Transparent Window in Netting

Whatever you use, I would probably sew velcro to both the perimeter of the  newly cut hole in the netting and to the “window” so it can be replaced if/when it starts to yellow.

I have been interested in this for the same reasons as you. I did a lot of reading and ultimately I tried nine different film types. Automotive “paint protection film” was the winner.

My thinking was this: “hard”, crinkly, low-stretch films like polyester, polypropylene, nylon, etc. are lightweight and strong, but they tend to very easily propagate tears from a small nick or puncture, some are very difficult to bond (i.e. “polycryo” crosslinked polypropylene), and most of them “haze” (become cloudy from innumerable tiny crinkle-lines) over time. Most “soft” films like polyethylene, PVC, etc. have much lower tensile strength than the hard films, so thicker (heavier) stock is required. Also, many film materials are very sensitive to UV radiation, and rapidly yellow and break down in sunlight. An ideal tent window material should be crystal clear, resistant to crinkle-induced hazing, strong enough to permit use of thin (lightweight) stock, UV-resistant, and resistant to tear propagation.

Urethane “paint protection films” (also called “leading edge film”) has all of the desired properties. It contains UV stabilizers, it is very strong and resistant to punctures and tears, and it is crystal clear and doesn’t haze or yellow. It is lighter, stronger, and more UV-resistant than PVC film, which is the usual material in tent windows. Many paint protection films have adhesive on one side, but this can easily be removed with alcohol.

I hope this helps.

I couldn’t have hoped for better info, Colin. This makes my day. The adhesive will make it easier to sew, then remove it like you said. Great stuff, thanks!

Paul
Is your netting dark black ?
I’m asking because it is a lot easier to see through black than white (or light) netting.
(mind you , I have only tested the difference in daylight…)

It appears to be lighter black or charcoal. I’m not sure if it appears lighter because of the weave or whether it is actually lighter. I’ll get out the magnifying glass tonight and check it. I noticed a difference when I used a SS2 net tent as well.