate measurements.
Choose the Right Time: It’s best to install window film on a mild day without excessive heat or humidity. High temperatures can cause the installation solution to dry too quickly, making it harder to position the film correctly. And super low temps can cause your installation solution to freeze on the window.
Clear the Work Area: Remove any furniture, blinds, or curtains near the window to provide a clean workspace.
Lay Down Protective Coverings: Use towels or drop cloths to catch any excess installation solution that may drip during the process.
Gather Tools: Have all your tools and materials within reach to avoid interruptions once you begin the application process.
Initial Cleaning: Spray the installation solution generously onto the glass surface and use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe away dust, dirt, and grime.
Scrape Off Residue: Use a razor blade scraper to remove any stubborn dirt, adhesive residue, or stickers. Make sure to hold the blade at a low angle to avoid scratching the glass.
Final Cleaning: Spray the window again and wipe it down thoroughly with a clean cloth to ensure no streaks or particles remain. A spotless surface is essential for a smooth installation.
Dry the Window: Use a fresh lint-free cloth to dry the edges and surface completely before applying the film.
Measure the Window: Use a tape measure to determine the width and height of the window. It’s recommended to add about an inch to each measurement to allow for slight adjustments during installation.
Prepare the Film: Roll out the window film on a clean, flat surface. Using your measurements as a guide, cut the film slightly larger than the window dimensions.
Check Fit: Hold the film up to the window to confirm that it covers the entire surface with some excess on all sides. This extra material will be trimmed off after application.
Peel Backing Partially: If possible, begin peeling the backing from one edge to make application easier when positioning the film.
Wet the Window Surface: Spray the entire glass surface generously with the installation solution. This helps the film slide into position easily.
Remove the Film Liner: Slowly peel the protective backing off the film. Having a second person assist can be helpful in keeping the film from folding onto itself.
Position the Film: Carefully place the adhesive side of the film onto the wet window. Align it so that it slightly overlaps the edges.
Smooth Out Bubbles: Spray the outside of the film with the installation solution to reduce friction, then use a squeegee to press out air bubbles and excess solution. Start from the center and work outward in overlapping strokes.
Trim Excess Film: Using a sharp utility knife, trim the edges of the film to fit perfectly within the window frame.
Re-Squeegee the Surface: Go over the entire film again with a squeegee to ensure strong adhesion and remove any remaining moisture.
Allow the Film to Cure: Let the film set undisturbed for 30 days as depending on temperature and humidity levels, it can take that long for the film to cure to the glass.
Download a PDF of our written instructions here. Or get our full Window Film Installation Project Guide here.
Home window film installation videos are super helpful in getting you comfortable with the installation process. Seeing someone go through each of the steps can be invaluable to contributing to a successful window film installation. Our “how to install window film yourself” video below walks you through the process of installing our ComforTech Ceramic Series window films:
Our youtube channel also has several pro tip videos to take your knowledge to the next level: Home Window Film Installation Pro Tip Playlist.
Q1: Can I install window film myself?
Yes! Home window film installation is a straightforward DIY project that requires basic tools and careful attention to detail. Following the steps outlined in this guide will help you achieve professional-quality results.
Q2: Do I install film on the inside or outside of the glass?
Concord Window Film should always be installed on the inside of the window. The film will stick to the outside, but it will greatly reduce the life of the film. This is in part because 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).
In addition, our ComforTech Ceramic Series film is dual reflective which means the exterior side of the film is more reflective than the side that faces into the home. If you install the film on the outside of the window:
(1) You will be facing the more reflective side of the film into the home potentially creating a mirror effect inside
(2) You will be lowering the performance of the film by reducing the amount of solar energy the film can reflect by placing the lower reflectivity side to the exterior.
Read more about where to install window film.
Q3: How do I maintain my window film?
Once the film has fully cured, clean it with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based products, as they can degrade the film over time. We recommend cleaning with the installation solution or what the pro window washers use: water and Dawn dish soap!
Q4: Will window film damage my windows?
No, when installed correctly, window film does not damage glass. In fact, it can protect windows from minor scratches and add durability.
Q5: How long does window film last?
High-quality films can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of film and environmental conditions.
Q6: Are the films removable and resuable?
Our films are removable, but they are not reusable. Concord Window Film’s ComforTech™ Ceramic Series is an adhesive-backed film that is made to be permanently installed and last decades on your window. For instructions on how to remove window film, please click here.
Q7: Do I need to purchase the Window Film Installation Tool Kit?
We recommend you purchase the installation tool kit along with your film. The tool kit contains everything professionals would use to install the window film.
Using the wrong tools – especially during the squeegeeing phase of installation or the wrong installation solution – can lead to installation problems.
For example, having bubbles appear under the film after it has dried is a sign that it has not been properly squeegeed. You need the correct tool that is hard enough to press all the water and solution out from under the film without damaging the film itself.
And using anything other than slip-tack solution or baby shampoo in the installation solution can leave behind a residue under the film that will compromise the optical clarity of the film.
It’s also important that you use a clean spray bottle when mixing the installation solution. Any residue from past chemicals or detergents that were previously in the bottle can adversely affect the film and/or it’s adhesive.
You can purchase our Installation Tool Kit here.
Installing window film in your home is an excellent way to improve energy efficiency, enhance privacy, and protect your interiors from harmful UV rays. With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve a flawless application that lasts for years. Ready to get started? Browse our selection of high-quality window films at Concord Window Film today!
