Independent guide

What is window film, and which type do you need?

Window film upgrades existing glass with a thin specialist layer. Different products address heat, glare, privacy, fading, decoration, safety and security without replacing the glazing.

The main types of window film

Solar-control film

Reduces solar heat and glare and filters UV. Available in reflective, neutral and low-appearance finishes.

Reflective privacy film

Creates daytime privacy when it is brighter outside than inside. It does not guarantee night-time privacy.

Frosted film

Provides consistent visual obscurity while retaining diffused daylight. Often used on partitions, bathrooms and doors.

Safety and security film

Helps retain broken glass. Thickness, edge anchoring and tested standards must suit the intended risk.

1. Define the problem. Heat, glare, privacy and safety require different products.
2. Identify the glass. Single, double, laminated, Low-E and tinted glass have different compatibility considerations.
3. Decide on appearance. Highly reflective films may perform differently from subtle neutral films.
4. Check access. External or high-level work can require towers, access equipment or specialist planning.

Compare suitable options

Describe the result you need and enter the measurements once. You can compare installed estimates, then choose which company may contact you.

Start your comparison