General FAQ's
What are SOLYX® films?
SOLYX ® Decorative Privacy Window Films are self adhesive films that come in different patterns and shades and are easily replaced to update the appearance at a later time. Now any flat glass surface can be turned into a work of art, be it an office, restaurant, den, bathroom or child's room. Frosted films diffuse light without appreciably cutting down the ambient light. As a result, any existing window can be converted to privacy glass in a multitude of attractive patterns.
Where and why are SOLYX® Films installed?
SOLYX ® Decorative Films are ideally suited for applications that require day or night privacy without sacrificing natural light levels in both commercial and residential applications. See Applications page. Commercial applications are found in banks, restaurants, health clubs, hotel foyers, conference rooms and office partitioning. Commercial buildings are dramatically increasing the use of internal glass walls as partitioning. This brings natural light into offices creating greater work productivity, as well as the illusion of more space while offering privacy. Residential applications include solariums, bathrooms, entry doors and sidelights, etc.
Why do you not have a telephone number on the website?
In an attempt to offer the very best service to each and every customer, we ask that any questions not already answered on our website be emailed to the appropriate department shown on the "contact us" section of our website.
Ordering & Shipping FAQ's
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and PayPal. Also we accept checks and money orders.
Please Make All Checks Payable To: Decorative Films, LLC
Do you cut the film I'm ordering to custom size, like cut into 18 PCs of 12" x 18" for me?
No, we cut roll length only.
Will my order be supplied as separate pieces?
No. Each film ordered is supplied as one continuous roll.
Why is there only one option for $13.50 UPS Ground shipping? That seems a bit expensive!
Currently we offer a flat rate of $13.50 for UPS Ground shipping. This cost covers packaging materials, processing and handling time, shipping costs, as well as any other included materials with your order. We are currently developing other shipping options that would allow for a more reasonable cost when placing smaller orders. However, at this time, it is a flat rate. The current shipping costs remain the same regardless of the amount of film ordered.
Can you ship my order faster than UPS Ground?
We can ship your order via UPS 3 Day Select, 2nd Day Air, or Next Day Air at an additional cost. All orders placed before 1:00pm EST will ship same day. Orders placed AFTER 1:00pm EST will ship the next business day. If you would like us to ship your order via one of these options, please specify in the comments box when placing your order which option you would like. We will then process the additional charges and ship at your requested speed.
How long does it take for my order to ship? (Including Samples)
Usually within 2 business days from our Maryland warehouse. Most orders ship on same day.
Are free samples available?
Yes, free samples are available from the details tab for each film. You may order up to 5 different free samples per project.
How do you ship samples?
We ship by regular US mail from Maryland at no shipping charge. If you need it overnight, please contact us at sample@decorativefilm.com to provide us with your UPS or FEDEX account no.
How quickly will my order ship?
Most orders ship within 24 business hours from our warehouse in Maryland. Some made to size orders could take longer depending on ongoing projects. Once your order ships, we ask that you please allow 1-5 business days to receive your order.
Do you ship to Canada or Worldwide?
Yes we do. All retail orders for Canada and all other parts of the World ship by US Priority International Airmail. Australian packages cannot be longer than 42”
Installation FAQ's
How are SOLYX® films installed?
Installing SOLYX ® window film is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects there is. All SOLYX ® Decorative Films have an acrylic adhesive system protected by a removable release liner which must be removed prior to installation. Films are installed using a water and soap based solution. See the Installation Instructions page
Can SOLYX® films be removed?
Yes. Unlike other decorative glass processes, SOLYX ® Decorative Films can be removed if desired. This of course is a huge advantage and most landlords do not object to their tenants' installation of film when they find out the product can be removed. To remove SOLYX films simply peel away the film from one corner and pull the film from the glass. If any adhesive remains on the glass it can easily be removed with a spray of soapy water and a single edge razorblade. (Blades cannot be used on Plexiglas or Polycarbonate sheets to remove film.) In addition, the cost of reinstalling SOLYX ® Decorative Films on existing glass is low in comparison to other processes.
Can SOLYX® films be reused after removal?
No. These films are not manufactured or intended for reuse after being removed.
What tools do I need to install the film?
Basically, you will need tools to clean the glass, cut the film, squeegee the film and spray the soap and water solution. As we now charge for tools, you will need to purchase either the basic tool kit or complete tool kit with your order.These tool kits may be found in our category page "Window Film Installation Tools.
Do I install the film on the inside or the outside of the glass?
Always on the inside if possible. The films will stick to the outside, but the life of the films will be reduced due to weathering.
Static Cling non adhesive films are not recommended for outside installation.
Can the film be placed on bathroom shower doors?
Yes, the films can be installed in humid and moist conditions. Installation on the outside of the shower door is recommended
Can your films be installed on Plexiglas?
Yes, most of our films can be installed onto Plexiglas or Polycarbonate sheets. Unlike glass or mirror, Plexiglas expands and contracts by temperature and also emits gasses, this may cause many small air bubbles between glass surface and film as time goes on.
The windows have a texture to them, kind of a bumpy hammered type for some privacy. Would I be able to use your film on my windows?
No, surface of the windows must be totally flat and smooth glass, otherwise it will come off.
Can I install the film on double pane windows?
All of our films with the exception of SXWF-BO, Blackout Film, are safe for installation onto double or triple pane windows, Wire Glass, tempered glass, Plate glass and gas filled windows
How do I clean the film after installation?
Common window washing solutions may be used to clean the films, along with a soft cotton rag such as an old T-shirt. Avoid any abrasive cleansers or towels. We suggest using the same water & baby shampoo mixture that you used to install the film (one teaspoon of shampoo to a quart of water).
Product FAQ's
What is the durability of the material? i.e., how many months/years does it last?
This depends on the location you are going to install (bathroom, living room, air conditioned room or not...), and where are you living, but in general 5-9 years is no problem.
What is the color durability?
Color fastness tested to light (Fadeometer 200 hours), all films had no fading. Durability heat test (179F, 7days), all films had no change.
Will your film block UV rays, to stop fading my furniture, carpet, etc…?
To some extent, yes. The film is primarily for decoration and privacy purposes. It is important to understand there are multiple causes for fading, UV rays, visible light, infrared rays, heat, and our films do reduce all of them to some extent depending on which film is selected.
Do you have specification information for your products?
Yes, please email us at info@decorativefilm.com for any specification sheets needed.
What is the SOLYX® films Warranty?
SOLYX® films will be free from defects in material and manufacture for a period of five (5) years from the date of installation. See Warranty details at the bottom of each page of our website.
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.