March 01, 2024
written by Alice O.
What is one-way mirror film?
Find out how anti-visual mirror-effect film works.
What if you could see without being seen? Be at home, in front of your window, and be invisible to the outside world?
That's the effect of one-way mirror film. If you want to keep the privacy of your home during the day, but still be able to see outside, this mirror film for windows is just what you need.
How does it work? When does it work? We explain it all in this article.
What's a one-way mirror film?
One-way mirror effect film takes its name from "tain", the layer present in a conventional mirror that gives it its ability to reflect light. It's usually a mixture of lead, tin, bismuth and mercury.
Adhesive window film doesn't have a sheen - hence its name, "one-way mirror effect film ". However, thanks to metal microparticles, we can recreate the "mirror" effect that protects us from prying eyes.
Our selection of mirror-effect adhesive films.
Adhesive film has several advantages that differentiate it from electrostatics:
- Clearer "mirror" effect
- Longer durability
- More natural reflection
* price per m² for the purchase of a full roll of the largest width.
How does the mirror effect work?
As explained above, metallic microparticles act as a "reflective surface" for light; more specifically, for infrared and ultraviolet rays.
Ultraviolet rays cause discoloration of surfaces and aging of the skin. Infrared rays carry heat-conducting energy.
Be aware that themirror effect will always occur on the brighter side:
- If it's daylight and the lights are off inside, you won't be seen from outside.
- If it's dark and the lights are off inside, you won't be seen from outside.
- If it's daytime, very bright outside, and it's lit up at home, you won't be seen from outside.
- If it's dark and the lights are on inside, you' ll be seen from outside.
- If it's daylight, but quite dark outside, and your house is lit, it' s possible that you can be seen from outside.
The one-way mirror-effect film is perfect for protection from the other side, without obstructing visibility from outside.
Find out how mirror effect film works in our article below!
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Our selection of mirror-effect electrostatic films.
Electrostatic film has several advantages that differentiate it from adhesive:
- Reusable film: you can remove it and reuse it next season.
- Easy installation: a miss? Remove your film and start again
- Excellent efficiency, comparable to adhesive
* price per m² for the purchase of a full roll of the largest width.
Which mirror-effect window film should you choose?
Feeling lost among all the references on offer? We understand. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding which type of film to choose:
- Do you prefer adhesive (one-time use) or electrostatic (reusable) backing?
- Do you have a neighbour close by (less than 15 metres) or far away (more than 15 metres)?
- What type of glazing do you have (single, double, triple, velux, etc.)?
- Can you pose outdoors?
Thanks to these few questions, and to the filters available on the website, you'll be able to make an initial pre-selection to help you make your choice.
Of course, the quickest and safest way is to contact our sales advisors so that they can direct you to the right product 😉
As a reminder, we strongly advise against indoor installation for double-glazed units over 1.2m² and triple-glazed units. Thermal shock could damage your glass.
