3m Window Film- Is There a Difference From Other Window Films?
Many home decorators wonder if there are “brand” names when it comes to decorative window film or residential window film in general. More importantly, does this well known brand actually mean any difference in quality or price? I’ve been working with various window films for a while now and from my personal experience, I think that 3m is a manufacturer that stands tall alongside other types of window film. 3m window film has been of very good quality and has proved effective in the projects that I’ve worked on.
3m as a company, is a well known manufacturer that has thousands of products and millions of dollars in research budgeting. It only makes sense that they have the skill, money, and manpower to develop window films that are scientifically tested and can block 99% of Ultra Violet rays. Remember, its the UV rays that do damage to your furniture, carpet, hardwood floor , and even artwork.
They also have extensive different types window films and currently manufacturer several specialty glass films for the government and financial communities. One particular type of window film caught my eye. It is specifically made to cut down the glass shards that can happen in an explosion. Many times if a bomb or other type of explosion detonates, the flying glass that results is one of the leading causes of injury. This special explosion resistant film is applied to highly secure areas where such a threat is possible, and it controls the glass when it breaks. Amazing isn’t it!
My thought is that if a company puts that kind of engineering and effort into protecting human lives with their window film technology, surely they also must be able to provide the best technology for simple decorative residential film use. It seems logical to me at least 
Another key point is that often times, professional decorating firms and architectural companies will insist and prefer 3m window film. This also speaks volumes to me because if a professional is willing to stake their business and reputation on something, it must be good. Otherwise, they would be out of business in quick order.
But as there is with most things, there is a down side to 3m window films. Pricing is most definitely a bit higher than other types of window film. If quality is paramount to you and your home though, price many times becomes a non-issue.
One other tricky thing about 3m and their window films is in finding a 3m window film retailer. Since many of the installations that 3m manufacturers their window film for are very large, they have a direct sales force that sells to these accounts. Finding the specific decorative window film for your home may take a little more leg work. Check out your options online through some of the larger retailer sites like Lowe’s or Home Depot. If that doesn’t pan out, you can also check many online retailers that specialize in only selling window film. They may be able to purchase and then resell this high quality product to you.
Interesting article you have written.
I have been in the window film industry for almost 15 years now. Our company has tried & used many brands over the years. 3M is not a better product than most of them. It matches others or is actually not as good.
The reason you will find it hard to find an installer, is simply because most of the trade is not using it. Simple. Architects are only promoting it, because 3M is marketing aggressively.
As a side line comment, most good films block 99% UV.3M safety films have failed some tests that others have passed. Their films are not bad, but they are not the best. Some 3M films are made by other manufacturers and simply relabelled. Better films? Better marketing!
Rolf, You make some very good points. Thanks for commenting. No doubt 3m has a huge budget for marketing their products as well as for development of their window film technology. Perhaps, they even spend more marketing dollars than they do for developing their product? It is fascinating to me to note how much advertising and marketing play an important role in any companies successful product line.
I echo Rolf’s statement and dispute the entire premise of your article. You are very misinformed and, I believe, irresponsible to put this into print unless it’s merely an opinion as it does a disservice to readers and to the products of other, lesser known but much larger manufacturers. 3M window films are not a superior product in terms of quality or effectiveness. They are simply a well known brand yet they remain a comparatively small player in the window film industry.
@savage. Thanks for your comment! I wrote the article based on my experience and opinion of using 3m window film. I’m a home decorator, not a manufacturing expert. I’d love to point my readers of this blog to any sources of information that you may know about. I wouldn’t dare claim to be an expert in the manufacturing processes of all window film makers, but would love to learn more! 3m is a large corporation and as Rolf pointed out, they have the marketing money to ensure people think “quality” when they see that name. If you have other window film resources, please share with everyone! Thanks for participating!
Choosing the best film also depends on if it is a permanent or temporary application, just for glare and light reduction or should it also be decorative? Does it need to create privacy? Does the homeowner want to do the job themselves or hire professional installers?
Adhesive-free films such as wallpaper for windows See wallpaperforwindows.com ,offer a much wider set of solution options than adhesive-based permanent films that are difficult to install if you are not a professional film istaller.
So before choosing a film, I would suggest that a person fully understand what they want from their window film in order to get the right product for the job.