Good way to black out a window?

ymustuknow

ymustuknow

Active Member
Drop That Sound said:
Large flat screen TVs are pretty cheap these days.. Same with small ceiling projectors and screens. Just sayin'..

Why cover up the interior of a window with $20 worth of plastic film to look at all the time, when you can snag a used flat screen or 3 off craigslist for a little more to use instead?

Then you can pretend like your still looking out of your NEW window (you could even glue trim over the screens to look like real frames with glass panes), at that nice new relaxing waterfall you installed in your new backyard, minus the neighbors! They make programs to emulate "windows" btw.

Besides that, the TV or whatever will probably insulate from thermal losses (better than a layer of film?) that would normally happen through most kinds of window walls.. Maybe enough to make up for the energy needed to run it, who knows? lol..





Like this, but covering an existing window instead. Maybe the TV/s will stuff right in with minimal work, and just fill the gaps? Or find one that covers over the whole window?

:-o
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A bit of over kill for my set up, but not a bad idea. Thanks for sharing. :)
 
Drop That Sound

Drop That Sound

Well-Known Member
Yea, if anything maybe just a roll up projector screen to go over it would be cool. Come to think of it, you really don't wanna be permanently covering actual windows, (and stuffing them with big flat screens) especially ones that are used as fire escapes anyway, and violating any codes.

I would try to use some kind of breathable fabric though, because condensation can build up and cause water damage if you seal it off completely with plastics IME.
 
ymustuknow

ymustuknow

Active Member
Drop That Sound said:
Yea, if anything maybe just a roll up projector screen to go over it would be cool. Come to think of it, you really don't wanna be permanently covering actual windows, (and stuffing them with big flat screens) especially ones that are used as fire escapes anyway, and violating any codes.

I would try to use some kind of breathable fabric though, because condensation can build up and cause water damage if you seal it off completely with plastics IME.
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True
 
Drop That Sound

Drop That Sound

Well-Known Member
They make actual 100% blackout static cling window film, but its extra heavy (and $$) and peels off according to most the comments I've read over the years. Not only that, but it makes the glass itself look solid as whatever color you choose and apply over it, when looking from the outside. Probably better to apply multiple layers of the thinner window tint with water and a squeegee so they hold up better if you go that route.


When you cover over the interior of the wall and trim around the window instead, it looks much more normal from outside, as you can still keep the curtains\shades\blinds or whatever intact if done right. Looks better IMO anyway, and hard to tell anyone blocked it that way.
 
ymustuknow

ymustuknow

Active Member
Drop That Sound said:
They make actual 100% blackout static cling window film, but its extra heavy (and $$) and peels off according to most the comments I've read over the years. Not only that, but it makes the glass itself look solid as whatever color you choose and apply over it, when looking from the outside. Probably better to apply multiple layers of the thinner window tint with water and a squeegee so they hold up better if you go that route.


When you cover over the interior of the wall and trim around the window instead, it looks much more normal from outside, as you can still keep the curtains\shades\blinds or whatever intact if done right. Looks better IMO anyway, and hard to tell anyone blocked it that way
Click to expand...
Drop That Sound said:
They make actual 100% blackout static cling window film, but its extra heavy (and $$) and peels off according to most the comments I've read over the years. Not only that, but it makes the glass itself look solid as whatever color you choose and apply over it, when looking from the outside. Probably better to apply multiple layers of the thinner window tint with water and a squeegee so they hold up better if you go that route.


When you cover over the interior of the wall and trim around the window instead, it looks much more normal from outside, as you can still keep the curtains\shades\blinds or whatever intact if done right. Looks better IMO anyway, and hard to tell anyone blocked it that way.
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Good find, I'll look it over.
 
justugh

justugh

Well-Known Member
ymustuknow said:
Hello again,
I am looking to black out my window and am looking for suggestions. I want non-permanent solutions. From what I have seem online the best has been aluminum foil. I would like something that doesn't stick out like a soar thumb if possible.
Thanks for your time.
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best way is IR reflectors

if u were to look at your place with a heat/ir camera u would see body heat lights and a bunch of other things like pipes ....with this stuff u reflect it back so alls they see is a black form

besides the blocking the IR signal it will also defuse the light u use ( the little pattern it has will reflect back the light and make it go all defused reflecting it back at the plants)
 
ymustuknow

ymustuknow

Active Member
justugh said:
best way is IR reflectors

if u were to look at your place with a heat/ir camera u would see body heat lights and a bunch of other things like pipes ....with this stuff u reflect it back so alls they see is a black form

besides the blocking the IR signal it will also defuse the light u use ( the little pattern it has will reflect back the light and make it go all defused reflecting it back at the plants)
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I'll be using a tent so not sure if this is for me, but if I wasn't I'd say this is it. Thanks for sharing.
 
justugh

justugh

Well-Known Member
ymustuknow said:
I'll be using a tent so not sure if this is for me, but if I wasn't I'd say this is it. Thanks for sharing.
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yah ment for u .....i tell everyone to use that so the IR camera cops have do not pick it up (tent will not hide from IR it has no air break so the temp does not transfer)

if legal never mind
 
ymustuknow

ymustuknow

Active Member
justugh said:
yah ment for u .....i tell everyone to use that so the IR camera cops have do not pick it up (tent will not hide from IR it has no air break so the temp does not transfer)

if legal never mind
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right, legal here, good info either way
 
ymustuknow

ymustuknow

Active Member
1212ham said:
You'll get better answers if you give your questions some context. So, why do you need to black out the window?
I just closed the blinds and curtains in my room, before it was legal.
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Didn't think about the legality need, but see the point now. I want to block light and people from viewing.
 
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