window tinting near you | The Inner Circle - Advanced Film Solutions BLOG

Updated Critical Consumer Window Film Comparison: Eastman Vs. 3M Window Tinting

Today’s consumers are particularly well prepared to make their own comparisons between window film choices. They research via the internet and social networking.

They check independent resources like the NFRC.

People don’t want to be “sold” they want to be informed and educated.

This is a vast improvement and a powerful tool for our clients.

Advanced Film Solutions based in Tampa Bay with offices in Sarasota and Orlando has a somewhat unique perspective on the critical comparisons between 3M Window Film and the Eastman Window Film portfolio.

As the former 3M employee (33 years) and as the former National Sales Manager of 3M Window Film and for the last fifteen years as the founder and President of Advanced Film Solutions.

Advanced Film Solutions is thoroughly versed in all aspects of the window film business.

We appreciate that our bias is toward Eastman Films.

We are their LLumar Select National Dealer of the Year (2020) Dealer of the Year for the Southeast USA and the Dealer of the year for Eastman’s Huper Optik Films in Florida.

Nevertheless leaving that aside I’d like to assist consumers in a factual analysis of the differences and superiority of the LLumar, Vista and Huper Optik Film:

NFRC:

The NFRC rates all lab tested and independently documented applied films. This is a completely objective fact based resource.

You will note that the Eastman film portfolio offers a quantum advantage in choices for residential and commercial clients.

From solar films in reflective, dual reflective and nano-ceramic films the Eastman suite of films dwarfs the limited 3M offering.

Non reflective choices that meet all deed restrictions like our Huper Optik ceramic films. These patented films have no dyes and a durable hard coat. This compares to the 3M Prestige films that have dyes that will degrade through the course of time.

These choices out-perform the 3M films in glare rejection, heat rejection and optical clarity.

Eastman LLumar and Vista solar and clear security films are available in dozens of shade choices and thickness. These LLumar and Vista Films meet the objective Federal GSA testing requirements and UL Testing that meet and exceed.

There is no 3M Safety Security film that out-performs the Eastman choices in terms of life safety. This is a fact.

We understand that consumers may be more familiar with the 3M Brand name compared to Eastman. We fully acknowledge that perception.

The fact that Eastman Chemical is easily the world leader in window film sales and market share may not be as well know.

Advanced Film Solutions encourages these comparisons.

Get The Facts

Call 877-575-3546

Fighting Tampa Sun & Heat, LLumar Advanced Film Solutions

A local church was dealing with intense heat, glare and fading.

Parishioners were complaining and as much as they prayed for a solution it took Advanced Film Solutions to solve their heat problems.

https://advancedfilmfl.com/request-window-film-information/

Our team installed a LLumar SelectPro thin film to their expanse of glass.

The heat was reduced by nearly 75% and the glare by 85%.

Now everyone is happy.

You can experience the lifetime benefits of window film solutions by calling our 9 time awarded Super Service Angie’s List team.

No other company in Tampa Bay, Orlando or Sarasota has as much experience or the portfolio of solutions that will provide a customized solution.

Call today 877-575-3456

ADVANCED FILM SOLUTIONS

Tampa Bay Window Tinting Consumer Awareness Begins Now

Most consumers have a limited amount of information concerning window film.

Checking online can eliminate some obvious issues since everyone claims to have the best solutions, etc.

Fortunately consumers can get detailed performance characteristics thanks to the NFRC which is a quasi-governmental agency that is the repository for factual, lab tested specifications for leading window film brands.

The NFRC (Click here) was developed to demonstrate accuracy in light of the anticipated energy savings that would eventually lead to Energy Star ratings.

While the intention of window film manufacturers to comply with the strict testing data imposed is admirable, an unintended virtue of the NFRC is to dispel numerous exaggerations frequently espoused during competitive sales calls and demonstrations.

Advanced Film Solutions is Florida’s leading commercial and residential window film installation companies.

We remain steadfast in highlighting factual performance expectations and real-world film comparisons.

Here are a few examples:

IR Hype

3M Window Film dealers are known to confuse heat rejection results with Infrared filtering statistics.

For example they may claim that their Prestige Film series stops 97% of the heat from entering your windows no matter how light the film may be.

In the case of Prestige 70 the actual NFRC rating for total solar energy is 50%.

Frankly 50% heat rejection is fairly good for such a light film transmission; so where is the disconnect?

IR heat blocking films like Prestige and Huper Optik do filter out a large percentage of the IR wavelengths but IR wavelengths only effect 50% of total solar energy (Heat)

The remaining portion of heat is a factor of visible light being filtered.

If 70% of the visible light is being transmitted than a large proportion of heat is not being rejected.

On Angle Hype

To further obfuscate the NFRC rated performance a 3M agent may insist that their film performs better at an angle. They may imply that this improved heat rejection is unique to their film.

Here again this is complete nonsense.

All window films and glass itself performs exactly the same way. There is no advantage whatsoever.

Heat Lamp Trick:

If a 3M dealer wants to demonstrate an illusion of heat rejection they may employ a heat lamp that blasts large amounts of IR wavelength. They may compare a coated piece of glass and compare that to a clear glass pane or a darker coating that does not filter IR wavelengths. This gimmick gives the illusion that a lighter film like Prestige 70 can block more heat than a darker silver type film.

The facts are that a darker silver film will block 80% of the total solar energy versus the 50% stated above. The visible light is reflected in the case of reflective films.

The trick is compelling but nevertheless it remains a trick.

Advanced Film Solutions represents Eastman Chemical and their portfolio of Vista, LLumar, Huper Optik coatings.

We can also do the David Copperfield illusion or make unqualified statements about angles and IR heat rejection but we choose not to do so.

We prefer facts.

Documented performance and results.

Advanced Film Solutions has earned the Super Service Award from Angie’s List for 9 years the only Florida company that can match that!

We are rated A Plus for 12 straight years by the Better Business Bureau.
We offer multiple solutions to match our clients requirements.
We warranty all of our installations.

Call toll free: 877-575-3456 for a free estimate.

Window Tinting Comparison Eastman Vs. 3M Window Film

Perception Vs. Reality.

Many consumers are familiar with the 3M Brand.

Small wonder because 3M makes thousands of products that consumers use every day; from Post-It Notes to Scotch Tape.

Home and business owners may be less familiar with Eastman Chemicals although they certainly know Eastman Kodak.

Eastman Chemicals separated from Eastman Kodak more than 25 years ago.

Eastman Chemicals is the world leader in window film technology, manufacturing and sales.

Advanced Film Solutions provides superior installations of Eastman window film sold under the LLumar, Vista, Huper Optik, and SunTek trademarks.

Flat Glass- residential and Commercial window film:

PhysicalPropertiesOnePagerL2349(Jan2020)

Eastman Chemicals has a broad array of light transmissions and films of varied aesthetics.

Reflective films, dual reflective films and non reflective coatings in a wide range.

All of the residential and commercial choices have been NFRC certified for veracity in anticipated performance.

The 3M portfolio is extremely limited in terms of light transmissions and appearance.

For example our LLumar dual reflectives which out-perform the 3M Night Vision series is available in darker and lighter versions. The Vista films are also dual reflective and are also available in more choices of light filtering.

In terms of security film there is simply no comparison.

Our LLumar and Vista films are available in stronger 8 ML versions in dozens of light transmissions compared to 3M’s thinner limited security films.

Our Eastman Huper Optik series has several critical advantages over the 3M Prestige series.

Huper Optik has no dyes in the composition of the film. This ensures durability and color stability. The 3M Prestige films employ dyes and these light filtering chemicals can be scratched off of the film quite easily.

The adhesive superiority of Huper Optik’s clarity easily out performs the 3M Prestige film.

Our Huper Optik films are available in darker versions (20%-30%) where glare rejection and maximum heat rejection is crucial. Our Huper Drei is the best heat rejecting 35% film in the industry and easily out-performs the 3M Prestige 40.

Compare 3M Vs. Eastman by calling Advanced Film Solutions toll free at 877-575-3456

Glazing Protection Window Film Safer Tampa Schools

Protecting our children has become a critical requirement thanks to several unfortunate and tragic events.

Advanced Film Solutions, Tampa’s premier window film installation company as performed thousands of installations but none more important than the strengthening of windows at local schools, daycare centers and child care facilities.

Our team installs thicker 8 ML clear and solar security films manufactured by the leading manufacturers in the world.

LLumar, Vista Films by Eastman as well as Madico and Armorcoat coatings. The Israeli made Hanita films are designed to withstand maximum impact from intrusion or explosions.

We use the same expertise as demonstrated when we completed Sarasota International Airport earlier this year.

We highly recommend the optional wet glazing system that creates a system between the glass, film and frames.

This additional safety mechanism ensures the integrity of the glass being held in the frames during a forced entry.

You might also consider selections that lower energy usage and provide privacy along with the life safety benefits of the clear versions.

For a free estimate contact Advanced Film Solutions

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

Orlando Utilities Get Advanced Film Solutions LLumar Protective Glazing Film

The team at Advanced Film Solutions completed protecting with our Vista glazing protection film.

The goal is to provide shatter protection and solar heat filtering with a combination solar safety window film.

This objective has been met with our LLumar SelectPro Vista Luminance Film.

Our team is uniquely qualified to perform this type of installation given the technical installation capabilities of our installation team.

The entire installation of shatter film will be anchored to the glass and frames with our wet seal attachment system.

The superior heat, glare and strength of our LLumar films met and exceeded our direct competition in all aspects and specifications.

No matter the size of your requirements Advanced Film Solutions is ready to meet the challenge.

Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota’s leading window film installation company is Advanced Film Solutions

Telephone: 877-575-3456

Protective Glazing Window Film Ship Safe, Advanced Film Solutions

Advanced Film Solutions provided protective glazing security window film for a tanker ship.

The ship was docked for resupply and their primary concern was the protection of their crew against pirates at sea.

The bridge deck windows were protected with LLumar Clear Shatter Control window film.

The application was further hardened with a wet seal attachment system that creates a system between the glass, frames and the LLumar Film.

This application will maintain the integrity of the window envelope. If Somali pirates shoot at the bridge windows the glass will remain in the frames. This is similar to the objectives of retail store asset protection and school safety requirements.

Many of our local government building have contracted with Advanced Film Solutions to protect their people and property.

The optical clarity and documented performance combined with the installation capabilities of our techs made this smooth sailing!

Our team protected a sister ship last year docked in Taiwan!

If you are looking for secure protection from flying glass and impact intrusion call Advanced Film Solutions for a free estimate.

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

ADVANCED FILM SOLUTIONS

TAMPA, SARASOTA, ORLANDO AND PORTS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD!

Home Show Comparing Window Film Choices For Cooler Tampa Bay Homes

Window film is one of the most practical and affordable energy upgrades any homeowner can implement to make their home more comfortable and lower monthly energy costs.

Advanced Film Solutions will be exhibiting at this weekend’s Tampa Bay Home Show.

This will be the 12th straight year that we have attended.

Window film experts will readily admit that our solutions are not as well known as we would prefer.

Sure we have done thousands of homes and commercial offices throughout the years; but many homeowners remain unfamiliar with this elegant solution.

Consumers may be considering costly window replacement when all they really needed was an application of our thin transparent coatings warranted for a lifetime!

Lifetime warranty.
Eliminates harmful UV by 99.9%
Stops glare
Provides increased security.
Lowers cooling costs by 50%

Once you determine that window film is an avenue to research the next decision will be which company to choose for the best value?

We highly recommend our team!

Stop by and visit our booth at the Florida State Fairgrounds this weekend.

Show Hours

Advanced Film Solutions is Tampa Bay, Orlando and Sarasota’s Eastman LLumar SelectPro, Vista, Huper Optik window film installation company.

We have earned the Super Service Award from Angie’s List for seven straight years and an A Plus with the Better Business Bureau.

Our team of sales and installers is the best in the business and our experience, including 33 years with 3M is at your disposal.

All of our films are NFRC certified for performance expectations.

We deal in facts rather than French fry lamp tricks or ridiculous claims about working better at angles or stopping 97% of the heat.

Our coatings are built for maximum optical clarity and performance.

We have more choices, more light transmissions and more films that meet deed restrictions and HOA rules.

Call our office at 877-575-3456 and compare.

Make Your Tampa Home Cool With Advanced Film Solutions LLumar Select Window Tinting

Heat is the Enemy!

The long hot summer is upon us and the heat, humidity, glare and outrageous cooling costs are about to hit us like a train!

Advanced Film Solutions can drive down the heat in your home with today’s high technology affordable solar window films.

These transparent coatings are applied to your existing windows and slider. The result is a cooler, UV and glare free home.

Our Eastman SelectPro, Vista, LLumar films stop up to 85% of the heat from entering through your windows.

This cools down your allowing your AC to work more efficiently while simultaneously stopping glare and 99.9% of the damaging UV rays.

Your electric bill will be up to 30% lower in the summer (which for homeowners in Tampa, Sarasota and Orlando may be as soon as tomorrow!)

Call for a free estimate.

Toll Free at 813-949-3456

ADVANCED FILM SOLUTIONS

Tampa Bay Window Film Summer Benefits

Keeping heat from entering your home is a full time job.

Faded furnishings and wood floors getting lighter every year are not exactly what you had in mind when you moved into your home.

Advanced Film Solutions can solve this heat, glare and fading problem with today’s thin film coatings made by Eastman Chemicals.

These economically priced coatings stop heat at the glass.

UV is filtered by 99.9% and your home will be cooler and energy efficient for decades to come.

Compared to replacing your windows these solar films will provide a payback in less than 2 years; and your monthly electric bill be lowered by 30% a month.

You might also consider our dual purpose security and safety films that provide protection against forced entry.

These coatings are much thicker than the standard solar films and can be anchored to the slider frames so entry will be denied.

The aesthetic look of your home will be preserved with our ceramic films by Eastman’s Huper Optik series.

These German manufactured coatings filter out visible light as well as IR heat. This provides better total solar energy rejection which would typically be found in reflective films.

Why suffer through another long, hot and expensive summer?

Free estimates at 877-575-3456