One Way “Mirror” Effect

Question:

How best to get the “Mirror” effect with plain clear glass by using window film?

Answer:

The “One way mirror effect,” or “so you can see out, but nobody can see in,” is all about the “lighting.”

Window film on glass works much like regular glass.  During the day when the light is shinning outside; one can see out and it is hard for outsiders to see inside.  At night when lights are on inside, one cannot see out but outside, people can see into the home or building.

The best solution is to install a light outside the shines onto the glass and to install a reflective film, Silver Grey 10% along with a second layer of non reflective film 5% on top of the reflective layer. 

The second layer of film is used to reduce the interior reflectance & to enhance the outside reflectance at night, reduce the amount that outsides can see inside at night.

Two recommended film installation options are:

A.:  Silver Grey 10 (Silver Out)

• Apply Solar Control’s Silver Grey 10% (Silver Out) to clear glass.
• Apply a second layer of Solar Control’s Non Reflective CH 5% on top of the reflective film.
• Add additional lighting outside (where you want the “mirror” effect)
• Note:  Always be careful about “thermal stress” when adding 5% to outside glass.  5% does not have glass breakage warranty.  Silver Grey 10% should reflect most of the heat, but the 5% can absorb it too.

B.:  Siler 15% Plus Non reflective Layer

• Apply Solar Control’s Silver 15% to clear glass.
• Apply a second layer of Solar Control’s Non Reflective CH 5% on top of the reflective film.
• Some people add a 3^rd layer of NR CH 5% for a better effect
• Add additional lighting outside (where you want the “mirror” effect)
• Note:  Always be careful about “thermal stress” when adding 5% to outside glass.  5% does not have glass breakage warranty.  Silver 15% should reflect most of the heat, but the 5% can absorb it too.  When using the silver 15 option, a Non reflective film must be applied to reduce interior reflectance at night.

 Getting the “one way mirror” effect is mostly about the lighting.  The side that you want the reflective “mirror” is where you always need to have more light.

FAQ