Film basics · 6 min read
Decorative, dichroic and dry-erase surface films: different products, different surfaces
Last revised October 26, 2026 · Published by Shore Tint & More, a 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer. Editorial disclosure
Decorative and frosted film (glass)
Frosted, etched-look, patterned and gradient films — including 3M's Fasara range — obscure views while letting light through. They're used to refresh conference rooms, office fronts, sidelights and bathrooms without replacing glass, and can usually be removed later.
Dichroic film (glass)
Dichroic films shift color depending on viewing angle and light, creating a changing, iridescent effect on glass. 3M offers dichroic decorative films for architectural feature glass. They are a design product: choose them for appearance, not as a heat-control or privacy solution, and look at samples in your actual light.
Dry-erase surface film (walls, desks — not windows)
3M markets the Post-it Flex Write Surface as a writable film for walls, doors, desks and similar smooth surfaces. It is a separate product category from window film. Surface prep, durability, cleaning and erasability depend on the substrate and the manufacturer's instructions; we don't make performance claims beyond what 3M publishes.
If you want to write on glass, plain glass is often already a good dry-erase surface; a decorative backing film can improve visibility.
Planning a refresh
- List each surface: glass, painted wall, laminate desk.
- Match the product category to the surface.
- Ask for samples and the current manufacturer instructions for each.
- Compare cost against replacement with real quotes — we don't publish generic savings percentages.
FAQ
Can dichroic film give privacy?
Not reliably. It's a visual effect; use frosted or patterned film where privacy matters.
Can the dry-erase film go on a window?
Follow 3M's instructions for that specific product; it's designed for surfaces like walls and desks, not as window film.
Sources & further reading
Product descriptions are summarized from manufacturer materials. We don't reproduce performance figures; request the current data sheet for any product you're quoted.