Category Archives: Compare Home Depot 3M tinting

Multilayer Film Vs. Ceramic Film-Why Prestige Homes Choose Window Film USA

You may fool all the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all the time; but you cant fool all of the people all the time.

The window film industry is a complex world and contradictory positioning of product solutions can quite often leave a prospective client with a pounding headache.

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The following analysis is geared toward our more technically oriented prospective clients.

It assumes that your research and ultimate decision will be based on solid factual information as opposed to a brand belief in unrelated products like filters and sticky notes.

Rather than adding to a confusing scenario here are highlighted the key advantages to the ceramic technology compared to our competitor’s multi-layer optical films (MOF)

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1. The ceramic film color and hue is natural and neutral. The 3M prestige film has a blue shift that alters the light streaming through your windows. Simply tilt their sample cards at a slight angle and you will observe this blue shift. This color shift has a direct influence on the colors of your fabrics and furnishings. This is why a neutral color is preferred by interior designers who are acutely aware of these issues.

Huper Optik

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2. The multilayer films also produce a rainbow effect on the glass at an angle, and the resulting light projected onto the floor and walls, carpets, etc. (in particular white colors or lighter beige walls or furnishings) has an oil slick iridescence appearance. This is readily observed. Our ceramic films do not produce this unintended effect since the light is not being filtered through the prismatic lens of the micro-layers.

3. The color or chemical composition of the ceramic films are stable and there are no dyes, contrary to false statements by some obviously ill trained or simply misinformed competition. The 3M film has dyes which will wear down during its life cycle.

The prestige competitor has modified their 70% VLT films with surface level coatings that do not have the durability of a ceramic film. In other words, the tint surface layer is removed quite easily.  This can have long term implications for clear areas of film directly adjacent to darker areas because of their inherent limited hard coat protection.

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3M Film top left pane. Huper Optik ceramic film on the balance of the panes. This is a typical appearance for 3M window film.

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4. We have previously highlighted the “incredible” in the dictionary sense, of statements promoting a superiority in  “on angle” performance. This purported advantage is not an accepted standard by the NFRC.  This is simply the natural outcome of wave and particle physics and EM (electro-magnetic) performance of glass at angle. The NFRC has certified Vista as well as the Huper Optik ceramic films.  This is the “level playing field”

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5. Infrared rejection is typically quoted as a “be all and end all” of spectrally selective window films.

I’ll admit that while I was hawking their prestige film, I sincerely believed that the film could eliminate 97% of the invisible, infrared spectrum. This seemed to be confirmed when the technical types produced a IR heat lamp and a BTU meter that amazingly reduced the “heat” beyond the capability of a silver reflective 20% film or a very dark 5% limo film.

What was not communicated was the fact that the “test” was rigged

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The film does perform effectively between 850-900 NM but the IR lamp coincidentally produced IR at that exact same narrow wavelength; thus producing this “magical” effect.

The IR wavelengths are much broader than this extremely narrow window. The actual IR rejection across the broader spectrum is quantifiable much less than the 97% figure they so frequently tout (the accurate IR rejection across the entire wavelength has not been published to date.)  (Note that anecdotal data indicates an 84% IR Rejection)

IR represents about 50% of what we experience as heat.

The ceramic films, like Huper Optik eliminate over 90% of the entire IR wavelength.

The visible portion of the sun’s energy requires a tint, or some chemistry (metals, dyes, pigments,nano dots)  to reduce the light. Thus a 30% ceramic film will reduce nearly 70% of the visible light while also factoring out the previously mentioned 90% plus of the IR.

So- -aside from the surface color on our competitor’s film, why wouldn’t they simply produce a 30% prestige like nano technology, multi-layered film to meet the rebate standard requirement of our local power companies?

Solar Absorption!! 
 
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The solar absorption of a multi-layered optical film is quite dramatic. Those 200 nano-layers may be quite small but they produce the unintended consequence of a dramatic increase in heat on the glass surface. This means the glass with their film on it gets extremely hot.

This heat absorption can produce “thermal stress” on the glass unit.  The solar absorption rate of even their 40% film is borderline for IG units (restricted?)

6. Huper Optik ceramic films meet TECO rebate requirements where the 3M prestige film DOES NOT. The Huper Optik film earns $2.00 per square foot where the repackaged 3M ceramic films can not.

Let’s be blunt for the non window film educated consumer home depot shopping novice.

Electromagnetic energy from the sun can either be reflected, absorbed or transmitted. Obviously a low reflective ceramic film will reflect a small percentage of the EM as will the glass itself. Some energy will be transmitted (Total solar energy rejected) and some will be absorbed (glass/film surface gets hot) The key number to look for is the SHGC

Our Huper Optik Ceramic Films meet the SHGC threshold of the utilities for total heat rejected. That’s the bottom line!

Optical clarity-distortion.


This is problematic and we will choose our words carefully. The multi-layered light has to pass through an adhesive layer. This is also the case with our Vista and Huper Optik Film. Obviously a clear distortion free adhesive is recommended. 

The various sample cards shown by our competitors does not include their adhesive layer.  The Huper Optik sample card does. You will also note that the Huper Optik sample includes the clear liner.

Bridge of Light Orlando Science Museum Huper Optik

The prestige sample card does not.

Aside from the black border framing their sample card that tends to trick the eye to see their film as lighter (candidly many film companies use this same effect!)

We will simply note that a comparison made between sample cards pressed against a window may be seriously flawed. A much better comparison would be for a mock up done, side by side comparison, on a window (your window?) Before you make a hazy choice- –

Call Advanced Film Solutions!

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IWFA – IR Ratings of Window Film

We’ll take that challenge any day of the week!

Advanced Film Solutions believes we offer the superior value as well as the superior performance and price/solution equation.

Advanced Film Solutions

Toll Free: 877-575-4356
 

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Prestige Tampa, Orlando Gated Communities Get Ceramic Huper Optik Window Film

Many gated communities are governed by deed restrictions that limit or prohibit the installation of reflective window films.  

 

Your Home Owners Association (HOA) typically has an architectural committee that reviews these matters. 

 
The key is finding a cost efficient energy reducing window film that has no reflectivity and is durable and warranted for a lifetime of enjoyment.
 
 

Huper Optik Ceramic Films offer incredible heat and glare rejection without the mirror-effect on your glass.

These outstanding NFRC Certified window films let in natural light with interior and exterior reflectivity that is slightly lower than your glass.

Our Huper Optik series is available in a 20/30/40/50 and 70% visible light transmissions.

 

These films won’t interfere with cell phones, wireless signals or FIOS.

  • Ceramic is less reflective than glass. Your day and evening views are protected.

  • Ceramic color is neutral natural light, neutral hues. Several competitor’s film shifts the light to blue in the spectrum.

  • Ceramic factors out larger % of the infrared across the entire invisible infrared spectrum.

  • Ceramic Films reduce UVA and UVB by 99.9%

  • Huper Optik do not corrode or require any additional edge sealing.

  • Ceramics are durable and they offer a lifetime warranty.

  • Ceramic is safe and warranted for IG units and dual pane applications.

  • Our team has earned Angie’s List Super Service Award for the last 8 years. We are also the Best Of Home Advisor and A Plus rated with the BBB!

Whether you reside in a Deed Restricted Community or simply prefer the aesthetics of non reflective window films your best choice is:

 

Advanced Film Solutions!

Call 877-575-3456 (Toll Free)

Florida’s Window Film Leader:

 
 
 

Prestige Home Depot 3M Gimmicks And Window Tinting, Florida

We recently provided an estimate for a homeowner in Odessa, FL.


They have intense glare and heat blasting into several rooms in their home.  They were actively looking for solutions and have considered blinds and draperies.

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Direct comparisons win the day for Vista and Huper Optik Ceramic Films

 

They happened upon a 3M Window Film display at a local Home Depot store and were given a demo showing just how much heat the 3M Prestige Film would block from entering their home.

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“97% of the heat the representative proudly exclaimed. No other film like it, it’s simply miraculous!”
 
They were more than intrigued and scheduled an in-house estimate. A sales rep gave them an estimate at a price that would shock even Charlie Sheen!

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These homeowners declined to proceed and off went the 3M rep.
 

They went online to do their research and found me.

werThis isn’t an unusual occurrence.

This conversation may prove instructive to anyone who has been impressed with this demo at Home Depot or a Home Show and is considering their prestige solution.

At the onset I should mention that I spent 33 years at 3M.  The Prestige Film was introduced in late 2005 and launched in 2006.


The idea was to position the product as an alternative to several spectrally selective films that had been introduced years earlier.

Their draw-back was the requirement to edge seal these films if the installation was done within proximity of water. (By the way Advanced Film Solutions does not promote solutions that corrode. That’s why we present Huper Optik ceramic films as the winning alternative.)

The film had an average heat rejection in the low 50’s which all things considered was pretty good for a light (70% VLT) film like Prestige.

Interestingly the films ability to factor out infrared heat particularly in a specific and extremely narrow wavelength, could be demonstrated using a very specific BTU meter and IR lamp.

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The demo would seem to simulate the solar spectrum (it does not!) and an observer would be able to extrapolate how the film worked in blocking the IR.

IWFA – IR Ratings of Window Film

We all understood that there might be the potential that people might assume that this film could block more than 50% of the heat based on the unusual “loaded” demo.

Consumers should be instructed that this was simply a demo and that the actual performance one might expect would be clearly noted on our specification sheet.

Obviously, a client who supposed that this product would block 97% of the heat would be sadly disappointed once they received their first post installation electric bill.Now usually at this juncture the skeptical will defend what they think they saw.

I can use illustrations like pointing to a David Copperfield magic act to highlight the illusion.

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I might spend 15 minutes describing the physics of the trick and exactly why and how it works to trick the uninformed viewer. 

I can show charts and white papers

Coincidentally; I could do my own demo using several films that can beat Prestige at their own trickery.

Not gonna happen!


Yesterday I chose the technical approach

a) Because I can.

and. .

b) Because these folks were well educated people who understand the basics of what I explained above.

The question remains: How many consumers have unsuspectingly swallowed the illusion completely? 

 

How many folks have been mislead?

 

We deal in straight talk, fair pricing and provide the best installations with the leading window film brands in the world.

Call for a free estimate or an education!
 
 
 
 
 
Toll Free 877-575-3456
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Consumer Window Tinting Comparison Advanced Film Solutions Vs. 3M

Thanks to the power of the Internet, consumers have incredibly detailed resources to conduct their own research on nearly any product or solution.

It’s no different for investigating window film solutions for homeowners in Tampa Bay, Orlando or throughout the USA.

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Let’s assume that you recognize that window film is the right solution for glare, heat, uncomfortable rooms, rising electric costs and fading.

There are scores of choices and companies who are all vying for your business.

You may be familiar with certain brands and that’s understandable.  After all you have heard of Scotch Tape and 3M Post-It Notes; so that 3M logo might be tempting.

As an independent window film solutions provider Advanced Film Solutions established a differentiation strategy that allows our clients to find the perfect film for their specific requirements.

Our background (33 years at 3M) and more recently the last 17 years as Florida’s fastest growing residential and commercial window film installation company is unmatched in Tampa Bay and the Orlando region.

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Our commitment to detail and superior customer service has been recognized by Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner for8 straight years! 

We are also proud of our Accredited A Plus Rating from the Better Business Bureau.

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  • Is there a difference in the optical clarity of one film versus another?
     
    There are differences in optical clarity between the various window film brands. Advanced Film Solutions recommends VISTA, LLumar and Huper Optik Films that offer pristine clarity and unmatched durability.

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  • When in doubt; we recommend that you compare the actual window film being proposed in a side-by-side comparison. Advanced Film Solutions has never lost this “see for yourself” comparison.
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  • How about reflectivity?
    Most manufacturers produce reflective, dual reflective and non reflective window films to meet a variety of consumer requirements.
  • Reflective metallic films are effective in keeping the heat from entering your home.Advanced Film Solutions recommends our Vista dual reflectives based on the heat rejection, durability and optical clarity that are mandatory for Interior Designers.
  • Non-Reflective Films:

    Ideal for HOA rules and deed restrictions the best alternative is Huper Optik.  They have outstanding durability, clarity and superior heat rejection.

    Huper Optik is available in a wide range of light transmissions and all are less reflective than glass.

  • We have seen 3M Prestige at Home Depot and they claim that this film works better at an angle (like when the Sun is at 3 PM or 9 AM) they also claimed that their film blocks more heat than silver reflective films or very dark films. Is this accurate?

    The short answer is an emphatic – NO!

  • All window films and glass itself appear to work better when the heat source is at an angle to the glass. This is not unique to 3M Prestige Film or frankly any window film.

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  • But we saw a heat lamp demo and we could actually feel a dramatic reduction in heat with a clear Prestige Film? Seeing is believing!How could such a great demo be inaccurate or misleading?

  • The trick is fairly easy to explain. 

    The french fry lamp blasts IR heat in a narrow wavelength. The Prestige film blocks IR wavelengths in this bandwidth.

    The BTU meter is configured to measure IR heat in that specific wavelength.  In other words it’s a snake oil trick.Collage

Summary:

There are important differences between the various window film solutions available.

Advanced Film Solutions consultants can explain the differences and customize the perfect solution for your home.

We win supported by facts over perception and our clients reap the reward of a lifetime of comfort and energy cost savings.

Advanced Film Solutions

Tampa Bay -Orlando
 
877-575-3456

 

3M Window Film Comparisons Tampa Bay, Orlando, Sarasota

Yes. .
 

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When we left 3M Window Film nearly 18 years ago our goal was to compete head to head with our 3M window film competition.

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Certainly we were motivated after spending a few years with that company (33 years!)

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The critical advantage we have is knowing the 3M Window Film limitations and recognizing which window film solutions offered superior value for our clients.

That of course isn’t enough.


You’ve heard of 3M.

You have to acknowledge their brand power and the halo effect of good will based on the thousands of products they make and their “image” of innovation.

Heck I was once a 3M guy and to paraphrase Tommy Lasorda; “I had 3M Red flowing through my veins.”

Of course that has absolutely nothing to do with whether their window film solutions can match competition.

Particularly Advanced Film Solutions!

It’s their perception of performance that was the chief sales obstacle to overcome.

Winning on the glass is actually the easiest mission to accomplish.
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We win when our clients can see the clarity of our films.
 

Yes-it is that OBVIOUS!

So the challenge has been to slap consumers on the side of their heads (figuratively speaking, of course) with FACTS.

Facts like the NFRC Ratings that quantify window film performance on various window systems

Facts like solar heat gain rejection for their prestige films that dispel any baloney claims about 97% heat rejection.

 Facts like independent and objective testing for fragment retention,

Facts that dispel the notion that their film has any advantage in hard coat.

Facts like they don’t actually make “their” ceramic film so they can hardly brag with a straight face about how clear “their film” looks implying it’s a result of their innovation.

Facts like all films and glass itself will perform better when the heat source (Sun) is at an angle to the glass.

 

Will facts win the day?

Does a side by side comparisons of superior Vista and Huper Optik optical clarity win the day?

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3M film top left panel-Huper Optik on the rest.
 
Yes. you can see the difference and no,we didn’t Photoshop this!

Only if, and when, we have the opportunity to educate our potential client.
So. .

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Call 3M.

Go to the Home Depot store.

Watch their gimmick demo using a heat lamp and btu meter and get their astonishing quote.

Then. .
 

And this is extremely important. . .

Call Advanced Film Solutions, toll free at
 
877-575-3456
 
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You’ll be happy that you did!