Printed window films can be an effective way to infuse color and design into otherwise plain glass windows, partitions, and doors. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, printed films can also be used to add privacy, control light, improve way-finding, and more.
All of our window film products are printed on our high-performance, scratch-resistant, Optically Clear Polyester Window Film. We offer three basic options for window film:
If you choose to customize any aspect of a window film design or if you would like to produce a different design or piece of artwork as a window film, some additional information may be necessary. Understanding the following options and their nuances will help you provide that information efficiently and effectively.
Although each installation is unique, there are some basic measurements that are almost always required for successful window film applications. Providing accurate dimensions for these will facilitate the ordering process and greatly improve the end result.
Here's why all of these elements and dimensions matter:
INCORRECT
When required dimensions are incorrect or missing, the artwork may not be properly sized and paneled during production, resulting in an installation that is out of alignment.
CORRECT
When all the required dimensions are provided, the artwork can be fitted during production so that once installed, the image aligns properly across the various panels of glass.
Window film may be applied to either side of a pane of glass, and this is typically determined by which side will receive less exposure to physical contact (for the longevity of the product).
Depending on which side, or Surface, of the glass is chosen, the artwork may need to be printed as a mirror image so that the image will “read” as intended once installed. It is necessary to determine this surface prior to the production of a Strike-Off, to ensure a proper installation.
There are 2 things we need to know in order to establish the correct surface:
Where is the viewer in relation to the glass?
It’s critical to establish the location from which you’re viewing the finished design in its normal left-to-right orientation. Since First Surface is always on the same side of the glass as the viewer, we need to know the name of that location.
For example, if the glass separates a Corridor and a Conference Room, and the viewer is in the Corridor, you would indicate “The first Surface from Corridor Side”.
When viewing the glass is the film to be on the same side as you or on the opposite?
The term opacity refers to our White Ink’s ability to block light and obscure the view through it. The more opaque (or higher opacity) the more light is blocked and the view is obscured. The more transparent (or lower opacity), the more light passes through and the view is clear. We can control the opacity of our White Ink depending on your need for privacy, light control, or simply aesthetics.
The images below demonstrate the basic opacity levels available (a printed version of an Opacity Chart is available through your sales representative):
Opacities A-C are relatively transparent and useful where privacy isn’t a concern.
Opacities D-F are very opaque and best suited for privacy and light control.
When selecting an opacity, keep in mind that things like lighting conditions, viewing distance, etc., are unique to each environment and can alter your perception of opacity. Rather than becoming overly concerned with the nuances between these options, use our opacity levels as a general guideline. We find that it’s best to simply communicate your overall needs to your sales representative, and allow the experts at Level to recommend the appropriate opacity levels.