I am looking for a window tint for the showroom windows that will block most if not all of the sunlight from outside, but will still allow people to see in from outside. Is this possible? Anyone know of any sources? Im trying to keep the light in the showroom down to a minimum for the projection screen. I put up blinds, but its still a bit much at times. I dont necessarilly need the light blocked ALL the time, just when I want to demo, etc. Thats why I thought the blinds would work pretty well. But a lot of light still seeps in around the corners of the blinds. I realize there are air-tight window darkening assemblies out there for this very purpose, but with the size of the windows and the fact that I am tight on money, this is not an option right now. Any suggestions?

Thanks

The total dark blinds which block all light are expensive. Maybe you can use some drapes, with the blinds should work pretty well.

Bob

If you want to knock the light down enough to show off a projection set up, you will need to spend some money.

The good shade companies like Lutron/Vimco and Draper and others have motorized shades that install into light blocking pockets on the sides and bottom to create a real room darkening solution.
The benefit of doing this as opposed to tinting would be that you have another automation demo and you may actually sell this solution to your clients.

If you are thinking tint, call a tint specialist.

If you're tight on cash, seek out a local guy that might trade out some gear for the labor or something. Don't skimp on the film or you will have purple windows after a couple years and have to do it over.

Whether or not people can see in has to do with which side has more light. During the day your visibility will be pretty low from outside to inside, but after sunset you will be able to see in almost as well as before the tint when the showroom lights are on.
The bad part of that is that your inside to outside visibility goes down at night, but if you have outdoor lights or street lights you should still be able to see what's going on pretty well.

I would suggest waiting until the shades can be budgeted.
If you aren't doing this already, offer shade solutions to your clients along with the lighting control and HVAC control pitch and maybe reinvest the profits from your first shade sale back into your own showroom.

If your looking for an affordable idea, using your existing blinds, tint a 4 or 5" border around the edge of the window. I know, this sounds goofy but it works and it doesn't look that bad.

This isn't my idea, a client with a full wall of windows on the southern side put up mini blinds to block the light. So much light came through the outer edges the screen was washed out until 9:00 at night. He had a 5" 'border' installed. It actually worked!

The Total dark blinds are obviously the best aproach. It's all a matter of money!

I am actually thinking of tinting my bedroom windows in my house.

The old people that lived next door moved out and the new girl that bought their house leaves the FOUR outside flood lights (two on the house, and two on the garage) that face my house on NIGHT AND DAY. I think the older couple were too stingy to run up the electricity. They only had them on when they left or when they got home.

They shine right through the window and keeps me awake...

I just put up some of those Levelor S-curve miniblinds and since I bought a light color to match the trim instead of a darker color to shade the light, they are not cutting it. (they are nice otherwise, highly recommended)

"They shine right through the window and keeps me awake..."

BB Gun?

"The good shade companies like Lutron/Vimco and Draper and others have motorized shades that install into light blocking pockets on the sides and bottom to create a real room darkening solution.
The benefit of doing this as opposed to tinting would be that you have another automation demo and you may actually sell this solution to your clients."

Agreed. This would be a great way for you to showcase, not only the projector, but the entire Home Theatre Experience. This is what its about... Anyone can go out and buy a projector... but top it off with motorized drapes... mmmm... tasty

Pretty close...
I guess I could do the diplomatic thing and bring over a bottle of wine and officially introduce myself and welcome her to the neighborhood... then casually bring up the flood light issue.

If I were pulling out the artillery, it would more likely be for the barking dogs on the other side. (and it wouldn't be a BB gun)
I had more peace and quiet in a 75+ unit apartment building.

Loud dogs AND blinding lights.

May I suggest a bottle of white table wine?

Conundrum? By Camus vineyards...

Any year you can get!

Thanks for all the tips. I axctually had someone else suggest the "perimeter" tinting. Maybe it will work.

I would LOVE to do the darkening blinds/pockets. Just tight on cash flow right now. Any ideas for sources on these? I did a google briefly, and they didnt seem to be an inexpensive item. $500/window rings a bell. Ive got 3 windows.

Rick,
Milgard dual panel vinyl retrofit windows, low-E coating, argon gas filled, huge reduction in outside noise level - $450 each installed

Levelor cellular shades with blackout option (0% light transmission) - $100 each installed (averaged out over 15 windows).

Being able to sleep till noon in total darkness and silence - Priceless

idodishez,
If you are going to block out most of the outside light coming in, there is little hope that anyone outside will be able to see in, at least in the daytime.
Take some hi-res pictures of your demo room, and maybe of other showcase installations you have done, and have the pictures blown up and printed on vinyl. There are large format printers in just about every town, consult your yellow pages. They can print an exact size for each of your storefront windows, for 100% fill.
After you attach the prints to the glass, and back the whole thing with something to block the light, such as heavy drapes, blinds, groovy wood panels, whatever floats your boat.

[Link: armorcoatfilms.com]

I've thought about armor coated windows... Maybe after that first break in.

You can achieve what you are looking for with a reflective window film.

Your local tint place that does commercial buildings will know exactly what to use.

Very popular in hotter areas of the country

Try to find a "Diamond Dealer" for window tinting...these are the best...I'm also a partner in a window tinting business which handles all types of work: car, residential, and commercial,
Kustom Kar in Kingsport Tn.

Actually, the windows are very nice high efficiency models from Marvin that cost a bloody fortune even with my connections. They won't be replaced in my lifetime...

Hey Bill,
I went to Milgard's site and looked in to the Quiet Line series.
I wish I had considered something like this a few years ago.

If things keep progressing the way they are, I may be building or gut-remodeling a new place within 5 years.