Glazing films, Commerical

Description

A clear film added to the surface of glass. Glazing films, or glass laminates, can provide scratch resistance, UV blocking, IR blocking, a printable surface, decoration, and/or a change transparency. In conservation, they are primarily used to minimize damaging ultraviolet radiation from the natural daylight in exhibition spaces. Commercially available films and their characteristics can vary widely as well as their aging properties (see Boye, et al 2011). In recent years, the options available for the films also include heat control (IR blocking), as well as reflectivity options that ensure visibility from the outside is blocked for security (often termed 'privacy'). As these optical characteristics for these options are related, they often come together. As noted by Boye, et al (2011) the adhesive on the film can be problematic and limit its useful lifetime. Thus, manufacturers have recently started offering 'static' cling films that do not have adhesives. Static cling films are easier to apply, as they can be repositioned and also removed without any adhesive residue. One caution is that, thus far, these static cling films are made from Vinyl polymers that have limited lifetimes when exposed to sun. This means they should be considered 'temporary' since absorbed UV radiation will degrade the polymer resulting in yellowing and loss of adhesion.

Functions

• UV Blockage:
• IR Blocking: Films reduce heat in two ways, reflection and absorption. Reflective films (i.e. mirror films) block almost all light and are best at reducing heat. These films are safe for dual pane windows because they mainly reflect heat and absorb so little heat. Films that non-reflective (i.e. pass visible light), while blocking IR tend to contain non-particles of metal. Unfortunately, these metals can corrode in coastal environments and may interfere with electronic signals. The films tend to be expensive.

Installation

• Adhesive: designed to last a long time (often with 5 year warranties) and have better clarity and have performance features like better heat control. Installation can be cumbersome and difficult.
• Static Cling: offers easy installation and removal; they are also reusable after a light rinse
• Please note that some films are not recommended for dual pane or insulated windows because they can stress the seals and glass. This information is not supplied in this record.

Commercial Examples

Tradenames	Company	Composition	Thickness	Width	Adhesion	Comments	Websites	Tech sheet
Envision Series	3M	Polyolefin	2 mils (0.05mm)		Heat activated (50 to 100 F)	Blocks UV (up to 99%); minimizes glare without darkening room
Prestige Series	3M	Multilayer PET/PMMA with siliconized liner	2 mils (0.05mm)	914.4 mm, 1219.2 mm, 1524 mm, 1828.8 mm	PSA acrylic	Blocks UV (up to 99%); Blocks IR (up to 97%), metal free, minimal impact on appearance, scratch resistant	3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series	Prestige Series
Gallery Bond	Quality Media & Laminating Solutions	Polyolefin	3 mils (0.08mm)	54 x 100 in; 60 x 150 in	PSA acrylic (ultraclear); no heat is recommended.	Eliminates glare	Quality Media	Gallery Bond
Ceramic 30 Ceramic series Window Films	Huper Optik	Multilayer PET/PMMA with nano-ceramic particles			PSA	Blocks UV (up to 99%); rejects heat, maximizes visibility, non-metallic, low reflectivity, extremely durable	Huper Optik, USA	Ceramic Series Films
Drei 35 Select series Window Films	Huper Optik	Multilayer PET/PMMA with precious metals			PSA	Blocks UV (up to 99%) and IR (up to 98%); maximizes visibility, non-reflective, metals can corrode in coastal environments and may interfere with electronic signals; expensive	Huper Optik, USA	Select Series Films
S2M Clear UV Blocking	BDF			Various precut sizes	PSA	Blocks UV (up to 99%); maximizes visibility; not intended for heat control; Optically clear with a scratch-resistant coating, it is also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation	BDF Window Films	S2M Clear UV Blocking
NSN 70 High Heat rejection & UV Cut	BDF	Multilayer, contains nichrome and silver-alloy particles		Various precut sizes	PSA	Blocks UV (up to 99%); reduces visibility to 70% ; reduces heat transfer by 45%; compatible with dual pane window	BDF Window Films	NSN High Heat Rejection
	Gila				Electrostatic	Static cling window films in various types, including privacy, blackout, and heat control, many of which also feature UV blocking; may contain titanium	Gila Films - Home Window Films
Stat-101i	Luminis films		180 microns	60 cm, 120 cm	Electrostatic	Blocks UV (up to 98%), easily repositionable, does not discolor, maximum light transmission (84%), solar energy rejected 15%	Luminis Films	Stat-101-i
G-Cling	GreenFilm USA				Electrostatic	Static cling window tints that are glue-free and easy to apply and remove; G-Cling" line includes very light tints that block over 99% of UV rays while letting in a significant amount of natural light
UltraCool	Solyx				Electrostatic	Static cling UV-blocking film

Note: PSA = Pressure-sensitive adhesive

Synonyms and Related Terms

laminate film; window film

Resources and Citations

• Colleen Boye, Frank Preusser, Terry Schaeffer, 'Aging Properties of Select UV-Blocking Window Films' WAAC Newsletter, Vol 33(1), 2011 Link