Which film for the shop window?
It depends on what the window has to do: show a picture and still let you see out — one-way vision; keep eyes out and light in — frosted glass film; a design on glass — printed self-adhesive vinyl; name, hours, logo — cut vinyl lettering. All four are made to size and can be combined, say a privacy strip below and the name above it.
The decision
| The window should … | Film | What it looks like | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show a picture, stay see-through from inside | One-way vision window film (perforated, 40 % open) | The picture outside, the view out inside — in daylight | up to 3 years |
| Keep eyes out, stay bright | Frosted glass film (etched-glass look, 80 µm) | Like sandblasted glass from both sides; as a strip, a full pane or cut-out lettering | interior film, many years |
| Carry a design, photo or colour field | Printed self-adhesive vinyl (ORAJET®, white or clear) | Solid white or see-through; permanent or removable after the season | several years, longer with a laminate |
| Show name, logo, opening hours | Cut vinyl lettering (ORACAL® 751C) | Solid-colour letters with crisp edges, 117 colours by code | up to 8 years |
Inside or outside the glass?
Frosted film belongs on the inside — protected from weather and cleaning; cut-out lettering is mirrored for it, so it reads correctly from outside. One-way vision goes on the outside, because it is meant to be seen from there. Printed vinyl and cut lettering go either way: outside for the strongest effect, inside (mirrored) where vandalism or cleaning matter.
What one-way vision does at night
Perforated film lives on the difference in brightness: by day it is brighter outside, so you see the picture. With the lights on inside after dark, the effect reverses — people see in. For shops lit in the evening, a privacy strip or an area of solid film is worth planning.
Products in this guide
- One-way vision window film · Price table
- Frosted glass film
- Self-adhesive vinyl print · Price table
- Cut vinyl lettering
Questions
How do I measure the pane?
Glass edge to edge in centimetres, width and height. A full pane is cut 2–3 mm smaller so it fits inside the frame; for a strip you set its height and position.
Can I take the film off again later?
Removable printed vinyl (ORAJET® 3162G) peels off without residue. Permanent films come off with heat, adhesive remains with a film remover.
Can a logo be made from frosted film?
Yes — text and logos are cut from the frosted film, from a vector file (PDF, AI, SVG) with outlines.
Can I change the opening hours later?
Cut lettering is made of separate letters — one line can be removed and replaced without touching the rest.
Does the glass need cleaning before the film goes on?
Yes — glass is cleaned and degreased with glass cleaner or soapy water, edges and rubber seals dried; dust and lime spots would otherwise show through the film.
More guides
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- Are printed stickers weatherproof?
- Photo wallpaper: how do I measure the wall, and how is it hung?
- Are floor stickers anti-slip, and which floors do they hold on?
- How large can a banner be — and how is it fixed?
- Forex, Dibond or acrylic — which board for which sign?
- PVC banner or mesh banner?
- Cut vinyl lettering or printed vinyl?
- Berlin, all districts
- Prices