If your windows sit close to a neighbor’s yard or face a shared outdoor space, you may hesitate to leave them uncovered. Traditional blinds or heavy window treatments block natural light along with prying eyes. Gila® window film offers a simple do-it-yourself option that preserves daylight while giving you privacy and decorative style.
We have a side bedroom window that floods the room with daylight, and we prefer to keep it uncovered. Recently, however, a string of neighborhood break-ins made us want extra privacy for that window—the kind that blocks direct views but still lets light in. Installing Gila window film achieves just that: an opaque look that retains brightness inside.
For our project we chose the Frost style. It’s available in a 4′ x 6.5′ roll, which was ample for our side window. Gila’s privacy line includes a range of patterns and a décor series that mimics etched glass for a more stylized finish.
We bought the Gila window film application kit from Home Depot for about $9. The kit includes application solution, a squeegee, a trim tool, and a low-lint cloth. With these tools on hand, we completed the installation in roughly 30 minutes.
Tools & Materials
Gila provides helpful how-to videos; I followed the Privacy installation tutorial for this project.
- Gila Privacy Control window film
- Gila window film application kit (application solution, trim tool, squeegee card, low-lint cloth)
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Window cleaner
- Razor blade scraper
- Clear tape
Step-by-Step
Clean the Glass
Proper surface preparation is essential for a long-lasting installation. Clean the glass thoroughly and remove any dirt, adhesive residue, or stickers with a razor blade scraper. Any remaining debris can prevent the film from adhering correctly. Finish by drying the glass with a low-lint cloth.
Measure Your Window
Measure the glass precisely and then add about one inch to each dimension. This extra material makes trimming easier and ensures full coverage.
Cut the Window Film
Lay the film out on a clean, flat surface. Weigh one end down to keep it flat while you measure and mark. Cut along your marks with scissors and hold the cut piece up to the window to confirm the fit before continuing.
Remove the Film Liner
The film arrives with a protective liner that must be removed. Attach a small piece of clear tape to a top corner on both the liner and the film, then pull the tape pieces apart to separate liner and film quickly. As you peel the liner away, spray the exposed adhesive side of the film liberally with the application solution—this helps with sliding and positioning on the glass.
Apply the Film to the Window
Spray the glass with the application solution. With the film already sprayed on the adhesive side, lift the top corners and place it against the window, aligning a factory edge with the window frame. Press the center gently to smooth the film, pushing air toward the edges. Re-spray the surface if needed, and use the squeegee to work remaining bubbles and excess solution out toward the perimeter.
Trim the Edges
After removing bubbles with the squeegee, trim the excess film along the edges with the provided trim tool for a clean, professional-looking finish.
Admire Your Work
Stand back and enjoy the result. The film will take a day or two to fully cure and dry, but privacy increases immediately while natural light continues to brighten the room.
We’re pleased with the added privacy and relieved we didn’t have to sacrifice daylight. If you want a quick way to add privacy to any room, Gila window film is a straightforward DIY solution available at many retailers across the United States and Canada.
I received product and compensation from Gila for this post, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.