Window films, is there a real difference?

We often hear the various claims made by manufacturers of being the best. So, what are the differences? Are there bad, good, better and best films?

Basic Window Film Manufacturing Principles

Window film is manufactured through a "converting" process. It means that manufacturers are converting several already existing products into a new product form. Many polyester films are pre-treated to accept adhesives or scratch resistant coatings. This pre-treatment may occur prior to delivery to the window film manufacturer or in the line during the manufacturing process. The raw materials normally consist of clear, dyed or metallised films, as well as silicone coated polyester release liners, or dry pressure sensitive, acrylic adhesives and UV cured scratch resistant coatings. Up until recently, no window film manufacturer in the US actually makes the polyester film, which is the base of all window film products. The film is purchased from several multi-billion dollar companies in high quality, optical grades.

The basic process that is used to convert these materials is known as coating and laminating.

Qualities

As with every commodity, there are different qualities. The lower end of the scale is totally price driven and highly competitive. Generally made in Asian countries, these films are sold in small retail packs to the public, as well as used by the cheaper installers. New Zealand has its fair share of these films through Internet auctions and the automotive after market stores. Without fail, those films are dyed polyester, without a proper scratch resistant coating.

The middle of the market is also very competitive. Generally, the films at this level are of good quality, metallised films, with a good scratch resistance. Over the years, the distributors have pushed the limits of the warranties to a "lifetime" as a competitive edge. Almost every distributor has experienced substantial failures over the years. Most failures are not under warranty, because transfer of ownership usually invalidates any remaining warranty. There are also fairly strict conditions attached to those guarantees, making only a proportion of the failed films replaceable under warranty. (My advice: Keep the paperwork in a safe place)

When considering the right brand of film for you in the middle of the market, ensure that the film has an established New Zealand distributor, with the backing of the manufacturer. Exclusive distributors are your best bet. You may pay a small premium, but have peace of mind. Some dealers are importing their own films at cheaper rates and in the event of something going wrong, there may be little support for you.

The top end of the market only deals with quality. There is little competition, because there are only a few capable manufacturers. The advent of nano-technology and the use of ceramics have created a new class of durable, high performance films, not relying on metals or dyes. Some of the newer additions entering the market use heat absorbing dyes to improve their performance. I would advise caution with these, as New Zealand's climate has not been kind on dyes in window films in the past.

Only a few window tinters are promoting the top of the range films. These ceramic films are used in homes, shops, cars and are the only kind of window films suitable in boats. You are paying a premium for the films, but the results are really worth it.

Give us or any member of Master Tinters a call, if you are looking at tinting your windows in either the middle or the top of the market. 

Ph 0800 846 892

Proud Member of Master Tinters NZ