Do your window films have an adhesive backing?

Yes, our decorative films have a non-permanent adhesive backing. This helps the film to stay on your window over extended periods of time. It also helps to keep the corners from peeling. Whenever you are ready to remove the film, just peel it off of the window!

Which films will give me the most light possible, while still providing privacy?

For privacy with the most possible light filtering through, we suggest the following films: Solyx Clear Ripple Glass, Solyx Clear Stucco, Solyx Crystal Ice Chip, Solyx Clear Rain Drops, Solyx Frosty View, Solyx Clear Ice, SOLYX Cut Glass Flowers, and Solyx Clear Sea Shells. However, I think you will find that most of the privacy films we offer will still let in a sufficient amount of light

 Will your decorative films give me privacy during the day, as well as the night?

Yes, the decorative films will give you privacy day and night. We highly recommend ordering samples to make sure the film will provide sufficient privacy in your situation. With certain designs, if you have the light on inside at night and you walk by the window, people outside might be able to see your silhouette.

 Can your films be used in bathrooms?

Yes, the films will work fine in bathrooms.

Decorative Window Scene FAQ’s

Do your window scenes have an adhesive backing?

No, our window scenes are printed on static cling. They are removeable and reusable.

Will your window scenes give me privacy during the day, as well as the night?

Yes, the window scenes will give you privacy day and night. If you have the light on inside at night and you walk by the window, people outside might be able to see your silhouette.

Can your window scenes be used in bathrooms?

Yes, the scenes will work fine in bathrooms.

Do you take custom orders?

No, we do not do any custom orders.

Window film and window scenes are applied using the wet method, which allows for easier installation. Milky white patches may occur in using the wet method, but these will disappear in a few days to a week.

Tools: Scissors, Tape Measure, Razor Knife or Straight Edge Razor, Ruler, Squeegee, Credit Card, approx. 32 oz. Spray Bottle, Mild Dishwashing Detergent (we recommend Joy) OR Baby Shampoo (we recommend Johnson’s), and Paper Towels

1. Clean the window making sure to remove all dirt, grease, etc.

2. Measure the height and width of the glass surface. Allow approx. 1/2″ extra material on each side of the film and cut the film to size.

3. Create a wetting solution by adding 1-2 drops of the liquid soap into a 32 oz. Spray bottle filled with water.

4. Lay the cut decorative film on a clean flat surface with the release liner up, or have someone hold the piece to be applied for you. Remove the liner, spraying the wetting solution on the now exposed adhesive surface thoroughly, as the liner is removed.

5. Apply a GENEROUS amount of wetting solution to the glass. Cover the entire glass surface with the solution. The wetting solution prevents the film from sticking to the surface immediately, thereby allowing more time in which to properly position the film.

6. Place the now wet film onto the glass surface. Spray a small amount of the solution on the face of the film also. Remove the wetting solution and any air bubbles with the squeegee, working from the middle of the film to the outside edges.

7. If any air bubbles or solution remain, use a credit card or similar material as a squeegee as described above. Be careful not to push too hard and tear the film. (Note: you will want to wrap a thin, soft piece of cloth around the edge of the item to prevent any scratching of the film.)

8. Cut off the excess film from the edges using a sharp knife or razor and a ruler. Place the ruler along the inside edge of the window frame where you need to trim, and cut between the ruler and the frame of the window. It is ideal to cut in one continuous movement.

9. Use the paper towels to clean up any excess wetting solution.

TIPS:

The film may take a few days to dry in order for it to completely adhere to the glass.

If you have bubbles that have not been worked out with the squeegee or credit card, you may use a straight pin to pop the bubble and work the air out.

Make sure there are no dry spots on the film prior to placing it on the glass.

Take care when removing the release liner that the film does not roll over onto itself. It will stick together and is difficult to pull apart!

If the weather is extremely cold outside and your wetting solution is freezing on the window, windshield washer fluid may be substituted for the wetting solution.

All of the films have a liner applied to the back of them. If you are having trouble removing the liner, apply a piece of tape on the front, and one on the back of one of the corners of the film. As you peel the two pieces of tape apart, the liner should peel away from the film along with the tape.

The trick is to find the right adhesive, and use it at the right time.

This brings us to the subject of metallic adhesives and their various types. After reading this article, you will be familiarized with different things, such as; ways to choose a proper metallic adhesive, temperature considerations and etc. these points are necessary for your observation when it’s about metallic adhesives.

If a decorative window film or door film needs a little bit of sticking job, go for UV curable metallic adhesive . Why? This adhesive type sets itself firmly at place, over the course of time. It means that once you’ve installed a window film, you’ll have enough time to remove it if need be. Also when the UV epoxy adhesive has dried up, it can sustain extreme climatic conditions, temperatures and anything else that might be damaging in the long run.

People who want to stick high profile designs, patterns of metal pieces with weight, to the glass surface, are recommended to use Loctite Impruv or general epoxy metallic adhesive glue. The bond miraculously forms within a few minutes and gets firmer by every passing hour, giving enough time to the metal or any other object to stick to the glass firmly.

How to Choose The Right Metallic Adhesive?

To best get along with choosing the right metallic adhesive, you’re advised to call the technical support staff of the adhesive company. They’ll ask you different questions regarding the type of glass or film you need to stick; the purpose of using the film and etc.. Your best bet is to contact someone who knows how these adhesives work around glass or slippery surfaces.

Typically it is seen that glass or windows have surface that has a higher degree of molecular tension. For such a high energy surface, a high tension metallic adhesive layer of .01 or .02 inches is recommended. Such adhesives are rich with extracts of Isocyanate Content and Rubber/Silicon elements. The end result is a bond, which is easily detachable if need be. The rubber based metallic adhesives easily peel off or chip off when they need to be removed.

Metallic Adhesive for Metallic Films:

Kitchenware accentuates the necessities of installing stainless steel film or metallic films on the refrigerators, countertops, areas around stove, doors of cooking range and etc. Hence these films are perfectly matched to polyester free metallic adhesives. They form a hard coat when dried off on their own.

Plus such adhesives have a high tendency to tolerate heat because individuals don’t want to see their films curling up or fraying due to sudden increase in the amount of heat. At times it is seen that metallic films that are stuck to the surface through a thermal metallic adhesive, don’t last too long.  Brittle and bubbles are formed on the surface, due to increase in the temperature.

Every film is made up of several elements that are combined together in a special formation. Speaking of elements, metallic films have been surfacing the market lately with immense amount of well received feedback. Take a look at the following metallic film types to get a better idea of what you should and shouldn’t be buying in the long run:

Sputtered Metal Films:

If you’re interested in knowing how sputtered metal films are made, know this that the process involves vacuum chamber that metallized everything at an atomic level. You wouldn’t be interested in getting to know atomic levels, involvement of argon gasses, and different molecules. – That’s scientific stuff, meant for those who “really” plan on knowing what their metallic film type is.

Sputtered metal films have over 20 different types, since each type involves different metals and the degree of their thickness or thinness. Metallized or metallic films are expensive, so you need to be sure that you’re purchasing the right type in the long run.

An Example of Sputtered Metallic Films: When these films are dyed, they can be used for tinting glass windows.

Metallic Polyester Films:

These films are metallized on one end, and later on, sealed on the other end. Ever saw those beautiful wrapping foils? Or hard sheets over popcorn buckets? Well, that’s the type of polyester metallic films that is being discussed here. To give them a metallic look, developers use special elements in order to give them a right degree of sustenance.

Metallic films are touted out in form of aluminum foil, gift wrappings, covers, food preserving sheets and etc. These films are also used on mercury glasses, with a specific diameter and degree of reflection on one side of the mirror.  Vendors print these films, shrink them, use them for lamination and extrusion antics.

Hybrid Metallic Films:

These films are the best of the best out there. Want to know why? Out of all the metallic film types, the hybrid or synthetic metal films use a vast amalgamation of dyed, stained, frosted, etched, reflective and various other film times. In order to introduce a slight element of each film type, makers employ certain elements that come up with desired properties.

o        For instance, if they want to introduce a high degree of tint in the window, the dyed effect is added in the metallic film.

o        To add privacy, frost effect is added to the film.

Metallic films are primarily used for food product packaging, sealing something with strong barriers of oxygen based printing, attractive appearance, and at industrial level. People don’t use them on windows or glass surfaces that much because metal itself is highly dense. The film just blocks everything, the view, the light (most of it) and etc.

Deposited Metallic Film:

These films are blessed with different types of metallic ingots – Nickel, cadmium or Chrome. While creating this film, a vacuum is induced in the developing tank, which propels the metal particles on the film sheet under high temperature. The process is called depositing the elements from one end to another.

If the makers want to make the film denser, the increase the deposition speed/spraying speed. Deposited metal films are not offered in a large variety. This factor also limits the prospects of their usage and the product line as well.

So if you’re interested in using a film that’s more like a piece of paper, but also has a metal touch to it, go for metallic films. They drop the effect of a real metal surface, if properly applied. Metallic films have and can be used in making certain elements of your sitting room prominent, on countertops, preserving things, doors and appliances and furniture.

Plus, these films have long term durability factor, so they’re kind of rugged. They don’t tear up easily. You can print on them at home through DIY techniques. All the more, metallic films are fun to deal with. Just make sure that you’re adhering to any precautions that may come into action when dealing with certain elements or objects on your own.

How to Order the Film or Decal?
It’s the next step of the entire process. Now there are local retailers and online retailers, who have their plus and minus points. A local retailer will easily understand what you need but the guy won’t be able to get you all the stuff. Maybe the vendor doesn’t have the right type of quality, maybe he’s out of stock. If you can wait for your goods to be restocked again, it won’t be a problem.
However, if you don’t like the waiting game, you should proceed with an online retailer. The difficult thing about online retailers is the selection of right size. Plus, you also need to take into account, the fact that “Quantity” box represents the number of objects that you need to order.
• If you want a 5 Feet tall decorative window film, you will enter “1” in the Quantity section and “5” in the dimensions section (granted that the unit is in feet).
Sometimes, due to a lack of call to action, people forget about how to place the right kind of order. They need guidelines and instructions to surf a webpage in order to get with their shopping stuff. In case if embezzlement or confusion, you can call the online retailer right away to get a whiff of directions. Maybe a phone call will help you to make the retailer understand what sort of size you’re looking for.

What Kind of Tools are Generally Required?
After you have placed your order, it is time for you to get the right set of tools. Generally, faux stainless steel films, decorative window films, glass etchings and granite décor films don’t require a whole lot of tools. Chances are that you already have the following goods placed somewhere within your reach:
- A Pair of Scissors
- A Squeegee
- Spray Bottle or Color Tape
- Measuring Tape or Measuring Scale (12 Inch Preferred)
- Cleaning Detergent and a Few Pieces of Cloth

Cutting Strategy:
Okay, you finally got the film or decal at your disposal. Now it is time for you to cut it according to the size of the area where you need to get done with the final installation.
• First off, since the film probably arrived in a rolled form, you need to straighten it out.
• Place the film on a flat surface and wipe it with a piece of cloth, while applying medium pressure. Do this for both sides and keep it that way for a while.
• Now that the film isn’t coiling, curling or bending anymore, place it on the area where you need to stick it.
• Cut and extra inch in terms of length and width. Some sheets come with square or line marks on them. This is to ensure that you’re cutting them in a straight line. If your sheet or decorative film didn’t come with a line marks on it, use a scale and draw a faint line on the surface with a pencil. This way you will know where to move your scissors.

As far as the installation is concerned, you don’t need any major skills. Get someone to help you in order to apply the film without any misalignments. Once you’re done, pick up a piece of cloth and wipe the film area from center to the outside. This is to eliminate any air bubbles. If there’re small bubbles left behind, don’t squeeze them because it’ll leave nasty scratch marks on your new surface.
Just prick the bubbles with a paper pin and flatten the surface. Generally it is seen that the freshly applied decal or film appears to be hazy or cloudy. This is just a natural process and you’ll get over with it, in 5 to 6 days. The film takes time to settle in properly, which means that over the next couple of days, the haziness or cloudy effect will be there no more.
In the end, remember to clean the newly filmed window, refrigerator, counter top or bathroom doors, on frequent basis. There’s nothing like a clean surface and years of long product life.

Frosted Window Films are very easy to install, they can be applied in a wide number of scenarios. Plus, if the architecture or theme of your residence is making ordinary windows look bland and dull, you’re better off with the frosted type.

Frost and Décor window films can be used in/for:

-          Kitchens

-          Glass surfaces that are already plain

-          Cabinet and doors with a central glass area

-          Shower room enclosures, or sliding doors

In ordinary cases, the original frosted glass can be extremely expensive. The best way to avoid that expense is to go for the frost window film, which is always bound to give the effect of a frosted glass. Take a look at the following tips that will enable you to know a great deal about this type of window films:

• If you’re looking to install frosted window sheets on your bathroom or shower door, go for the ones that have a high tendency of avoiding moisturizer. Plus, the fact that you’ll be using hot water excessively in winter season, you need to go for temperature resistant sheets. If they’re of low quality, soon enough you’ll start noticing the peeling off or chipping factor.

o        The best way to avoid any hassles is to go through different frosted window films, at different retailers. There will be a price variation, but you can also expect the quality to vary as well.

• If you’re strictly planning on using these window films for privacy purposes, go for the ones with extra thick diameter. Once installed, these films will provide maximum vision obscurity, just the thing that you may need in the long run.

o        With privacy based frosted window films, you or anyone else will not be able to see through them, at a distance as close as 2 feet. The most you will be able to see is a vague combination of colors and a human form at the other end of the window.

• When buying these films, go for the ones that are adhesive free. You may want to take them off some time later. In this scenario, the adhesive will leave behind a sticky feeling that will turn black within the first few days. The end result will be a dirty glass or a window that will probably need a complete replacement.
• An 8 Millimeter vinyl film of frosted glass window can be highly effective against conduction or UV rays.

Generally speaking, a typical frost décor film will give you a textured feeling. How so? Just run your fingers slowly over the film’s top surface, if you’re getting that brushed metal/slate sort of feeling, this is it. Textured films are good for deflecting light, but you’ll have to go for the dark ones to achieve this goal.

Sometimes, privacy isn’t the only concern when a person is set out to buy frosted glass films. Maybe he is working in an environment where sun rays penetrate through the glass and inflict damage on the carpet or furniture. This way, the frost décor can block huge quantities of sun rays, while notching up the stylized look that blends with your area’s visual profile.

Another important thing to remember is the jurisdiction and law enforcement against these window films. For instance, a high security American County will not allow you to install frosted window films on your car. The cops will probably let you off with a warning or a ticket because of the high degree of security in that area. It’s their job to make checks on cars, and the frost type texture can prevent them from keeping tabs on the individuals.

What if I Need Privacy and Safety At the Same Time?

Well, if you’re looking to go for window films that provide privacy and security altogether, you can place a custom order. Chances are that you’ll be getting a special frosted window film that is amalgamated with an extra layer of 100 micron sheet. As a result, during unforeseen accidents, the glass window will be kept in one piece. And also, at the same time, your privacy will be kept intact through the frost like texture.

The biggest benefit of going for stained glass window films is that you can always change them, as per your mood or room settings. In case of a stained glass, you will be limited to using something that’s bound to one room and only one type of décor. It will get boring and quite typical after a while…

The best way of buying stained glass window sheets, requires a certain number of steps from you to be followed:

-          Before buying the sheet, take a look at the size, shape and dimension of your windows. Note them down on a paper.

-          Once you’ve noted the dimensions down, go for a stained glass window sheet that is relatively larger than the present dimensions of your window(s). A little extra film can come in handy any time of the day.

-          Go for the non-adhesive type of film, because you don’t want a sticky mess to be left after you have removed the film.

-          Keep your color motifs clear in your mind. Every glass window requires a different combination of colors. For instance, if the overall profile of your room follows blue color, you’re better off with stained glass window film with blue polka dots or blue tint. Likewise, patio doors, sidelights and dorm room doors require different type of color profile.

If you’re running a business that operates actively at night time, perhaps the glow in the dark sort of stained films can be quite useful. The illuminated artwork on your windows will highlight the beautiful exterior of your showcase, restaurant, music club or etc. know this that there are many ideas and options that you need to explore before settling in with something specific.

Which One Is Better – The Low Priced Stained Window Film or The Expensive One?

Price is an important factor when you’re set out to buy window films. Cheap is not always good. That being said, you have to bear in mind that a cheap window film can probably start churning or peeling off on its own, after the first few months of installation.

Your best bet is to focus on quality and go for a discount. In case you’ve been dealing with the same vendor or an online shop for a while now, they will offer you a discount for placing a big order. You will also get special offers for bringing in referrals.

Some Ideas for Your Stained Glass Film Ventures:

• If you’re thinking of buying stained glass window films for your kids’ bathroom, go for the ones with grunge style spots on them. If your kid doesn’t mix well with grunge or hip hop style, go for stained films with cartoon textures on them – that’s even better.
• If you want to buy a pair of window films for two sliding doors, go for the one with a connected design. The huge design will cover both doors and will look quite pretty from a distance.
• Some stained glass décor films are offered in a wave style. Basically, it’s a complete sheet that has wave or a certain design like formations cut out of it. Your job is to carefully install the entire stained film and peel off the cut out area for the final touchup.

The bottom line is that there are tons of ideas to go for. When it comes to window designs and stained glass films, there’s a wide variety of things to consider. There’s a plethora of options to explore, which means that you’re not limited to any one category, design or quality.

In the end, there’s a certain set of safety precautions that enhance the durability and life of your stained glass films. For instance, don’t expose the film to smokey areas because smoke tends to cloud up the glass. Always develop a habit of cleaning the windows on timely basis. You wouldn’t want dust to settle on the glass panes because it will distort the vision and life of the windows in the long run.

Before stepping forward with anything else, let’s take a look at the definition of Faux Stainless Steel Film:

-          The word “Faux” originates from “Fake” or “Synthetic”. So it kind of makes sense when we link the Faux word to Stainless Steel Films, Fur Coats and stuff like that. It means that the stainless steel films are not entirely pure; they’re a highly synthetic form of the “real stuff”.

Further down the road, as a potential faux stainless steel film customer, you’ll realize that the stuff is far cheaper and more convenient for you. For instance, depending on your new apartment’s attire, you can either strap on one of these trendy films on your appliances, or you can choose to peel them off if they’re already installed. Plus, stainless steel film décor always comes with second chances. It means that they’re easy to clean, easy to remove and replace and scratch resistant.

By the way, if you’re planning on installing a couple of rolls of stainless steel films, make sure that your house or building has an adequate color profile. Nowadays soft colors are high in demand, so keep them in the shades of Caribbean Green, Sea Blue, earth tone, cream or plum combination. The steel look just shines through these colors, which kind of makes it look pleasing to the eyes.

Who Prefers Buying Faux Stainless Steel Films?

The market is pulsating with demands regarding faux stainless steel films. Just because you haven’t bought a flimsy film roll, doesn’t mean that your neighborhood or nearest community isn’t using it, or they’re not aware of it.

People who buy faux stainless steel films are normally:

-          Individuals who have highly expensive bathroom, kitchen or dining room appliances. For temporal reasons, they just want to smear a nice collection of faux stainless steel films over their possessions, to make them look pretty and to protect them from corrosion and any other damages.

-          People who’re sick of looking at the same old ugly and dull kitchen counters. They’re walking on a tight budgetary, so the idea of installing faux stainless sheets sounds more affordable ‘n convincing.

-          Individuals who have a knack for interior decoration, industrial look or changing their décor strategy after every few months.

Your preference criterion doesn’t have to be from the above three statements. You’re better off with your own reasons, because it’s a matter of personal satisfaction in the end. Maybe you’re stuck with the usual mustard or avocado colored objects in your house; a SoftMetal Faux Stainless Steel Film is just the thing you need in this case.

Uses of Faux Stainless Steel Films:

By now, you already have a rough idea of where these sheets or decoration films are used. Think of using them on Kitchen Countertops, Patios, bathrooms, or oven fronts. Once you’ve bought a roll of film, the uses are limitless. It will start unraveling before you on its own.

What To Look For When Buying a SoftMetal/Faux Stainless Steel Film:

• Make sure that it has a non-metallic and non-adhesive backed layout. At some point, you’ll need to peel off the film. And if it leaves a sticky mess behind, it’s not really cool.
• Scratch Resistance is something that should be prioritized too. Some people give the “resistant” terminology a whole new meaning on their own. Do know this that these metallic films are not Scratch Proof, they’re simply made to withstand minor scratches and accidental scrapes.
• Temperature resistance’ importance can never be over emphasized. A good quality faux stainless steel film can tolerate 110 – 120°F temperature. Also, don’t install the sheet on top of your cooking range, stove or inside the oven, it will scrape off and curl due to immense amount of heat.
• The last sign of a decent stainless steel film décor is that it doesn’t dull over time. Dulling is inflicted due to finger prints, dust, lack of maintenance and vice versa. So make sure you’re putting your money on something that’s actually worth the hassle.

How to Install Faux Stainless Steel Film: A General Step By Step Tutorial:

Just to give you an idea of how the installation process works, a step by step tutorial is appended below. Depending on your specific appliance type, there might be a need for a little bit of alteration in some steps of this tutorial.

• First of all, you need major tools for carrying out the installation process. Get a pair of sharp scissors, pencil, 12-Inch Scale and a whole lot of motivation
• The second thing cycles around surface preparation protocols. Your job is to clean the area before applying the film over it. A careless approach will result in the formation of air bubbles, dust underneath the surface of the film, scraping off within the first few weeks.
• SoftMetal or Faux Stainless Steel Films normally come with a square shaped sheet applied on its back. These small squares will help you to cut the film in one straight line, with smoothness and maximum precision.
• Place the film over the adjacent areas, where you need to apply it. Cut the spare area with scissors and lift the film. Place it on a flat surface and run your hand over it, with medium amount of pressure. This is to ensure that the “coil/curl” effect of the film is straightened out and you can easily apply it on the desired surface.
• After you’re done sticking the film, it will take 2 hours or probably more than that for the adhesion to kick in. Within that time, if you notice misalignment in any areas or corners of the faux stainless steel film, you can remove it and stick it back again.

In case you want a change of color or anything else, you can remove the film easily. It is non-permanent so it will come off without any major resistance. As far as cleanliness and maintenance goes, make sure you’re using typical glass cleaner or warm water. All you need are two pieces of cloth; one soaked in the cleaning material and the other one for drying it all up.

General Questions About Faux Stainless Steel Films:

-          Do I need to clean the Stainless Steel Film on timely basis? It looks shiny and dust resistant already.

o        Shiny and dust resistant doesn’t mean that the dust particles won’t settle on top of your steel film’s surface. Wipe a piece of soft cloth soaked in warm water, over the surface of the film after 1 week or so. That’s all you need to do.

-          What If I Bought The Wrong Size?

o        Vendors don’t normally encourage product return scenarios. But if it’s a genuine case, such as yours, you can always return the sheet and buy a new one with different dimensions.

-          What’s The Easiest Way of Removing the Faux Stainless Steel Film?

o        Use a blow dryer to warm the surface of the film. Now start peeling it off by pulling one corner. Make it slow and steady to avoid seeing remnants of adhesive residue. You can clean the surface with a strong detergent, warm water or any other liquid of your choice. The surface will be as good as new.

-          Is it Okay for Me to Install the Faux Steel Film on Ovens and Cooking Ranges?

o        You’re good with this sort of installation as far as it goes on top of the oven or cooking range’s door. Installing the sheet on the inside of the oven walls is not a great idea. The sheet will burn, melt or curl and it’ll also leave a bad taste in your mouth.

-          Any Secret to Prolonged Stainless Steel Film Life?

o        No, there’re no secrets, except for the fact that you bought a good quality film in the first place. Also, make sure you’re cleaning it every once in a while, to avoid dust particle settlement. It’s all you need to keep the film shiny and smooth for years to come.

The most important thing when buying faux stainless steel films is the realization that they’re offered in different categories and standards. Some films are of a high quality. You’ll have to buy them for a relatively higher price but it is always in your best interest. Don’t go for the first vendor, because he/she may be selling the same thing for huge amounts of cash. Make a list of available retailers, their rates and go for the deal that appeals to you the most.

An Introduction to Granite Films:

Granite is one of the oldest stones in the world. It comes along with different textures (over 3000 and still counting), colors and designs, which make it desirable among all corners of the world. Likewise, the question of Granite film will probably make you picture a thin slab of granite in your mind. That’s not entirely true because granite films are just made up of synthetic material, which gives the impression of the real stone.

What Do The Experts Have to Say?

Home Improvements expert Danny Lipford, in an interview with a CBS correspondent said, “Granite décor films are an easy and an affordable way of giving a new and improved look to your countertops.” Granite is a beautiful stone, it has a lot of shapes and form factors but nowadays people can’t afford it. They want the same thing within a limited amount of budget.

DIY

How Much Does The Real Granite Cost You?

Real granite job around your kitchen counter is going to cost you $4,000. Unbelievable, right? Well, you better think twice before going ahead with a heavy granite slab. By the time your plumber will remove the sink, pipes, and install the lovely granite slab, the bill will sky rocket.

How about getting the same look and feel for only $50 to $100?

Typically when you head out to the retailers to buy granite films, they give you a complete kit. An instruction manual is enclosed inside; it covers 5 to 6 steps that walk you through a small installation tutorial. The interesting thing about these sorts of granite films is that they’re meant to address all sorts of projects.

Usually the tutorial starts with instructions on how to clean and dry your countertops. Now it doesn’t matter if you have a wooden panel, a hard plastic counter top, or a solid surface based countertop. The film will stick to it like the real stuff and you won’t be able to tell the difference, not until you have touched and felt the new countertop.

How to DIY The Granite Film At Your Home?

This simple tutorial will tout out the general steps on how to install granite films at your home. after going through these steps, there’s a strong chance that you wont be needing the help of a “professional” at all;

• Clean the desired countertop or surface with any cleaning detergent or material of your choice. Let it dry off or do it manually with a clean piece of cloth.
• Now stick a sheet of paper or colored tap on the surface that DOESN’T require for you to install the granite décor film.
• Normal kits come with a base paint coat that you need to install on the surface of the countertop. This paint coat is meant to block all the ugliness, pock marks, scratch marks and chippy edges that were left on your beautiful countertop due to rugged usage.
• Now if you have purchased a paint based granite film solution, your work will take you through small cans of paint. In every can, there are different colors, which you will use to dab over the countertop. The colors will just blend in and give the impression of a solid granite slab.
• Make sure you leave the surface to dry for 6 to 9 hours, before charging in with anything else.

Granite films, apart from the paint and dab technique, are also available in stripe form. It is basically thin sheets that you spread over your countertop and let them stick on the surface for a few hours. The biggest benefit of going for granite films is that they’re available in any shape that you want. How so? Go to the nearest retailer and place a custom order for a wallpaper, an embossed cartoon character or anything you like.

Once your order is complete, you will get a granite film for you countertop with the image of your choice. If it’s a teddy bear image, it’ll look like as if someone carved or drew it on the stone. The real deal, involving pure granite stone, wouldn’t let you off with so many perks and benefits. You’d have to spend a fortune to get things going your way.

Lastly, granite films relieve you of the need of having to clean the countertop over and over again. Since real granite tends to absorb all sorts of spills to form stains on its surface, isn’t it better to go for a faux granite film and get rid of such issues?

For centuries, people from all sorts of cultural backgrounds, have been using glass etching as a tool of expression. Some communities used to use this technique as an art form, while others liked using them as a way of decorating things. the latter category would create invigorating designs and patterns on glass appliances, sheets and stuff and then they’d market it to the desired community.

The glass etching antics date back to 1650, a time when people didn’t have a lot of tools to get by with. Later on, the evolution of technology convinced man to develop cutters, wheels, disk etchers and other tools that swathed across any glass with style and suaveness.

The 1920’s were considered to be the advent of glass design industry. Someone, somewhere developed a mold etch process that basically etched the designs in the mold. The art was later on transferred on the glass surface, a swift and direct method of transferring designs.

The modern industry consists of big companies that use the latest equipment and state of the art methods for creating high-tech glass etch designs. If you’re thinking that windows were the only place where glass etching antics were applied to, think again. Nowadays, the prospects of etched glass are quite wild and unlimited.

For example, you can etch your car’s registration number, plate number and your license details on the windows of your cars. This way, car jackers will not think of stealing your 4 wheeler, just because of the minor glass job you did on the windows. This was just a security based aspect of etched glass decals, there’re tons of other applications as well.

The most common use of etched glass décor can be seen in windows. Offices, houses, institutes and all sorts of buildings have windows in them. On top of that when companies offer geometric, isometric, abstract and floral designs, the clients simply go ahead with the purchases. Do you know why? It’s because they want to convert the same dull window of their house, into something elegant and spectacular.

Then again, there are doors that are witness to some of the classiest etched glass decals. Speaking of designs, vacation resorts and different places in Hawaii have giant glass doors. These doors have banana or palm tree shaped designs etched on them, which looks quite breezy and uplifting. The thing is that you can find examples and purposes of etched glass films or decals all over the world.

Another thing that’s worth your two dimes is the importance of etched glass films. The films are thin foils that you apply over a plain glass surface, in order to give it the impression of an etched glass. Such forms of decorative etched window films are a great way of touting out the desired effect, within a limited amount of money. A pure etched glass will cost you a lot more than what a simple film can do for you.

Further down the road, once you’re deeply involved in installing etched glass decals, you’ll stumble upon different types and techniques. Some companies use an Acid etching technique, which involves the use of acid that only reacts to glass surface. This acid is applied in a specific manner, as per some design formations or stencils. The end result is a super clear formation of some sort of alphabets, numbers, designs or shapes on your glassy estate. Acid etching is also an indirect way of impairing vision for privacy measures. It is a finger print and dust resistant technique which has been hailed for quite some time now.

How Is the Etched Glass Decal Process Done?

The process of etching designs on glass is quite simple. Firstly, if you’re into the DIY technique, don’t confuse it with “engraving”. The metal or the design that needs to be etched on the glass is coated in a special liquid residue. The person who etches these images is called an etcher; he/she exposes the designs and shapes to the glass surface.

Regardless of your techniques, the etched glass decal strategies require safety precautions to be adhered to. For most convenience, you can use a sand blasting technique that exposes the desired areas of the glass in the form of a design. Later on, the etcher blows silicon dust on the exposed areas in order to reveal a complete design.