Window Film Facts to Consider

POLYESTER FILM: 3M is one of America’s largest manufacturers of polyester film. Much of the 3M Scotchtint product line is performance engineered with 3M polyester materials. Because 3M understands polyester film, we use only top quality polyesters in our product.

METALLIZING: Very thin metallized layers are the key to sun control film performance. Three methods for coating thin film metal layers are utilized to performance engineer 3M Scotchtint Sun Control Window Films to meet customer performance requirements. Most competitors use only one method to coat metal layers. 3M can use all three alone or in conjunction with each other to enhance performance.

ADHESIVE SYSTEM: A solar control film is only as good as its adhesive system. For nearly 70 years, nobody has been better at adhesives than 3M. Only 3M Scotchtint products have a proprietary acrylic adhesive system developed by 3M especially for window film. When properly applied it will result in a clean, easy installation, that is long lasting with no bubbling, blistering or wrinkling. 3M’s pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) is performance engineered to form an aggressive bond to the glass, and can be easily removed at the end of its useful life, unlike some chemical bond adhesive systems, that fuse to the surface of the glass and are difficult and costly to remove. 3M Scotchtint Window Films with 3M’s unique adhesive system will give you overall performance long after some manufacturer’s films have aged and deteriorated.

UV INHIBITORS: 3M Scotchtint Films utilize UV inhibitors in the adhesive system. With 3M Scotchtint Film, up to 99% of the ultra violet rays from the sun are stopped within the adhesive system. The adhesive system in 3M Scotchtint films is not significantly affected by UV rays over time and will not turn yellow. The 3M'’ UV inhibitor system does not break down with time and will afford optimum performance for years to come.

ABRASION RESISTANCE: 3M abrasion resistant technology allows for application of a very durable hard surface. This abrasion resistant coating reduces scratching or demetalizing when the film is bumped, touched or cleaned. This coating is tested according to ASTM-D1044, Standard Method of Test for Resistance of Transparent Plastics to Surface Abrasion. 3M’s Abrasion Resistant Coatings have been time tested with over 30 years of film manufacturing and installation experience.

PRODUCT TESTING: 3M maintains world class testing facilities to assure 3M Scotchtint Film quality. 3M’s indoor weathering facility is the largest of its kind in the world. Numerous programmed weatherometer cycles simulating solar energy in conjunction with humidity are utilized to evaluate longevity. An Independent Laboratory performs auxiliary testing that includes accelerated aging for up to 3,000 hours. In addition to weatherometers, outdoor testing in Florida and Arizona is performed. A Spectrophotometer is used to evaluate and monitor all film performance on glass. Prolonged testing assures long term film durability, adhesive performance, resistance to metallic corrosion, and maintenance of performance characteristics. The tests performed are published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and are listed below.

ASTM-408: Standard Method for Total Normal Emittance by inspection Meter.
ASTM E-308: Standard Recommended Practice for Spectro-Photometry and Description of Color in CIE1931 (this is an indicator of luminous reflection and visibility).
ASTM-E903: Standard Methods of Test for Solar absorbance, reflectance and transmittance using an integrated sphere.
ASTM G-90: Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weatherizing for Non-Metallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Light.
ASTM G26: Xenon arc weathering to accelerate natural aging
ASTM E-84: Flammability is always a concern for commercial and residential structures. 3M Scotchtint Window Film meets the requirements for a Class "A" Interior Finish for building materials for both Flame Spread Index and Smoke Developed Values.

WARRANTY: 3M provides the most comprehensive limited warranty coverage in the industry. Some companies offer a longer warranty but are limited in the more costly removal and reapplication labor. In the event that 3M Scotchtint film is found to be defective, within the limited warranty period, the film will be replaced at no charge to the customer. This includes the labor cost of removal and reapplication free of charge. 3M has a 2 year, Glass Breakage and Seal Failure Warranty, if breakage is caused directly from the application of the film. Should the glass break or seal fail due to the film within two years of application, 3M will replace the glass (maximum $500.00 per window), and the applicator will replace the film. In addition, the 3M Warranty allows the use of ammonia cleaning agents.