Library Gradient Privacy Window Film, 2020

Project at a glance

• Client: a library in Northern Illinois
• Year: 2020
• Problem: a “fishbowl” effect in glass-walled rooms beside open areas used for several purposes
• Films compared: gradient and semi-opaque privacy and decorative films from 3M, SOLYX and Solar Gard, applied as mockups on the actual glass
• Film chosen: a SOLYX gradient film
• Glass treated: about 3,000 square feet, 250 pieces of glass
• Schedule: installed after hours so no one was disturbed
• Result: the film worked well for the space and met the library’s requirements

Glass-walled rooms beside the library’s open areas let everyone see in, the “fishbowl” effect. The library wanted privacy in those rooms without closing them off from the daylight and the open feel of the building, and it had demanding requirements for how the finished glass should look.

Because the look mattered as much as the privacy, AAA Glass Tint did not ask the library to choose from a sample book. We installed mockups on the library’s own glass: gradient and semi-opaque films from 3M, SOLYX and Solar Gard, side by side, so staff could see each one in the actual light and at the actual viewing distances. AAA Glass Tint is an authorized SOLYX dealer and a Solar Gard authorized dealer.

The library chose a SOLYX gradient film. A gradient film moves from frosted at one edge to clear glass, so it can give privacy at seated eye level while the clearer glass above keeps daylight and an open feel.

We installed the gradient film on about 3,000 square feet of glass, 250 pieces in all. The work was done after hours so library staff and visitors were not disturbed. We do not subcontract installation; our own crews do the work.

The gradient film worked well for the space. The rooms gained privacy at seated eye level, the glass above stayed clear, and the library’s demanding requirements were met.