Applying Reflective Window Film - Things Even a Monkey Should Know
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- "Things Even a Monkey Should Know" is a weekly show about things EVERYONE should know about doing fixes around the house, yard and cars. This week I am putting reflective window film on my windows. It's surprisingly quick and easy, and makes for way more privacy.
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Today there are several things on Amazon that might speed you along on this week's project. If you purchase from my links to Amazon I may get a bit of the sale. Yay and thank you for your support!
*Gila Platinum Window Film (Same thing I used on my house) - amzn.to/372t5V2
*Craftsman Tape Measure - amzn.to/3a96W9s
*Dual Tip Sharpies - amzn.to/3jEdoZb
*OLFA Snap off Knife - amzn.to/2Z53YMS
*Ettore 8 inch Squeegee - amzn.to/2ZerDKB
*Fixsmith Microfiber Cloths - amzn.to/3abE0xC
Still teaching people how to do it 7 years later, thank you
Absolutely!
I had a friend that put that in backwards by accident. She couldn't figure out why her male neighbor was always saying "hi" to her with a big smile afterwards as the window faced his house.
I enjoyed watching this instructional, Tamara... Thanks for posting!
😆 Oh dear!
I'm a guy with a wife and we put this up to prevent him from peering in to our home. Charles Free in BRAZORIA IS A PERVERT!
🤣🤣🤣
I have also been dreading this task and have been sitting on it for a while, but I followed your directions to a T and it came out looking SO GOOD! Thanks so much for inspiring and helping me along! It felt great to be able to do it myself.
Yay! I’m so glad!
I just bought some of the film for two windows in my music room and I'm glad I found this video. Very informative and now I'm ready to try it. Thank you for taking the time to post this.
I’ve been dreading this task. Watching your video really simplifies the project so I’m ready to block the ridiculously hot Texas sun. Since you have many positive results reviews, I’m certain I can handle bedroom windows. Thank you so much!
Hope it goes well! This film definitely helped the afternoon/evening sunburn the interior of my house was getting.
I cut my sheets to size for the double doors and stuck it up with some adhesive tape to get the feel of it... then I stood back and said.. hell that's enough! It's privacy I wanted not showroom.. plus it's a rental. I think I'll do the job proper this weekend though after this video because monkey see monkey doo!
🐵
Very nice and useful demo. I found that you can still use small pieces of tape in the corner on both sides of the film to help separate the protective layer and its not a problem if it wrinkles the corner, because you will most likely need to trim that portion off after you place it on the window. Thanks again
Thank you for your video on applying window film! We bought some film and found your video to be very helpful in teaching us how to install it. Using your technique, we covered 8 windows with privacy film in one day! You are a gifted teacher! Great job!
The art piece behind you is absolutely divine. It was even distracting a little bit as I tried to listen to you because I was trying to figure out what the shapes are made from and if the blue/indigo light was from a light source behind blue/indigo stained glass or if there are little blue/indigo light bulbs behind it. Now I've realized you made it! It is exquisite - you have genuine talent, and now that I visited your website, and your many fascinating sculptures, it is all the more impressive. And to think I was just searching for videos to help me put up the heat control window film I just bought - your video is extremely helpful, by the way and shows things that the manufacturer's video didn't. I have to say I'm sorry you are not doing videos anymore, but I completely understand, and am glad you will focus entirely on your artwork!!! I am also grateful that your videos are still available to help us with DIY repairs advice. Cheers!
Thank you for this excellent demonstration of how to fit this type of film. I have just finished shatter proofing our kitchen door by applying shatter proof film on both sides of the door - part of the grandchild proofing works which I am having to do to our house! One tip which I would pass on is to wear disposable plastic gloves when handling the film. It avoids trapping fingerprints on the inside of the film and so rendering these inaccessible for cleaning.
Excellent tutorial and I love when people diy and save time and money and especially love seeing fellow women be handywomen! Putting some privacy window film on tonight and it's such a clever way to keep sunlight and fresh air and views but have privacy! So I'm excited. They come in many great patterns too or plain. Doubling up with drapes also for nighttime or naps. I'll watch some other tutorials just in case for more ideas. You also inspire me to tone my arms and abs more.
Hi Thanks for this brilliant video. It was very helpful. The seller's video lasted 3 minutes and they use a small piece of stiff frosted plastic instead of this reflective film. I followed you video almost completely and this made it so much easier than when I would have followed the seller's/ manufacturer's video. Thank you very much for sharing this knowledge. Roland, UK
I have a roll sitting in my closet that's been intimidating me too, you've motivated me to attempt it now! Thanks
You can do it!! Don’t let that roll intimidate you. 🤗
I need to apply the film to my office, which my cat like to watch outside, but the sun is too strong. I have watch many of Do-It-Yourself and she is one of the few who are spot-on regarding tips and tricks. I was too concern on Rookie mistakes and she and few others helped inspired me. Thanks for your video for us rookies.
Thanks for this demo! I'm getting ready to do some windows on my apartment. In spite of being very skilled, I still found this intimidating. Also, LOVE your art collection and decor!
Glad it was helpful! And thank you!
Good video. i am a professional at installing this, and you are pretty damn good at this from start to finish for a rookie.
you can also use the soapy solution to clean the glass instead of the windex, thats what we use. you can also use a backroll technique so that you don't lay the film on the floor, because lint and dust can get on it while its exposed without the liner. you also want to line up one of your straight edges so that you will make one less cut. good job though!!
Thank you for the hints!
agreed; my similar project involved alot more swearing and re-do's.
Gull no current window films can offer a true 'one way' mirrored finish. Dual reflective is as close as you'll find.
Raul Romo Hey, I just want to say thank you for not being a jerk in your comment. As someone that likes to read comments, the sheer mass of "experts" that have nothing constructive to say can be depressing.
:)
@@Melesse636 stop being so sensitive.
Thank you for doing this video! I now have the confidence to try to install window film on my office windows again! Thank you soooo much!
I did the same thing you did. I purchased this "security plastic" and then let sit for a while and did nothing with it as I was unsure of my skills.
I watched your video with a few others and finally just took some baby steps and before I knew it, I was cleaning up!
Thanks for the vid. I always like to watch both male and females doing the same job and then I combine what I've learned and go out and do it.
Clear, detailed, very thorough instructional video. Thank you so much.
Now is this so you can see outside clearly but someone outside sees like a mirror image ? Omg that's wonderful
Of all the window film videos I have watched your was by far the best as far as explaining the process. Thank you
It just so happens I am looking into flim for my East Windows which heats up my living room n I reside in Az. The other option I am thinking about is screening the outside vs. on the glass itself. Cause come winter I really will like the sunshine to warm up the home. But just know "you gave me the confidence to try n do it myself. I am a senior n hired help is expensive. Thanks. C
Thank you. Install was much easier than I thought it was. The only difficult part was cutting off the edges on each side. You use a smaller squeegee and use a very small utility knife. If I had taken my time, I would have avoided some nicks and cuts on the edges that didn't look right. Please note, depending on what film you get, it does help somewhat to protect against heat. But it still traps it inside the window. It still helps with the excessive glare. But heat will still escape. I bought an exterior film. I bought this one BDF EXNA20, that should help with eliminating heat from even getting inside the window. I know about solar panels. But my window is only designed to have the top bottom with a window screen with a solar panel. This is a pain, but it's a work in progress.
Yeh I was kinda dreading this DIY task... your video was very helpful...I cleaned all glass to a clinical level.
Didn't have enough film so could only do half of job...film does seem to curl a bit at bottom... Will try to cure when doing part 2...
Brilliant video well thought out Tamara..... One other tool that might be handy is mini hard wheel you use on wallpapering running up and down joins in wallpaper perhaps...
Oh mine isn't mirror film but created obscure glass with a rainbow fleck... really nice hun xx bye
Did exactly this today. Followed your instructions, and it went perfectly.
The key is peeling off the dust protector, and spraying as you go, for sure.
Actually did it for a full length door window (21" x 65"). Gonna do it for another door this week, since in went so well.
Thanks!!
That's great! I'm glad it went well! I have definitely enjoyed having the added privacy of the film on my back doors. I see you before you see me. :-)
What a great idea! I hadn’t considered putting this on our one door with a full panel of glass!
Thanks for the tips and video. Just finished doing two windows in the dining room. Not too bad. Squeegeeing was the easiest and most fun part. Definitely helps to have a person around to help with the spraying. I taped the bottom disposable (non-sticky) layer of the film to the table using packing tape and also sprayed the table so the bottom layer would cling to the table as I lifted the window film off. It was trickier than it looked in the video cutting the film, esp. the corners. If you don't get a good cut then it rips or snags when pulling the cut-off away. I'm right handed so it helped going CCW. Special care should be taken inspecting the window for cleanliness prior to application. Any little booger or piece of lint will be there for life. And, as mentioned elsewhere, don't use ammonia-based products for cleaning before or after as it will degrade the film.
Hey Tamara that was outstanding work. I've done half of my sliding glass door but like a knucklehead wanted to save the trouble of moving the curtains and just pushed them to the side and it wound up being a wrestling match so my initial application doesn't look nearly as good as yours but the concern is not as great as it's just an old fishing cottage. Thanks for the video and blessings, Robert
Perfect demonstration, thanks so much. Much better than the professional manufacturer demonstrations on here which have lots of edits (cutting away) and photoshopping. Subbed and just wanted to say that wall/light feature behind you at the beginning and end was absolutely gorgeous.
Wow🎉 That art piece behind you is GORGEOUS ✨️😍
This was the tutorial that got me through this “intimidating “ job. THANKS
Thankyou for posting this film. Having made a mess of applying reflective film before, I thought I'd do some more research before trying again. I have large south facing windows and dislike net curtains. So I have everything now except the water spray bottle. I intend to apply the film using to part of each window in question. It's just enough to allow me to see out without my others seeing in. Loved the flipflop dangle too, by the way.
Thank you! Glad this could help!
Great video. I wish you would have slowed down and shown the squeegeing and the cutting portion. But all in all very good video
Thank you! I was trying to keep it from going too slow. Thank you for the feedback!
Way better than Gila instructions. Thank you!
Thank you for this video. It is the best I have found explaining how to install window film.
Thank you for your help. I installed some glare control window film on the sunny side of my house, it's great.
liked and subscribed - I have six 2-1/2' x 3' windows to do. This helps!
edit - short version - I was successful thanks mainly to this video.
Long version - it took a YEAR before I had the bravery to install the window film that I'd bought because of all the reviews on Amazon about all the failures. I had NO trouble - it was easy and the final reult is worth it! I had to use tape to get the protective film to seperate - and had no wrinkles on the frosted type. Also, it's VERY important to take your time while trimming the film with a razor knife - that's where you could mess up. It helps to use a wide plastic scraper to push the film tight to the edge while you cut. All 6 windows came out perfect!
Your.my hero... I been procrastinating too much too.. I have small windows too... I will save 250 dollars.. U have inspired me to do it myself.
Look at the car this bih got. She still DIYing. Respect
+John James Hi! And thanks for watching! For some reason TH-cam won't let me respond directly to your post or send you a message, so I am hoping you see this.
I have tried out multiple films and so far with all of them you can see inside at night when the lights are on. The main two things they do is block prying eyes during the day (though depending on the heaviness of the tint, it is much dimmer for those outside at night) and block UV rays from destroying furniture. Even the commercial grades I have tried do the same thing (though the film is thicker). As far as I can tell, no one has invented a perfect one yet!
thanks for the video...how about those sand films do you think it will work as far as prying eyes during the night even when the light is on?
MonkeysKnow, which film product did you use? I see many TH-cam vids about the Gila product to use on my double pane to protect my family from My paparazzi ( we already have a professional security patrol). Thoughts on the Gila Platinum vs. others? I am looking for the a static, not adhesive application for 10 foot and larger windows.
Also, there are now switchable, low voltage windows for nighttime privacy that I then want to place on top of that. Have you any opinion on which brand works best?
Tinfoil over it will keep prying eyes.
Yes. Over your head, naughtyorgneiss.
I want to do my windows because my home is so exposed on all sides. But, I'm scared I'm going to mess it up. You gave me the push I need to try this. Thank you!
Hope you have installed it and all went well!
Great job! I really appreciate your tutorial, as it was thorough and easy to understand.Thank you so much for posting!
Thanks, you help me 100%. Thanks to you I can install my film properly.
Glad I could help!
Thank you so much for this. The instructions we got with the product for purlfrost made it seem so easy but we could not even get the adhesive covering off until we looked at your video. It was great just knowing that actually it IS hard to do as at first we thought it didn't have any adhesive covering as the sellotape suggestions just didn't work. Once we watched you \and did the second window that trick did work but by then we understood what we were doing. Our windows do not look the best but at least we have not wasted our money -we thought we were going to have a load of wasted marked film and windows with glaring sun burning through. Thanks again!
I got better results by swiping downwards first and then using the small squeegee around the edges later
Thank you SO much for sharing this tutorial! I esp. appreciate that you showed doing it yourself. Saving this so I can refer to it again. Doing the same for privacy.
Glad it was helpful! Have fun doing your windows! 😊
I dont see new videos .. Best youtube video in this channel , I learned alot
Many thanks for this, now I need to gather some confidence. Waving to you from Michigan.
Thank you very much for your video. I've also had my film for a short while, intimidated by the job. You've encouraged me, and the instructions you provided are great!
Best of luck!
In California with record heat. Will diy it. You explained it very well. Thank you!🙏🏻
Stay safe and cool!!
How does it look during night time and when there are lights inside and dark outside? Is it see through?
HI :) Can people see into ur house at night if you have a light on inside?
Like you said, I've had that window film sitting in the corner for weeks, too nervous to just do it. I watched this and it nipped me in the but to finally put the film on my basement windows. Thank you so much for the info, they came out not too shabby.
Not too shabby, dear Abby! I’m glad they worked out! 🙂
Very helpful thanks..... hope all is well with you
Thank you you have encouraged me to JUST DO IT ❤
Best demo I have seen and love the extra tricks and suggestions that you offer. I will be doing task this coming weekend as hoping also to block out some of this harsh Australian summer sun. Thanks for the post :-)
Fantastic Job. Thank you so much for sharing this video! You saved me $20. I made my own solution instead of buying the "installation kit" that was recommended.👍
Great! And I can promise your home made solution worked better.
Did u made that second soups solution? Pleas if yes let me know how
Nice, professionally done
Excellent much appreciated Just done my bedroom window thanks to your video 👍
Woo hoo! I hope you love having it too!
Well done you inspired me to do it myself..thanks
Great idea laying the film on the insulation. I don't have a tabletop that would work so well.
Insulation has worked well for lots of times I’ve needed a table top. 🙂
2 questions.....can you see thru the window from the inside? 2. I see it reflects the view from a distance....but if a nosy put their face to the glass....does it still block the view?
Very Informative video. Gave you a 👍🏾. Great Demonstration‼️
Thank you! 😊
How much darker is it in the room after applying the window reflective film?
looking to do this this weekend and this is by far the best video i've seen on how to do that. i just need to figure out how to pull this off with a cat in the house.
Hi Tamara: Great video---we installed yesterday. Would you kindly advise where you purchased or created your glass wall art...you showed many beautiful pieces and sculptures...Thanks
Thank you and thank you! 😊 I made the art works myself. I am slowly but surely getting works listed in my online store at www.TamaraRobertsonArt.com . If there is a particular piece in which you are interested please be in touch. I likely have just not gotten it listed yet (the online store is a new thing for me).
Wow, Great job ! That is a tough job for the professional let alone a DIYer ! Very impressive !
Thank you! 😊
I'm intrigued by that piece of art on the red wall.
This was very helpful. Thank you!
anyone knows if it can be applied to furnitures like wood covered with smooth paint layer? and if it risk damaging the paint?
How do o follow up on these? Are they labeled case studies and I’m missing it?
Thank you for this video Tamara. ❤
Video was very helpful... But I could barely focus on it after my brain was like, "Oooooh, cool... I must know what that is!" Lol. What are the big round things on the wall? And do you gave a tutorial? If so, can you PLEASEEEE leave the link? I love weird yet beautiful pieces like that... The pieces you can't just walk past. Especially tbe one thats directly behind you in the beginning and the end... It looks like its got a light too... Makes it even cooler. Lol.
How do you mix the soapy water. I. E. what consistency do you mix it . Thanks
Love the Boxer. I have one, he’s my third.
He is a big sweetie! 🥰
Hi Tamara, this was a great video. I was just wondering, it provides a great privacy option when it is nice and bright outside during the day. How about when its already dark out and the all light source is now inside the house? Does it still help to keep people from seeing every little thing inside?
Good question
@@4real775 When it is brighter inside (evening with lights on) you can see inside.
After you have peeled off the backing layer do you stick the side with the adhesive onto the window even though its wet with the soap solution. Stupid question i know sorry.
Not at all! Yes, you go ahead and put the soapy adhesive side on the window. Then gently squeegee out the bubbles which will also push soap solution out the edges (be sure to have a towel on hand).
great video! I already have a solar film on the window I wish to put a new decorative one. The old one is still in good shape (it simply helps with west sun exposure) do I need to remove it before applying new
You are an excellent teacher!!!
You made it look easy and explained every single step clearly. Thank you!!!!
Ive read that the film only provides privacy during the day and not at night when your inside lights are on. Have you found that to be true of your film? Thank you!
Hi Tamara good explanation and demonstration, it will be nicer if the ending part showed some normal speed
I had my doubts at the beginning of this video, but you helped me to to understand that this is actually possible. You earned a new subscriber.
You did very very good. It's been a great idea!
Is there a window tint for etched glass windows?
Also use surgical or stainless steel blades as most blades they sell at hardware stores are not stainless and they will scratch the glass and when the tint dries you will see the scratches.
Great tip! 👍
I just found your channel (now subscribed). I just installed on my front door a 2"x5" Gila brand smoke glare block, specifically made for home windows. This film I found to be rubbery and stretchy and unfortunately quite a bit blurry. Not clear like of that installed on vehicle windows. (I installed it to be able to watch bird feeders that are about six feet out from the front door) As a result I plan to replace it with vehicle window film (I hope it will be much clearer). You video is very good and you appeared to be very knowledgable. 👍
I’m sorry to hear the Gila didn’t work! It has been awhile since I used it and I wonder if they have changed their “recipe.” Vehicle film sounds like a great idea!
@@MonkeysKnow I bought mine at a local Lowe's. (Before even seeing your video) You are great - I just looked at some of your others vids. Welcome back I hope to see many more of your videos!
Thank you Tamara! I was wondering, does the tint need to be install from the inside or the outside?
Very well done, thank you for sharing!
Nice. Clear, concise, well edited, + Boxer. :)
🐾
Thank you sooooooooo much. This was and is a fantastic guide.
Just did one now, sadly, there are lots of bubbes and some resulted to crease.. 😢
Well done, as usual,Tamara. Keep up the good work and be well.
beauxtx1959 Thank you very much!
When you say reflective window film, do you mean two way mirror film or one way mirror. So you can see outside from inside? How about at night with the light on, do the outsider can see you?
You can see the outside from inside. At night the view inside from outside is greatly dimmed, but not 100% blocked.
Very helpful and informative! I am encouraged and excited to get started now that I have seen this video. Thank you!
Great video. You made it look very easy to install. Thank you
Yes! It’s really not bad at all. 🙂
Thanks for the great video. I had one question though. Wouldn't you east windows be facing the sunrise, not the sunset?
Thanks for the honest tutorial. This was helpful!
What is that silver wall art in background? Its beautiful
Thank you! It’s mine. My work is on my art page at www.tamararobertsonart.com 😊
Great idea. I just hate it when people just have to look into a house when left at the front door, etc. Just one thing, where did you buy this film? How much does it cost per sq. in. or sq. ft.?
Frances Kroynik I bought this film from Amazon. It wound up being 94 cents per sq. ft. and was called 'one way mirror film silver-silver 5.' It was one of the darkest tints and most reflective.
Since making this video I decided to do the rest of the windows in my house. For those, I wanted something not as heavily tinted. The best option I could find was a brand called Gila, and it was 78 cents per sq. ft. However, I found the quality to be lacking a bit. The film crinkled and tore very easily-a problem I did not have with the other film.
One last discovery which might be helpful, is that I made the mistake of buying a bottle of the expensive window film application solution which Gila sells just to see how it would do. Bad idea! This stuff actually made the film more difficult to apply, and made for many more air bubbles. The home made mild soap solution worked way better!
Hope this helps!
Hi what is at your back wall and how did u made it
Hi! Are you talking about the silver artwork on the red wall? If so, I reclaimed the outer frame from an old sign. The inside is filled with thousands of pieces of aluminum I rolled by hand and layered.