These are the most common reasons for tinting windows. The nature of window tint offers UV protection with every installation, as the UV inhibitor is in the film's adhesive. This protects the film itself from the sun's damaging UV rays. Heat has traditionally been reduced by reflecting light with a metallized film with a mirror-like appearance, and glare is reduced more as the film gets darker.

With some of the new films from 3M, heat can be reduced either by reflecting or absorbing part of the infrared light. With advances in technology over the last 5 years, it is no longer mandatory that good heat reduction means a highly reflective appearance. The 3M Prestige Films are very good at heat reduction, yet they have no metal in them. Instead, they are made of over 200 micro layers that trap infrared light. Prestige film is actually slightly less refective that a glass surface, meaning the film is virtually undetectable. Prestige is ideal for situations that require good visibility, such as a storefront, or those that require little or no change to outward appearance. Click here for a brochure in pdf format.

If you are looking for a film with great performance and warranty, and some reflection is ok on the outside, the Night Vision films from 3M are very elegant and effective. Available in shades from 70% visible light transmittance (VLT) down to 15% VLT, Night Vision films have a coating on the room side that reduces reflection inside at night. This prevents the look of mirrors at night, and enables one to see through them even if the room is brightly lit.

If privacy is a concern, there are a number of solutions. There are several films in the Fasara line that offer a frosted or etched appearance for complete privacy, and some of the reflective films offer excellent daytime privacy. It is important to know that any film that you can see through will not offer privacy when it is lighter inside than out: When your lights are on at night, people can see in. There is no film or glass that is truly one-way; they are all dependant on lighting for privacy, even the "one-way glass" in police interrogation rooms require that the lights are brighter on the other side.

3M offers Safety and Security Films in the Scotchshield line. Depending on the situation, these films can protect against forced entry; against personal injury in the event of a broken window; and also extreme situations such as explosions and airbourne debris. They also are available as an anti-grafitti solution. 

Click here for a pdf brochure.

Click here for free access to Visual Tinter. This tool demonstrates how window film looks when installed. It shows interior and exterior views, and you can choose most films made by 3M.