Privacy film by Iconography Studios. Etched vinyl applications give you more privacy at a great price!
When The U.S. Department of Justice calls, you deliver! Well, first you get that nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach when you answer the phone and they say, “U.S. Department of Justice looking for George.” Every. Single. Time. Then you realize they are your customer! Whew!
Window etched vinyl has become increasingly more popular in the last year with many offices. The etch is a great way to achieve privacy for conference rooms, personal offices and the entrance to the building itself. The cost is much more effective then getting your window frosted. Also, if you are leasing the office it can be removed! There are many different options for artwork we can use. We can add your logo, text, solid etch or even a unique design. We are here to give you the best look for your workplace or home.
What Is Privacy Film?
Privacy film is a thin, adhesive material applied to glass windows to obscure views, offering benefits like glare reduction, UV protection, and energy efficiency, with types ranging from frosted (obscures both ways) to one-way mirror (see-through only from low-light side) and blackout (blocks all light). It’s a popular alternative to curtains or blinds, providing daytime or 24/7 privacy while allowing some natural light in, depending on the film’s style. We prefer to use high quality films from manufacturers Avery and 3M. They both offer quality vinyls in many different finishes.
How Privacy Film Works
Privacy films work by modifying how light passes through the glass. This is typically achieved in one of three main ways:
- Light Distortion (Frosted/Opaque Film): These films have a textured or opaque finish that scatters light rays, creating a blurring effect that makes it difficult to see clearly through the window from either side. They are effective for 24-hour privacy and often used in bathrooms or ground-floor windows.
- Light Reflection (Mirrored/Reflective Film): These films have a metallic coating that reflects light, creating a one-way mirror effect. During the day, when the sun is brighter outside than the indoor lights, people outside see a reflection and cannot see in, while you can see out clearly. At night, the effect reverses if indoor lights are on, requiring additional window coverings like blinds for privacy.
- Light Absorption (Tinted/Blackout Film): Tinted films use dark dyes or pigments to absorb light, reducing visibility and glare. Blackout films are completely opaque, blocking all views and light from both sides, often used in specific commercial settings or bedrooms where light control is essential.
Benefits of Using Privacy Film
Beyond just privacy, window film offers a range of additional advantages:
- UV Protection: Most privacy films block a significant amount of harmful UV rays, helping to protect interior furnishings, flooring, and artwork from fading and aging.
- Glare Reduction: Films can significantly cut down on harsh sunlight glare, making it more comfortable to watch TV, work on computers, or read without eye strain.
- Energy Efficiency: By blocking solar heat gain in the summer and providing some insulation in the winter, certain films can help regulate indoor temperatures and potentially lower energy bills.
- Enhanced Safety and Security: The film holds shattered glass together in case of accidental impact, severe weather, or attempted break-ins, reducing the risk of injury and delaying intruders.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of patterns, textures, and colors (e.g., bamboo, etched glass, gradients), decorative films can enhance the style of a space without the high cost of specialty glass.
Here at the Los Angeles office of the Department of Justice, we did 2 different options. We first installed the vinyl on their entrance doors. We used their logo and simple text to indicate which office it was. For the second location, we installed a strip of a conference room to keep all meetings private. See more of our etched vinyl projects here.
If you have an office or even windows at your home, give us a call at 562-424-4353! We would be happy to help! The only information we need is the window size, if you want to use artwork and your location.
