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How to Select Window Film

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Window Film

Window film can offer tremendous benefits to your home or business. Whether you're looking to reduce heat, improve privacy, or enhance security, there is a film to suit your needs. This guide will help you understand the different types of window films available and their specific advantages.

Permanent Window Films

TAP Plastics carries four types of permanent window films, each offering unique benefits:

1. R20 Silver Film

Available in 36-inch and 48-inch widths.
Reflective film with a mirrored appearance from the outside.
Allows approximately 20% of visible light through.
Blocks 99% of ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing fading of furniture and flooring.
Blocks nearly 80% of solar heat, significantly lowering indoor temperatures and potentially eliminating the need for air conditioning.
Provides daytime privacy but does not offer privacy at night, as the reflective effect reverses.

2. R50 Silver Film

Available in a 48-inch width only.
Nearly invisible when installed, making it ideal for homes or storefronts where aesthetics are a concern.
Blocks 99% of UV rays to prevent fading.
Reduces 50% of solar heat, still offering a noticeable cooling effect.
Perfect for locations where heat reduction is desired without a conspicuous film appearance.

3. Frosted Film

Blocks over 85% of UV rays while maintaining high light transmission.
Provides an attractive privacy solution by giving glass a sandblasted look.
Ideal for bathrooms, garages, or other areas where privacy is needed without blocking natural light.
Ensures near-complete obscurity even for individuals standing close to the window.

4. Safety Film

Perfectly clear when installed, maintaining the original look of the window.
Offers protection against shattering, holding broken glass in place to prevent injury.
Provides security by making forced entry through a window much more difficult.
Useful for earthquake safety, keeping broken glass contained.
In commercial applications, it can be applied to the exterior of windows for graffiti protection—if scratched, the film can be replaced instead of the entire glass.

Temporary (Removable) Window Films

TAP Plastics also offers three types of removable window films, which are designed for seasonal or short-term use:

1. Privacy Film

Dark film allowing only 5% of light transmission.
Provides maximum privacy and significant glare reduction.

2. Bronze Film

Allows 46% of light transmission.
Offers a subtle tint while reducing glare and heat.

3. Gray Film

Similar to the Bronze film, with 46% light transmission.
Provides a neutral tint for reducing brightness and heat.

Application for Double Pane Windows

Permanent films are safe for the inside of double-pane windows.
Removable films should only be applied to the exterior of double-pane windows to prevent excessive heat buildup, which could lead to glass breakage.

Choosing the Right Film for Your Needs

For maximum heat and UV protection → Choose R20 Silver or R50 Silver.
For privacy → Choose Frosted Film.
For safety and security → Choose Safety Film.

Whatever your window film needs, TAP Plastics has the right solution for you. These films are also DIY-friendly, making installation simple and cost-effective. Upgrade your home or business today with the perfect window film for your space!