ND gels for car windows

[Jarrod Whaley]

I'm looking for some ND gels to be stuck onto some car windows for daylight interior vehicle shots. I'm wondering if there's some particular type of gel I should look for in connection with this particular application. Can you buy it in sheets big enough to cut out a single, seamless piece of gel for each window that needs treatment? If not, how would you go about using multiple pieces of gel on a single window without having to overlap them or else leave an otherwise obvious seam?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions...

[Matt Irwin]

You can buy gel in 4' rolls (25' L). That should be enough to custom cut for the car windows.
Take care when applying the gel to windows that will be in shot. Usual practice is to wet the window, apply the gel and then (using a wiper blade of similar tool) wipe the water and air out from the center. Idea is to get rid of ripples and air bubbles.

[Jarrod Whaley]

Thanks for the tips, Matt. I had assumed that some kind of squeegee action would be in order... now I know exactly what kind of squeegee action. :)

Would anyone be able to suggest a DVi sponsor that might stock rolls of ND at this size? I'm not having very much luck finding it.

thanks...

[Vincent Rozenberg]

Tada: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...s=&ci=1329&ac=

[Jarrod Whaley]

Hey, thanks. Don't know why I couldn't find that on my own. Too sleepy and too hung over today, I guess. :)

[Dave Perry]

You might also try your local auto parts store and get some dark window tinting film.

[Greg Boston]

Originally Posted by Dave Perry

You might also try your local auto parts store and get some dark window tinting film.

I thought of suggesting that too Dave, but it might be difficult to remove afterwards since it's meant not to come off easily.

-gb-

[Jarrod Whaley]

It's a good idea though, thanks. I'm sure it's cheaper. I do need to be able to get it off though, so I'm only just keeping it in mind.

[Dave Perry]

It comes off quite easily actually. Especially if it's only on for the amount of time you are shooting. You just peel it off. It's a film very similar to lighting gels if not the same material. There is a light, water based adhesive on one side and it washes of with soap and water after you've removed it from the glass.

[Jarrod Whaley]

Thanks Dave, it definitely sounds like it would be much cheaper, if a tiny bit more work. I'm going to look into it.

[Greg Boston]

Originally Posted by Dave Perry

It comes off quite easily actually. Especially if it's only on for the amount of time you are shooting. You just peel it off. It's a film very similar to lighting gels if not the same material. There is a light, water based adhesive on one side and it washes of with soap and water after you've removed it from the glass.

Good info Dave. I think they also make larger rolls of this stuff for tinting home windows.

-gb-

[Adam Keen]

They make tinted vinyl for use on home windows, you can get it at a hardware store.