Window Film

I've never done "stained glass" film but I have done a "mirror" film on a window.

I applied it to an original window with a wood frame (circa 1949). It was a PITA to apply. The backing is nearly impossible to remove. They say to take two pieces of tape and put it on both sides and pull. HA! Doesn't work. You will struggle and ruin a lot of foil. It creases VERY easily.

The window must be wet with *water and baby shmapoo*. Do not try applying on a sunny day as the water solution will keep drying on the window faster than you can apply the film. The film is cumbersome to handle without getting little bends and creases that will not come out and will ruin the look.

You must squeege all the air bubbles out, and there will be many, no matter how careful you are. Then you must take a SHARP razer blade and go around an trim it up. The razer will keep gouging the wood and getting stuck. The water/shampoo solution will dry and make getting all the air bubbles out impossible. Your whole day will be ruined.

I had better luck with a bathroom window I had in an apartment years ago. It had CLEAR glass and was over the tub/shower. REALLY! I used Contac brand adhesive plastic in a clear frosted. All I had to do was easily peel the backing off about 2" and apply at the top. Then, once it is stuck in place, slowly pull down on the backing with one hand and smooth to the window with the other. Then trim with a razor (which was easier with this window since the frame had a thousand coats of paint and the razor didn't gouge the soft wood. It took about 10 minutes.

My humble advice: Go with Contac adhesive plastic and forget the film. You can still remove the Contac plastic later on if you decide to do so but keep in mind it may be a bit difficult if it has been on for years. I think they do make a "stained glass" design.

Although, I DO think plastic "stained glass" will look tacky. Sorry.

Have you checked into painting your own "stained glass" design or "frosted" effect on your window??? I've done this. You can buy what you need at a craft store. For the frosted look, an acid is etched into the glass, so it is PERMANENT! Keep that in mind for your resale value if you are planning on selling soon. Not everyone will appreciate frosted ivy leaves on their windows. The craft store will have glass paint, in bright, clear colors you can apply with your own creative, artistic, design.

I am assuming that you just want a "quick fix" that is temporary. If not, why not just replace the glass??? You can do it yourself or have someone do it. It's cheaper than a new window and won't look tacky like plastic film will.