Eastman Vs. 3M Window Tinting | The Inner Circle

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.

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Competition is the engine that drives business throughout the entire window film business.

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone since every industry has its share of solutions providers who fight for consumer awareness and driving sales.

Advanced Film Solutions is one of Florida’s leading window film installation companies.

Our experience (33 years at 3M and the last 15 plus years representing Eastman Chemical (LLumar SelectPro, Vista and Huper Optik window film) is unique.

3M and Eastman Chemical are both multi-national corporations with extensive operations throughout the world and multi-billion in corporate sales.

Both have over 100 years of history from the Eastman Kodak days and 3M (Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing) founded in the early 20th century.

Window film solutions have been employed since the early 1960’s and the window film business has evolved through the innovations in thin film technology and adhesives.

Today’s window film solutions are durable and our window film solutions have documented performance characteristics as codified by the National Fenestration Ratings Council.

Eastman Chemicals and 3M Window Film offer lifetime warranties and all window films supplied by both corporations factor out 99.9% of the UV.

Eastman Chemicals is easily the global leader in sales and market share. The Eastman Chemicals manufacturing footprint far outpaces the 3M capabilities in the window film market.

Certainly 3M has developed leadership in many diverse markets and industries but window film has not been a driving part of the 3M focus.

The Eastman superiority is evidenced by the broad portfolio of window film alternatives and this advantage is punctuated by the fact that Eastman manufactures many of the films sold under the 3M brand.

Whether one reviews the solar film suite of products or the security protective glazing films the Eastman advantage is noteworthy.

The window film advantage for Eastman is demonstrated by the superiority and clarity of the adhesives and the ability to meet consumer’s requirements thanks to multiple alternatives compared to 3M.

Solar Films:

Reflective and dual reflective coatings are the foundation of energy savings heat filtering solutions.

Eastman Chemicals LLumar and Vista Films are available in dozens of choices as compared to 3M’s limited solutions.

Eastman’s non reflective IR heat blocking films easily out-perform the decade old Prestige Film and our Huper Optik films are dye free as compared to the 3M multi-layered films.

Protective Glazing Film:

Here again the Eastman superiority outdistances the limited 3M product offering.

In terms of real world impact strength, alternatives in film thickness and variety of light transmissions and appearance the Eastman edge is unmatched.

Frankly there is no comparison from a consumer benefit perspective.

The only area of debate is the topic of consumer awareness and consumer perception.

Let’s take as an example a 3M re-boxed Eastman Film.

Eastman manufactures a lower quality dual reflective film for 3M purchase and resale.

The 3M dealer proposes this lower quality film and implies that this re-boxed film was made by 3M.

Thanks to the halo effect of 3M and their brand identity many consumers would conclude that this solution is superior to a brand that they are not as familiar with.

Our goal at Advanced Film Solutions is to level the playing field.

Once we make the case that Eastman and 3M are well established corporate giants the true competition becomes the question: Which provider offers the best solution with the best investment return.

In that debate the answer is Advanced Film Solutions and our Eastman Chemicals LLumar SelectPro, Vista, LLumar, Huper Optik solutions!

Tag: Eastman Vs. 3M Window Tinting

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