FAQ

Improving comfort, protecting vehicle interiors and the people who occupy them is a hallmark of 3M™ Automotive Window Films. 3M invented window films in 1966 and our innovative window film products have provided protection from the sun’s harmful rays for more than forty years. Put the innovation of 3M to work for you.

3M™ Sun Control Window Films are warranted to maintain their appearance without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing. Many of our films are warranted against discoloration, too (those which do not use dyed polyesters). Should the product prove to be defective, 3M and the authorized 3M™ Sun Control Window Film dealer will replace the film and provide the reapplication labor free of charge.

• 3M™ Sun Control Window Films are designed to help reduce the amount of solar heat transmission through window glass by increasing the solar reflection (not necessarily visible reflection) and solar absorption through the glass. Typical colored or dyed films work primarily through increased absorption. The color absorbs the solar energy at the glass, thus reducing the direct transmission into the room. These films offer only marginal performance when compared to reflective films.
• Reflective films are films that have been precision coated with metals. These metalized films are designed to increase the solar energy reflection of the glass and some of the absorption. 3M™ Sun Control Window Film reflective films range from moderate to excellent in solar performance (heat gain reduction).
• All 3M™ Sun Control Window Films are made to be transparent and optically clear. The ultraviolet protection in the adhesive system is there to protect the adhesive, the metals, the polyester film, and the abrasion resistant coating from UV degradation.

We suggest allowing thirty days for the film to dry and cure. During the curing process, it is natural to have small water bubbles and/or a hazing milky appearance. These will disappear as the film dries. Depending upon the film type and weather conditions, drying may take as long as thirty (30) days, or as little as a few days. Once dried, 3M™ Automotive Window Films will look great and perform well. Do not operate your windows for a minimum of three (3) to five (5) days.

3M Color Stable, Ceramic, and Crystalline Automotive Window Films are non-metallized. The result is an easy-to-maintain, long-life film that won’t interfere with GPS, satellite radio, tire pressure monitoring system, or mobile phone reception. This eliminates the frustration of lost connectivity associated with metallic or hybrid window films.

Nothing stops fading. 3M™ Automotive Window Films are designed to help reduce the major causes of fading (ultraviolet light, visible light, and solar heat), thus prolonging the life and preserving the appearance of your furnishings. As a general rule of thumb, Ultraviolet (UV) is approximately 40% of the cause of furniture fading, visible light about 25%, and heat about 25%.The remaining 10% can be attributed to humidity, pollutants, interior lights, dye anchorage, and other causes.

No, the ultraviolet (UV) protection that we use in our proprietary adhesive system does not lose its effectiveness over time. In fact, we tested an actual glass sample from The Dumbarton House, Washington, DC. This was a ten (10) year old application and the Ultraviolet transmission still measures <1%!

Due to its capability of high rejection of sun’s heat producing Infrared light, it may somehow affect the signal exchange of Infrared light applied devices, such as SmartTAG*. However, in order to optimize experience of enjoying high heat rejection and smooth journey through the SmartTAG, 3M Authorized Applicators would able to suggest few countermeasures.

* http://www.touchngo.com.my/CMS/Personal/Products/SmartTAG/SmartTAG-Technology/

According to Road Transportation Department of Malaysia (JPJ), Rule 5(1) and 5(3) of the 2000 Amendment of the Motor Vehicle Rules (Prohibition on Specific Types of Glass) set the translucence level of the front windshield at no less than 70%, while the front side windows at no less than 50%, and other windows at no less than 30%. Before applying any window tinting materials, installers should thoroughly review the appropriate regulations to insure compliance with all applicable standards.