Window film to stop furniture from fading
Discussion
Hello
Our living room has large windows and patio doors which are great and let in a lot of natural sunlight but unfortunately have severely faded the sofas. Mrs has ordered new sofas and I’d like to add a film to the windows to stop it happening to the new sofas.
I’m unsure what type of film to get. Would a UV blocking clear film be enough or would a film a slight tint that reduces sunlight, heat and blocks UV be better? The room gets a lot of light so I don’t mind a slight tint, just want the type of product to stop the fading.
I’ve seen this film recommended here, would this be good enough or would I better off with something with a tint?
https://activewindowfilms.co.uk/122-museum-clear-u...
Or this but almost 4 times the price https://activewindowfilms.co.uk/1097-neutral-solar...
Our living room has large windows and patio doors which are great and let in a lot of natural sunlight but unfortunately have severely faded the sofas. Mrs has ordered new sofas and I’d like to add a film to the windows to stop it happening to the new sofas.
I’m unsure what type of film to get. Would a UV blocking clear film be enough or would a film a slight tint that reduces sunlight, heat and blocks UV be better? The room gets a lot of light so I don’t mind a slight tint, just want the type of product to stop the fading.
I’ve seen this film recommended here, would this be good enough or would I better off with something with a tint?
https://activewindowfilms.co.uk/122-museum-clear-u...
Or this but almost 4 times the price https://activewindowfilms.co.uk/1097-neutral-solar...
Edited by CursedS54 on Thursday 14th November 20:57
Edited by CursedS54 on Thursday 14th November 21:10
Almost all Window Films have a UV filter of some description (it is part of the adhesive makeup) and will cut out generally 95%+ of UV Radiation.
The UV-specific films cut out virtually all UV wavelengths, and these films are virtually clear. Once on a full pane, it would be difficult to spot it was on unless you looked closely.
You should be aware UV in itself only contributes about half of what causes fading in fabrics, other factors such as natural light, heat, and dust are also culprits.
If you went for a tinted or mirror type film of some grade, you would also cut out some of the other factors without a significant increase in the UV coming through the glass and may on the whole give a better result.
There are the expensive film types like 3M prestige which work really well cutting out UV and a good portion of heat gain whilst also being virtually clear, the downside to these is the cost is much more.
The choice would be what you want the glass to appear like both internally and externally balanced with the performance you want to achieve and the cost you are willing to pay.
When a shop front is treated in the clear UV filter, we always advise that the stock still needs to be rotated to avoid being in the sun too long but the fading will occur, but much more slowly.
The UV-specific films cut out virtually all UV wavelengths, and these films are virtually clear. Once on a full pane, it would be difficult to spot it was on unless you looked closely.
You should be aware UV in itself only contributes about half of what causes fading in fabrics, other factors such as natural light, heat, and dust are also culprits.
If you went for a tinted or mirror type film of some grade, you would also cut out some of the other factors without a significant increase in the UV coming through the glass and may on the whole give a better result.
There are the expensive film types like 3M prestige which work really well cutting out UV and a good portion of heat gain whilst also being virtually clear, the downside to these is the cost is much more.
The choice would be what you want the glass to appear like both internally and externally balanced with the performance you want to achieve and the cost you are willing to pay.
When a shop front is treated in the clear UV filter, we always advise that the stock still needs to be rotated to avoid being in the sun too long but the fading will occur, but much more slowly.
Edited by shatter on Friday 15th November 13:09
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