Window Film Mistakes: Five We See Most Often!

Did you know that when window film is doing its best work, it’s invisible? Yes, it’s true! If you can see window film, that means something is wrong. But when can you see window film? When there’s a mistake (or five). Here are a few that we see all the time. We didn’t start out trying to make this a funny blog post–it just seemed to happen! By the way, on the positive side, you might like Design Uses for Window Film.

Bubbling window film

Ok, did you install your own window film and forget to clean the window first? Did you think 15 minutes was enough to cover all your windows so you went ahead because you had a super fun event to go to and couldn’t be late? Those are just two of the reasons your film could be bubbling. That is, not cleaning the window, and hurrying. We see it all the time–and usually have to fix it while trying not to laugh, which is harder than you’d think.

Purple window film

While window film does eventually break down, if it turns purple the technical reason is because of how the dyes age. But also if you choose cheap window film, it can turn purple, so you probably shouldn’t buy that stuff you saw on Facebook marketplace because “it was a bargain.” That is, unless you truly want purple window film. Then it’s all good!

Peeling film

Window film can peel because of a few different reasons: the glue wasn’t strong enough, improper installation (see below), or because of using old film. If you had some old film sitting around in your garage for a decade or two, it’s probably a good idea to get some new film. Or if you didn’t completely saturate the film with enough liquid, that could also cause it to peel later. Also, if your film is exposed to harsh UV light for long enough, that can also cause peeling.

Sloppy cut film

Have you ever heard of the old saying measure twice, cut once? With window film, you could even extend it to saying measure three times, cut once. Cuts have to be exact. There’s no “oh, that looks good enough” with window film. You’ll need exact measurements. If your window film is cut to the wrong size, your install will look bad.

Improper installation

When window film is properly installed it’s invisible! You notice window film by how you, your home, and your business feel cooler. Of course, improper installation could encompass all of the reasons above. If you have edge gaps in your window film so it’s visible, that’s also a bad thing. So that’s a bonus and reason #6. You might like this article about an invisible enemy that’s stealing your greatest asset!

Ready for a mistake-free window film installation?

You can fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some window film. Give us a call and we can help keep you from embarrassing mistakes. We’d love to help you choose the best film. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the San Mateo Peninsula and Marin–and have expanded into southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.