--- title: How to measure and fit frosted window film description: Step-by-step instructions for measuring glass for made-to-measure window film, applying pre-masked patterned designs dry, and applying solid film wet or dry. url: https://frostfit.ca/guides/measuring-and-fitting updated: 2026-11-11 --- Guide # How to measure and fit frosted window film Updated 2026-11-11 Accurate measuring takes five minutes. How the film goes on depends on the design: patterned and lettered designs arrive pre-masked and are applied dry, where experience is highly recommended; solid film can be applied wet, which is the easiest method, or dry. ## Measuring - Measure the visible glass only, from the edge of the glass on one side to the edge on the other. Do not include the frame, rubber seal or putty. - Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom and use the smallest figure. Do the same for the height. - Enter the figures as measured. There is no need to subtract anything, because the fitting gap is deducted for you. - Measure each pane separately. Panes that look identical often differ by a few millimetres. ## Two ways to fit ### Exact fit with a gap The film is cut 1/8 inch smaller than the glass on each side and goes on without trimming. The fine clear line at the edge is standard for professionally fitted film. ### Oversize, trimmed in place An inch is added to the width and the height. You apply the film and trim it against the frame with the knife supplied. This suits older frames that are not perfectly square. ## Which method applies to my design? ### Pre-masked, dry install Every design with cut-outs: patterns, stripes, clear borders, house numbers, lettering, motifs and logos. The weeded film is covered with application tape so every piece stays exactly where it belongs. It must be applied dry, grips on contact and cannot be repositioned, so **experience applying film is highly recommended**. ### Solid film, wet or dry Full Frost and Privacy Band, with no cut-outs. Applied wet with soapy water, the film floats on the glass so you can slide it into place and press out bubbles. It is the most forgiving method and the best choice for first-timers. New to applying film? Choose a solid design, or have a patterned design fitted by someone experienced. A pre-masked piece that goes on crooked cannot be lifted and re-laid. ## Applying a pre-masked design (dry) You need a lint-free cloth, masking tape and the squeegee. Work in a clean, draught-free room. - Clean the glass thoroughly and let it dry completely. Any dust left on the glass will show under the film. - With the backing still on, hold the film against the glass, line it up and tape the top edge to the frame with masking tape so it hinges like a flap. - Lift the film, peel back the top few inches of backing and cut or fold it away. - Lower the exposed edge onto the glass and squeegee firmly across the application tape, working from the centre outward. - Keep peeling the backing away a little at a time while squeegeeing downward, so no air is trapped and no piece shifts. - Go over the whole piece again with firm squeegee strokes so every cut-out is pressed down. - Peel the application tape away slowly at a sharp angle, close to the glass. If a small piece lifts with the tape, lay the tape back down, press it again and keep peeling. ## Applying solid film wet You need a spray bottle of water with a few drops of dish soap, a lint-free cloth and the squeegee. Solid film can also be applied dry using the hinge method above. - Clean the glass thoroughly, including the corners, and remove any paint specks. - Spray the glass generously with water and a few drops of dish soap. - Peel the backing from the film and spray the adhesive side as well. - Place the film on the glass and slide it into position. - Squeegee from the centre outward to press the water out, then wipe the edges dry. ## Large glass supplied in panels Glass that exceeds 46.5 inches in both directions is supplied as numbered panels. Apply them in order and butt each panel against the last. The pattern is cut to continue across the join. ## If a piece does not fit If a measurement was wrong, we remake the piece once at half price. If the error was ours, we remake it free of charge. [Design and price your window](https://frostfit.ca/design-tool)