Privacy

Thank goodness for snow days - I've had two this week (Tuesday and Wednesday) and have used the time somewhat wisely. Granted, snow days aren't packed full of activity, but I try to take advantage of the extra time. It's funny, one year ago this week I had three snow days (followed by three more the following week) during which I stripped the woodwork in the guest bedroom. I can't say I was nearly as ambitious this year, but I can report progress.

The completion I am most excited about is applying decorative window film to the window in the master bathroom. This window is really cool - rectangular on the bottom and rounded on the top - nothing I'd ever want to cover up with a curtain. But, since it's a straight shot to the new shower and toilet, I had to do something about the privacy issue.

I considered using frosted spray paint, but I'm not a good spray painter. It tends to gob up in places, and I was concerned about an even coat (mom said she had the same problem). I decided against frosted contact paper because it always sticks in places I don't want it to, plus the air bubbles - ugh. Instead, I found decorative window film at the Home Depot. It's quite a bit more expensive than contact paper ($20 a roll), but worth the extra money.

How it works: Cut the window film (it's paper backed) down to size with a utility knife. Apply water mixed with a little dish soap to the window with a sprayer or sponge. Peel the backing from the film, and apply to the window. The liquid underneath allows for correct positioning, then use the squeegie (sorry about the spelling) provided with the film to remove the excess liquid. It can be removed and re-applied if it needs cut down (although I made sure it fit before I peeled off the backing). I do recommend not trying to re-stick it to the paper backing if you remove it from the window. I tried that once to make a small adjustment and part of the backing ended up sticking to the film and was a mess to fix.

I was really worried about how this small project would go, but it was awesome! I moved quickly through the rectangular pieces, but the rounded pieces slowed me down a bit. I ended up using wax paper (because it's so flexible) to get a pattern for the four rounded panes. I used that pattern to trace onto the film, then cut with the utility knife. I learned that scissors also cut the film and were helpful on those rounded sides. I made sure to dry fit each special piece and cut down where needed before removing the paper backing.

I'm really happy with the result and am glad to have privacy for the shower/toilet area. I like that it lets in the same amount of light, but I don't have to worry about a curtain to cover up that neat window. The window from a distance:
And the film/texture close up:

This film is sold in many patterns and textures, but this one is the only semi-clear one available (it's called Champagne). The others are all patterned or stained glass.

In addition to the window film, I also applied two coats of stain to the closet doors we special ordered. They've been waiting for stain for a long time, and I finally got there yesterday and today. I applied the first coat yesterday, but it just didn't seem to fit the richness and color we were looking for. After a second coat today they are perfect. As always, this small project took longer than I had expected (about 1 1/2 to 2 hours per set of doors both days). After polyurethane, they'll be ready to install.