Our 2026 guide to transparencies
The Contra Vision® Perforated Window Film range has the widest number of transparency options. There is a transparency option suitable for all locations, from the bus window where through-vision is of prime importance, to the window of a vacant retail unit where maximum image impact is required.
If you’re new to the world of perforated window film – it’s important to know the differences and the options that are available to you for your next project.
As the inventors and specialists in one-way vision film, Contra Vision® has five different transparency options to select. We’ll highlight them below, beginning with the most vibrant.
20% (80/20) transparency
Percentages refer to the ratio between vinyl and perforations. So with our 20% transparency (80/20), 80% of the vinyl material remains, with 20% of the material being perforated.
This gives maximum vibrancy to the printed image as well as maximum protection from solar heat gain, glare and UV radiation. The level of through-vision is still acceptable for most static applications, particularly with full window coverage.
When would I choose this transparency?
- Small poster
- Want to maximum text legibility
- You want to retain color vibrancy
- You want the most amount of privacy
Where might I see this being used?
Colleges and schools would most likely default to 20% (80/20) in order to display their desired image, while keeping privacy high in order to protect students and staff inside.
30% (70/30) transparency
As you move down the transparency scale you sacrifice some external image vibrancy, but gain better light and through-vision into the interior space.
Our 30% (70/30) transparency is the standard choice for retail windows and large building wraps. This transparency is one of our most popular options.
When would I choose this transparency?
- Large scale building wrap
- Retail window
- Want to create image impact while allowing more light into a space
Where might I see this being used?
- Building wraps
- Retail spaces
40% (60/40) transparency
Our 40% (60/40) transparency material is our most popular option, providing a good balance between image impact and through-vision, making it particularly suitable for store fronts, full building wraps and vehicle windows.
If you’re looking for a good ‘all-rounder’ and don’t want to stock multiple transparency options, 40% (60/40) will provide a good mix of image clarity, light exposure and visibility out.
When would I choose this transparency?
- Large scale building wrap
- Retail window
- Only planning on holding one option in stock
- Vehicle window project
Where might I see this being used?
- Building wraps
- Vehicle windows
- Retail windows
Contra Vision® HD™ 40% (60/40)
Contra Vision HD boasts the world’s smallest perforations at a diameter of 1mm (down from 1.5mm on standard products).
This allows for greater image detail, finer text and offers a noticeably improved see-through compared to a standard 40% (60/40) film. By selecting Contra Vision HD you also have a durability of up to five years.
Contra Vision® HD™ effectively gives you the image quality of 20% (80/20) but the through vision of a 40% (60/40). This exclusive product can be used anywhere that standard perforated window film is used, as well as thousands of places not p
reviously considered. There is no difference in using this product than any of our standard films. You don’t need special printers, tools or settings to achieve incredible results.
When would I choose this transparency?
- Retail window
- Only planning on holding one option in stock
- Vehicle window project
Where might I see this being used?
- Vehicle windows
- Retail windows
*Contra Vision® HD™ is only available in our Performance (Premium) range.
50% (50/50) transparency
In applications where maximum through-vision is required, turn to our 50% (50/50) transparency. This option has the least amount of vinyl and the most perforations in the range and is most likely going to be used for transit applications such as bus and car wraps, train and tram wraps – where retaining visibility for passengers and driver alike is paramount.
When would I choose this transparency?
- Transit or personal vehicle wrapping project
- When I need through-vision > image impact
Where might I see this being used?
- Transit wraps
Other factors will determine the impact of see-through window graphics. The use of striking images with bright, contrasting colors will increase visual impact and privacy within a vehicle or building. One-way see-through graphics are only effective where there is more light on the outside (image side) than on the inside (black side). Backlit see-through graphics offer a solution if light levels are reversed, for example during the hours of darkness.
Please note that some countries, states or local authorities have laws or regulations specifying the level of transparency to be used on vehicle windows.
Contact our sales team to ask what’s best for your project, and read more about our range here.
Other factors will determine the impact of see-through window graphics. The use of striking images with bright, contrasting colors will increase visual impact and privacy within a vehicle or building. One-way see-through graphics are only effective where there is more light on the outside (image side) than on the inside (black side). Backlit see-through graphics offer a solution if light levels are reversed, for example during the hours of darkness.
Please note that some countries, states or local authorities have laws or regulations specifying the level of transparency to be used on vehicle windows.
Contact our sales team to ask what’s best for your project, and read more about our range here.
