By Melissa Donovan
Window films designed for privacy provide an high-quality aesthetic thanks to glass-like finishes. These range from dusted to sandblasted depending on the vendor’s product portfolio offerings.
The February issue of Digital Output includes a feature article on window privacy films, spotlighting how this segment of the market continues to grow as more materials are developed to be printed to directly. Here we include products from various vendors in the space.
ASLAN Selbstklebefolien GmbH
PrintEtched Dryapply ASLAN DFL 300 offers customized decoration of transparent indoor and outdoor surfaces. It creates privacy yet still allows light to pass through. The product utilizes ASLAN’s Dryapply technology—very fine air release channels for a quick and easy dry application. It is printable with solvent, eco-solvent, latex, and UV-curable inks.
PrintDusted Dryapply ASLAN DFL 200 offers print visibility as good from the back as from the printed front. Similar to DFL 300, DFL 200 is ideal for both private and public areas like offices, hospitals, banks, hotels, restaurants, and airports. It is also printable with solvent, eco-solvent, latex, and UV-curable inks.
PrintMilky Dryapply ASLAN DFL 210 leverages ASLAN’s Dryapply technology and is ideal for environments looking for privacy but still desire light to show through. It is also printable with solvent, eco-solvent, latex, and UV-curable inks.
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions
The Avery Dennison Decorative Glass Film Series comprises of simple and effective solutions for providing privacy while maintaining aesthetics. Bring glass walls, windows, and doors to life with Etchmark, Frosted Sparkle, and Dusted Crystal window films. These specialty films provide the look of etched glass at a fraction of the cost, and feature clean adhesive removal for ultimate design flexibility.
The Decorative Glass Film Series allows users to rapidly transform internal spaces, control light intensity, optimize style, and improve privacy. It is ideal for conference rooms, schools or universities, reception areas, or on moveable walls or partitions.
FDC Graphic Films, Inc.
Lumina by FDC 3522 Premium Etched Glass Vinyl Film is designed to simulate an etched glass or sandblasted look on a variety of glass surfaces. This film is ideal for interior and exterior applications on windows, partitions, and displays. It carries a seven year outdoor durability when unprinted. There are three finishes—500 Etched Glass, 501 Silver Etched Glass, and 502 Sparkle Etched Glass.
General Formulations
General Formulations has a few seven year, full polymeric calendered options that utilize a high-performance solvent permanent adhesive. There are both light etch (GF 790) and deep etch (GF 791) options for fine detail, traditional plotter cut applications, as well as a printable air egress light etch (GF 790AE) option for bubble-free dry installation.
Grafityp Selfadhesive Products
Grafityp offers PVC as well as PVC-free etched glass films, so in the end it is up to the customer to choose what they want. The films come with a plain adhesive layer—allowing them to be applied wet, or even with an adhesive with air channels—allowing them to be applied dry.
Lintec of America, Inc.
Lintec’s printable window films offer a solution for privacy and finishing purposes, setting new standards in the field of architectural and decorative window treatments. These innovative films combine a high level of customization with exceptional performance. They are designed to enhance the aesthetics of residential and commercial spaces while providing privacy, glare reduction, and sometimes even UV protection. Lintec’s window films are not only visually stunning but practical, allowing architects, designers, and homeowners to achieve their desired interior or exterior design while ensuring energy efficiency. With a range of design possibilities, these printable window films empower users to create unique, personalized spaces that are both stylish and functional. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated frosted effect or vibrant graphic displays, Lintec films offer a versatile and top-quality solution to meet your privacy and finishing needs.
Mactac
Mactac offers a range of window films designed to provide both privacy and aesthetic finishing to windows. B-Free Window Films and Windowview Easy Etch are used for privacy window applications and come in frosted and dusted finishes. In addition, you can print branding or other elements on the film. These films are ideal for conference rooms and any additional space where privacy is essential. Mactac offers decorative films in the Mactac Windowview line that add a unique touch to your windows, enhancing their appearance and helping with the end user message.
Nekoosa
Nekoosa Glass Finishes offers a range of printable window films designed to transform the appearance of interior and exterior commercial buildings for privacy and finishing purposes. Available in Deep Etch, Light Etch, Dusted Crystal, Frost, Sand Blast, and Sand Matte finishes, each film offers a degree of privacy by obscuring direct visibility while allowing excellent light transmission. Each film includes a solvent-performance permanent adhesive and a PET liner for excellent printability and seven years of outdoor durability. For detailed designs and lettering, these films can be plotter cut to create decals, logos, and decorative displays. Nekoosa Glass Finishes additionally offers a Bird Safety Film engineered specifically to allow birds to see windows that otherwise appear invisible.
Consider Window Films
Print service providers looking to expand offerings may consider window privacy films. The products available today are designed to offer everything from a clean design to ease of application and removal, in addition to privacy.
Feb2024, Digital Output
