Is there some kind of liquid coating I can apply as window UV filter?

Question

Greetings all!My wife have some huge single-pane south-facing (and in southernCalifornia, USA, Northern hemisphere, that means "towards the sun")windows that will most definitely get replaced when we replace all theenergy innefficient windows in our house in a couple years.  We arestalling on that project because it will be very pricey, I am sure.We do have curtains to prevent the light from fading furniture, but I'dalso like to coat these windows with something to help block out theUVA/UVB rays (not sure of the difference) when the curtains are open.I know there is film material you can cut and apply, but I feel ourcircumstances (huge oddly shaped windows) might make that a difficultproject to accomplish satisfactorily.  I was wondering if there wereany "paint on" type of liquid which dries sort of clear and smooth andyet provides a coating which blocks some rays.  I would prefer to dothis myself rather than have a professional do it.  This windows willprobably be ripped out in the not terribly distant future, so I don'twant to spend tons of cash on them.As always, I am certain that I am imagining the existence of a miracleproduct that does not exist, but if it does exist, please let me know!Chuck

SQLit · Accepted Answer

Sun screens can go up to 95% shade. They help a bunch with radiant heat as well. Me thinks you miracle coating is just that.

I have dual pane windows in Phoenix AZ. When the summer sun hits them there is nothing like sun screens to cut the heat and light.

Joseph Meehan · Answer

Regular window glass blocks most UV light, it is IR that it does not block well and the new low-e glass does a better job at blocking.

Note as someone who has lived through over a dozen malignant melanomas over the last 35+ years, I suggest that even the remain 10% or so can do damage, just not as fast. Furniture damage in one thing, but that can be repaired or replaced. People are different. Even 95% is not good enough from me any more. Yea I still go out in the sun with sun block, but I am selective about it.

JerseyMike · Answer

call a window tinting company.mike.........

John_B · Answer

Here is a source for plastic film to stick to the inside of the glass which allegedly will help with your problem:

Ross Mac · Answer

I here ya Joe....I'm Irish too and live in Florida....I really hate those trips to the dermatologist....that darned freeze can....not to mention the knife and going after "the margins"....Thank God for sunscreen, though it showed up a bit late for my generation......Ross

SJF · Answer

Google "Gila Film" for information. It's similar to the film used to tint car windows but made in various widths and tints for house windows. Mine has endured 30 years. Available at big-box hardwares here in the southwest. You squeegee it on being careful to squeeze out any air bubbles. Much cheaper than shade screen. --- SJF

The Real Tom · Answer

Only liquid coating I know of is paint.Might try a film, I've had some success with gila, but very limitedused.  So don't take my word for it, since I'm not a big customer.hth,tom

Is there some kind of liquid coating I can apply as window UV filter?

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