Gila CS78 Glare Control Smoke FIlm-36 x6.5' Window Film, 36" x 6.5, 19 Sq Ft

Ok, so I've thought about buying window film ever since we purchased our home a little over a year ago. We have two large windows in the living room--almost floor to ceiling--that get full sun from about 7:00am until 12:30pm or so. Needless to say, they let in a LOT of summer heat and I knew I needed to do something.We've used decorative films in the past, more for privacy than for heat control, but I absolutely hate not being able to see out of my windows. I looked and I looked and I just couldn't find anything that 1. blocked the sun, 2. let me see out (day or night), and 3. didn't need a razor blade if I ever wanted to take them down. This film meets all of those requirements!! So I bought two rolls to film one window and see if I liked it (the windows are that big, I needed two rolls for one side.) I'm not going to detail how I installed them because I think it's pretty well explained in various previous reviews. I just want to talk about what I've noticed.First of all they do darken the view (duh!) with a sort of blueish grey tint but it much less cave like than when I had all the curtains and blinds closed 24/7.Second they do distort the view a bit. It seems that it does get a little better over time as the water between the window and the film dries, but it's still there, and more noticeable if you are up close to the window. It doesn't really bother me overall.Third, I can see out the windows at night. Yes, the lights need to be dim inside and it helps if there is a light outside but I can see if someone pulls into the driveway or walks past, and that is acceptable to me. If the living room is brightly lit, I do get a bit of the 'mirror effect' but not nearly as bad as with some of the other films.Fourth and final point. They keep it soooo much cooler. To see how much cooler I closed the sheers and the blinds and waited until the windows were in full sun for about 3 hours and it was 96f outside. I put the thermometer into the uncovered window and let it set for 15 minutes--it read 115f. Then I moved the thermometer to the window with film and let it set for 15 minutes--90f. I still can't believe they reduce the heat by that much! And even better yet, my central air actually turns off and on throughout the day instead of running for six hours or more straight.Overall I am completely happy and bought more film for the rest of the windows! For the price and how great they've worked for me I can't help but recommend them. If you're on the fence, buy a roll and try it out--that's what I did!

I have a window that always gets lots of summer sun, which heats up my house, even with the blinds closed. I decided to try this tint to supplement my existing efforts and perhaps provide some extra daytime privacy, too.I thought this was fairly easy to apply. I cut the film (while it was still on the paper backing) to the width I needed for my window (the height was exactly right, by happy coincidence). This would have been easier if the manufacturer put grid makings on the paper backing, but they didn't. The factory-cut edge of mine was a zig-zag cut instead of a straight line, which may bother some people but doesn't really matter for where I'm putting this. For the actual application, I used a spray bottle with a few drops of dish soap and water to lightly spray the already-cleaned window, then I applied this film and smoothed it out with a plastic card. It has stuck nicely ever since I placed it, and I managed to smooth out most of the noticeable air bubbles (probably could have gotten them all if I tried, but I don't care that much). I did this by myself, but it would have definitely been easier with two people.Based on another review, I was worried that this product would make the view outside the window blurry. It appears slightly blurry right off the roll if you hold the film up to your eye, but in actual usage, while it's not quite crystal clear, I don't think there's an extreme blur by any means. The tint is also very dark, so I hope that helps when it gets hot later this summer. If you're concerned about privacy, I checked my house from the outside, and it was nearly impossible to see in during the day. When it's dark outside, however, it's still quite easy--but I think you'll get that with all tints. I also like that this one is static cling and NOT adhesive, so I can easily remove it in the winter when I want the heat or if I move.I've also used the  Artscape Energy Film Glare Control Window Film . The tint on that one is more of a brownish gray, whereas I'd say the Gila is more of a blue-ish gray. The Artscape one doesn't distort clarity at all, whereas I did mention above that the Gila may have a bit of a blur (but not that noticeable). The Artscape is, to my eyes, also not quite as strong of a tint as the Gila. Both, however, are static cling (no adhesive), block 98% of UV, and provide some tint. This (Gila) is both cheaper and longer. The Artscape comes with a plastic backing that may make it easier to apply without damaging the film, but I was fine with both. Unfortunately, I can't quite directly compare the two, as I put the Artscape on my skylight (*very* difficult to install, but I imagine this one would be too) and the Gila on a regular window. If you're deciding between the two, I'd decide whether you want a light or dark tint, how much you're willing to spend, and whether or not you value crystal clarity (though either is acceptable, I think).

Pensé que por ser color humo, iba a obstruir mucho la visibilidad pero de adentro para afuera no se ve tan obscuro como de afuera para adentro. Disminuye en un 70% u 80% el calor. Lo encontré más barato que en home depot por eso lo compré. Las medidas del título están mal, en la caja dice 91cm x 198cm. Colocarlo es algo complicado si no revisas los videos de ayuda.

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It goes on fairly easily, but you have to follow the instructions carefully. The cleaning and scraping has to be done thoroughly or you get bubbles and bumps. I used standard window cleaner to clean the window, but used their special spray for the application and final squeegee to make it stay in place. The kit includes a plastic card to squeeze out excess fluid and press the film into place. You could try using a credit card instead, but I don't think you get the even pressure you need.You can see the result in the picture. Gila Film on the right and none on the left. My garage gets hit with a lot of sun all morning, which makes it very hot. The Gila Film has made a lot of difference to the heat in the garage and, surprisingly, to the rest of the house. Now I need to get some more to do some of the West facing windows upstairs.

This was money well spent! This stuff is amazing. Sheer enough to see perfectly through the window, but does not let the hot sun through. I don't have ac, and the sun coming thru that window really heats up theroom. Well not anymore 😊This simple film not only keeps the sun out but keeps my room cool. I love it and am going to order more to do my patio doors and all south facing windows. Great product!!

We have a park model trailer and it did not have tinted windows. We had to keep the blinds closed to have any type of privacy.I wanted a tint that would not be too dark and not too lite. This tint was perfect. It is easy to install and i used the spay that they recommend. I bought a 6 inch plastic putty knife to smooth out the bubbles and squeeze out the excess bonding soulation. Now we have privacy and able to enjoy the gr8 outdoors.If you are looking for a tint for your park model this is it. All my neighbors have comented on how nice the windows look from the outside. They are no longer able to look inside. This product is a must have.