Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What's the difference between Adhesive Free (Static Cling) and Adhesive Films?

Both Static Cling and Adhesive films are identical in installation!

SOLYX® static cling window film has a great many advantages. One of the main benefits of SOLYX® static cling film is that it can be used many more than a few times over, since it does not involve adhesives. It can be removed and installed with ease, doesn't leave behind glue residue, and can be placed on plastic, Plexiglas, and ordinary glass.

SOLYX® self-adhesive window film offers a more permanent application, ideal for high traffic areas where a more durable, longer lasting product is required. SOLYX® self-adhesive films that come in different patterns and shades are easily replaced to update the appearance at a later time.

Are Static Cling Films reusable?

Yes, all SOLYX® static cling films are fully removable and reusable.

SOLYX® adhesive backed films are fully removable, but cannot be reused after they have been removed.

What's the difference between Vinyl and Polyester?

The design determines if the film is made of Polyester or Vinyl.

Polyester: Dimensionally stable, does not stretch, provides optical clarity, and allows for wider roll widths, a "green" product.
Vinyl: Allows for heavily textured designs, more receptive to surface textures and more suitable for Plexiglas, Polycarbonate and Acrylic applications. Less optical clarity than Polyester.

How much film should I order?

All films are offered in standard roll widths and sold by the foot in length, giving you the flexibility to order only what you need. Simply measure the height and width of your window, then choose the roll width that ensures full coverage across the roll's pattern direction. We recommend adding one extra foot to your order to account for any measuring errors or size discrepancies.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express and PayPal.

Do you cut the film I'm ordering to any size, like cut into 18 pieces of 12" x 18" for me?

No. Pre-cutting film to exact specifications is not a service we currently offer. Each film purchased is supplied in one continuous piece. We do offer a small selection of "Cut To Size" films that are custom cut to your window specifications. You can view that collection here

Will my order be supplied as separate pieces?

No. Each film ordered is supplied as one continuous roll.

Are free samples available?

Yes, free samples are available from the product details for each film. You may order up to 5 different free samples per project.

Does my order qualify for free ground shipping?

Free UPS Ground shipping to locations within the United States is available for any orders sub-totaling at $189.00 or more. Free shipping to international locations is not currently available.

For more shipping information please see "Shipping Information".

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 for more details on installation.

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. In addition, the cost of reinstalling SOLYX® Decorative Films on existing glass is low in comparison to other processes.

How do I remove old film?

Removing SOLYX® Static Cling films is as easy as peeling the film from the glass and cleaning.

In most cases it is very easy to remove SOLYX® or SimGlas® adhesive films. 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.)

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 Tools & Cleaner.

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 if installed on the exterior side (exposed to the elements).
Static Cling non-adhesive films are not recommended for outside installation.

Are your films suitable for humid, wet environments like a bathroom?

Yes, both adhesive and static cling films can be installed in humid and moist conditions.
If being installed on a shower door, mounting on the outside of the shower door is recommended.

Can SOLYX® films be installed in heavy traffic areas?

All of our films are very durable, however care still should be taken not to scrape or gouge films.

Can your films be installed on Plexiglas, Polycarbonate or Acrylic?

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, causing the film to appear wrinkled or blistered.

These windows have a texture to them, kind of a bumpy hammered type for some privacy. Would I be able to use your film on this type of glass?

No, the surface must be totally flat and smooth, otherwise the film will fail to adhere correctly.

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.

What is the difference between air bubbles and water bubbles?

Air bubbles are caused from improper squeegee technique or not applying enough wetting solution during install. If air is trapped from improper installation, simply peel the film back*, and reinstall following the recommended installation instructions (*Static Cling ONLY).

Water bubbles are pockets of water trapped under the film during installation or that collect after the film is installed and begins to dry. In most cases, these should disappear in 5-7 days from date of install.

What is the curing/dry time after the film has been installed?

Under reasonable weather conditions, film will dry flat with no blisters within 30 days when viewed under normal viewing conditions. Normal viewing conditions are viewing treated windows from a distance of ten feet from the room side, looking at a clear or uniformly overcast sky. Since a particle-free application isn't possible, there may be small amounts of dust or grit caught between the film and glass.

There may also be a small amount of water left behind the film, particularly with the thicker films. Please be patient. Although in most cases this evaporates within 5-7 days, in rare cases this could take up to 90 days for the water to fully evaporate through the film.

How do I remove the clear protective liner from the film?

To separate the liner from SOLYX® films, take two pieces of scotch tape and stick them opposite each other at one corner...then pull these two pieces of tape apart and the liner will separate from the film. The adhesive surface will now be exposed. Wet this adhesive surface. Do not let the film fall upon itself as it will stick if not wet and it will be hard to separate!

How do I work with film that has a tendency to curl?

There is a natural curl to film since it's been rolled up in a box for a period of time. To begin, unroll the film across a clean table and allow for the film to relax.

In the unlikely event that the film is curling up along an edge after installation, wrap your squeegee in a few layers of paper towel and push the film firmly down, beginning several inches away from the edge, moving toward the lifted edge. This will force the air out and enable the film's adhesive/mounting surface to bond to the glass. You may have to repeat this step several times.

If the problem continues, use a hair dryer on the warm (not hot) setting to help the remaining moisture evaporate along the edge so that the film may start to bond. Hold the hair dryer about 8-12 inches away from the affected area while stroking down the edge with the paper towel wrapped squeegee.

How do I clean the film after installation?

We recommend only SimGlas® Window Film Cleaner and microfiber cloth.

For more info and to purchase please visit our Tools & Cleaner page.

What is your Return/Refund Policy?

If you are not completely satisfied with our product, please request a return within 30 days of receipt of your order by clicking "Start a Return" below or viewing your order history, under "My Account" when logged in, and selecting the order/products you'd like to return. When requesting a return, you will be able to select the order and products you are interested in returning, as well as select how many boxes you will be returning the product in. Return shipping cost is $16.95 per box.

Submitting a return will issue you a confirmation and a return shipping label for each box being returned. A refund for the price of the merchandise will be made if merchandise is returned to us in usable condition. No refunds will be made if merchandise has been cut or if the backing has been peeled from the film or if the merchandise is in less-than-perfect condition.

Custom Made-To-Size orders are non-returnable and non-refundable. Shipping charges are non-refundable. When you return an item, please be sure it is in new condition, securely wrapped, and include the original packing slip or copy of invoice. Returns are made to: Decorative Films, LLC., 3909 Cornell Place, Frederick, MD 21703 USA.

Any orders returned that were originally shipped with free ground shipping will be deducted a $30.00 return service fee from the total refunded, to cover the original shipping costs and restocking.

Start a Return

What is your Cancellation Policy?

To make changes to your order or to cancel your order, please contact us at shipping@decorativefilm.com as soon as possible prior to your order being shipped. A full credit will be issued for your order providing it has not been shipped.

What is your Shipping Policy?

Most orders are processed and shipped within 2 business days from our warehouse in Maryland providing the film is in stock and available when the order is placed. If the film is not in stock you will be notified of the expected ship date.
Some Made-To-Size orders could take longer depending on ongoing projects. Please allow 5-7 business days lead time for Made to Size orders.

Cutoff time for any orders being shipped faster than UPS Ground (i.e. UPS Next Day, UPS 2nd Day, etc.) is 1:00pm EST.
Once your order ships, we ask that you please allow 1-6 business days to receive your order (unless otherwise specified).

You will receive an email with contact information and a tracking number to track your shipment in real time.

For more shipping information please visit our Shipping Info page.

What is your Privacy Policy?

Decorative Films, LLC takes your privacy seriously. Our privacy policy covers our treatment of personally identifiable information given or collected when you are on the site, i.e. email address, name, etc. Because we wish to keep the privilege of contacting you, our privacy policy guarantees that we will not sell or give your email address to anyone; your contact information is kept confidential.