
Some films cannot be installed onto certain types of glazing. Don’t forget to check the suitability before purchasing, by clicking here.The scratch resistant coating protects the film against every day wear and tear keeping your purchase looking good for years to come. It’s sticky backed for an easier installation and there is no chance of making a mess. This protects the interior from fading caused by the sun coming through your windows. Blackout window film stops 99% of ultra violet (UV) rays. Where you want to stop people seeing your expensive belongings and keep the room cool it is an ideal choice, such as server rooms. It has a gloss black finish that reflects the suns heat and light. It stops 99% of light so it’s great for light sensitive areas and creating dark rooms. It allows absolutely no vision through to create total privacy. Also, mine have been spray painted black for almost two and a half years now and still look great.Blackout window film creates total privacy day and night.
Black out windows windows#
But it is also true that filling all of your windows with reflective silver will make your vehicle stand out like a suspicious sore thumb! Don’t worry, they still function as an insulator. Spray painting your window shades black will make sleeping in your vehicle way more stealth! It is true that Reflectix is silver to reflects light (and thus, heat). Let paint dry before continuing.Īn update: You can skip this step, but I highly recommend it. To make sure you don't spray the wrong side, put each piece in its window and mark the outside with permanent marker as you take them down. Once you have all your window shades cut to size, coat outward facing side with matte black spray paint.
Black out windows pro#
Pro Tip: Windows on the sides of your vehicle come in pairs! Just trace your first window shade and cut it out (slightly larger, and then trim to exact size) to save time.ĥ. Repeat until cardboard fits snug into the recessed area of the window (the word “snug” is key if you want window shades to remain in windows). Mark a bit less than you think you should take off a corner. Hold the cardboard up against the inside of the window. Take your cardboard piece, those heavy duty scissors, and the permanent marker into your vehicle. Cut a cardboard piece with an additional inch or two added to those dimensions (cutting away extra material is a million times easier than taping it back on).Ģ. The hormone melatonin is produced and released by the pineal gland in response to complete darkness and aids in body relaxation for sleep. Measure a window, length x height with tape measure. Benefits of Blacking out Your Windows Darkens Light Darkness is necessary for humans to sleep soundly. At no additional cost to you, I'll earn a commission if you click through and buy something. Maximum Strength Black Duct Tape (Use the kind made by Gorilla Glue)ĭisclosure: Some of the above supplies are affiliate links. Matte Black Spray Paint (I used 3 cans, less than $1 at Home Depot)Īdhesive Spray (A can should do, maybe two for a van with big windows) Reflectix Insulation (25-ft Roll is perfect amount for Honda Element)Īwesome Patterned Fabric (Check Joann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby, I used 4 yards) The DIY Beautiful Blackout Window Shade Build Process: Supplies:īig Sheets of Cardboard (Ask a local bike shop for a free, leftover bike box) I figured it worthwhile to explain how I made my blackout window shades for anyone else trying to overcome the universal hurdles of comfortably sleeping in a vehicle. They also make it impossible to see into my Element, I can comfortably sleep, with complete privacy, anywhere I'm allowed to park. In addition to looking great on the inside, these window shades blackout virtually all outside light. Patterned fabric, adhesive spray, and black duct tape proved the perfect solution. I wanted a more homey, bright look to my space that didn't feel quite so shoddy or depressing. Made with a shiny, insulating material called Reflectix, most projects using this material end up feel like the inside of a low budget spaceship. One of the main features that took my Element from livable to friggin' sweet are its patterned fabric blackout windows.



As a dude who travels with little interior design experience, the conversion came out better than I could have imagined. A couple weeks ago, I finished converting my Honda Element into the world's tiniest home on wheels.
