Window Film

[Dorsal]

Thinking about heat and my poor follicley challenge head I was wondering if anyone has applied automotive window film to the overhead acrylic or the turtle deck. I should be installing my windshield in the next month or so and figured it would be much easier to apply before final installation.
Thoughts?

Using the 1 piece molded Aeroplastic, hoping if I used the film carefully before putting the windshield on the plane maybe I could avoid the bubbles (probably wishful thinking).

[Agfoxflyer]

I looked into the same thing when building. I was told by several suppliers that automotive tint film was not compatible with any plastics. Something about the plastic continuing to give off a gas. I'd check with a local supplier B4 applying the film.

[Dorsal]

Good idea, I didn't think about the out-gassing issue

[Cwehner]

Hi Dorsel, I just happen to own a window tinting business and Agfoxflyer is correct in that you cannot use automotive or commercial window films on plastics. We have customers wanting their plastic skylights on homes or motorcycle windscreens tinted all the time and I'm sorry to say the two dont mix. The gasses given off can create a problem but even worse is that the plastic expands and contracts...the film doesn't, That equals cracking. Eric has a good idea though. another idea is the pull down retractable screens you can buy for your car windows (people usually buy them to block sun from babies faces), or a static cling type of soft tinted plastic film that you can just stick up there when you need it.

Chris Wehner
Tulsa, OK
Kitfox IV, 912
90% complete

[catz631]

I was also told that window films would not work on plastics but due to the horrible heat we have here in Florida I decided to do it anyway. I went to the auto store and attempted to install it in the "green house" above my head. Well I promptly screwed it up and had a mess. So ,I bit the bullet and called a professional tinter to come out to my hanger and fix the mess. He spent the entire day in my hanger(well most of it) removing the glue from that cheap stuff I had bought.What a mess ! He then installed the best stuff that he sells. He also told me that this might not work but it sure did !!!. I have had it in the aircraft for almost a year now. I can see throught it real well and it is almost the darkest he had. Previously I had the cling stuff up there and you couldn't see through it worth a flip. Now this was not a cheap solution because I had to have a pro redo what I messed up but boy does it look nice! and it keeps the interior cool.
Dick Maddux
Pensacola,Fl

[Dorsal]

Do you know what "the best stuff" is? This is encouraging news, how about a picture?