Windows of Opportunity

ETCHED WINDOW FILM These self-adhesive etched glass window films provide a striking effect when producing decals, printed graphics or architectural effects when covering complete areas of glass. ‘Crystal Etch’ offers a distinctive glitter effect and ‘Silver Etch’ is particularly suitable for decals where a higher level of opacity is required. ‘Dusted Etch’ delivers a higher level of transparency. Etched window vinyls are a cost effective method to get the very most out of the windowed areas of your business premises. They can be used to create privacy, provide markings for health and safety compliance, as a unique decorative feature or to reinforce branding or promote a service or product. Our etched effect vinyl will provide the look of etched glass and can be used as decoration or feature company logos. Generally used as decorative borders, they usually include corporate branding and a patterned design that fits nicely in keeping with the rest of your brand colours and ethos. Modern city centre establishments use etched windows for meeting rooms to gain both the benefits of light coming in to a room whilst also making areas private. Restaurant seating and serving areas are also popular locations for etched vinyl window graphics, making premises appear larger yet more enclosed. It can also transform office environments by providing enhanced privacy in busy communal areas. BENEFITS Our etched window graphics effectively provide the impression of etched glass, for a fraction of the cost. Whether used to increase privacy, or to provide markings for health and safety compliance, this attractive form of window graphics can be adapted to your business needs. ONE WAY VISION One Way Vision products transform glass with one-way vision graphics which cannot be seen from the other side. The graphics are used for advertising, branding or to achieve decorative effects. They also provide privacy and solar control benefits to people inside buildings and vehicles without blocking their view outside. The One Way Vision effect is most commonly achieved by applying a self adhesive window film to the glass. The film contains areas of printed graphic (a print pattern) as well as unprinted see-through areas covering up to 50% of the film. When looking at the side with graphics, the eye is drawn to the printed colours because they reflect more light than passes through the see-through areas (provided the lighting on the outside is brighter than the inside). The secret behind the one-way vision effect is ensuring the printed graphics are obscured or hidden from the other side of the glass. This is best achieved by having a black “backing” which covers exactly all the printed areas on the film without blocking the see-through (unprinted) areas. When looking through the reverse side of the film, the view coming through the film is dominant because the black layer absorbs light and is less apparent to the eye. On the inside, the windows remain see-through and people benefit from privacy without resorting to blinds which block out the daylight. MIRRORED FILM Mirrored film is just another name for reflective window film (often referred to as one way vision film). It is widely used on office windows to offer extra daytime privacy. The reflective quality of the film will also offer varying levels of privacy, when used on exterior facing windows. The darker the film, the more reflective it is, and the more privacy it will offer. However, the privacy effect will only work during day time hours. The film works by reflecting whichever side is brightest. Meaning it is fantastic for external facing glazing where the sunlight is brighter than the artificial light. This also means that when it goes dark outside, you’ll be able to see in but not out! To achieve "one way vision" between two internal spaces the room requiring vision in should be lit around seven times brighter than the room requiring vision out. The film also reflects excess sunlight away from the glass, which makes it super efficient. It additionally stops 99% of UV light, saving your art pieces and furnishings from fading. Reflective window film has for long been the chosen solar control option for commercial buildings, due to its smart appearance and exceptional heat and glare reduction properties. This film is often specified to reduce the amount of visible light and glare which can affect staff working on computers, and cause headaches and loss of productivity. It’s an ideal choice for helping you hide expensive equipment, untidy clutter, or information you don’t particularly want in sight. AS A RULE We recommend the darker films for south facing windows, where the sun is harsher. East facing windows will be exposed in the morning, when the sun is low, and west facing windows in the afternoon when the sun is high, but brighter.