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As a leading provider of professional-grade, DIY-friendly window films, we often get asked, “What exactly is window film made from?” It’s a great question! If you’re interested in solar control film for your home, understanding the materials that make up these innovative products can help you make an informed choice.
Too often window film sold to homeowners is described only as “privacy film”, “heat control film” or “glare control film”. You aren’t told what technology the film is (dyed, metallic, ceramic) or any of the film’s performance specifications.
So, let’s peel back the layers and explore what window film is made from!
At its core, most window films are made from a type of polyester, namely Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). PET is favored for its clarity, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and ability to accept a variety of surface-applied or embedded treatments. This common type of polyester is used widely in clothing, packaging materials, and other films including video, photographic, and x-ray.
This is what sticks the film to your window. It’s usually made from a type of polymer that is transparent and can withstand various weather conditions.
To protect against harmful UV rays, window films often include ultraviolet inhibitors like cerium oxide. The UV blockers are incorporated into the adhesive of the window film so that the film itself is protected from UV damage in addition to protecting your family and your belongings from harmful UV rays.
For films that provide privacy or aesthetic appeal, manufacturers may add dyes or pigments. These dyes can make the film a color – like blue or green, or they can simply be black to turn the film dark. Dyes were the first technology used to make window film. Read more about the evolution of window film.
The second generation of window film technology introduced thin layers of metal such as aluminum or copper to improve solar control performance. Our Silver 15 Reflective film, is a metallic film using this technology. These metals help in reflecting heat and regulating temperature at a cost-effective price point.
Our ComforTech™ Ceramic Series films are solar control ceramic films and contain advanced ceramic nano-particles. We use titanium nitride which is an extremely hard ceramic coating. It provides excellent heat rejection while maintaining high visibility and low reflectivity – all with a beautiful neutral color that won’t fade.
The creation of window film involves precision and care. Layers of PET are treated with their respective coatings and then assembled. Advanced technology ensures that the films are free from defects and provide consistent performance.
In our case, ComforTech™ Ceramic Series films are made using a microgravure process that deposits our nano ceramic particles uniformly for a beautiful, consistent color and performance. And we control every step of the manufacturing process: from the manufacture of the polyester film to the components, the adhesives, all the way to the scratch-resistant top coat. This allows us to maintain consistent quality throughout the manufacturing process.
Window films are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council or NFRC. The NFRC rates windows as well as window films. They create a set of standard measurements so films can be compared against each other. Our film is rated by the NFRC and you can see its performance specs below:
Window film is a high-tech product and we feel like you need to know what you are buying when you purchase it. Otherwise, how do you know what you are buying? And how to compare it to other options on the market? It’s important to know what window film is made from so you can make the best choice of film for your home.
We love informed consumers and are happy to help educate you about window film and what’s available to you. Feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions or for more information at 888-206-1413, [email protected], or just hit the chat bubble in the right-hand corner of your screen!
