Glass stained-glass windows at all times were not cheap pleasure. They adorned the cathedrals and houses of the nobles. Nowadays, a worthy alternative to stained glass windows has appeared at a more affordable price - stained glass film.
You can distinguish it from real stained glass only at close range. There is a wide variety of self-adhesive stained-glass films according to the color scheme and textures, which allows you to choose the option that perfectly harmonizes with your interior. This finishing material will allow you to refresh the interior with minimal time and effort.
Material properties
The stained glass film is a polymer material 75 microns thick with an adhesive applied on one side called Mylar. The film is resistant to stretching, moisture, UV and aggressive detergents. They produce transparent, matte, color, patterned and textured stained glass film.
The transparency of the material is largely dependent on the base glass. Modern materials provide ultraviolet filters, give them thermal and noise insulation properties. Any glass surface, as well as acrylic, are suitable for decoration with a film. The process of sticking stained glass film on glass is quite simple and does not take much time. This decor is durable and will delight you for many years. And if you get tired - the film is easy to remove.
Benefits
The main advantages of using stained glass film in the interior are:
- Resistance to various temperature conditions. The film retains all its functional and aesthetic qualities in the temperature range from -25 to +80 degrees Celsius.
- Moisture resistant. Stained glass film can decorate any glass and acrylic surfaces in rooms with high humidity: in bathrooms, pools, conservatories. The film is also suitable for gluing tempered glass showers.
- UV resistant. The film does not fade over time and does not lose its decorative properties.
- Some types of film have thermal and noise insulation properties, as well as ultraviolet filters. The stained-glass film on the window will protect the room from overheating in the summer, keep warm in the winter and will prevent the penetration of extraneous sounds from the street.
- Durability. With careful care, the finishing material will last up to 15 years.
- The color gamut of stained glass films has more than 200 shades, which allows you to choose the perfect combination for any interior.
- Decorative material enhances the strength of glass to mechanical stress. The film protects the surface from scratches and cracks, and when broken, the fragments do not crumble, which is important for children's rooms.
- Easy to stick. Even a person who has not dealt with a self-adhesive film before will cope with the task.
- Easy to care. The decorative film is easy to wash, it is resistant to household chemicals, in particular window cleaners. Of course, rubbing the material with abrasive substances is not recommended.
- Significantly lower price compared to real glass stained glass.
Ways to use
Self-adhesive stained glass film with a pattern can decorate any acrylic and glass surfaces in the interior, including tempered glass. Most often decorate windows, glass inserts in the interior and exterior doors. Materials with UV filters are especially relevant for windows. Stained-glass film ennobles the casement of wardrobes. This decor is suitable for tempered glass furniture and shower doors. The stained glass film on a glass apron above the work surface in the kitchen looks spectacular. The material is also suitable for decoration of mirrors.
You can decorate almost any surface with a decorative film, including varnished and even wooden. It is advisable to pre-coat it with an acrylic primer for leveling.
Even one element decorated with a film is able to refresh the interior and add a twist to it.
Transparent
Transparent stained glass film is usually chosen for window decoration. The film can be tinted with UV filters transparent from the side of the room and mirror from the street. Such material will protect the room from overheating and excessively curious neighbors.
Beautiful patterns are applied on a transparent base with lead veins. The film may contain color inserts, and the transparency of the inserts is preserved to some extent. There is also a transparent film with opaque color and matte elements. A tempered glass table decorated with such a film looks like a real work of art.
Opaque
Opaque self-adhesive stained-glass film is used to decorate interior doors, cabinet doors, and in bathrooms. Such a film may be glossy color or matte. Despite the opacity, the light transmittance of such a material is quite high. Matte film with a frosty pattern and transparent elements looks very impressive.
Textured
Textured stained-glass film is able to imitate real patterned glass of various color shades. Such a film with embossed crystal inserts is often used to decorate mirrors. The facet lenses create a play of light of tremendous beauty and bring a little sophistication to the interior.
Sticking technique
The material for the decor is made in the form of a film web and sold by running meters, however, it is possible to “assemble” the stained-glass window independently from individual pieces. Gluing a tightly stained glass self-adhesive film on glass will not be difficult, if you strictly observe the technology. Glass can be pecked both on one side, and on both. In the latter case, the strength of the glass will increase, and if damaged, all fragments will remain inside the film.
For work you will need a film, a pencil, a tape measure, a ruler, a soft cloth, a plastic spatula with rounded edges, a hair dryer, a stationery knife and a needle. The spatula can be replaced with a plastic card.
At the first stage, the glued surface is measured and the desired piece of film is cut out. For convenience, a marking grid is applied to the stained glass substrate. It is advisable to leave 2-3 mm along the edge of the glass for a stronger bonding.
After this, you need to prepare the surface on which the film will be glued. It must be thoroughly washed and degreased. It is better to use a lint-free cloth so that no particles of matter remain.
It is more convenient to glue a film from top to down. Separate a small piece of film from the substrate, about 5-10 cm, and apply it to the glass. I smooth the area gently so that there are no air bubbles under the film. Then the next section is separated from the base and the procedure is repeated.
If after sticking there are still bubbles, they can be easily removed with a needle. The film is carefully pierced and released air. Excess material is cut with a clerical knife.
For gluing round and convex surfaces you will need a hairdryer. The film is heated with a hot stream of air, which makes it more plastic, and it takes the desired shape.
DIY stained glass film
If the proposed finished stained glass paintings do not satisfy your aesthetic preferences, then the film stained glass can be made independently. You will need a stencil, carbon paper, lead tape, self-adhesive film, rollers and brushes for alignment.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a stencil for stained glass. It can be drawn independently, downloaded from the Internet or ordered in a specialized workshop. The stencil is transferred onto a paper substrate of a stained-glass film with a carbon paper and the details are cut out. For convenience, you can number the elements.
For work, you need a perfectly flat horizontal surface on which the stencil is laid, and on top is a glass base for stained glass.
The glass is cleaned and degreased, and then the elements from the film are separated from the paper base and glued according to the scheme. They are thoroughly smoothed to remove all air from under the surface.
Joints of parts are glued with lead tape. For convenience and tight docking use a special roller.
The finished stained glass is inserted into the frame. It will please with grace and originality of performance for many years.
Care
It is easier to care for stained glass than for real stained glass, since its surface is more equal. It is resistant to moisture and detergents for alcohol-based windows. It is sufficient to periodically wipe the surface with a damp cloth. You can spoil the material with abrasive powders, solvent and substances containing acetone. Subject to the simple rules of care, film stained-glass windows will please with beauty for many years.
A modern alternative to glass stained glass is stained glass film. This finishing material is much cheaper and has a number of obvious advantages: it increases the strength of the glass, is resistant to moisture, high and low temperatures, long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, easy to stick and care.
Stained glass films are very durable and, with proper care, will last up to 15 years. Films are made in a variety of colors and textured solutions. There are opaque and transparent materials, with a pattern and facets. You can purchase a finished film-canvas or assemble a stained-glass window according to an individual drawing.
The variety of species allows the use of stained glass film in the interiors of various styles. Such decor will refresh the room with minimal effort and time.