Installing decorative window film in office environments– as well as residential – is an attractive alternative to costly glass etching. Often in business and commercial settings, glass walls and partitions are used in addition to the obvious windows. It has become a common and much sought-after element of design that communicates professionalism and sophistication.
There are other benefits to using glass on both the interior and exterior of space design. It allows natural light to flow throughout a building, encourages collaboration and productivity by eliminating visual barriers, and makes a space feel larger.
But plain glass can be a problem. There is the concern for privacy – no one likes working in a fishbowl. There are ways to provide that open environment allowing for light and the limited transparency of operations while still using glass.
Typically, there are two options to transform the fishbowl to a sophisticated workspace.
- Etch the glass surface using chemicals.
- Apply decorative window film to the glass
Drawbacks of Etched Glass for Decoration
Etching glass is often cost-prohibitive and comes with other disadvantages as well.
The cost of etching, cutting, sandblasting, or texturing glass is high because it involves labor, materials, shipping, and installation. Once created, it can’t be changed without additional cost. It’s also expensive to replace if the glass is ever accidentally broken.
Unless you use an existing pattern, creating customized etched glass involves finding an artist who is familiar with glass etching techniques and has the equipment to complete your project.
Keeping etched glass clean is a challenge. Grease stains and fingerprints linger. Dust and dirt can accumulate in the design. You need special cleaners and cloths to appropriately maintain etched glass.
Benefits of Decorative Window Film in Office Environments
Cost
Decorative window film costs only a fraction of what etched glass costs in terms of labor and material. It’s also much more cost-effective to ship as compared to large, heavy sheets of glass.
Versatility
Just as easily as tastes can change, decorative window film can be removed without impacting the existing glass. Whether your client is ready for a new look, or tenants are vacating a space, the decorative film comes off quickly with no glass damage. New decorative film can be placed on the surface if desired, or the glass can remain plain.
Design Options
Your imagination is the only limit to decorative window film in office design options. Once you’ve selected the pattern, you can control color, opacity, pattern size, and texture to design most anything your creative mind imagines. That imagination is brought to life through high-definition graphics, complete with impressive detail, is printed directly onto decorative film. To add to the customization, hundreds of transparency and light-transmission options offer varying degrees of privacy and light filtering.
Maintenance
Conversely, decorative film is less susceptible to grease stains, fingerprints, and dust and dirt accumulation. It is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t require special cleaning fluid or techniques. In fact, the glass can be cleaned and maintained just like it was before the film was applied (using commercial cleaners or soap and water).
Design Time
From initial design to installation, custom decorative film can offer an efficient turnaround time. Etched glass often takes months to produce and doesn’t allow for modifications in the process if you would like to make a change.
If you are considering the use of decorative film for a large project, you can also request a sample so you can try it before purchasing a large order for application.
Installation
Decorative window film goes on quickly and quietly – with few disruptions to daily operations, no loud noises or distracting mess. In fact, many interior film installations can be completed in a day or less, depending on the size of the project. We are very careful to work within your office schedule and needs.
Sustainability
An often-overlooked fact is that due to the chemical treatment involved in the glass-etching process, decorative glass may not qualify for recycling at the end of its lifecycle – so it heads straight into the already-overburdened landfills.
When window film needs to be removed, a smaller amount of waste is generated as compared to large pieces of etched glass. And depending on the type used, decorative film may qualify for recycling.
Choosing the Right Type of Decorative Window Film
Decorative film lets you add your own style to a piece of glass quickly and cost-effectively, making it uniquely yours. When you’re working with a smooth glass surface, decorative film is an ideal solution. We can help you explore the style that works best for your setting: frosts, graphic patterns, gradients, textures, colors, or custom designs.
Our window film installation services and options include:
Residential and commercial window film installation
A variety of shades, colors, and strengths of tint for decorative, security, and solar protection. Yes, you can select a film that serves all three purposes.
Total Shield Protection is your trusted source for solar rejection, impact-resistant, and privacy window film installations as well as professional window washing, pressure washing, and paver sealing.
Home Guide to Residential and Commercial Window Film Services
This informational resource is a home guide that contains everything you need to know about window film installation services, all in one place. It is designed to enable residential and commercial property owners to make informed decisions when it comes to investing in window film.
We’ll teach you about the different types of window film, the benefits of window film installation, and also provide valuable insight on how to find superior service providers that will get the job done to your satisfaction both efficiently and affordably.
Download this Free Resource on Choosing Window Film and Tinting for Your Home
Our Service Area
Total Shield is currently providing services in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Osprey, Port Charlotte, North Port, St. Pete, Nokomis, Englewood, Punta Gorda, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Parrish, Riverview, Brandon, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Seffner, Seminole Heights, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Zephyrhills, Myakka, and Arcadia.