White Out Window Film

White Out Window Film can be used instead of Black Out Window Film to completely block out the view.  The film does let in some light.  In this case the film is used to block a door that is no longer used as an entrance.  The white would still be an attractive backdrop for displays and would help gain product display area.  The white out also eliminates glare in the space.  In homes, this film is often used in door sidelights.

White Out Window Film:

• Blocks 99% of vision
• Let's in some light
• Reduces glare and fading of furnishings
• Rejects 99% of UV rays
• Is easy to clean like any other window after 30 days
• Is attractive
• Adds privacy

New Technology in Window Film

New technology in window film makes for a bright future in the business of window film.  Presently, energy saving films and decorative films are hot and that market is continuing to grow as well as new advancements in these films.  Four films have been developed and their use is becoming more present in buildings.  By 2020, it is predicted that these films will be used on a large scale.  (www.technicalwindowfilms.co.uk/window-tinting-news/future-window-films/) The four films are:

• Photochromic film which darkens when exposed to light like transition eyeglasses.
• Smart glass or electrochromatic changes from a clear glass to a frosted glass or a colored glass with an electrical current.  The current is controlled by a switch, a computer, or even a cell phone.  This can add privacy to an office, conference room, etc.  Another example is film applied in a lobby that is controlled by a computer to change to a darker film when the light is bright and then lighter or clear when it gets dark.
• Photovoltaic film converts daylight into electricity.
• Daylighting or Daylight redirecting film allows more light in at the top of the glass and directs it into the room reducing the need for electric lighting.  Presently, a metal shelf can be used for this, but the film is much more attractive and easy to clean.

Solar Vision, Inc is keeping well informed about these new technologies to bring its customers the best available product.

Trends in Commercial Architecture

Trends in commercial architecture include lots of glass. Glass walls are bigger than ever.  Glass walls create lots of opportunities to use natural light and open spaces.  Along with these glass walls, come new innovative uses in design using 3M Fasara frosted and decorative window films.  These films allow in light while adding just the amount of privacy wanted by the inhabitants.  The design elements are limited only by the imagination. (solutions.3m.com) Not only does the decorative films allow light and beauty in these spaces, they also add safety.  The film lets someone know the glass is there and will not be walked into.  In case a window is broken the fragments will hold together.

The glass with film is easy to care for.  It can be cleaned as any other glass after 30 days.  A plus is that finger prints do not readily show.

Frost Film Used for Privacy

Frost film used for privacy on these windows.  Sometimes blackout film is an option.  The frost film lets in natural light while the blackout film blocks all of the light.  These pictures show how the film looks from the inside and from the outside.  The client was very pleased  with the result.

Solar Control for Apartment Living

Solar Control for apartment living can be achieved through the use of a variety of solar control window films.  I have seen a number of apartments that get a lot of sun have all kinds of things in their windows to make it more comfortable.  I've seen cardboard, newspaper, sheets, and even a mattress.  Rental  property owners may ignore this or pose fines, but ultimately it affects the value of the property.  Solar control window films can greatly reduce the amount of sun and glare coming into a room.  Because it eliminates 99% of the UV rays, furnishings are not damaged.  It has the added protection of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Apartments usually are fitted with single layered glass.  Applying window film will give the window the effect of being double layered glass.  This would result in energy savings.  If a rental property company is energy conscious, it could advertise as making these changes to help save energy.  Solar control window film is especially valuable in those areas that get direct sunlight especially in the loft apartments on the top floors.

Window film is an relatively inexpensive way to make apartment living more comfortable.  Window film is easy to clean.  It is cleaned as any other window after 30 days.

Exterior Prestige Window Film

Exterior Prestige Window Film is made using nanotechnology.  The film consists of over 200 thin layers and is the thickness of a piece of paper.  This technology allows the film to provide superior heat control and glare reduction while preserving exterior and interior window views.  The film contains no metals so it does not interfere with wireless signals.  It is used in areas that are difficult to film from the inside.  If there is furniture that is difficult to move or permanent fixtures that make it impossible or near impossible to put on a film from the inside, then Exterior Prestige Window Film is the solution. Exterior Prestige Window Film might also be used if there is a high likelihood of breakage of a particular type of glass. With the exterior film, the sun does not heat the glass. (solutions.3m.com) Exterior Prestige Window Film:

• has a strong scratch resistant coating
• not self-cleaning, but repels water
• has virtually no chance of glass breakage
• can be used on dual or triple pane glass
• has high heat rejection with high visible light transmission
• comes in Prestige 40, 70, and 90
• reduces air conditioning costs

3 New 3M Films

3 new 3M films were announced at a webinar last Friday.  3M expects to introduce at least 10 new products over the next year. Two of the new products are value priced security films.  One has a matte finish.  It is priced for use on a large scale when prices need to be low.  It carries a 1 year warranty.  It is not as good as the Fasara film.  The Fasara is whiter and is easier to cut.  Also the Fasara leaves less residue when it is removed.  The new film is able to compete with the lower priced films though Fasara is always the more recommended product.  When pricing is an issue, this new film can meet a clients needs.  The other security film is a black-out film and again is value priced.  It is black on black and is glossy.  It is used on the interior of the glass. (solutions.3m.com)

The third new 3M film is a mirrored film for a one-way mirror effect.  No mirrored film that makes a one-way mirror is completely mirror on one-side and see through on the other. It is impossible to make this. The effect is achieved by a combination of light and film.  The room on the mirror side must be brighter than in the room of the non-reflective side of the film.  When I was teaching, we had a one-way mirrored glass from the teachers office to the classroom to be able to record student behavior.  It was not film, but a special made glass for that purpose.  It was not as effective as it could have been because of the lack of understanding of how the lighting affected the way it worked.  When it was first installed, that might have been explained to the school staff but as time went on the information was not passed on to new staff.

These 3 new 3M films announced will be available March 1.

Energy Savings with Window Film

Energy savings can be obtained with the use of window film.  Window film reduces the amount of heat that enters a room.  Less energy is required to cool the room.  In the winter, the film acts as an extra insulation on the window, reducing heating costs. LEED credits can be obtain by using window film.  The number of points that are obtained, depend on the amount of energy saved.

The goal of this credit is:  Achieve increasing levels of energy performance above the baseline in the prerequisite standard to reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use.  (www.3M.com/windowfilm)

There are 3 different methods for achieving this requirement.  Up to 10 credits can be obtained depending on the amount of energy savings. For specific information on the methods see the sustainable design information sheet in pdf form on the 3m web site:  multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6636910/sustainable-design-information-sheet.pdf

Window film is a first tier technology that can have an approximate 3 year payback for buildings.  Window films are ranked in retro-fitted building envelopes as having the highest probability of success.  It ranks above replacement windows. Already existing materials are used decreasing the amount of waste. (https://promo.3m.com/assets/3MCAN/1202511082.pdf)

3M Fasara San Marino Film

3M Fasara Milky Milky (San Marino) Film SHMAMM (solutions.3m.com) was used on this restaurant in the newly renovated Union Station in downtown Denver.  San Marino film can add privacy or in this case a decorative accent.  The film on the glass gives just the right touch to add to the ambiance of the restaurant. 3M Fasara Glass Finishes come in 50+ designs.  Fasara provides the advantages of etched, sandblasted and textured glass at a fraction of the cost.  When styles change or occupants change, the film can be removed.  The window can remain plain or a new type of design can be applied to the window.  This can be done at a much smaller cost than replacing  windows.

Benefits Include:

• Beauty of the glass is enhanced by transforming plain glass into the look of cut or textured glass.
• The amount of privacy provided can be tailored to the clients needs.
• The film is easily applied and is beautiful and durable.
• The film is constructed of durable and flexible polyester.
• The glass can be cleaned like any other window after 30 days.

  

Die-Cut Decorative Film

Solar Vision applies a lot of Die-Cut Decorative Film.  The film is applied in new construction sites as well as sites that are remodeled.  Most of the film we use is 3M Fasara Film.  The 3M Fasara is easy to work with and gives excellent results. Occasionally, we do apply other brands.  It all depends on the contractor, decorator, or owner.  Decorative film is used in place of etched or sandblasted glass because the expense is much less.  Also if styles change or a new company moves in the film can be professionally removed and replaced. Decorative Film Provides:

• Privacy in offices or conference rooms.
• Light from outside can still filter to other parts of the room.  People are more productive in natural light.
• If their would be a natural or other physical event, the glass would be held together and there would not be flying shards of glass.
• The decorative film creates a modern look and adds to the ambiance of the building
• Consistent look throughout the building
• Branding of company is established through out the area
• Money savings
• A creative environment is established which draws customers and increased employee productivity and satisfaction.

  

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Linen 3M Fasara Film

Linen  3M Fasara Film was applied to glass pieces and shipped to the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas.  The film has a texture of white coarsely woven linen.  Linen SH2FGLN gives a soft, natural look.  The film was applied to the glass and then covered with another sandwiching it in between the 2 pieces of glass.  This type of glass can be bought with real linen but is extremely costly.  The film gives the glass the same look.

The Linen Fasara Film is one of more than 50 types of Fasara Film.  It resembles Japanese Rice Paper.  The film combines eastern design and today's technology to create a tranquil and very classy modern look.  The Fabric Japanese Rice Paper family of 3M Window film has patterns with the look and feel of fabric or Japanese Rice Paper.  They have the look of etched, cut, textured or sandblasted glass at a fraction of the cost. The film is used in most cases on glass already present.  Glass does not have to be removed and replaced with a custom glass.  They also give privacy and light still enters the room.  The films provide UV protection as well filtering out more than 99 percent of the UV Rays.

Decorator Uses:

• Glass partitions
• Window panes
• Can be die cut
• Can be used on whole glass partition or customized
• Use limited only by imagination
• Used as an interior film only

Fasara 3M Films should be installed by professionals.  When they are applied, they are Considered permanent solutions.  When designs needs change, they can be removed and replaced.

This decorative film offers:

• Easy cleaning
• Privacy or can hide places less attractive
• Reduces fading from UV
• Protects occupants from broken or flying glass
• Is cost effective
• Gives the working or living space an element of design and uniqueness

Visit with our Solar Vision specialists to let us help you bring your design vision to a reality.

Di-Noc Art Project

Solar Vision donated Di-Noc samples to an art project for children with disabilities.  The  art project was displayed in an art show in downtown Denver.  At the end of the show, the art piece was given to Solar Vision and is displayed in the Solar Vision office. Di-Noc Use

Di-Noc is an architectural finish that has many uses.  It takes the place of natural  and hi-tech finishes.  It  is considered to be a "Designer's Dream."  There are 500 different finishes.  Di-Noc reproduces wood, metal, marble, leather, stone and stucco.  If another surface is desired, it can be specially ordered.

The properties of Di-Noc include:

• resistance to water, dirt, impacts, wear, abrasion and mold
• no mess application-no dust, fumes, etc. resulting in no down time for workers
• applied to flat and curved surfaces
• easily cleaned
• can be computer cut
• flame retardant
• some have antibacterial properties
• architectural freedom and design

Di-Noc helps create green buildings by using materials that already exist and reuse them.  Walls, desks, etc. can be reused creating less land fill and saving company resources.  It  is less expensive than replacing the covered areas. If Di-Noc is applied during off hours.  The workers or customers leave and return to a place where the space with the Di-Noc has been transformed.  There is no dust to clean up and there are no fumes.  Di-Noc can be used in the interior or the exterior of a building.  This architectural finish is primarily used for commercial applications, but also can be used by residential customers.

Commercial Window Film Applied During Construction

Commercial window film like this is applied to construction sites.  It takes the place of putting paper or plywood over the windows.  The window film provides privacy.  It obscures the ability to see in but still allows natural light to the interior.  In a few months, when construction is complete, the film will be removed.  Customers for this outdoor gear and apparel store can look forward to the store opening.  The store front is attractive and does not distract from the pleasant shopping environment.  This window film is used primarily as a commercial window film installation.  It increases tenant satisfaction during the construction phase.  Surrounding businesses are not affected by looking at plywood or paper or construction tools.

Purposes For Applying this Type of Commercial Window Film:

• Provides privacy during the construction phase of a project
• Allows light to enter the work area
• The storefront remains appealing
• Can be removed when construction is complete
• Is relatively inexpensive

Construction companies are beginning to frequently use this type of window film during the construction and or remodeling phase of their projects.  It looks so much better than the alternatives.

This type of commercial window films is one of the 3M Fasara films.  There are 59 finishes to choose from.  The film is made of a thin polyester.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film

At the 3M Conference in Puerto Rico, 3M introduced its new product 3M Daylight Redirecting Film, which is intended to help create green buildings.  The 3M Daylight Redirecting Film uses micro-replication to redirect the light that would have originally hit the floor a few feet from the window.  The light is directed to go up to the ceiling and then be reflected off the ceiling to light the room as far as 40 feet from the window.  About 80% of the light is brought into the room.  This reduces the need for artificial light during the day.  The natural light coming into the room increases productivity, people buy more, and reduces the need for electric lighting.  This energy efficient new window film technology can be used in retrofitting as well as new construction.   It is generally a commercial window film. The Daylight Redirecting Film is installed on the south, east, and west facing windows and is installed above a sill height of 6 feet to keep the sunlight out of the eyes of the people in the building.  The appearance of the glass with the redirecting film has the appearance of frosted glass.  The window film still keeps out harmful UV rays and stops glare and fading.  Some of the same benefits could be gained by putting a shelf on the window frame that reflects the light.  This shelf is not very attractive and is difficult to clean.  The window film is attractive and can be cleaned like any other window.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film will increase the sustainability and tenant satisfaction of a building.  It can be an effective energy management tool.  For specific information on how to use this new technology, contact  a Solar Vision Inc. representative.