LLumar films constitute a wide family of protective, thin-film products that serve a variety of useful proposes. Most are intended for application to glass surfaces and are made from the highest quality, optically clear polyester films, treated, coated, and laminated in various ways through vacuum metallizing, sputtering coating, chemical dyeing or pigmentation. Special adhesives and scratch-resistant coatings make the films extremely durable and bond well to glass and other materials. Over 180 unique films are used for automotive, architectural, and residential applications to control the sun's heat, glare, and ultraviolet light, or provide color and patterned decoration. Others are used to make glass safer and more secure, or to invisibly protect auto paint from stone chips and abrasion. (top)

In both automotive and architectural applications, the film, which is available in a variety of thicknesses and tints, is generally applied to the interior of the glass, though specialized exterior films are available. In the event of an impact or explosion, the film serves to reduce the likelihood of glass breakage, but where shattering does occur they firmly hold the pieces safely in place. The films have an exceptionally strong, energy-absorbing mounting adhesive, and are composed of polyester film layers that are extremely high in tensile and break strength. (top)

No blanket statement can be made about this. There are many reported instances where this has occurred, but the ballistic variables are too numerous to allow generalizations. The size, shape, mass, velocity, and trajectory of the bullet as well as the composition of glass on which it is installed make it dangerous to make any precise, warrantable claims. Generally, smaller caliber bullets can be, in differing circumstances, deflected, slowed, and occasionally stopped altogether. But no film company in the industry is yet justified in making warranted statements about their films being "bullet-proof" or even "bullet-resistant," until such time as fully defined criteria and controlled tests are in place that are nationally or internationally recognized. However, we do know that specified LLumar films on glass provide substantial penetration resistance, safety hazard mitigation, and a persistent weather seal in simulated events and controlled tests with hurled bricks, rocks, crowbars, hammers, bomb blasts, shotgun blasts, seismic events, and windborne debris. (top)

In both automotive and architectural applications, LLumar solar films can reduce harmful ultraviolet rays by 96 to 99.9 percent, depending upon the specific film. Many films will additionally reduce glare by over 90% and reduce solar heat gain by 77%. (top)

Professionally installed LLumar films are virtually undetectable after the installation and curing period and are extremely optically clear. Most architectural films are bonded to the glass with a special mounting adhesive called "CDF," meaning "clear, distortion-free." Most users will agree that visual acuity is often increased with LLumar film because glare is reduced, greatly reducing eyestrain. (top)

No. Purple, bubbling film is a sign of a very low grade window film whose mounting adhesive and dye components have broken down. LLumar films are warranted against this, using more stable and advanced dye chemistries and/or permanent metal layers that do not discolor over time. LLumar HPR adhesive is known world-wide for its strength, durability, and optical clarity. Paradoxically, it seems that only poor quality films are noticed, and high quality, professional installations go unnoticed, perceived as mere "factory-tinted glass." All LLumar films come with a factory-backed warranty when installed by an authorized LLumar dealer. (top)

Not really. While not quite as hard as glass, LLumar films are extremely scratch-resistant and may be cleaned with common household cleaners, non-abrasive paper towels, or cotton cleaning cloths. Caution should be exercised to prevent extreme gouging by hard, sharp, metallic objects. (top)

LLumar films must be installed by a professional installer using highly specialized equipment and techniques. (top)

Yes. LLumar window film is manufactured by Eastman Chemical Company, a global specialty chemicals company founded by George Eastman of Eastman Kodak in 1920. With that exception of raw polyester, Eastman Chemical Company is the only window film manufacturing company in the world with the full range of technologies needed for every aspect of the production of solar control, decorative, and safety and security films. Eastman Chemical Company's Performance Films division has more than 700,000 square feet of manufacturing space dedicated to the production of the full range of film types. Eastman Chemical Company's production capabilities include color dyeing, sputtering, metallizing, laminating, and slitting. It is also is uniquely known for the unmatched size, scope, and quality of its marketing, sales, and technical support groups that literally span the globe. (top)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies from some 130 countries, one from each country. ...ISO is a non-governmental organization established in 1947. The mission of ISO is to promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating the international exchange of goods and services, and to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity." (Quoted from ISO's web site.) ISO's home page is: http://www.iso.ch/index.html. (top)

Since an SPF 15 allows you to stay in the sun without burning fifteen times longer than you could if you didn't use any sunscreen, the calculation of the SPF for window film is fairly easy. The number is very large indeed. If the film product allows less than 1% UV transmission, the SPF would be about 100 or more. With 1.5% UV transmission, the SPF is 66.66. With a UV transmission of 2%, the SPF would be 50, etc. Simply divide 100 by the percentage of UV transmission. Make sure that your UV transmission number covers the whole range of UVA and UVB radiation. NOTICE: While this computation is easy to perform, it must be said that most dermatologists don't think numbers larger than about 20 are meaningful. Moreover, these SPF numbers are officially determined by actual skin testing according to an established experimental protocol. It is not permissible to make such claims about actual SPF numbers without having these skin tests performed by a qualified laboratory.

Solar control window films reduce heat, glare, and fading of carpets and upholstery. Hence, they reduce air conditioning costs, and provide privacy by allowing homeowners to see out during the day and preventing people from seeing in. Security films perform like the safety glass in your car's windshield, helping prevent penetration by holding the glass together after it's broken. Security films are available clear or in combination with solar control tinting offering dual benefits. They can provide considerable protection from intrusion and/or flying debris.

There is no repairing window film. However, window films can be removed and replaced without damaging the glass.

There are many inferior brands of window film that require special cleaning, Llumar window films do NOT. Llumar window films can be cleaned with almost any commercial cleaner so long as it's not abrasive. Windex, Glass Plus, ammonia, vinegar, alcohol, these are all fine. Squeegees, paper towels, all fine.

Llumar offers a wide variety of films. With few exceptions the films we install have written lifetime warranties that cover materials and labor, and are backed by the manufacturer. The warranty covers pretty much anything that can happen under normal conditions, chipping, peeling, cracking, fading, bubbling, etc. In the unlikely event that there is a problem we here at Sundown Glass Tinting do not waste time fixing it. We fix the problem NOW (before anyone else sees it) and ask questions later. Check our reviews. We've been around a long time. Our reputation is gold, and we work hard to keep it that way

Installation time will vary depending on the size of the job. Most residential installations are completed in less than a day, while some large commercial installations have lasted weeks.

Many factors are considered when providing window film cost estimates. Obviously, the size of the job, but also the difficulty. Large windows require more material, but less labor. The type of film can be a big factor. Security films are thicker and more expensive. Security film installations may also require an attachment system that secures the film to the frame of the window. It is because there are so many factors that have to be considered that window film cost estimates are unique in every situation. Each job must be independently examined by a qualified installer. The customer needs to see samples of the film, understand the differences between them, and the installation.