Bring Pro-Grade Performance Home
3M™ Sun Control Window Films help reduce heat and glare, and can add daytime privacy while letting natural light in. Each film features engineered construction for easier handling and smoother installation. A practice sheet and application concentrate are included to help you install with confidence and enjoy lasting comfort.
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3M™ Sun Control Window Film Solar Clear provides all-day heat rejection, a no-mirror finish for crystal clear views and up to 97% heat rejection while improving comfort, helping save energy snd protecting furniture by blocking 99.9% of UV rays.
Download installation guide for 3’ x 5’ film (PDF, 3.16 MB)
Download installation guide for 4’ x 6.5’ film (PDF, 3.17 MB)
3M™ Sun Control Window Film Solar Privacy provides daytime privacy for clear views from the inside, reduces glare, offers solar heat rejection, while improving comfort, helping save energy and protecting furniture by blocking 99.9% of UV rays.
Download installation guide for 3’ x 5’ film (PDF, 3.16 MB)
Download installation guide for 4’ x 6.5’ film (PDF, 3.17 MB)
3M™ Sun Control Window Film
Pro-grade performance in your home.
Shop 3M™ Sun Control Window Film Products at Your Favorite Stores
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This window film cuts down on solar heat and offers up to 97% heat rejection** which can help reduce the load on your A/C system and helps keep rooms comfortable on sunny days
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This one-way privacy window film lets you see out, not in, adding daytime privacy* to your home, apartment, and condo windows while still allowing natural daylight to come in
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The 3M Sun Control Window Film Install Kit Works with 3M Sun Control Solar Clear & Solar Privacy Window Films. Complete kit includes: Snap-off utility knife, spray bottle, scrub pad, microfiber cloth, Application Concentrate and squeegee
Product Basics
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Q: Are Sun Control Window Films considered safety films?
A: No. Sun Control Window Films are not safety films. They are not bullet-proof, burglar-proof, hurricane-proof, or earthquake-proof.
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Q: What are 3M™ Sun Control Window Films and how do they work?
A: Sun Control Window Films are a family of transparent films that reflect and absorb rays from the sun, helping to reduce the amount of solar heat transmitted into your home. The ultraviolet (UV) protection prevents UV degradation of the adhesive, polyester film, and abrasion-resistant coating while also helping to protect your furnishings. Sun Control Window Films feature a patented abrasion-resistant coating for long-term durability and maintained appearance.
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Q: Does the UV protection lose effectiveness over time?
A: The UV protection in 3M's adhesive system is designed to last a long time and will degrade a small percentage; yet will provide greater than 95% blocking over the life of the film.
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Q: How long does the film last?
A: Sun Control Window Films are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. Varying conditions may affect the life of the film.
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Q: Can it be applied to auto windows?
A: No. Sun Control Window Films are for residential glass windows only.
Performance Behavior
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Q: Why does my window feel warm on hot days?
A: A window with window film installed feels warm because the film absorbs and reflects solar energy as part of its normal performance. Some of the heat that is absorbed gets trapped in the layers of the film before being dissipated back out into the environment. That means that less of that heat is entering your room, even though the glass may feel warm.
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Q: Does 3M™ Solar Privacy Film provide day and night privacy?
A: No. Solar Privacy Film offers daytime privacy only. While you will still get a clear view out of your window at night, it does not provide nighttime privacy.
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Q: Are 3M™ Sun Control Window Films safe for house plants?
A: Generally, yes. Sun Control Window Films are safe to use if you have house plants. Typically, they allow enough visible light to facilitate house plant growth. If you are unsure or your house plants are not doing well, please consult a horticulturist.
Installation Requirements
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Q: What time of the year can I apply 3M™ Sun Control Window Films?
A: You can apply films year-round, depending on your location. It is best not to install film when the outside temperature is below 40°F (5°C), as these temperatures and potential condensation on glass cause longer drying times and poor adhesion. We also recommend applying the film when the window is not in direct sunlight.
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Q: What windows can the film be applied to?
A: Sun Control Window Films can be installed on the interior side of transparent single- or double-paned glass.
Do not install Sun Control Window Films on:
- Wired, textured, or patterned glass.
- Triple-paned glass or double-paned glass with a suspended film.
- Partial installation of film on glass.
- Glass that already has a film installed on it.
- Visibly broken, cracked, or chipped glass.
- Glass blocks.
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Q: How should I clean the window before installation?
A: Clean your window using a microfiber cloth and application solution to remove dirt, dust, and debris. If needed, you can use a razor to remove any tough residue.
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Q: Do I need to install the film myself?
A: No – if you don’t feel comfortable installing the film yourself, find a licensed dealer that has been trained and approved by 3M to install our pro-grade window films, visit our dealer locator.
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Q: How should I trim the excess film if my window lock is in the way?
A: Typically, you can remove window locks with 2 screws. If you feel comfortable removing the lock, it can make the trimming process easier. If you choose to leave the window lock on, very carefully trim around the lock housing unit. You may need to use something very thin, like a credit card, to push out any excess application solution near the window lock.
Curing & Maintenance
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Q: How long does the film take to cure?
A: 3M™ Sun Control Window Films take around 30 days to fully cure. You should wait until the film is fully cured to clean it with an ammonia-based window cleaner. Films perform for multiple years once fully cured.
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Q: How do I remove the film?
A: Peel up one corner and slowly peel the film away from the window, working slowly to keep the film in one piece. If any adhesive residue is left behind, you can use a window cleaner and a razor blade or metal scraper to remove the adhesive.
Warranty
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Q: What is the warranty of 3M™ Sun Control Window Films?
A: Films are warranted against manufacturing defects, including cracking and discoloration for up to five (5) years. The warranty (PDF, 40 KB) includes 60-month glass breakage coverage should your glass break due to thermal shock (up to $500.00 per window). 3M will replace defective film free of charge. Please read the product information for full warranty and applicable limitations.
Solar Clear
* IR Rejection as measured from 800–1000nm
** Due to reduction in air-conditioning load; depends on window area, glass type, home orientation, external shading, and prevalent climate conditions.
Solar Privacy
* Due to reduction in air conditioning load; depends on window area, glass type, home orientation, external shading, and prevalent climate conditions.
