Frequently Asked Questions

When you’re ready to tackle your project, Gila® is ready to help. Here, you’ll find useful answers to our frequently asked window film questions (FAQ).

General
Preparation
Application
After Installation

Gila products are available in store and online. Find a retailer near you. Product selection and stock vary by retailer.

It is safe to apply the film year-round; however, we recommend applying the film to cool glass, when it is not facing direct sunlight. While it is safe to apply film year-round, we do not recommend applying film when the temperature is below freezing (32°F).

Each Gila Window Film product is backed by a manufacturer's limited warranty. Learn more about our product warranty.

If the residential Gila Window Films contain adhesives, do not apply to plastic, Plexiglas, polycarbonate surfaces, or automotive windows.

However, we offer adhesive-free vinyl Glare Control Smoke, Privacy Control Black or our decorative static cling window films that can be applied to plastic, with careful attention to instructions and trimming.

No, do not apply residential Gila Window Films on automotive windows. Gila Window Films has a full lineup of window films specifically designed for automotive use.

No. The Privacy Control Mirror has been designed to provide DAYTIME PRIVACY ONLY. Wherever the greater source of light is, that is the side where the mirror or reflectivity will be. During the day, the greater source of light is the sun. Therefore, when looking into your home from the outside you will see a mirror image. When looking from the inside of the home to the outside, you will be able to see clearly. During the night, since the greater source of light will be the lighting in your home, when you look out your window, you will see the reflectivity or mirror image. Someone looking into your window from the outside will be able to see in if the lights are on indoors. Gila does offer Privacy Control Frost which provides 24-hour privacy and diffuses natural light. It provides the same appearance as frosted or sand-blasted glass.

No. None of the Gila Window Films are considered safety films.

The Gila Application Solution keeps the glass surface clean and slick. It allows you to apply and position the film, and it lubricates the film's surface, so the squeegee glides evenly across the film. Be generous with the solution during application.

Measure your windows to determine the height and width of each window. If you have multiple windows, add those measurements up to determine how many rolls of film you will need, while being mindful of the available roll sizes for the product you are interested in. Gila Window Films are offered in various sizes so that you can buy what you need.

We recommend using the Gila Window Film Application Solution to clean and prepare your window for window film application.

This can vary. Please see each specific product installation instruction guide for more detailed information, but here are the general guidelines:

Apply Heat Control films to the INSIDE only.
Apply Privacy Control Mirror and Frosted films to the INSIDE only.
Apply the Glare Control Smoke and Privacy Control Black films to the INSIDE of single-pane windows, or to the OUTSIDE of dual-pane windows.
Apply Decorative films to the INSIDE only.

If you have exterior (outside) removable storm panes, apply the film to the INSIDE of the storm pane. If you have interior (inside) removable storm panes, apply the film to the INSIDE of the fixed window, and not the storm pane.

All Gila Window Films can be applied to dual-pane windows if used correctly. Most can be applied to the inside of dual pane windows with the exception of the Glare Control Smoke and Privacy Control Black (apply these to the outside only). Please refer to the products installation instruction guides found on each product page.

Water bubbles are pockets of water trapped under the film during an installation. Most small water bubbles will dry out in a few days. Air bubbles are pockets of air trapped under the film during an installation. Unfortunately, air bubbles will not disappear without proper squeegee methods.

See FAQ: How do I remove trapped air bubbles

If an air bubble under the film is detected immediately after installation, simply re-spray the film and use the squeegee or towel wrapped squeegee-card to push the water toward the nearest edge. If the bubble remains, it may be necessary to carefully lift the nearest edge of the film, re-spray the adhesive and the glass thoroughly, then re-squeegee that region of the film. Before lifting the film, be sure the film edges have been properly trimmed and the borders of the window have been dried with a hard card wrapped in a paper towel to absorb the perimeter gasket moisture. Dry the border first to prevent liquid from flowing back under the film.

If an air bubble under the film is detected after the film has bonded to the glass, removal of the film may be required. Gila Window Films with adhesive cannot be re-installed, however our static-cling products can be re-applied.

There is a natural curl to the film since it's been rolled up in a box for a period of time. Note that the film's clear liner faces outwardly. To begin, unroll the film across a clean table-top with the liner facing up so that the curl is "into" the table. This should help keep the film flat and easier to mark and cut down to the needed size. In the unlikely event that the film is curling up along an edge after installation, wrap a plastic credit card in one or two layers of paper towel and use it as a squeegee. Stroke the film firmly down, beginning several inches away from the edge, moving smoothly and apply light pressure toward the lifted edge. This will force out the air and enable the film's adhesive to bond to the glass. You may have to repeat this technique several times. If needed, use a hair dryer on the warm (not hot) setting to help evaporate residual moisture along the edge and tack down with the "wrapped credit card" technique. Hold the hair dryer about 8-12 inches away from the affected area while stroking down the edge with the wrapped plastic credit card. Be careful not to warm the filmed glass too much, as this can cause the glass to break.

Remove the liner by attaching two 3" long pieces of transparent tape to the front and back surfaces of a corner of the film so that about 1" of tape is on the film, and the rest is centered and hanging over the pointed corner of the film. Press the two pieces of tape together and quickly pull them apart to separate the clear liner away from the (dry) adhesive side of the film. Refer to our installation instruction guides for complete step-by-step instructions.

Note: Gila Glare Control Smoke & Privacy Control Black do not contain a clear protective liner. These films contain a paper liner that can be removed by simply separating from the film.

Wait at least 3 days after window film installation before cleaning your windows. Clean the film with application solution and a low-lint cloth or low-lint paper towel. It is safe to use ammonia-based cleaners if the cleaner sits on the film for no more than two minutes.

Removal is as easy as peeling the film away from the glass. However, if your film has been installed for several years or it doesn’t peel off the glass easily, please use the Gila® Window Film Remover Kit (Item #FR200, sold separately) to facilitate removal. Additional information about this removal kit can be found here.

All films feel very warm, even very warm, when the windows are in direct sunlight. The reason why depends upon the type of film, the type of window, and the weather. Basically, window films can obstruct the transfer of the sun's heat from the outside of the window through to the inside of the room. The sun's heat must work much harder to move through a filmed window, with some of the heat reflected away and some solar heat absorbed by the film. When you put your hand on the film, you feel much of this absorbed energy. The Gila® Glare Control Smoke & Privacy Control Black vinyl films absorb a larger amount of solar heat compared to lighter films because they are dark-dyed vinyl and therefore will feel the warmest. The Heat Control films reflect very high percentages of heat because they are metalized polyester films, but still absorb some solar heat and will still feel warm. Of course, filmed glass will feel the warmest on clear, sunny days.

The film fully “cures” over the next week to 10 days. Dry, sunny weather speeds curing; wet, cold weather prolongs it. During curing, the film may initially look hazy or cloudy; this effect will disappear with time and/or exposure to heat.