DIY Privacy Windows for Less than $10

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How would you like to transform the entire look of a plain window into a stain glass looking window for less than $10 and in mere minutes? Well, if that doesn’t interest you, how about the idea of creating rainbows in your house that look like magical angelic lights? I mean – you had me at “privacy”, but the ease of installation, the beauty of the look and the low-cost was certainly a no-brainer for why I installed this film to create DIY Privacy Windows.

If you don’t love the look, it won’t break the bank, it is as easy to remove as peeling a sticker, and no harm done. You might even find some old vase or something you could re-apply the film to and give that a whole new look (maybe I smell another post coming up?)

I am personally crazy about the way the new door windows look using this stain glass film from Amazon.

Here are the before and after photos.

Why use window privacy film?

Well, if you have a window or door window that allows people to look in and see you (like I did) – this is a very easy way to cover that up without having to replace the entire thing. You can choose from any of the available films which range from decorative like this stained glass one that I used, or just a frosted glass look, or other pretty designs like floral privacy patterns.

One thing to note, while I was happy with the level of privacy – it basically takes something that you can see through completely and makes it a distorted vision – if you want absolute privacy where they can’t see in or out at all, there are other options out there – like this 1-way mirror film.

Here is a view of my 2 back door windows so you can see the difference of the privacy film I used on the right side vs. none on the left side. It does make a big difference, but you can still see the outlines of people and if you look directly up to the window you can see a distorted view of the inside.

Is it hard to apply?

No, it is SUPER easy. The main thing is to cut the film to the correct dimensions, and then it is unbelievably easy to apply it to the window. Just peel the backing off, and stick. It will stay on – even if you don’t believe it will, without any adhesive (I wasn’t sure myself).

Is it hard to remove?

It is as easy as peeling a sticker. You can reapply it as many times as you want or need to.

How Long Does it Take to put on?

It took me a while to get the old weatherseal tape OFF the window and clean it properly. However, adhering the new film was easy once I knew the dimensions and had the window cleaned. The whole thing would probably take you about 20 minutes to complete if you didn’t have to take off old tape.

Do I need fancy tools to install this?

The fanciest thing you could use is an exacto knife and a squeegee. If you don’t have these things don’t worry, you can still put it up with no problems using a scissor and a credit card or something else to smooth out the film.

How much will I need?

This depends on your window or door. They sell different sizes, up to a full patio glass door size, so if you measure what you need you should be able to figure out how much to buy. I knew that I needed a small amount so I didn’t even measure, and it came with enough to do the 2 door windows plus the 5 squares on my back door, and I have a lot left over as well.

Does this prevent drafts?

No – I don’t think it does. I ended up re-applying my weatherseal window tape over this after I installed in on our drafty front door windows. That tape works great but looks pretty janky. Oh well, I will keep using it, because it defintely has saved us money over the years.

Installation Instructions

1. Measure your window and write down the measurements, or use a template of some kind (could be kitchen wax paper).
2. Clean your windows thoroughly, which might mean removing old tape or any kind of gunk. For tough stuff (like my weatherstrip tape residue) I use Goo Gone.
3. Unroll your film and if you would like you can set a book or something heavy on the film to remove the curve – I didn’t do that and mine applied just fine.
4. Tape your template or measure your markings on the film and then cut to desired size, leaving an extra 1/2 inch or so all the way around if you plan on using an exacto knife to trim the excess. If you don’t have an exacto knife, make sure your measurements are precise and just cut the correct size in the film.
5. Peel the film from the backing, if it is tricky to do you can use tape on both sides to pull the pieces apart at the corner. Be careful not to put your fingerprints on the smooth side that pulls off of the paper, and that side is where you apply the film to the window.
6. Apply the film to the window and correct the positioning to the right alignment.
7. Peel down and spray with water 1/2 the film, then squeegee this on so there are no air bubbles.
8. Peel up and spray with water the remaining half and do the same thing to remove air bubbles and make it air tight sealed on the window.
9. If you are using an exacto knife trim away the excess around the window frame, being careful not to cut into your window trim.
10. If you don’t like the positioning or need to remove it, simply peel this off the window.

Here is a photo with the sun coming through the film so you can see the rainbows:

Video Tutorial

If this worked for you and you’re happy about it – please share the results with friends, and/or comment below about it.