Window film, frosting and printed glass

Frosted film for privacy

Frosted window film is a thin self-adhesive vinyl. It makes clear glass look like etched or sandblasted glass. People on the other side look like soft shapes, and daylight still comes through. This is why it is often used on boardrooms, glass offices, bathroom windows and shopfronts that face the street. It can cover a whole pane, or only a band at eye level with clear glass above and below.

Patterns, logos and manifestation

Large glass doors and partitions need markings so that people see the glass and do not walk into it. These markings are called manifestation. They can also be part of your design. On a row of office partitions, we used a frosted band of hexagons. It marks the glass and also works as decoration.

We can also cut frosted film into lettering and logos. One example is the Lanzerac name in frosted film on the glass of a reception office at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch. Coloured vinyl works in the same way. Another example is the gold Parshuis Old Cellar lettering on the arched glass doors at La Motte.

Printed window film

We can also print on window film. On one set of folding glass doors, we printed a grass silhouette on frosted film. The doors now have a design on them, and the room stays private.

On two wooden doors, we printed a Rembrandt portrait and Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring across the panes. Each picture continues across the panes, between the wooden glazing bars. Printed film also works on shop windows for promotions, opening hours and your branding. See more in our window film projects.

How to measure and prepare the glass

Measure each pane inside the frame or beading, width first and then height. Count how many panes there are. Photos from both sides help us see frames, handles and anything in the way. Film must go onto clean glass, so remove old film, paint spots and stickers first.

Tell us if the film must be removable later, for example in a rented office. Also tell us if a landlord or shopping centre has rules about what can go on the windows.