Carol S

How to Cure Silly Window Film Syndrome

August 29, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Why silly window film syndrome? Recently, we were reading a post from one of our Twitter followers, Randy Clark. And he accused us of **gasp** being silly! As if that could happen! Anyhow, we were thinking that with all the talk about security violations and privacy lately, one thing that window film really does for you is get you the privacy you need to be as silly as you need to be. Hence, silly window film syndrome was born! Here’s the tweet that inspired this blog post, by the way.

There is a Silly Window Syndrome

Did you know there’s a silly window syndrome? Yes, there is. But that has to do with TCP packets and a David Clark (no relation to Randy Clark). However, as far as we know, there is no silly window film syndrome–yet! So you read about it here first, folks!

What is Silly Window Film Syndrome?

Silly window film syndrome is the ability to be silly because you’re protected by the privacy of window film. People can’t see you making faces, practicing your selfies with your cat, or performing the goofiest goat yoga that yet exists. Silly window film syndrome lets you figure out all the Michael Jackson moves you never mastered back in the ’80s. Curse at your in-laws, make hats out of tin foil, and practice putting on makeup using YouTube videos. Anything is possible.

How to Cure Silly Window Film Syndrome?

To cure silly window film syndrome, do nothing. Without window film, you’ll have to stay serious or risk having someone record you and put a video of you imitating a squirrel up on YouTube. Your life will never look the same. People will point at you and laugh. Unless, of course, they are equally silly. In that case, they may suggest that you become president of the Squirrel Imitators, who meet every Wednesday evening in the park. You know the park? The one with all the trees? That one.

The Choice is Yours

Do you want the freedom to be silly? Then for heaven’s sakes, get yourself some window film. Window film syndrome is not something to be cured after all! If you need ideas on how to be silly, call us! And we also can answer your questions about window film, too! We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

How to Use Windows to Protect Your Privacy

August 15, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

There has been a lot of talk lately about privacy, and how we’re giving it away. Don’t we know it! We drive around the San Francisco Bay Area, and we can see all the way into people’s dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens! We’ve seen plenty of things we can’t unsee, but we won’t get into the details–luckily for us both.

Windows and Your Privacy

Maybe it seems that if you really want privacy, you shouldn’t even install windows. But people do crave sunlight, and we need some sunlight for our physical and mental health. So what’s a privacy-loving person to do? Plenty, it turns out! Read on for some ideas.

Window Shades

Of course, it’s obvious that you need some kind of barrier between you and the outside world. But how do you create it? Window shades allow you to have as little or as much privacy as you want. You can pick the texture, color, length, and thickness of the shades. There are some that provide insulation from cold and heat as well. Some people like Jonathan Adler say that you can layer different types of window treatments–and we agree. Because why choose? Here’s an article with some quotes from Jonathan Adler: Window Treatments: Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

cafe curtains photo — Photo by DesignFolly.com

Curtains and Your Privacy

Curtains are another obvious choice. There are so many options with curtains. You can get tiebacks, long curtains, cafe curtains, and more. There are blackout curtains for those who need to sleep during the day (also good for vampires). So long as people outside can’t look inside, you’re golden. If you’re paralyzed by all the choices out there, check out Real Simple’s Guide to Curtains and Window Treatments.

Keep the View and Gain Privacy, too!

If you really want to keep the view, you might want window film! You knew we were going to say that, didn’t you? You may want to layer window film with thick shades to really insulate your windows. That way, you have some measure of control over when and how much sunlight gets inside. And you might not realize that window film also comes with fabulous designs, such as stripes, dots, and bamboo!

Check Out All the Options

If you have questions, we’re always here for you! Just give us a call. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from Santa Clara to San Francisco, to the East Bay to Marin.

David Antonson, 3M Window Film Patent Holder, Plus a Little History

July 31, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Recently, David Antonson, 3M™ Window Film patent holder, passed away. So we thought we might take the opportunity to write a little about Mr. Antonson and his discovery, and the history of 3M window film. You can read about Mr. Antonson here: David Antonson Obituary.

A Minnesota Native

David got his B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota, where he majored in Mechanical Engineering in 1967. During his 38 year career with 3M, he acquired five patents in his name. His largest contribution was the Scotch Tint window film. He retired from 3M in 1993. Although David Antonson has passed on, his discovery lives on.

Window Film’s 53rd Anniversary

2016 marked the 50th anniversary of 3M Window Film. So window film has been around for 53 years. That’s a long time to be protecting your skin against UV light, and your eyes against glare. You can see all the types of window film on 3M’s website.

Window Film Has Changed Over the Years

In the beginning (in the early 1960s), window film was mainly used in solar control flat glass applications. Then during the energy crisis of the 1970s, another aspect of window film use became very interesting: the reduction of heat loss. Window film has evolved to be used for decorative purposes over the years. It has become increasingly valuable as an investment for commercial and residential owners, as outlined in the Short History of Window Film.

interior design photo

Examples of Decorative Window Film

Once upon a time, window film was used to control heat loss and create privacy. We’ve written about how window film can be used for decorative purposes, and you can see some of those articles here:

See anything you might like?

Have Questions?

We’ve got answers! Give us a call. We’d love to talk to you about window film.

What Are the Best Window Film Ideas?

July 18, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’ve been in the wild world of window film for quite a few years now, and we’ve seen some fantastic uses of window film. Here are a few things you might not know about window film.

You Can Use Window Film to Calm Anxiety in Animals

Yes, you can. For instance, if your dog goes crazy every time it sees another dog in the yard, you can use window film to block the view and lessen your dog’s anxiety. You still get the benefit of natural light streaming into your home, but you can make it so your dog can’t see out. No more dog barking nonstop while you’re at work, annoying the neighbors. The dog is calm and the whole house is quieter.

privacy photo

Keep Your Private Stuff Private

The world is getting more and more crowded. And we all value our privacy even more than before. With window film, you can protect your valuables from prying eyes. And you can feel more comfortable if you like to walk around in your skimpy pajamas all day. If you haven’t read it, you might like this article about privacy: Window Film Confidential: How to Create Privacy Where There is None.

restaurant photo

Keeps Glass Together

We don’t get a lot of severe storms in the San Francisco Bay Area, but in other parts of the country, there are horrific winds–and worse. Window film can hold the glass together should it ever break due to a storm. And that gives you peace of mind, either at home or in your business. For instance, restaurants can protect their patrons by installing window film. If there’s a storm and a window breaks, the glass holds together and flying glass shards are much less likely to hurt one of the diners. Read more about safety and security window film on 3M’s site.

Use it in Your Interior Design

There are many unusual ways to use window film. Window film isn’t just clear and frosted–it comes in many different and beautiful designs. We recently wrote about using window film in your interior design in this article: What Happens When You Use Window Film in Your Interior Design?

Use it Outside as a Screen

Some of our clients have started to use window film on glass exterior walls or fences, and we thought that was pretty neat. Even a stand-alone glass partition can use window film to provide a barrier. Use it as a decorative garden element, or for privacy.

Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss your window film ideas with you–even if you think the idea you have is crazy! We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. And we’re happy to chat with you and kick around a few ideas!

The Revolutionary Benefits of Window Film You Never Knew

June 27, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

There are lots of window film benefits that you probably never heard of, and here are just a few. Even though we work in the industry, we’re hearing about more benefits all the time! By the way, we install window film all over the San Francisco Bay Area, so be sure to call if you have questions!

Energy Savings

You can save energy by installing window film. If you have a single-pane window, installing window film makes that window act like a double-pane window. And if you have a double-pane window, it’ll behave like a triple-pane window. Can you imagine a triple-pane window!? Saving energy also saves you money: another of the window film benefits you can expect.

Protects Your Furniture and Heirlooms

We all know someone whose floor and sofas have been damaged by the sun beating down through their windows. People think that windows protect you from the sun, but it’s not true! Which is why museums often have window film to keep artwork from being damaged. But even if you don’t have heirlooms, your furniture and floor and rugs are important to you. Why not add some window film so you can get the benefits and protect your precious belongings?

Prevents Skin Cancer

The same UV rays that cause skin cancer can be blocked by window film. That’s like having a giant pair of sunglasses on your home! And UV rays can also cause your skin to age prematurely. How many more window film benefits could there possibly be? With skin cancer rates increasing, having window film just makes sense. After all, skin cancer is a cancer that can largely be prevented. The Skin Cancer Foundation even has a page dedicated to window film: Why Use Window Film?, in which they outline many uses of window film, and the window film benefits you may enjoy.

Reduces Glare

Do you host parties where you watch sports shows on t.v.? Do you work from home? Your screens can get a lot of glare, and having window film can help with that. So you can still have your curtains open and receive the natural light from the sun, but not the glare. And you don’t have to wear sunglasses indoors!

Has Many Decorative Uses

In case you didn’t know, window film comes in many variations. So you don’t have to use the “vanilla” variety–you can also use stripes, dots, or patterns. Here are some of our previous articles about the different types of window film:

Give Us a Call

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, call us. We’d love to talk about the many benefits of window film!

Book Review: The Quick and Easy Home DIY Manual

June 13, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Recently, I purchased the Quick and Easy Home DIY Manual by Matt Weber and the the Editors of Extreme How-to. I saw their book on Twitter, and decided to purchase it. Here are some quick and easy thoughts (did you see what I did there?) on the manual. You can go follow them on Twitter here: Extreme How-To.

The Book Itself

Now, you’re never supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I’m about to break that rule. The cover is terrific! Why? It has metal guards on the corners so if you have a cat or dog who likes to chew things, your book won’t be ruined on Day One. And also, if you’re tough on books, the cover will stay intact while you write all over the inside like some of us like to do.

The Tools and Skills section is a good place to start

The Layout

The layout is fun to read, so if you like to skim, you can do that. There’s never a huge wall of text, rather, there are snippets in easy-to-read pieces so you’re never overwhelmed. There are tons of illustrations so you won’t be bored, too. Of course, you can go through it cover to cover, but it’s set up for easy browsing and/or reference.

The Organization

Another thing I really love about this book is that it’s organized by skill level. So if you’re a beginner like me, you could start with the Tools and Skills section, and do something like build a basic toolbox. Alternately, the Quick Fixes section lets you do a few basic chores, without getting stuck way over your head. If you’re more advanced, there are tougher and longer projects. And there are some in-between projects, for those who are somewhat skilled but not contractors.

Don't get stuck in the glue section — Don’t get stuck in the glue section!

The Writing Style

This book is well written, and seems to have been professionally edited, too! Those of us who write for a living really appreciate a well-written book. There are also loads of puns “get stuck on glues,” “stick to it” for a header about tape, and — a personal favorite–“get a royal flush” for a section about toilets. We’re willing to bet the guys at Extreme How-To are big fans of the Dad Joke.

You’ll like it!

Whether you’re a beginner at doing things yourself, or a little more advanced, there are things to be learned here. We can’t wait to fill some holes where someone had trouble deciding where to hang a picture and put up multiple nail holes. If we knew who they were, we’d give them a copy of this book because who does that? Anyway, check out the book and then buy it or borrow a copy (not mine, though!). Highly recommended.

On Another Subject…

Did you read our last post Window Film, You Need to Know What It’s Used For? If you didn’t, we’d love if you did! Thanks for reading and see you next time.

Window Film: You Need to Know What It’s Used for

May 29, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard something about window film, or had someone install window film on your car windows. You may already have window film, but not even realize it’s there. The best window film is quiet, and by that I mean you won’t see or hear it. It’ll be there, in the background, doing its job.

Window Film is Decorative

Window film is quite beautiful when properly installed. There are many varieties of window film, such as dots, stripes, or other patterns. You can use it inside or outside in a garden. You can use it on a doctor’s office or at a gym. There are so many uses for window film that we can’t even list them all.

Window Film Gives You Privacy

If you’re living in a tiny home, or just too close to a neighbor, you can use window film to give yourself privacy. Window film will still let the light through, but you can control the amount of light.

Window Film Helps with Heat and Cold

We’ve written about Thinsulate before, but we’ll mention it again because it insulates your windows. Lately, our temperatures have been all over the map. Whether that’s because of global warming or some other reason, you can only guess at what the weather will be like from one day to the next. Using window film can help to even out the temperatures and keep you comfortable.

Window Film Curbs Glare

Are you someone who enjoys working from home, but gets terrible glare on your screen? Or maybe you’re the headquarters for all the guys in the neighborhood who like to watch all the games. If glare coming through the windows is disturbing you, window film can help with that.

Window Film Prevents Cancer

You might think this isn’t true, but it’s been scientifically proven that certain types of UV light can cause skin cancer. You can protect your family’s skin and eyes with window film. For more information about window film and cancer prevention, see The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website.

San Francisco Bay Area Window Film

We install window film commercially and residentially all over the San Francisco Bay area, from Santa Clara to Alameda County to Marin County to San Francisco. Give us a call if you’re in need, or if you have questions!

What Happens When You Use Window Film In Your Interior Design?

May 15, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Using window film in your interior design may not be something that you have considered. Or maybe you’ve considered it, but only as a passing fancy. I’m here to tell you that using window film in your interior design can protect your health, add beauty, and make the temperature more stable, as well as adding privacy. And did you know that window film can help you combat climate change as well? Here’s our previous article about Window Film and Global Warming that you might like.

Protect Your Skin

There are so many ways that window film protects your health, but this month is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The UV rays that enter your home through your windows can cause skin cancer. Although many people feel safe at home or work, they don’t realize that UV rays are damaging their skin. Not only that, but your eyes will thank you later since those UV rays can also damage your eyes. And the most vulnerable members of the family deserve to get through their childhood without worrying about excessive damage to their skin, too. If you’d like to know more about prevention, take a look at the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Add Beauty

You might be surprised that there are so many beautiful types of window film. If you have a window that looks out at an ugly view, you can change that view with window film. People love to spend time in a room or building that they enjoy. Your family and coworkers will be happier in a more beautiful environment. Here are a few previous articles about window film you might like:

Create More Stable Temperatures

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we’ve had more rain this year, with more unstable temperatures. Even as I write these words, we’re getting a big storm, and that’s very unusual for May. What about where you are? Has your climate changed and how does that affect your life? We always have to dress in layers here because we never know what the weather will be like. It’s cold one day, hot the next.

Add Privacy

Of course, adding privacy is the first thing most of us think of when we consider window film. You may be more familiar with window film in the automotive arena. But window film in commercial and residential settings is growing. For those with smaller homes and offices, window film is a quick and easy way to add privacy. Check out the 3M website for how you might use window film for privacy as well as decoration.

Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss any kind of window film with you. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. And we’re happy to chat with you and kick around a few ideas!

Window Film and Global Warming: What You Need to Know

April 29, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Global Warming Isn’t Just about Warming

The planet is getting warmer, yes, but sometimes we get cold spells as a result of global warming. Window film is one way to alleviate the effects of global warming. This article has some ideas for using window film to help with global warming. And of course, we should all work to reverse global warming in any way we can. You might be surprised at some of the ways you can help reverse global warming, such as high-tech refrigeration. Check out Project Drawdown: 100 solutions to reverse global warming.

Window Film Helps Even out Temperatures

Hot one day, cold the next day? We don’t see quite so many ups and downs in temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area, but we’re still seeing more variation than usual. You might not see the connection between window film and global warming, but in terms of comfort, installing window film is a way for you to feel more comfortable in your own home or office. If you’d rather skip to the chase about window film, you might like The Valuable Ways Window Film Can Change Your Life.

Window Film Protects Your Eyes and Skin

What does your skin have to do with window film and global warming, you may ask. The ozone layer, which protects us from some of the sun’s bad UV rays, is thinning. Window film helps to protect your skin, and your family’s skin, too. In fact, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends window film to protect against UV rays that damage your skin. And in case you missed it, here’s our article on Five Quick and Easy Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Skin Damage.

Save Money on Heating and Cooling Bills

Using window film for global warming can save you money, but what else? When you use less energy to heat and cool your home or office, not only do you save money, but you’re using less fossil fuel. That is if you’re using fossil fuel to heat and cool your home. In any case, most people love saving money. And to us, that’s a win-win on your window film!

Five Quick and Easy Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Sun Damage

April 10, 2019 by Carol S 1 Comment

We all want to protect our vision no matter what. Being visual creatures, our vision is critical to our wellbeing at all stages of our life. What if there were some easy ways to protect your eyes from sun damage, though? It turns out that there are! Here are some ideas for you.

Hats off to Big Hats

One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes from sun damage is with a large-brimmed hat. Of course, any hat is better than no hat at all, but size does matter in terms of brim size: the bigger the better! There are now many hats that will provide protection, and kids in particular really need protection. Here’s one hat you can get from Amazon (just do a search for others).

Sunscreen

How much sunscreen do you need to protect your eyes against sun damage? Figure about an ounce (or a shot glass full of sunscreen) for your whole body. Yes, it seems like a lot, but once it absorbs into your skin, that’s the recommended amount. “It is very unlikely that you’re applying too much sunscreen — most people don’t apply enough, which is why undesirable sunburns and tanning can occur despite sunscreen application.” says Elizabeth K. Hale, of the Skin Cancer Foundation. Also, “most sunscreen is safe to use on and around the eyelid region (without putting it in your eye, of course). However, you’ll want to be careful about what type of sunscreen you use, as this area tends to be more delicate and sensitive. Mineral formulas, made with zinc or titanium dioxide, are a good choice, as they are made for sensitive skin and won’t sting your eyes as you sweat.” says Susan Boiko, M.D.

Big Hats and Giant Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes

Avoid the Sun at Peak Hours

The hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. are when the sun is at its strongest. So an obvious way to protect your eyes from sun damage and avoid skin cancer is to avoid the damaging rays of the sun during those hours. The American Cancer Society suggests using the shadow test if you’re unsure whether the sun’s rays are at their strongest: “If you are unsure how strong the sun’s rays are, use the shadow test: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are the strongest, and it’s important to protect yourself.”

Giant Sunglasses

Like big hats, big sunglasses tend to protect your eyes from sun damage the best. There are so many fashion-forward sunglasses that you don’t need to worry about looking silly. However, the National Academy of Ophthalmology suggests choosing sunglasses that protect against 100% of UV light. The color of the lenses doesn’t matter, so if those orange or pink glasses suit your fancy, get them–so long as they give you protection from UV rays.

Window Film

Window film is one of the easiest ways to protect your eyes from sun damage UV because once it’s installed, you don’t have to think about it. And once it’s on your windows, you won’t even know it’s there. In case you’re unfamiliar with window film, you might like: Five Amazing Ways Window Film Can Make You Healthier.