Step 01
Free on-site estimate
We look at the glass, measure, and talk through privacy, branding, heat or safety goals.
SpecGlass type, size, sun exposure, access
Commercial window films
Glass is a surface too. Film changes what it does.
Frosted and decorative film, perforated window graphics, solar, safety and dichroic films for offices, storefronts, churches and schools across Greater Seattle. Installed on-site by Ardor's own crew with 3M, Avery Dennison and STEK films.
The basics
What commercial window film does
Window film is a thin, self-adhesive film applied to the inside or outside of building glass. The right film can add privacy, carry a brand, cut glare and solar heat, hold broken glass together or simply make a space look better.
Ardor Printing installs window graphics, frosted and decorative film and commercial window film with 3M, Avery Dennison and STEK films, matched to the job. Ardor's own installers clean the glass, apply everything on-site and clean up after. Every window project starts with a free on-site estimate.
- Privacy: frosted, dusted and privacy-band films for conference rooms, offices, restrooms and sidelights.
- Branding: cut vinyl logos, printed window graphics and perforated one-way film for storefronts and entrances.
- Light and heat: solar and reflective films that cut glare and solar heat gain.
- Safety: thick clear films that hold shattered glass together.
- Design: patterns, gradients and color-shifting dichroic film.
Window films
Eight films, eight jobs
Specs below come from the makers' own data sheets and are examples of each type. Ask which exact film is in your quote.
Pane 01 · frosted
Frosted and dusted
Gives clear glass a sandblasted or etched look. It blocks a clear view and still lets daylight through.
- Best for
- Conference rooms, office fronts, restrooms, sidelights, glass doors
- Spec
- Example: 3M lists its Crystal Dusted film at 85% visible light transmission on 6 mm clear glass, ASTM E84 Class A. Avery Dennison's cast frosted film lists 46%.
Pane 02 · decorative
Decorative patterns
Custom-cut frosted patterns, lines, logos and illustrations. The clear areas become part of the design.
- Best for
- Lobbies, storefronts, glass partitions, churches and schools
- Spec
- Ardor cuts custom frosted privacy film, patterns, bands and clear viewing bands.
Pane 03 · gradient
Gradient
Fades from etched to clear, so privacy sits low and the view stays open up top, or the other way around.
- Best for
- Glass walls, meeting rooms, reception partitions
- Spec
- One maker's gradient film is indoor only and cannot be removed without destroying the film. Ask about removal before you choose.
Pane 04 · privacy
Privacy bands and full privacy
A frosted band at seated and standing eye level, or full coverage where people need it. Reflective privacy film is another option for daytime privacy.
- Best for
- Offices, exam rooms, ground-floor windows
- Spec
- Industry rule of thumb: reflective and one-way effects depend on which side is brighter. Frosted film stays private day and night.
Pane 05 · perforated
Perforated one-way vision
A printed graphic on film full of tiny holes. People outside see the graphic; people inside see out through the holes.
- Best for
- Storefront windows, branded entrances, large building glass
- Spec
- Common ratios are 50/50, 60/40 and 70/30 (industry terms for printed area to open area). Lower open area gives a bolder image and more privacy; higher gives more through-vision (Contra Vision).
Pane 06 · solar
Solar and reflective
Cuts solar heat, glare and UV. Some are nearly clear; others add a reflective or tinted look.
- Best for
- South- and west-facing offices, lobbies, glare on screens
- Spec
- Example: 3M Prestige PR70 lists 69% visible light transmission, 50% total solar energy rejected and 99.9% UV rejection on 1/4 in clear glass, with no metals. 3M Night Vision 35 lists 33% light transmission and 58% total solar energy rejected (European EN 410 values).
Pane 07 · safety
Safety and security
A thick, clear film that holds broken glass together. For impact or blast mitigation, the film must be installed with the maker's attachment system.
- Best for
- Ground-floor glass, schools, entrances, glass near walkways
- Spec
- Example: 3M Scotchshield Ultra S800 is an 8 mil (200 micron) film; 3M cites ANSI Z97.1 Class A and 87% visible light transmission on 6 mm clear glass. The attachment sealant cures in about 60 days.
Pane 08 · dichroic
Dichroic
A color-shifting film. The color changes with the viewing angle and the light.
- Best for
- Feature walls of glass, lobbies, entrances, art installations
- Spec
- 3M gives its Dichroic Glass Finishes an expected 10 years indoors on vertical glass with no UV exposure, 7 years on the indoor side of exterior glass and 5 years exterior.
Pick a film by the problem
Start with what you want the glass to do. The film type follows.
| You want | Look at | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy in a conference room or office | Frosted or dusted film, full coverage or a band | Works day and night; still lets daylight through |
| Your brand on the storefront | Perforated one-way film, printed graphics or cut vinyl logos | Rule of thumb: perforated film works one way when it is brighter outside |
| Less heat and glare | Solar or reflective film | Glass type matters; dark film on sunny glass raises thermal stress |
| Glass that holds together if broken | Safety and security film | Sold as impact mitigation only with the specified attachment system |
| A feature that turns heads | Dichroic, colored or gradient film | Some decorative films are hard to remove |
| A soft, partial screen | Gradient or decorative pattern | Clear areas can be placed where you want a view |
Sources: maker data sheets listed below. Thermal stress note: 3M accepts no liability for glass breakage from temperature differences across the glass.
Ardor glass work
Recent window graphics and film
A few glass projects printed and installed by Ardor Printing.
One-way visionPerforated film
WAT storefront
Perforated window film that carries the logo and contact details while keeping the view out.
DecorativeDecorative graphics
We Be Book'n
Decorative botanical window graphics across a retail storefront.
Color filmColor film
WYND Belltown, Seattle
Colored decorative window film on the upper floors of the WYND Belltown building.
BrandingLogo graphics
UMC entrance
Large-format logo window graphics on a commercial building entrance.
Process
How a window film job runs
From first visit to clean glass.
Before you buy
Check the glass first
Film changes how glass absorbs heat. Dark, reflective or high-opacity film on sunny glass raises thermal stress, and dual-pane and tinted glass carry more risk. 3M accepts no liability for glass breakage from temperature differences across the glass, and its dichroic bulletin lists approximate crack thresholds that differ by glass type. That is one reason every window project starts with a look at the glass.
After install
Removal and care
Window graphics and most window films can be removed from glass without damaging it. A few cannot come off cleanly. One maker's gradient film is destroyed on removal, and some frosted films use permanent adhesive. If you lease, ask about removal before you choose.
- Industry rule of thumb: clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or rubber squeegee.
- Skip abrasive pads, razor blades and harsh solvents on the film.
- Contra Vision rates its perforated films at up to 2 years (Campaign) and up to 5 years (Performance).
- Solar film warranties vary. 3M lists a 15-year film warranty for its Prestige series.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is architectural window film?
In the trade, architectural window film means film for building glass, as opposed to car window tint. It covers decorative, privacy, solar and safety films for offices, stores and other buildings.
What is the difference between frosted and decorative window film?
Frosted film gives glass an etched or sandblasted look across an area. Decorative film uses patterns, logos, lines or illustrations, often cut from frosted film with clear areas as part of the design.
How does one-way perforated window film work?
The film is printed and covered in tiny holes. From outside you see the graphic; from inside you see out. Industry rule of thumb: it works best when it is brighter outside, and at night with lights on inside, people can see in.
Can window film be removed without damaging the glass?
Window graphics and most window films can be removed from glass without damaging it. A few decorative films use permanent adhesive or cannot be removed without destroying the film, so ask before you choose.
Will solar film cut heat in our office?
It can. As an example, 3M's Prestige data sheet lists 50 to 62% total solar energy rejected depending on the film, on 1/4 in clear glass. Results depend on your glass and exposure, so the film is chosen after a look at the glass.
Is safety film the same as security glass?
No. Safety film holds broken glass together. For impact or blast mitigation, 3M specifies its film with an attachment sealant on the frame, and only that system should be sold for that purpose.
Which brands does Ardor install?
Ardor installs window films from 3M, Avery Dennison and STEK, matched to the job, with its own installers on-site.
Do you serve all of Greater Seattle?
Ardor Printing is based in Snohomish and serves Snohomish and King counties, from Everett to Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond and beyond. Call (425) 629-0796 for a free on-site estimate.
Sources
- [1] Ardor Printing, Window Graphics and Frosted Window Film (live page) (opens in a new tab)
- [2] 3M Crystal Glass Finishes, Dusted 7725SE-314 Specifications (opens in a new tab)
- [3] Avery Dennison Frosted Glass (cast) Window Film, Product Data Sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [4] ORAFOL ORACAL 8710 Dusted Glass Cal, Technical Data Sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [5] 3M FASARA Glass Finishes, Fabric/Washi (Sagano) product page (opens in a new tab)
- [6] HEXIS GRADIENT1 Technical Data Sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [7] 3M Dichroic Glass Finishes (Chill / Blaze) Product Bulletin (opens in a new tab)
- [8] Contra Vision, Transparency Guide (perforated film ratios) (opens in a new tab)
- [9] Contra Vision, Printable Perforated Film Range Guide (durability) (opens in a new tab)
- [10] Avery Dennison MPI 2528 Perforated Film 50/50 (distributor listing) (opens in a new tab)
- [11] 3M Sun Control Window Films, Prestige Series data sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [12] 3M Night Vision 35 Solar Control Window Film bulletin (opens in a new tab)
- [13] 3M Scotchshield Safety & Security Window Film Ultra S800 Product Bulletin (opens in a new tab)
- [14] 3M Instruction Bulletin, Application, Substrate Selection and Preparation (opens in a new tab)
Free on-site estimates · Ardor Printing
Getafreeon-siteestimateforyour glass
Tell us what the glass needs to do: privacy, branding, less glare or safety. Ardor's crew will measure, recommend a film and install it on-site. Call (425) 629-0796 or request an estimate.