My 2 cents...

There are two basic kinds of window film.

The most common is ultra thin and is carefully applied to the INSIDE of
windows. Made by 3M and others (carried by Home Depot & Lowes in the
Atlanta area). DIYers that are capable of following written instructions
can apply this stuff with few, if any wrinkles or other problems. I've done
it numerous times. The comments about cleaning the windows thoroughly,
applies here. The 3M brand can be removed easily while the other brand may
require some additional effort.

There is also a film that may be applied to either the inside or the outside
of the glass. Two years ago, when Home Depot couldn't provide me with 3M
film larger than 48" wide, they special ordered this stuff. It is probably
4 - 5 times thicker but appears to hold up when applied outdoors (so far).
It is not quite as free of distortion as the thin stuff but most visitors
could not tell they were looking through film.

"Dolchas" wrote in message
om...
Greetings all!

I have a recreation room/lounge in my house that receives too much
light in the morning through some large windows, and in the afternoon
through some large sliding doors. When we were decorating this space,
we put up some nice-looking "matchstick" blinds which cut the glare
okay, but we could really use more help cutting down on the blazing
Southern California sun.

I am considering using one of those window film products that you cut
to the desired size and apply yourself. They may or may not be
vinyl...they are probably some form of space-age miracle textile or
another. They are alleged to cut out some amount of light, harmful
UVA rays, protect furniture, etc.

Can anyone recommend any brands or versions of this product that I
should consider, or things I should be aware of as I pursue this
project? Since this is kind of a basement lounge (albeit a mostly
above-ground basement...thus the light), I am not quite as obsessively
concerned about the aesthetics of this product as I might otherwise
be, but I don't like the "mirrored" variety of this film at all. I am
also less concerned about heat issues...mostly light.

Thanks in advance for any advice at all!

Chuck