Category Archives: Compare Home Depot 3M tinting

Prestige Homes Tampa Bay, Orlando Window Film Battle Clearly Superior Films

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 Getting a prestige window film estimate from a 3M dealer or Home depot 3M agent can frequently take on a mystical experience similar to a reading from a Fortune Teller:

 

We met with a client who swayed toward prestige films but was less than enthused about the cost to install it. 

This made him skeptical with those cards he was handed! 

Plus there was just something about all of this that didn’t jive right!

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He sure knew he wasn’t a magician and he sure as hell didn’t want to be the other!

 
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He called Advanced Film Solutions for straight answers!

Here were his questions and my answers:

Question: The 3M rep claimed that their film blocks 97% of the Sun’s heat.  

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What % does your film block?

I would love to get more technical with you but accept that IR (invisible heat) represents nearly 50% of what we feel as heat. 

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So even if the prestige film blocked 97% of all that 50% what about the other 50%??  

Given their prestige 70 blocks only 30% of the visible light how do they block 97% of the heat?

They don’t!
 
 

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RATINGS INFORMATION

Operator Type
 Default Glazing Reference SHGC No Film SHGC with Film VT No Film VT with Film
Fixed 3 mm (1/8in.) clear 0.71 0.42 0.74 0.58
Fixed 3 mm (1/8in.) clear 3 mm (1/8in.) clear 0.63 0.47 0.67 0.52
Window Wall 6 mm (1/4in.) clear 0.75 0.47 0.80 0.63
Window Wall 6 mm (1/4in.) grey 0.53 0.39 0.40 0.32
Window Wall 6 mm (1/4in.) clear 6 mm (1/4in.) clear 0.65 0.51 0.71 0.56
Window Wall 6 mm (1/4in.) grey 6 mm (1/4in.) clear 0.42 0.36 0.36 0.28

The key objective number used to measure performance is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

So quantified on clear glass 1/8 inch the prestige film blocks an impressive .42 (a far cry from 97% or a  .03 SHGC)

Question: The 3M rep showed us a Sun (IR) lamp demo and a BTU test demo that was very impressive.

It sure felt like the film blocked 97% or more of the heat. 

Are you saying that this is a magic trick?

No- – I am saying this is misleading deceptive and an illusion.

Or; if you prefer, a LIE!

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That IR lamp is blasting IR wavelengths in a very narrow bandwidth matching the films’ best performance. When we say very narrow we mean incredibly narrow.

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It’s more of that same nonsense when they show a BTU meter.

Of course this is all the rage when they do a home show by fooling some of the people, some of the time. .

Question: The 3M rep claims prestige works better when the Sun is at it’s hottest.
Is that true?  (He told us that only 3M film works that way! )

No. 

All films and glass perform better with wide ranges of angular variation. 3M prestige has no advantage and claiming so is very misleading and of course nonsense.

This is like saying a bike is easier to peddle and faster going downhill. 

Tech Update

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IWFA – IR Ratings of Window Film

So what? 431932_523731134350245_398479061_n

 

Question:

The 3M rep advised that many competitors are headed out of business and that 3M is the only company that will honor the warranty in the long term. 

He also claimed that only 3M’s hard coat can stand up to Windex!

OK:

Concerning the 3M dealer’s acumen on the long term viability of the major window film companies I wouldn’t place much stock (pun intended) in any of his claims.

There is always risk but heck 3M was once selling microfilm and fax machines but doesn’t any more.

They sold copiers and shoplifting systems for retail stores and secure id cards.

But not any more.

But I do guaranty one thing:

That Windex BS is all BS.  The prestige film hardly offers a scratch coating and the color can be scratched off.  That’s because there are dyes in the composition.

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They have absolutely zero advantage in hard coats or scratch protection against Windex.

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This is a total fabrication.

We won the day and received the order.
 

No magic, just the facts.

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Call

Advanced Film Solutions


Toll Free 877-575-3456

 

Window Film USA, 2021 The Smart Consumers Choice

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Window Film USA has been growing our installation business across the USA.

 

Our efforts are under the radar because we concentrate in our own backyard of Tampa Bay and Orlando and Sarasota. 

Why would a client in Arkansas choose Window Film USA over local competitors?


There are many juxtaposing factors that contribute.

 

Perhaps a consumer became confused by local sources about window film attributes.

Local sources may quote higher pricing for their installations simply because they are isolated and face limited same brand competition.

The internet has driven smart consumers to websites that have factual information and largely objective analysis.
 
 


We offer every brand but 3M Window Film.

Since I spent 33 years at 3M and was once the National Sales Manager of 3M Window Film it’s more than obvious that I might know the limitations of their portfolio.

Given  the fact that since leaving 3M their portfolio has, with rare exception, not  improved my solution comparison is as current as today and more important it’s a winning strategy for our clients and our company.

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Slight modifications like having an exterior version of Prestige is inconsequential in the larger scheme of things.  “Talk” of light directing films on the horizon don’t amount to a hill of beans for a consumer looking to control energy costs or improving home security.

Our selling premise remains elegant in simplicity.


A substantial portion of consumers are afraid to take the chance that a brand of window film they have never heard of may offer tremendous, quantifiable advantages in on glass performance over the 3M offering and typically at better prices.

 

You may choose to give that 3M dealer your trust without comparing what they are offering to another supplier.  On the other hand; if you are a savvy consumer who appreciates that perception is not reality; than calling Window Film USA is a sound alternative.

Why not have that conversation?
 
 

Window Film USA represents Vista Film, Huper Optik Ceramic Film, EnerLogic Low E Film and a host of solutions you may never have heard of before.

Toll Free: 877-575-3456
 
 
 
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Florida Compare Advanced Film Solutions Vs. Home Depot 3M Film

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We have been receiving calls requesting that we provide estimates comparing our superior VISTA and Huper Optik Ceramic window films against 3M prestige sold through the 3M home depot agent program.

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We welcome this comparison based upon the actual performance of our films that have been documented by the NFRC (3M film is also documented by the NFRC so the comparisons are exact!)

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Our optical clarity, natural and neutral colors and hues and rebate requirements are what set us apart from these films. 
 
Still consumers seem more confused than ever by these 3M home depot agents.
 

They are told that 3M film blocks 97% of the heat. This is totally untrue and highly misleading.

They are advised that the consumer can only buy this film via Home Depot.  This is untrue and while I personally could care less about non participating 3M dealers, they are walking a slippery slope when one 3M dealer falsely tells a consumer that the other 3M dealer in town can not supply the film; when they can!14540661330_5fa9b617a0_m

  • Check out the pricing??? Once you do you’ll understand why you are being told this incorrect information,

Advanced Film Solutions loves to compete and we particularly like competing against 3M and their depot agents, etc.

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We prefer educated consumers who make their buying decisions based upon fact rather than nonsense.

Consumers who appreciate value rather than hyperbole.

  • Our Huper Optik and Vista Films qualify for Tax Incentives as well as window film rebates.  The 3M prestige film does not!
  • Our Ceramic films are all available in 6 foot widths.
  • Our films are NFRC certified.
  • Our thicker 8 ML Armorcoat, Madico. LLumar and Vista Films are tested and have actually passed missile tests that 3M’s film at the depot store are too thin to pass.
  • You won’t be paying mark-ups to the local dealer or depot agents. In other words we offer a fair price for better value films!

Call Advanced Film Solutions

Toll Free 877-575-3456
Free estimates

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Tampa & Orlando Remarkable Huper Optik Window Film Out-Performs 3M Window Tinting

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Success or failure in today’s competitive world has to meet extraordinary performance levels.

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Consumers are much too savvy to waste their hard earned dollars or time on gimmicks or hype about products or solutions that have nothing at all to do with what they are immediately concerned about.

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Tampa Bay and Orlando home and business owners are paying far too much to maintain a comfortable home or office.

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We won’t belabor the reasons for this outcome but let’s conclude that the heat factors here are extreme and the insulation in most homes and offices are inefficient.

Obviously if you can prevent heat (visible and invisible IR) , UV from entering a room the cooler that room will be. Replacing the glass with insulated glass or Low e windows is certainly an option. Unfortunately this is an expensive option that has a very long payback period (typically 15-20 years!)

What other options are there?

Blinds, curtains shutters are great for privacy or glare control but the heat still enter the living working space.

Window Film is the best option based on performance, durability and ROI.

No one wants a silver aluminum foil looking windows and most gated communities and HOA’s won’t let you have that under any circumstances.

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That’s where Eastman Chemical comes into play.

Eastman’s remarkable Huper Optik ceramic and spectrally selective films are the best of the best in terms of performance, ROI and aesthetics.

Advanced Film Solutions represents this remarkable window film throughout Florida with offices in Tampa Bay, Sarasota and Orlando.

Huper Optik is incomparable but consumer awareness is generally low and while Huper Optik is the buzz in window film we recognize that 3M window film may have a higher level of consumer awareness.

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Let’s compare the features, advantages and benefits of Huper Optik compared to 3M and their prestige films.

  • Huper Optik is available in more light transmissions that 3M’s limited selections. We therefore block more glare and heat.
    cropped-IMG_20140716_095946_449-EFFECTS.jpgOrlando Science Museum Huper Optik 50
  • Huper Optik has no dyes in their coatings. 3M does and that affects visual clarity and long term durability.
  • Huper Optik meets TECO rebates requirements where 3M prestige does not.

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  • Huper Optik has a scratch resistant coating that out performs the 3M sr coating.
  • Huper Optik has a pleasing neutral hue where the 3M product shifts the light toward the blue.
  • Huper Optik performance is documented by the NFRC ratings which are publicly available. When we outline performance expectations we deal in fact. 3M Prestige is also documented by the NFRC but that’s where the comparison ends:a) For example 3M dealers will claim that their film blocks 97% of the heat (an outrageous claim with no substance at all)b) They claim that their films works better at angles pretending that somehow all other films are less efficient at angle or that 3M has some unique capability. This is also a bogus unsubstantiated claim. After all glass itself works better when the sun is at an angle to the glass.c) Typically 3M dealers will demo a phony BTU test using a high temperature IR french fry lamp. This illusion tricks the consumer into believing that more heat is blocked by prestige than silver reflective films.This is a trick used to pad the performance expectations. While the window film industry has cited factual counter information this ruse continues.

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Advanced Film Solutions looks forward to providing a free estimate and cost comparison between our Eastman portfolio and the limited frequently re=boxed 3M films (see their ceramic film, Affinity and exterior films)

Call Advanced Film Solutions

Toll Free 877-575-3456

 

Florida’s Huper Optik Ceramic Window Film Vs. “3M” Ceramic: The Facts

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I received a phone call from a potential client who had just received an estimate from a 3M dealer.

This dealer left a quote for “their” ceramic 30 film. 

They pressured the client offering a 15% discount that would expire in 48 hours. (A nice customer service touch!) 


They measured her windows but did not advise her how many square feet of glass (or film) would be required.

Since this consumer paid attention in her 3rd grade math class and was relatively handy with a calculator, she was able to figure out their per square foot pricing.

Her discount time ticking away. . .

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She went online and called me.
 
 
  1. Her home has several windows that were larger than 60 inches. This client was never advised that she would have to have her windows seamed.  I gather they expected her not to notice a line coming either horizontally or vertically throughout several windows?  I guess they were figuring that they could do their best to hide the seam?20150618_103308
  2. I won’t pick on this dealer for trying hard to close the deal with that 48 hour nonsense. 

    (I’d bet a jelly doughnut that if she called them back and told them she had a better price from me, with a better film (Huper Optik ) they might reconsider and possibly extend that 48 hours while simultaneously reducing their price.)

  3. I explained that this “3M” ceramic film is actually manufactured by another company that re-sells the ceramic material to 3M. That several other companies offer the exact same performance as this re-boxed material.
  4. I explained that Huper Optik has a patent. This is critically important because it explains why they are unique and the advantages consumers receive are unique!bgThis patent protects their process of multilayered composition. This reduces the interior and exterior reflectivity compared to these resellers of the older process. The advantage is significant as can be confirmed by the NFRC.Select-Series-and-Ceramic-Series-Window-Films-Huper-Optik-USA-L-Sweets-582559
  5. I explained that Huper Optik makes their film in 6 feet widths so there would never be a seam.935846_535432406513451_584761908_n
  6. I explained that the Huper Optik optional glass breakage and seal failure warranty covered $2000 per window. I may be in error, but my understanding is that the 3M cap per window is $500.
  7. I explained that my price was better than their estimate despite the numerous advantages the Huper Optik film has over this repackaged single layer film.

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  8. I pointed out the irony of their marketing materials that state that this ceramic film “is the only ceramic that is worthy of the 3M name.”  You might almost get tricked into believing they had anything to do with making this film. Nice try!
  9. I suggested that she consider comparing my Huper Optik to their Prestige film. It’s at least a better fight and 3M actually makes that one!10007413_731450313555109_2027544993_n
  10. I explained that our price would hold for as long as she needed to make a proper decision. I would immediately send her samples and provide data points to affirm these facts. I also mentioned that our ceramic film in the20% light transmission and the 35% version meet TECO rebate requirements. Theirs  (I mean “their” re-boxed film does not!)

It’s really not a fair fight.

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The Huper Optik patent provides the vehicle for manufacturing a superior film in every measurable and quantifiable comparison.

If you have a quote for this outdated technology call Advanced Film Solutions or Window Film USA

Toll Free 877-575-3456

The Only Ceramic Film Worthy Of Being Installed On Your Glass! 

Huper Optik

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