One question that we are being asked quite regularly is “do we supply a one-way mirrored film”. A film that will allow one side full view through the glass, and the other with zero ability to view through the glass.
The simple answer is – it just doesn’t exist . However, there are things we can do that will enable us to gain this effect by using our current films and some creative lighting.
The rule to remember is that the side which you want to view out from will always need to be kept darker, with the side that you want the mirror effect on to be much brighter. Think about those cop shows we see … The interview room is always very bright, whilst the officers or witnesses are generally in a darkened room. It is actually said that the side you want the mirror on will need to be approx. 3 times brighter – This can be from the sun, or via artificial lighting from Spotlights, LED’s or Fluros etc.
Film selection will still play a major part in this relationship though, and that is where Johnson Window Film ‘Scenic View 10%’ (SV10) will truly come into play. With high external reflectivity matched with low internal reflectivity, it means that the brightly lit side (in most cases the external side) will only see a reflection, and the darker side (in most cases the internal side) will have the ability to view through the glass as if it were transparent.
Some examples where this has been used are –
- Reality TV shows such as Big Brother
- Market Research Programs
- Security Observation Offices
- Interrogation Rooms
Although I have always liked this example the best –
So if you are looking for both privacy AND the ability to see out unobstructed – Scenic View 10% is the film of choice.