Review on VELIMAX Rain Glass Window Film: Enhance Privacy & Decor with Removable UV Protection & Heat Control - 17.7 x 78.7 inches by Nicole Houston

Large entrance door with 12 panes of glass. Our windows face west and the North Carolina afternoon sun shines brightly through our doors. When we first moved in, we found that the temperature in our entryway was MUCH warmer than the rest of the house. We started looking for ways to reduce both the heat and UV rays entering our homes. We have chosen the all-year thermostat Gila (Gila Platinum Window Film). Listed as "Reflecting 70% of the sun's heat, Low-E retains winter warmth, blocks glare and reduces fading." We found this to be a great solution for reducing heat and glare. There was an instant drop in heat in our home. The only real problem was that there was no privacy at all for those looking into our house from the outside. With doors as big as ours, getting outside from the outside was a bit worrying. Well it's almost 8 years later and we've finally decided to try a different product. Gila was still running, but the film had "cracks". No wonder, since it withstood very intense heat for a long time. We started looking for a product with the same benefits but with privacy. We had glass substitutes. The company came to our house and they said replacing the glass would be a waste of money as we already have low E thermal glass in the door. Said we could switch for privacy (rain glass, etched etc) but we won't switch (the heat is coming in) After researching different brands I decided to try the Velimax Rain Glass. I liked how it looked in other photos and the price was right. I ordered 3 rolls (enough for my particular project). The product arrived with no damage, well packaged and I started the process. The old Gila film was easy to remove from my windows. There was only a little glue left in a few places that I had to scrape off with a razor blade. Thoroughly cleaned each glass with 50/50 water and white vinegar (that's all I've ever used on my windows, btw). Mix a spray bottle of water with some dish soap. I took out all the supplies I needed and started measuring, cutting and applying. After applying the first panel (see photo) I waited 24 hours before proceeding with the rest. Wanted to make sure it was a snug fit. and didn't curl up or fall over as several other reviewers have pointed out. Still good after 24 hours, I liked how it looked so I went. I pre-cut all the remaining 11 pieces before I started hanging the ribbon. I needed 10 x 20 so I cut out 12 x 22 so I could trim the inside of the glass. The application went smoothly. I soaked the back of the film and windows with soapy water as directed. I used the squeegee I bought with the Gila installation kit to apply and smooth out any air bubbles. I then trimmed the excess with a new blade on my utility knife and a 4" metal spatula as an edge to hold the film in place while cutting. It worked great for me and all the windows were done in a few hours. For me, cutting was the slowest part Just make sure the utility knife blade is sharp. After all the products were installed, the photos were taken outdoors and indoors during the day and then at night. The product offers excellent privacy both inside and outside. from penetrating sunlight. We've had a few days in 90 degrees and it seems to be doing a good job of reducing heat. This product is much thicker than Gila film. I don't know how it will hold up after years of intense heat; I don't think anything will last as long as a Hila - this one exceeds all expectations. If it wasn't for the privacy issue I would definitely replace the 'cracked' Gila glasses with the same product. In summary: recommended for the ease of use, the beauty of the product and above all the extra privacy. ALSO priced right won't break the bank even if you try.