Sales Questions

Where are my Installation Instructions?

Download Installation Instructions

Installation instructions are included with all orders. If you did not receive your instructions, you may download PDF copies below.

The windows have a texture to them, kind of bumpy hammered type for privacy. Would I be able to use your film on my window?

No. the surface of the windows must be totally flat and smooth glass, otherwise it will bubble and come off.

Can your films be installed on Perspex?

Yes. Most of our films can be installed on to Perspex (high quality cast acrylic) sheets.

Can the film be applied on bathroom shower doors?

Yes. The films can be installed in humid and moist conditions. Installation on the outside of the shower door is recommended.

Can I install the film on double pane windows?

All of our films with the exception of SXWF-BO Black Out film, are safe for installation onto double pane windows, wire glass and tempered / toughened glass.

How do I return my unwanted items?

Please refer to our Terms and conditions in regards to our returns policy.

How fast do orders ship out?

Once payment has been received your order will be dispatched. Delivery is usually 4-6 days following payment. However if the product is on a manufacturers backorder you will be notified within 24-36 hours.

Can you produce customised patterns?

For custom graphic designs, please provide the artwork in vector EPS format Illustrator CS5. Please create outlines on all Fonts used. If the artwork is too low in resolution then there will be an additional cost to recreate the artwork in EPS vector format.

How do I order a sample?

You can call us on 1800 049 747, email info@windowenergysolutions.com.au, or use the order form on this website.

How large are your samples?

Samples are typically about 180mm x 130mm however sizes can vary.

General Questions

Where and why are SOLYX Films installed?

SOLYX Decorative Films are ideally suited for applications that require day or night privacy without sacrificing natural light levels in both commercial and residential applications. Commercial applications are found in banks, restaurants, health clubs, hotel foyers, conference rooms and office partitioning. Commercial buildings are dramatically increasing the use of internal glass walls as partitioning. This brings natural light into offices creating greater work productivity, as well as the illusion of more spaces while offering privacy. Residential properties include solariums, bathrooms, entry doors and sidelights, etc.

What are SOLYX films?

Solyx Decorative Privacy Films are self-adhesive films that come in different patterns and shades and are easily replaced to update the appearance at a later time. Now any flat glass surface can be turned into a work of art, be it in an office, restaurant, den, bathroom or child’s room. Frosted films diffuse light without appreciably cutting down the ambient light. As a result, any existing window can be converted to privacy glass in a multitude of attractive patterns.

Installation Questions

How do I clean the film after installation?

Avoid any abrasive cleaners or towels. We suggest using a soft cloth and a mild detergent to clean your windows.

Do I install the film on the inside or outside of the glass?

Always on the inside of the glass. The film will stick to the outside, but it will greatly reduce the life of the film. This is due to the fact that the UV stabilizers are incorporated within the film’s mounting adhesive, so the adhesive side must be facing the sun (installed on the inside, facing out).

What tools do I need to install the film?

Basically, you will need tools to clean the glass, cut the film, squeegee the film and spray the soap and water solution.

Can SOLYX films be reused after removal?

The adhesive films cannot be reused after removal. However the Static Cling range of decorative films can be removed and reused multiple times.

Can SOLYX films be removed?

Yes. Unlike other decorative glass processes, SOLYX Decorative Films can be removed if desired. This of course is an advantage and most landlords do not object to their tenants installation of film when they find out the product can be removed. To remove SOLYX films simply peel away the film from one corner and pull the film from the glass. If any adhesive remains on the glass it can be easily removed with a spray of soapy water and a single edge razorblade. (Blades cannot be used on Perspex sheets to remove film.) In addition, the cost of reinstalling SOLYX Decorative Films on existing glass is low in comparison to other processes.

How are SOLYX films installed?

Installing SOLYX window films is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects there is. All SOLYX Decorative Films have an acrylic adhesive system protected by a removable release liner which must be removed prior to installation. Films are installed using a water and soap based solution.

Product Questions

Will your decorative films give me privacy during the day, as well as the night?

Yes, the decorative films will give you privacy day and night. We highly recommend ordering samples to make sure the film will provide sufficient privacy in your situation. With certain designs, if you have the light on inside at night and you walk by the window, people outside might be able to see your silhouette.

What is the SOLYX Films warranty?

Solyx films will be free from defects in material and manufacturer for a period of (5) years from the date of installation.

Will your film block UV rays, to stop fading my furniture, carpet, etc?

To some extent, yes. The film is primarily for decoration and privacy purposes. It is important to understand there are multiple causes for fading, UV rays, visible light, infrared rays, heat, and our films do reduce all of them to some extent depending on which film is selected.

What is the colour durability?

Colour fastness tested to light (Fade meter 200 hours), all films had no fading. Durability heat test (179F, 7 days), all films had no change.

What is the durability of the material? i.e., how many months/years does it last?

This depends on the location you are going to install (bathroom, living room, air conditioned room or not), and where are you living, but in general 5-9 years is no problem.

Solar Control Window Films

Can Tint Film be Removed?

Yes it can. In the unlikely event that you need to remove your film, contact Window Energy Solutions for a quotation to remove it or advice on how you can do it yourself.

Considerable care must be taken to ensure that the glass is not damaged in the removal process.

The removal procedure is quite a lengthy process as your film is designed to last for many years and the adhesive system is designed to be permanent.

Will Window Tinting Make My House Too Dark?

Solar film does reduce the natural light, but your eyes are capable of adjusting to very bright or very dark conditions. It is difficult to see well at either extreme.

You will have great difficulty reading a book in bright sunlight, just as you will in low light levels, but the difference in light intensity is huge. Our eyes can cope with these changes but are happiest when it is neither too dark, nor too bright.

In most situations, we recommend a window film that will not significantly reduce your seeing-ability after the windows have been treated.

The reduction in the light due to reflective window film does not reduce visual acuity in the same proportion as heat penetration is reduced because the eye’s response to light is logarithmic and not linear. This illustration shows that a light reduction of 80% results in a reduction of only about 10% in visual acuity.   Any light reduction must be considered together with not only the heat reduction but also with the corresponding beneficial glare reduction due to the reduction of contrast between the window light intensity and that of the interior surfaces, in particular the “deep” spaces. Extra artificial lighting may also be desirable.

Are There Any Unexpected Consequences of Using Window Film?

Under certain conditions, window film will exhibit iridescence. This phenomenon usually occurs at night, when the source of illumination within a building is fluorescent lighting.

The amount of iridescence may vary from almost imperceptible, to very visible and most frequently occurs when the film is constructed using one or more layers of sputtered metal. It can however occur in non-reflective films as well.

When iridescence does occur in window film, the only way to stop it is to prevent the fluorescent light from illuminating the film.

Does Window Energy Solutions have a Guarantee?

Yes. Depending on the film type, all film carries a manufacturer’s guarantee, the duration of which depends upon the type of film, the use of the product and whether or not film is used on internal or external glass.

Premium films in domestic applications have a lifetime guarantee. At the other end of the scale, some films carry a seven year guarantee. If film is applied externally, it will have a four to five year guarantee.

Films used on commercial applications have a guarantee of up to twelve years.

The workmanship is guaranteed by the installation company for the same period.

What Do I Have to Pay If I Make a Claim Under the Guarantee?

When you choose Window Energy Solutions, you pay nothing. The cost of the film and the labour to replace it are covered.

Why is the Guarantee Shorter for Commercial Applications?

The film is obviously the same and the installation is the same, so why the difference? Quite simply, commercial glass is cleaned by contract office cleaning companies, who may use harsh chemicals that may damage the film over time.

If the film is cared for as per our recommendations, the life expectancy will be the same as a residential application.

If I Only Have One Window to be Tinted, Can This be Done?

Yes, you can have a single window tinted, however there is usually a minimum charge. So while you can have only one window tinted, you may find that you can have two or three windows treated without additional cost.

How Long Will it Take to Tint My Windows?

Many factors affect the time taken to tint windows. The first is size of the windows and the total area involved. Obviously, the larger the area, the longer the time needed. If the panes are small, it will also take longer.

The second factor is the time of year. At peak periods, such as summer, it may take longer to schedule your work because of a backlog of jobs in the system. However, the delay is usually quite short.

External installations are weather dependant, so they too, may be delayed until suitable weather is forecast.

How long does window film take to dry?

Like all products that use adhesive, the adhesive must cure to achieve a proper bond to the glass. Once the adhesive has cured, your windows will look very much as though they have been factory-tinted. You may see some changes in the appearance of the film while it is curing.

Changes are normal at this time.

Although the film appears perfect at first, you may see it become hazy and milky, or develop an “orange peel affect” or even large bubbles. This is quite normal, and should not cause alarm. After curing, these apparent imperfections will disappear.

Curing takes from 30 – 60 days, depending on the weather, humidity and the amount of sunlight falling on the glass. As you would expect, curing tends to be faster in summer and slower in winter.

Above all, do not touch the film until curing is complete.

Can My Windows be Cleaned After Solar Film is Applied?

Yes. They should be cleaned in the normal manner, but the following points should be observed:

  • Do not clean the film for at least four weeks after installation.
  • Use a spray, synthetic sponge or a moist cloth to apply the cleaning solution.
  • Warm water and a mild detergent is all we recommend.
  • Do not use any brushes or abrasives in the cleaning process as they will scratch the film. “non-scratching” cleaners such as Jif or abrasives such as Ajax and Bon Ami must never be used.
  • Dry the film with a good quality rubber squeegee a chamois or a moist soft cloth.

Can Solar Film be Scratched or Damaged?

Yes. Untreated polyester is a tough, wear-resistant product but its surface is not as hard as glass and it can be damaged by abrasive cleaners and improper treatment. Polyester is not unlike a laminated kitchen bench top, your car’s paint-work or stainless steel. All will last for a long time if properly cared for, but all can be scratched if they are cleaned incorrectly. But bear in mind that even glass can be easily scratched if you are not careful. Virtually all Window Energy Solutions Solar Films have a scratch resistant coating which makes the film even more durable than standard polyester, so it looks great in the long term and is easy to clean.

Will Solar Film Scratch or Tear When I Clean It?

Window film is an extremely strong product. It is really very tough and it is very tear-resistant, but it is not indestructible. Please refer to the cleaning instructions.

Will Window Tinting Peel Off the Glass?

When it is installed by a qualified installer, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, we guarantee that your film will not peel. We have the best guarantee in the business for your protection, so your windows will look great and perform well in the long term. Inferior products, or film installed by poor workmen can peel. So why take risks? Choose from the films installed by a Window Energy Solutions professional and you will have peace of mind, knowing that you have selected the best film, installed by the best tradespeople and it is backed by the best guarantee.

Can Solar Film reduce fading of fabrics?

ultra-violet-lightThe main cause of fading is ultra-violet light, however there are a number of other factors to consider when fade control is contemplated. The main problem is ultra-violet, but even if all solar UV is blocked at the windows by a UV film, there may still be serious problems caused by Ultra-violet from display lighting. Fluorescent lights are the main offenders in terms of ultra- violet output, but many types of display lighting produce high levels of UV radiation. To make matters worse, display lights are normally high intensity and are frequently close to the items on display. Many are also housed in efficient reflectors which concentrate the light and ultra-violet rays on the items for which fade protection is required. It is thus clear that lighting must be considered when a total fade control programme is required. In addition to UV, visible light and infra-red (heat) cause some fading. As a guide, UV causes about 40% of (solar caused) fading. Visible light and heat each cause about 25% and the balance is caused by other factors. On this basis, if solar fading is to be controlled, we need to stop not only the UV, but also a large proportion of the heat and light as well. Sun protection films can absorb up to 99% of these damaging rays. The use of these films in retail shop fronts, has considerably reduced the loss of goods through ultra-violet damage, especially when low UV lighting is used as well.