Gila® Heat Control Platinum Static Cling Residential DIY Window Film Sun Blocking Glare Reduction 3ft x 6.5ft (36in x 78in)

We have tried the "Peel and Cling" and the adhesive versions of this film. One VERY important point for the "Peel and Cling" is to apply the film so that it curls INTO the window. If you do it the other way, it will invariably curl off the window. I wish this was made clear in the instructions. It's counter-intuitive because, on the adhesive version, the paper backing is on the side facing the window. In the "Peel and Cling" the opposite is true.In later applications, we cleaned the window twice before applying. Once with a regular window cleaner and the second time with the Gila Application Spray. This also seemed to help in getting better results.We chose the Peel and Cling because we are currently renting and we didn't want to have spend a lot of time removing the film when we vacate. The adhesive film is cheaper, especially if you purchase the 15' roll, but for renters the Peel and Cling might be a better option.Both films do what they advertise. As others have noted, the intense heat coming through the windows is radically lowered. The light coming from the windows is noticeably darker, so prepare for that. It is thicker than the adhesive version, however we haven't noticed an appreciable difference in performance between the two types of film.

A quasi-bay window was too hot for some potted plants and seedlings kept burning up. I bought this film to reduce the heat for the plants as well as in the room. Also hoped for reduced glare on the television. Installation wasn't too difficult once I realized which side was supposed to go out. Common sense and reading the other reviews prevailed and it's the shiny side. Makes sense as it's supposed to reflect the light. The film did pick up dust, but isn't objectionable. I also wasn't able to get out every single bubble, but I managed to get out the majority.Once installed, the heat is heavily reduced, the glare on the television is reduced and my plants are growing beautifully. I'm ordering another roll to complete all the windows in this room. The end of the roll doesn't stick, but I put it in a remote location and it's not very noticeable. If I could've removed all the bubbles and installed it without dust getting stuck between the film and the glass, I would've given this five stars. Definitely a worthwhile product.

My new home is full of south and west facing windows. While the sunlight is wonderful it was making the house very warm and I was concerned about it fading curtains and furniture. After much research I decided that this film would be our best choice as it would not only block the UV light but also provide some heat control. As an added bonus they also have provided us with some added privacy. In the attached photo the film is already on the oval window in the door and the side windows, The upper transom and the upper arched window are plain - they have not had the film applied yet. You can see the difference in the amount of light coming into the windows.The film is very easy to install if you have measured correctly and have a very sharp blade. Installing this film was time consuming and tedious, but it was not difficult. Using sharp scissors I cut the film (backing still attached) slightly bigger than the windows and then trimmed the film to size directly on the window using a razor blade. I covered all the windows in my home and went through several blades in the process. I can't stress enough how important sharp blades are as the film would start to tear on me with a dull blade. I did not purchase an installation kit, but used plenty of window cleaner and a square kitchen gizmo designed to scrape pans. I did install all of them alone, but if you have larger or high windows I would recommend having help to hold the film in place as you smooth it onto the window.Once the film was installed in the first room, we measured the window temperature using a point and shoot temperature gun. There was a 15 degree difference between the windows with film and without. That is what convinced us to do the entire house. This is a new home to us, so I can't say how much we saved compared to previous years but the house felt considerable cooler over the summer. The pros are the temperature reduction, UV protection and privacy (you can see out but it's very hard to see much more than outline when looking in). The cons are a loss of that sunny light bright look - which could probably be altered if you chose a different level, we chose black. Overall I would recommend this to someone looking for heat control film, just prepare well and you will be fine.

2022 update, The pieces don't stick, they keep curling up and falling off the window. I went to apply the last piece remaining and guess what, when i unrolled it, the last foot was all creased and unusable, care to send me another box? I read the reviews and thought "Hmm... i'm very fussy, surely this can't be that difficult" Well in a nut shell here's where the major flaw is. this stuff comes on a tiny tiny roll, and when you try to apply it, it will keep curling up. i even cut a second piece and placed it on the kitchen island and put a piece of cardboard on top of it and placed a weight on it to make sure it was flat, still no dice. Here's another problem, the roll is so delicate, that any person that grabs the box, if they put ANY pressure on it, it will crease the inside and transfer thru every ply. this creates a visual defect every few inches on the film and cannot be corrected. Static cling is a joke, i have 50% humidity in here and there's not enough static for it to cling. do NOT buy this, it's a complete waste of money and time!