Window film is a self-adhesive, polyester coating that can be applied to the windows of commercial buildings to serve a variety of functions. There are many different types of window film on the market. For commercial use, it’s best to look for abrasion-resistant films, like many offered by 3M, which can increase the film’s long-term performance and durability.

Window film can provide affordable solutions to many of the architectural and design challenges your business might be facing. When applied to glass surfaces films can protect both skin and belongings from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays, add an invisible layer of protection, increase privacy or even provide an aesthetically pleasing design solution to any space.

Solar Security

Solar films have come a long way since they first entered the market. The original dye-based films inefficiently absorbed solar energy at the glass level, reducing the amount of solar heat that entered. They helped enhance tenant comfort, but they didn’t work as well as the films on the market today.

Now many films are designed using reflective technology. Today’s reflective films are coated with metals, which help to increase the window’s reflective properties. Therefore, instead of absorbing the energy like dye-based films did, the sun’s energy bounces off the glass. This makes reflective films more efficient in reducing the level of heat allowed in from the sun. In its films, 3M uses multi-layer technology to further increase reflectivity and couple it with absorption to further reduce the amount of heat entering through glass.

The adhesive layer that holds the film to the window also serves a function. It includes ultraviolet protection, which protects skin, furnishings and merchandise from sun damage. Applying 3M film to your windows, for example, is like wearing SPF 1000. Solar films can be tinted or clear, like 3M’s Prestige Series Films.

Safety & Security Film

Safety and security films provide an invisible layer of protection to your business. Designed to increase the shatter-resistance of window glass, they keep broken glass together after impact. Compared to solar control window films, most safety and security films are manufactured with a stronger adhesive system. The increased thickness of most safety and security films also makes it more tear-resistant.

By keeping broken glass in place, safety and security films, like 3M’s, help to mitigate injuries associated with flying pieces of broken glass in the event of a wayward baseball, a forced entry or even a bomb blast. By keeping broken glass in place, these films also help to deter intruders from breaking in.

3M’s Safety and Security Window Films can slow down an intruder’s entry by up to two minutes providing business owners, schools and government buildings with the time needed to contact help. They protect against intruders, smash and grab burglaries, bomb blasts and more.

Decorative Film

Decorative film can transform any space while provide an affordable solution to your interior design needs. The durable polyester films transform plain glass to provide the same advantages of custom decorative glass at a fraction of the cost.

Top decorative film brands, like 3M, provide long-lasting films that are easily removed for when you’re ready for an aesthetic change. 3M offers a variety of design patterns and colors to allow for design solutions for any space. They can be used to add a design element to an area or increase your privacy without blocking natural light from shinning in.

Many film installers also offer custom cutting if you’d like designs or even your company’s logo cut into or out of film.

For more information about window film products by 3M, one of the world’s the leading window film manufacturers, contact Accent Distributing.