46 l l - mag

Inside: Our Editor on the Road

Architectural - Auto - Decorative - Paint Protection - Security

Volume 15 - Issue 3 - May-June 2011

The Lessonsof Light

Free Subscription Form on Page 46

Also Inside:• The Impact of

Impact Resistant

Films

• Industry News

and More

A PUBLICATION OF kEY COMMUNICATIONS INC.

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Contents© 2011 WINDOW FILM Magazine. All rights reserved. No repro-duction of any type without expressed written permission.

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No other brand of window film enjoys higher consumer awareness

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WINDOW FILM Magazine (USPS 020-895) ©2011 by Key Communications Inc. P.O. Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463-0569, 540/720-5584, fax: 540/720-5687, E-mail: [email protected], www.windowfilmmag.com. Copyright 2011, all rights reserved. No reproduction without the express written consent of publisher. WINDOW

FILM is published six times annually (bi-monthly) by Key Communications at P.O. Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463-0569. Periodicals postage paid at Stafford, VA22554 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Key Communications P.O. Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463-0569. Phone540/720-5584, Fax. 540/720-5687. Subscriptions are free to all qualified recipients. Addresses outside the U.S., postage fees apply. Members of the InternationalWindow Film Association receive one subscription as part of their membership dues.

Volume 15, Issue 3 • May-June 2011

A Publication for the Entire Film Industry

DEpARtmENtS & COlumNS

26 • Back to Basics: A Lesson in LightMembers of the industry explain how window filmworks and the science behind saving energy.

On the CoverUnderstanding the science behind why window film works isimportant for both dealers and installers to succeed atpromoting the product.

Dear Reader—Editor’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ask the Expert—Expert Advice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Open 24/7—Web Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Newsworthy—Industry News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Noteworthy—New Products and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Suppliers’ Guide—A Directory of Industry Suppliers . . . . . . . . . 44

On the Horizon—Industry Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Advertising Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Film Stars™—Installer Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

For Subscription RequestsBy Mail or Fax:

Subscribe by filling out the form on page 46.To change your address, mail your old label,along with your new address, to P.O. Box 569,Garrisonville, VA 22463, or fax to 540/720-5687.To unsubscribe, mail or fax your old label witha request to be removed from our mailing list.

On the Web atwww.windowfilmmag.com:

Under “Subscription Central,” click on:“Free e-Newsletter” to sign up for our Focuson Film bi-weekly publication; “WINDOW FILMPrint or Digital Edition” to sign up for themagazine; “Change Mailing Address”; or“Cancel Print or Digital Subscription.”

4038

3426

2 WindoW Film www.windowfilmmag.com

40 • In Case of EmergencyThe benefits and challenges associated withimpact resistant films and attachment systems arediscussed as natural disasters pummel multiplecountries.

38 • Editor’s Notebook: Destination KoreaKorean window film company Nexfil takes theindustry on a tour of what the company has tooffer.

34 • Five (Mis)Conceptions Architects Have About Window FilmThe window film industry sharesmisconceptions, facts and tips for introducingwindow film to architects.


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LLumar®, LLumar Logo®, CTX™ and Ceramatrix™ are trademarks of Solutia Inc. As used herein, ® denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only.

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The most comprehensive and value added window film partnership program available to date offers our dedicated partners vast architectural opportunities.

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6 WindoW Film

KAtie Hodge

As a little kid the term “tag” sim-ply meant that ever-entertain-ing game of chase. Some of my

favorite childhood memories are ofthe hours spent in the late summerafternoons playing tag in my back-yard with the neighborhood kids. Ofcourse, we were interested inother games too and the gameof tag eventually evolved intosomething different from just“tagging” someone. When I wasintroduced to “freeze tag” Ithought that the game’s inven-tors must be pure genius. Icouldn’t believe that we hadn’t beenplaying this form of tag all along.Since those summer days of endlessplay the term “tag” has taken on allnew meanings. I find myself playing“telephone tag” frequently when try-ing to get in touch with all of thesevendors for my upcoming nuptialsand now due to the invention ofFacebook the term, “tag me” takes ona whole new meaning. Facebook

adopted thephrase “tag”in relation tolinking pho-tos of peo-ple to theirp e r s o n a lprofile. Soif some fas-c i n a t i n gand equal-ly charm-ing maga-zine edi-tor takes

your picture at a show she can nowtag the photo on Facebook to link itback to your profile and ultimatelyyou.

However, now we are taking “tags”one step further. Throughout thispublication and our sister publica-

tions you will see these littlesquare bar codes called MStags. These tags, when com-bined with a smartphone, pro-vide instant access to selectonline content. This allowsyou to do a number of uniquethings, including accessing

FILM’d videos that pertain to printarticles and learning just a bit moreabout a story in print. Also, it allowsyou to access web addresses directlyfrom the magazine. For example, sayyou want more information on theupcoming 2011 International WindowFilm Tint-Off and Conference™. Justuse your phone to take a photo of theMS tag on page 16 and you will beimmediately transferred to the web-site that will have all the informationyou need, including registration,right at your fingertips.

The question is, “how does itwork?” In order to utilize the MS tags,visit http://gettag.mobi on yoursmartphone to download the appro-priate tag reader (free of charge). Youcan also search for “tag reader” in theapp store and download it at no cost.Then simply open the app, point yoursmart phone at any MS tag and youwill immediately be taken to theenhanced online content.

Try it out with this issue of WINDOW

FILM magazine and letus know what youthink by e-mailing me([email protected]). Inother words, “Tag,you’re it.” WF

Key Communications Inc.385 Garrisonville Rd, #116

Stafford, VA 22554540/720-5584; 540/720-5687 (fax)


Publisher DEBRA [email protected]

Editor KATIE [email protected]

Contributing MEGAN HEADLEYEditors [email protected]

[email protected]@glass.com

Art Directors CHRIS [email protected] [email protected]

Exhibits TINA CZARManager [email protected] HOLLY BILLER, VICE PRESIDENTDirector [email protected] ALLY CURRANCoordinator [email protected] MARSHALL STEPHENSProducer [email protected] BRYAN HOVEYDeveloper [email protected] JANEEN MULLIGANRelations [email protected] ERIN HARRISManager [email protected]

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Phone 540/720-5584 x111Fax 540/720-5687

Southeast SCOTT [email protected]

Phone 770/664-4567Fax 770/740-1399

West Coast & ED MITCHELLWestern Canada [email protected]

Phone 805/262-2932Fax 805/262-2933

Europe PATRICK [email protected] Kings RoadWestcliff on SeaEssex SS0 8PH ENGLAND

Phone (44) 1-702-477341Fax (44) 1-702-477559

China & Asia SEAN [email protected], Block 17, Wuyimingzhu, No.6 Jinshan Road,Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.

Phone (86) 591-838-63000

All Others Contact Publisher Directly

DEBRA LEVY540/720-5584, ext. 111;

fax: 540/[email protected]

A PUBLICATION FORTHE ENTIRE FILM INDUSTRY

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Scan the tag at left to view thelatest edition of the FILM’dnewscast. Get the free mobile tagreader at http://gettag.mobi.


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Stainless Steel Snap-Off

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© 2009 World Kitchen, LLCOLFA is a registered trademark of OLFA Corporation, Japan, under license for use by World Kitchen, LLC.

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NE FILUSA

Professional Window Film Manufacturer

Email: Choi@Nex!l.com Tel: 310.516.8986 www.Nex!lUSA.com

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SPUTTERED SERIES

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Donna WellS

Spring has arrived! Translation:“The season has begun!” inthe window film industry.

Many companies are contemplat-ing hiring new employees, lookingover their advertising and tryingto decide what is the bestapproach for a prosperous 2011.Have you considered shoppingyour competition?

If you have been in the industryfor any given amount of time, youmight have fallen into a rut.Maybe your advertising campaignhasn’t changed in years. Yourapproach to growing your busi-ness has become stagnant andyou are well, just treading water.However, your competition seemsto be growing, thriving andbecoming a powerhouse in ourindustry. So, what are they doingthat you are not? Here are a fewsuggestions for shopping yourcompetition. After all, if you wantto become a powerhouse in theindustry, don’t you need to per-fect all of the tricks of the trade?

Shop the Competition: I havedone this my entire career in theindustry. Call around and find outwhat they are offering. Are theyoffering a monthly special? Whattypes of film do they use? Arethey offering tiered pricing for dif-ferent films? One of the things weused to offer was a rainy day spe-cial. If it was raining you couldreceive a significant discount onyour automotive window film. Itwas a terrific way to keep the

shop busy even on a rainy day.Most shops tend to change theirstrategy from season to season.You need to know exactly whateveryone is offering and thinkabout what would best fit yourbusiness model.

Check Out the Competition onthe Internet: Most companiestoday have a website. If theydon’t, that’s interesting competi-tive information as well. You canlearn a lot about your competi-tion just by surfing the web.Besides learning about its filmsand years in business, some com-panies have a price list online.Perhaps they will mention part-nerships they have with otherbusinesses in the area. If a com-pany is active in the community,they will list their membershipwith BBB, ASID or various otherorganizations. You can researchyour competition through theseorganizations. For instance, youcan discover if someone has fileda complaint against your competi-tion with the Better BusinessBureau or if they have won anaward. Companies that have beenaround for awhile might have arti-cles or news clips circulating onthe World Wide Web; read themand learn.

Is Your Competition Involvedwith Social Media?: Most of ushave heard someone brag abouthow they do not advertise. Theyget all of their clients via word-of-mouth, right? Well, that is exactlywhat social media is. It is word-of-mouth. You can tweet, post or blogabout the positives and the nega-tives of working with anyone thesedays. More importantly, you canfind out what is being said about

any company, positive or negativethrough Twitter, Google orFacebook, just to name a few. Ifyou have a Facebook Fan Page,clients can post any experiencethey have had with your company.You can set up programs such asGoogle Alerts and you will be noti-fied every time your competition ismentioned online. Its a great wayto find out what the competition isdoing during the day withoutspending hours doing research.

Talk to the Competition’sClients: We have all lost jobs toour competitors. How can we usethat experience to better ourcompany? Call them and ask themwhy they chose “the other com-pany, instead of you.” Most of thetime the client will say price. Atthat moment ask them if they aresatisfied with the work done. Didthe competition show up on time?Were they courteous? Did they dowhat they said they would do?Most importantly, would you usetheir services again or would youtry someone else next time? All ofthese questions can be answeredwithin a couple of minutes and itwill only help strengthen yourcompany in the future. Manytimes, price may close the cus-tomer, but, it will not secure aclient for life.

I hope 2011 brings you all muchwealth and happiness. Don’t forgetto send in your questions. Happyselling! WF

Donna Wells has worked in the window

film industry since the 1980s and is

currently sole proprietor of Image

Imagination in Huntington Beach, Calif. Ms.

Wells’ opinions are solely her own and not

necessarily those of this magazine.

Season Beginnings

Got a question for Donna?Please e-mail it to us at

[email protected]. Individual names

and company names will be withheld

upon request.


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www.madico.com

www.madico.com





By Manny HondroulIs

Iperiodically receive emails fromwindow film dealers who readmy column asking me computer-

related questions. I thought I’dshare those questions and myresponses as some of you mayhave the same concerns.

Q: Do you prefer organicsearch engine optimization orpay per click (PPC)?

A: My quick and easy response is“why pay for something when youcan get it for free?” PPC is a way ofbuying placement onto the firstpage of a search engine like Google.Though not without merit, PPC list-ings are usually found at the top,bottom and right hand side of theresults page, not in the page’s bodywhere the human eye is immediate-ly drawn. So that means the aver-

age web surfer may never noticeyour PPC ad even if it’s on the firstpage of Google. I know I certainlydon’t. My eyes are always drawn tothe page’s body and as a conse-quence I never click on a paid spon-sor link. Search engines rank organ-ic results based on the relevancy ofa website to the search termentered. A paid advertisement isbuying space on the page based onadvertiser’s desire to get listedusing certain keywords, even ifhis/her website isn’t completely rel-evant to the search term. PPC canalso get expensive as you are bid-ding for space against your com-petitors. You are charged for everyclick that occurs so the potentialexists for an internet menace to justclick on your link all day long and

run up your bill.Q: What kind of laptop

should I purchase?A: It seems that more and

more people are opting to pur-chaseMacs based onApple’s abil-ity to simplify and enhance thecomputer experience. My officeuses Windows machines and, as aconsequence, I have more experi-ence with them. We used to be aDell house but for multiple reasonsswitched to Lenovo ThinkPadsbecause of their track record ofdurability. Laptops are portablemachines that are stuffed into yourbriefcase and lugged across town.You need a machine that can takethe associated physical abuse.

Q: What kind of smart phoneshould I purchase?

A: This is an easy one for me toanswer. Without a doubt—theiPhone. It’s an incredible mobilemachine; it’s easy to use and thetouch screen never fails. You can

update the phone yourself throughiTunes without having to go to themobile phone store and wait in linefor themost recent software update.And it’s now available on theVerizon network. I encourage you towait for the next generation iPhoneto be released, which as now isrumored to be late in the year. It willrun on AT&T and Verizon’s 4G net-work and be faster than the currentgeneration iPhone 4 which operateson the 3G network.

Q: What kind of digital camerashould I purchase?

A: A good digital camera will payfor itself after only a few uses.Useful for estimating purposes andtaking pictures for your onlinephoto gallery, the process of buy-ing a camera can be overwhelming.My advice is to purchase one withat least 10 megapixels that is easyfor you to use.

Q: How do I present aPowerPoint presentation on asales call?

A: You will need a laptop, an LCDprojector (unless the prospect/cus-tomer already has one), and a rele-vant PowerPoint presentation.Most readers already have a laptopbut may not already have a LCDprojector. Rather than lug around atraditional five pound projector,consider the MP 180 pocket projec-tor from 3M that can project yourlaptop’s screen on the wall for lessthan five hundred dollars. In fact,with the MP 180, you don’t evenneed the laptop. WF

Manny Hondroulis is marketing manager

for Energy Performance Distribution in

Baltimore. Mr. Hondroulis’ opinions are

solely his own and not necessarily those

of this magazine.

Q & A


“Laptops are portablemachines that arestuffed into yourbriefcase and luggedacross town. You needa machine that cantake the associatedphysical abuse.”


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Registration opened in earlyApril for the InternationalWindow Film Tint-Off and

Conference™, which will be heldSeptember 15-17 at the MemphisCook Convention Center inMemphis, Tenn.“First week contestant registra-

tion numbers are at an all-timehigh and competitor registrationis quickly filling up,” says eventdirector Holly Biller. Contestantregistration closes August 19 andno on-site registration is avail-able. The early-bird deadline forattendee pre-registration is May31, and pre-registration runsthrough September 2.Co-sponsored by the International

Window FilmAssociation (IWFA) andWINDOW FILMmagazine, the event willprovide two-days of educational ses-sions, quality networking events anda chance to showcase some of thebest automotive tinters in the busi-ness. IWFA members do receive adiscount when registering.“We are so pleased to be able to

work with the IWFA to bring thisevent to the window film industryonce again,” says Holly Biller. “Ihave already received a record –high number of Tint-Off contestantregistrations in the first week so Iknow the technicians are as excit-ed as I am and we’re really lookingforward to being in Memphis!”Previous winners have been

weighing in on the competition’simportance and what new com-

petitors should prepare for.“The thing that I like the most

about competitions is that youlearn from the other installers,”says Les Helton of PerformanceWindow Tinting in Carrollton, Ga.,and the 2008 Tint-Off winner.“When you work with the sameguys all the time you really don’tlearn new things because you areall doing the same thing all thetime. When you go to that competi-tion you can open your mind up tonew ideas, tools and techniques.”The Tint-Off grows every year,

but competition veterans havefirst-hand experience with whatinstallers should or shouldn’t doon event days.“Do 200 percent that day

because those three judges are likeyour worst customer,” advises2008 second-place winner ChrisBrooks of Kauff’s Kustom Tint &Graphics in Palm Beach Gardens,

Fla. “That’s what you are supposedto do everyday anyway. Every jobis supposed to look great before itleaves your shop.”“Don’t forget any tools,” adds

Helton. “I’ll write a list out severalweeks in advance and every carthat I work on for the two weeksprior I will remember what tool Ineeded for that specific car. Youhave to be prepared for anything.”At this year’s event, the first

place winner will be awarded$10,000. Second place will win$3,000 and third place will merit a$1,000 prize. In addition to cashprizes, the first place winner will beawarded a trophy and a WinningChampion’s leather jacket.Stay tuned to WINDOW FILM mag-

azine and windowfilmmag.comfor more information as theSeptember 15-17 dates approach.

Tint-Off ’11 Opens to Record Numbers

THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

(From left to right) George Reyna, Les Helton and Chris Brooks; Two of the big winners atthe 2008 event urge 2011 contestants to make sure they are prepared mentally andmaterially for the competition.

Scan the tag below to register as acontestant or attendeefor the Tint-Off andConference. Get thefree mobile tag readerat http://gettag.mobi.


EVENT NEWS

continued on page 18


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CONTINUED

COMPANY NEWSSunset Glass TintingNamed National Dealer ofthe Year by 3MSunset Glass Tinting of Houston,

Texas was named National Dealer ofthe Year by 3M in February. Otherdealers were also recognized by 3Mas Dealer of the Year for their regionof the country including BrowerTinting & Graphics of Seattle, Wash.(Northwest), Metro Solar of NewYork, N.Y. (Northeast), Solar Tint ofCincinnati, Ohio (Midwest), CarolinaSolar Security of Raleigh, N.C.(Southeast), Climate InsulatingProducts of San Francisco, Calif.(Southwest), The Tint and TrimFactory of Albuquerque, N.M. (RockyMountain), Shades of Texas ofAustin, Texas (Southern), ATD Solar& Security of Frederick, Md. andSolar Eclipse of Washington, D.C.(Mid Atlantic). New Dealers of theYear were also recognized andincluded American Window Tintingof Fayetteville, Ark. and SunSolutions in Williamston, S.C.“We are extremely proud of our

network of hardworking independentwindow film dealers, and look for-ward each year to celebrating theirsuccesses, exploring new productdevelopments and sharing best prac-tices in the commercial, residentialand automotive sectors,” said PeterEisenberg, U.S. business leader with3M’s Renewable Energy Division.

ASSOCIATION NEWSIWFA AnnouncesCreation of MembersAction Committee The International Window Film

Association (IWFA) has announcedthe creation of the new MembersAction Committee (MAC). Thecommittee’s purpose will be todevelop programs to assist currentdealer and distributor members as

(From left to right) Doug Huntley and Alison Schell of 3M, Eddy Russel of Sunset GlassTinting and Peter Eisenberg of 3M pose for a photo after the announcement of 3M’sNational Dealer of the Year.

Advanced Window Solutions NamedNational Dealer of the Year by Solutia

Advanced Window Solutions

of Cortlandt Manor, New York

was named “National Dealer of

the Year” by St. Louis-based win-

dow film manufacturer Solutia,

Inc. The company was chosen

from more than 350 dealers

across the country that are

members of Solutia’s Vista deal-

er program.

Also receiving awards were

Custom Sun Control of Marietta,

Ga. who won the Southeast

Region Dealer of the Year award,

Suntrol of Bedford Heights, Ohio

which took home the Midwest


Spokane Sunscreen of Spokane,

Wash. who won the Western


and Sunbusters Window Tinting

of Austin, Texas who took home

its second consecutive Texas Region Dealer of the Year award.

“I was shocked, but extremely honored to be named Solutia’s NationalVista

Dealer of the year for 2010,” said Marc Vitaliani, co-owner of Advanced

Window Solutions. “Both I, and my business partner, Ross Jurman continuous-

ly strive to better ourselves and make our company the best it could be.We

are fortunate to be part of such a progressive and innovative thinking manu-

facturer in Solutia.”

Marc Vitaliani (left), co-owner of AdvancedWindow Solutions, accepted the award forNational Dealer of the Year from Solutia’sperformance films division president, MikeDonnelly (right).



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well as attract new members to theassociation.While the committee is being

organized, Jack Mundy has volun-teered as a temporary chair of thecommittee. The committee chairwill be an advisory member of theboard of directors.“The mission of the Member’s

Action Committee is to develop,deliver and manage programs,activities and incentives both tobenefit existing dealer and distribu-tor members, while attracting newmembers and to provide input andparticipants to other IWFA func-tional committees,” says Mundy.“The Member’s Action Committeeis in its infancy stages, and the firstmajor project was to act on behalfof the IWFA to co-sponsor the IWFEwith WINDOW FILM magazine. This isa major undertaking, and it is thecommittee’s goal to work in con-junction with other interested par-ties to put on educational sessionsfor the dealer market segment, andto showcase the IWFA as an organi-zation that is vital to the future ofour industry.”The committee is open to any

dealers or distributors that are cur-rently members of the IWFA. “Upcoming activities will be ori-

ented around programs and incen-tives to keep existing dealer mem-bers, and to significantly increasemembership at the dealer level,”adds Mundy. “The MAC will alsohave representation on other IWFAfunctional committees, and this willensure that the dealer/distributorvoices and input will be availablewithin the IWFA, and this will be awin/win situation for our trade asso-ciation. The current members of theMAC are mainly from the dealer cat-egory, and they are very enthusias-tic and interested in activities andprograms that will help to sustainand grow membership, particularlyat the dealer level. “ WF

CONTINUED

Glass TEXpo™ 2012April 12-13, 2012El Tropicano Holiday Inn RiverwalkSan Antonio, TX

Co-sponsored by WINDOW FILM, USGlass and DWM magazines.

For more information visit www.usglassmag.com/texpo or call 540/720-5584

PlanNow!

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A New Placefor a New ToolPerformance Tools, based out of

Plain City, Ohio hasreleased a new“shank ”

t u c k i n gtool with an off-

set installation tip forreaching behind gaskets

while keeping your hands out of theway. The 7-inch tool is made oflightweight, but durable plastic andwill fit nicely into PerformanceTools’ 13-pocket apron. With aquick release snap buckle system,the ED-5706 13 pocket apron hasroom for a variety of tools.�� www.44tools.com

Removal AssistantThe ATR Adhesive Solution for

window film removal is a patent-pending solution that allows tin-ters to avoid aggressive cleaningand the possibility of scratching.The product includes no alcoholor ammonia and one bottle of the

solution can service an average of36 cars. The company says thatusing the solution to aid in theremoval of film can reduce thetime needed to do a removal by upto 50 percent.�� www.windowtintremover.com

Revisiting RetrofittingSolar Gard® window film has

released a new architectural filmfor retrofitting existing windows.

According to the company, theSilver AG 50 low-E window filmreflects 63 percent of interior heatback into a room and reflectssolar energy on the exterior, mak-ing it valuable in multiple sea-sons. The film also still allows fornatural light to enter the roomwhile still providing nearly two-thirds more UV protection thanlow-E windows.�� www.solargard.com WF

NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Silver LiningSunTek® Window Films has released Silver Exterior 20 (SXT 20), a new film

in its architectural line.According to the company, the silver film was designed

to help buildings obtain higher levels of energy efficiency and minimize heat

with 82 percent blockage.The film is scratch-resistant and features a pressure-

sensitive adhesive.

�� www.suntekfilms.com

May-June 2011 WindoW FilM 23

Solar Gard says its new Silver AG 50 low-E window film reflects 63 percent of

interior heat back into a room.


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Solar EnergyVisibl

e Ligh

tInside Room Heat

A Lessonin LightMembers of the Window Film IndustryShare the Science Behind Window Filmby Katie Hodge

BACK

TO BA

SICS:


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This is the first in a series of arti-cles that explains the basics ofwhy window film works the wayit does and how it saves energy

and protects interiors.

How does window film keep heatout? How does it protect againstfading and unwanted glare? Howdoes window film control light? Theindustry works to sell the productevery day, but does everyone reallyknow how and why it works?

Back to BasicsLet’s start with a discussion of

light, energy, heat, reflection, trans-mission and absorption. Within theelectromagnetic spectrum is a spec-trum of energy in the form of waves.Different wavelengths exist andthree of them play a major part inour discussion. Right in the middleof the spectrum is visible light and itsits in the range of 400 to 700 bil-lionths of a meter (nanometers).The energy in each wave is propor-tional its wavelength (which is thedistance between any two corre-sponding points on successivewaves) so if it is a shorter wave-length than it will have a higheramount of energy; a longer wave-length a lower amount of energy.Ultraviolet light (UV) is a part of theelectromagnetic spectrum that hasa frequency greater than visiblelight and only accounts for about 3percent of solar energy. It’s also themost dangerous portion and candamage parts of the eye eventhough it is not visible to the humaneye. Infrared light, which has a fre-quency less than visible light,makes up about 53 percent of solarenergy and is also not visible to thehuman eye.These components of solar ener-

gy—ultraviolet light, visible lightand infrared light—react in three

ways when they hit a surface. Theyare either reflected off of the sur-face, transmitted through the sur-face or absorbed into the surface. “[Light can] be transmitted

through like a piece of glass,absorbed into it like a black car on ahot day or it can be reflected like amirror,” says Ron Jones, architectur-al programs manager for Sarasota,Fla.-based Madico. “Light can complete a combina-

tion of these actions, but theyalways have to equal 100 percent,”says Jones. “The mirror will reflectalmost 100 percent. The black carwill absorb nearly 100 percent andthe glass will transmit almost 100percent.”

Enter Window FilmTaking all of that science into

consideration window filmattempts to regulate the amount ofenergy that is absorbed or trans-mitted in order to reduce energyconsumption, fading and glare. “Obviously, the goal is to reduce

transmission so that leaves win-dow film the opportunity to eitherabsorb solar energy or reflect it,”says Jon Mitchell, technical servic-es representative for Solar Gard inSan Diego.“The more window film can

reflect, the more energy-efficient itis,” adds Jones.Most films are built with ultravi-

olet inhibitors in them to protectagainst UV light. “[Window films] have to have

UV inhibitors built into them


Defining Light• Visible light- The part of the

electromagnetic spectrum that

humans perceive. The infrared

and ultraviolet bands precede and

follow visible light.

• Ultraviolet light (UV)-

Relating to electromagnetic radi-

ation having frequencies higher

than those of visible light but

lower than those of x-rays,

approximately 1015-1016 hertz.

Some animals, such as bees, are

capable of seeing ultraviolet radi-

ation invisible to the human eye.

• Infrared light- Relating to the

invisible part of the electromag-

netic spectrum with wavelengths

longer than those of visible red

light but shorter than those of

microwaves.

• Absorption- The taking up and

storing of energy, such as radia-

tion, light, or sound, without it

being reflected or transmitted.

During absorption, the energy

may change from one form into

another. When radiation strikes

the electrons in an atom, the

electrons move to a higher orbit

or state of excitement by absorp-

tion of the radiation’s energy.

• Transmission- To cause (light,

heat, sound, etc.) to pass through

air or some other medium.

• Reflection- The change in direc-

tion of a wave, such as a light or

sound wave, away from a bound-

ary the wave encounters.

Reflected waves remain in their

original medium rather than

entering the medium they

encounter.

“Being able to explain what each performance value is or how it is determinedreally goes a long way in the consumer’s eyes

in terms of professionalism.”—Jon Mitchell, Solar Gard


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Window Film

®

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America's Largest Aftermarket Auto Security Company

Directed’s one-year Guaranteed Protection Plan* is the most generous in the industry. GPP refunds your comprehensive insurance deductible up to $2,500 if your car is stolen with a VIPER alarm installed – or up to $5,000 for any Directed alarm with VIPER Window tint, regardless if your vehicle is recovered or not!

*See www.VIPER.com for details


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because the polyester base thatthe film is made out of isdestroyed by ultraviolet light,”says Jones. “That is why nearly allwindow films block nearly 100% ofthe ultraviolet light because theyare protecting themselves. Theextra benefit is that [film protectsagainst] the ultraviolet light is themost damaging portion of thesolar energy spectrum to fade,skin, eyes, etc.”

To understand film as a productyou have to understand its origins.Dyed polyester hasn’t always beenthe material used to make film. It’scompositions and materials havechanged dramatically over theyears.

“The original window films werejust vapor deposition aluminum orsilver films. People think its alldyed polyester, but that actuallycame after the silver films becausethe silver was too shiny,” recallsJones. “The silver was very effi-cient at blocking a lot of solar ener-gy and they realized the more theyput on there, the darker it got, themore efficient it was. It blockedmore heat because it was reflectinga lot of the visible light spectrum.”

Understanding the importanceof the original silver films and thebenefits to that type of a film can

help installers and dealers betterunderstand newer products likeddyed films.

“The original silver 20 ends uplooking like a mirror, but it’s veryeffective because it reflects energyaway from the window,” saysMitchell. “Any energy that is reflect-ed doesn’t need to be absorbed. It’simportant because the energy thatis absorbed has to be released sinceobjects want to become equal tem-peratures with their surroundings.So a portion of that absorbed ener-gy gets released inward and con-tributes to heat gain.”

Light and BrightTimes have changed since the

days of all silver films and now theemphasis seems to be on letting asmuch natural light into the desiredspace. The architectural communi-ty refers to this as natural daylight-ing. The window film industry hasfaced some misconceptions aboutits ability to allow natural light in(see article on page 34 for more on

misconceptions about window film).“The new direction of things is

light and bright. Everybody seemsto want lighter and lighter film,”says Jones. “They want you to notaffect the visible light as much, butstill block as much of the infraredas you can.”

Being able to allow natural lightin, but also keeping the heat outbecomes vital to creating comfort-able and energy-efficient buildings.

“People only see visible light,but the other two portions arealso contributing to heat gain,”says Mitchell. “So when an archi-tect or a specifier is looking for aproduct that doesn’t transmit heatbut does transmit visible lightthey would be looking at a ratiobetween a solar heat gain coeffi-cient (which encompasses all ofthe heat coming in—ultraviolet,visible and infrared) compared tojust how much visible light peoplesee. In the industry it’s called thelight-to-solar-gain-ratio. It’s prettysimple to understand. A ratio of

(m) 108 106 104 102 100 10-2 10-4 10-6 10-8 10-10 10-12 10-14 10-16

Radio Microwaves Infrared UV

Visible Spectrum

X-Rays Gamma Rays

“Consumers are looking at specifications moreclosely and they are more widely available

especially with retrofit windows.”—Jon Mitchell, Solar Gard

In the middle of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible light, ultraviolet light and infrared light, which can all be

managed by window film, depending on the type and strength of the film.

A Lessoncontinued from page 27


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May-June 2011 window filM 31

one means that you are transmit-ting equal amounts of heat andlight. The higher over one you gothe more light you are transmit-ting compared to solar heat. Andthat is what we call spectrallyselective.”There are misconceptions when

it comes to the capabilities of win-dow film and what is noticeable tothe human eye though. “Typically there really is an over-

abundance of light. On a shinybright day you are going to want toknock off about 65 percent of visi-ble light. It’s so much better for thehuman eyes,” explains Jones.“When your eye gets over-exposedit is relaxed and then outside youreye gets bombarded with light yourbrain wants to shut it down. It’s toomuch information.”“The human eye has a natural

ability to be able to open up to letin more light when it gets darker sounless two different films were sideby side you probably wouldn’t beable to see a 10 percent difference,”adds Mitchell. If an architect or a customer

wants to allow visible light they are

not going to get 100 percent block-age by film. The clearer the film themore visible light is coming intothe desired space.“The best they are going to get in

56 percent solar energy rejection,”says Jones. “That 44 percent of vis-ible light is there. If you have clearfilm then it means that visible lightis coming through.”That doesn’t mean that film can’t

provide a controlled amount of nat-ural daylight. Jones says he alwaysthinks of film as a way to managelight. He says that with the rightfilm you won’t even notice that thefilm is there.“With the new spectrally selec-

tive films you really can’t evennotice it. The samples at my houseof the 60 percent film are practical-ly invisible. If you put a 70 percentfilm on a window it literally disap-pears,” says Jones.

Understanding WhyBeing able to understand how

window film works and the sci-ence behind it can be valuable inmany ways. Consumers want tobe able to trust that they are mak-

ing the right decision when theyhire their local window filmcompany. Continuing self-educa-tion can only improve skills andconfidence when it comes to thejobsite.“Consumers are looking at speci-

fications closer and they are morewidely available especially withretrofit windows. They usuallyhave questions because it can becomplex to understand,” com-ments Mitchell. “Being able toexplain what each performancevalue is or how it is determinedreally goes a long way in theconsumer’s eyes in terms ofprofessionalism.”As technology changes con-

sumers and those within the indus-try will need to stay educated onwhat is new and what gives con-sumers the benefits they are look-ing for. Understanding the basics ofhow a product works can make thedifference between success andfailure or a signed contract and alost job. wf

Katie Hodge is the editor of WIndoW FIlm

magazine.

Windows equipped with window film block UV light, more heat and, depending on the film, certain levels of visible light.

Windowwithoutwindow film

Windowwith

windowfilm

Photo

: In

tern

ational W

indow

Film

Ass

oci

ation


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The event dedicated to you is coming soon -September 15-17, 2011

The International Window Film Tint-Off and

Conference™ is being held September 15-17, 2011

in Memphis, Tenn. at the Memphis Cook Convention

Center. It will be co-located with Auto Glass Week™.

Save $50 per employee if you register before May 31.

Registration to attend and compete at the

International Window Film Tint-Off and

Conference™ is now open online. Register at

www.windowfilmmag.com/tintoff/register or

complete the form at right.

For more information, visit windowfilmmag.com/tintoff or call 540/720-5584.

See you in Memphis this September!

Co-Sponsored by

CALLING ALL TINTERS!

Register Now!


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www.windowfilmmag.com/tintoff




2 Great Ways to Be a Part of the InternationalWindow Film Tint-Off and ConferenceRegister to Compete or Attend!Deadline: August 19, 2011 for Contestants; September 2, 2011 for Attendees; June 15 for

early-bird. *No on-site registration will be accepted for contestants. Attendee registrations received

after 5 p.m. EST on September 2 are considered on-site and fees will increase. Form must be filled

out completely to be registered for the conference. Please return the completed form by mail to

Holly Biller, Event Director, at WINDOW FILM magazine, P.O. Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463 or fax it to her at 540/720-5687.

Information:

Name: _________________________________________ Company Name: __________________________________

Address: _______________________________________ City: ___________________________________________

State/Province: ______________________________ Zip/Postal Code: _______________ Country: _______________

Email: _______________________________ Phone: ______________________ Fax: ________________________

Choose One

Registration forms and fees are

due by August 19, 2011 for

Tint-Off contestants, and

September 2, 2011 for

attendees. After this date,

attendees may register on-site at

the event for an increased fee.

Cancellations/Refunds: All request

for cancellations and/or refund

must be received in writing by

September 2, 2011, and are

subject to a 50 percent

administration fee. No refunds

will be administered after stated

date. Prices may be subject to

change.

Be sure to book your rooms

early at the Memphis Marriott

Downtown as the discount

deadline is August 25, 2011.

Visit windowfilmmag.com/tintoff

and book your reservation online.

Questions: Contact WINDOW

FILM magazine, P.O. Box 569,

Garrisonville, VA 22463 or call

540/720-5584, fax 540/720-5687.

1. Attend the Conference: Includes all seminars and social events

Early-bird Pre-Register On-Site(ends 6/15) (ends 9/2) (after 9/2)

IWFA Member � $129 � $159 � $179

IWFA Non-Member � $159 � $179 � $199

Total: $__________________________

2. Compete in the Tint-Off (Conference Registration Included)Contestants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited.

IWFA Member � $150 (Not available after 8/19)

IWFA Non-Member � $250 (Not available after 8/19)

(Note: Your registration includes admission to the International Window

Film Tint-Off and Conference as well as Auto Glass Week™ 2011.)

What manufacturer and type of film do you prefer? _______________________

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nline at

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toff/registe

r


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www.windowfilmmag.com/tintoff


W hat’s the worst thing an architect can say to a win-dow film installer? How about, “I am seriousabout saving energy, but I don’t want to bother

with window film. I will just install new windows?” Or howabout, “Window film is just too hard to install?” or “Italways looks dark.”Common misconceptions all, but comments every win-

dow film company hears with regularity.WINDOW FILM magazine has assembled the top five miscon-

ceptions about film most commonly circulated to archi-tects, along with the real and simple truth, below:

Five (Mis)ConceptionsArchitectsHave AboutWindow Film

Window film is messy

and hard to install and

requires chemicals.

Wrong. Window film is installedusing simply soap and water. Depending on the numberand size of the glass being filmed, installation can bedone quickly in a matter of hours, minimizing the dis-

ruption to work time or a consumer’s space. The ease of installationcombined with the excellent energy benefits make the product idealfor those serious about saving energy.“Many property owners are simply unaware of the significant ener-

gy savings that can be realized, the energy consumption reductiontax credits and other economic incentives which are available fromthe use of window film,” says Antonius van Dijk, director of businessdevelopment for U.S. Film Crew in Bethel Park, Penn.

Window

film is

expensive.

Nope. Oneof film’s greatbenefits is itslow cost. Film

is much more affordable thangiving a home a complete win-dow makeover and producesmany of the same benefits. Filmcan help keep cost down whileproviding an energy-efficientend result.“Building owners routinely

leverage sophisticated softwaretools to estimate energy savingsfor HVAC, Building ManagementSystems (BMS), window and

by Katie Hodge


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Naturaldaylightingis difficultto achieve.

Not true. Acommon mis-

conception amongarchitects is that film reduces theamount of usable light thatenters a building. With new spec-trally-selective films you canallow as much or as little light aspossible. Film is a made-to-orderproduct where the buyer candecide how much light theywould like and how much protec-tion they would like.“When most people think ‘tint,’

they think of dark films thatwould counteract the daylightingbenefits architects use as part ofa green building philosophy. Thetruth is, with the advent of the lat-est film technologies … films withhigher visible light transmissioncan have significant impact oncooling costs, building aestheticsand overall comfort,” says LizaNoland, manager for sales and

marketing at SunTekWindow Films in

Martinsville,Va.


door replace-ment and otherenergy effi-cient devicesin an effort todetermine applicabletax incentives, lifecyclecosts, and return on invest-ment ratios. Ironically, the effi-ciency improvements and car-bon footprint reduction achievedthrough the application of win-dow film can be estimated usingthe same software and often thesame data that is already avail-able from previous models forthe abovementioned energy effi-ciency devices,” says MarkCarlson, business developmentmanager for HanitaTEK WindowFilms, based in Dallas.

“Actuallythere are anumber ofwindow films

available thatoffer an afford-

able alternative to windowreplacement and can have a dra-matic impact on cooling costs fora building,” says Alison Schell,vice president of 3M energy con-servation in St. Paul, Minn.“Simple paybacks will varydepending upon the amount ofsunlit glass exposure, the type offilm, the type of glass, cost of fuel,cost of application, and othervariables. However, we have seenpaybacks often range in the 2-5year period, with some reportedto be even less than 6 months.”

Window film can be applied using

soap and water to nearly any window

in a short span of time, creating little

disruption for the occupants.


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Window filmdoes notstand up toweatherextremes.

False .W i n d o w

film is a durable prod-uct that will with-stand extreme weath-er and dirt or dust. Infact, in many casesmanufacturers will guaran-tee the life of the productfor a significant amount oftime. The product will stay inplace and continue doing itsjob for years to come. It’s an ener-gy-efficient product that protectsinteriors and lasts beyond manyother materials or products thatface weather conditions.“I challenge any user to identify

other products in a commercialbuilding that are guaranteed notto fail for 12 to 15 years and comewith a warranty that includescosts of materials and labor withno proration. In fact, lighting fix-ture manufacturers assume a use-ful life of their fixtures of less

than 10 years,” says Carlson.“The profile of our industry has

risen dramatically as manufactur-ers, distributors and dealers havejoined forces to engage films to

reduce energy consumption, miti-gate damage in the event of failedglass and protect valuable fur-nishings from the affects of thesun,” adds Pitzer. WF

Films turnpurple.

Not any-more. Thishasn’t beentrue since theearly 1980’s

when there were some bad auto-motive films out there. Windowfilm is much more advanced thanit was in the 1980’s and the tech-nology of film today is far beyondold automotive films. “The per-ception that window film is that‘purple stuff on cars’ has, thank-

fully, faded into the his-tory of our industry,” saysLewiz Pitzer, special projectscoordinator for AmericanStandard Window Film in LasVegas, Nev. “When I first beganwork in this industry in the late80’s, it was common for someoneto bring up the ‘P’ word in discus-sions about window film. Ourindustry has had excellent colorstable products in the market foryears now and it is rare to see avehicle with purple film.”“General Motors doesn't make

a 1980 Corvette, and we don't

make 1980 window film,” addsRon Jones, architectural pro-grams manager for Sarasota, Fla.-based Madico. “Technologychanges such as the variousmetal deposition methods, colorextruded base materials, special-ty coatings, etc. have helped win-dow film keep pace with marketdemands. Premium quality filmsmade today offer durability andlongevity that consumers cancount on.”

The eBay headquarters in San Jose, Calif., received a film makeover from

HanitaTek to boost their energy-efficiency and keep the heat out.

Five (Mis)ConceptionsArchitects Have About Window Filmcontinued from page 35


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many window film manufacturers constantly look for ways to set themselves apart fromthe crowd. Recently, in a tour of their facilities, South Korea-based Nexfil shared alittle about their past, present and future with WINDoW FILm editor Katie Hodge. (Left toright: Katie Hodge, sales manager Joseph Kim, president and owner ShinSoon Lee)

Editor’s Notebook: Destination Korea

A Look at WINDoW FILm EditorKatie Hodge’s Visit to KoreanWindow Film Company Nexfil

Scan the tag at left to read my blog about our trip to Korea

and see a slide show of photos. Get the free mobile tag read-

er at http://gettag.mobi.

The company produces a variety ofproducts including high and lowend window films, specialty, IR,decorative, safety, solar control,sputter and chip-dyed films. Itproduces both automotive andarchitectural films and everythingcomes out of its Korean manufac-turing facilities.

Due to Lee’s experiences, Nexfil prides itself on having fast service and effi-cient delivery times. “We are always thirsty for new products,” says Lee. “Weare not too big like some other companies so our response and action canbe fast and new items can be created quickly.” The company operates a vari-ety of lines, including the one above.

Lee was having problems with other windowfilm suppliers’ delivery times. "I was reallydoing well in Korea, but I had problems withdelivery times," says Lee. So he foundedNexfil to solve these problems.


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Nexfil currently has two manufacturing facilities in Korea anddistributing facilities in China, Germany and the U.S. Plans tobuilding a manufacturing facility in the U.S. are underway andvarious states are being evaluated as possible locations. "Weplan to establish a manufacturing facility in the U.S. by the endof the year," says Lee. WF

A Look at WINDoW FILm EditorKatie Hodge’s Visit to KoreanWindow Film Company Nexfil

This chip-dyed film has filled a niche for Nexfil. Due to thenature of production, this manufacturing method has created aproduct that has much greater color stability. “The product hasreally improved color quality for us,” says S.W. Choi, the NexfilUSA president.

Nexfil’s chip-dyed film is one of its more unique lines. Above: employees in the controlroom explain how the film progresses through the line and what happens in each segmentof the line.

This private company now distributes in the U.S. with a distrib-uting facility in Gardena, Calif. In 2010, annual sales figures forthe U.S. distributing facility were $15 million with $80 million insales from the Korean facilities.


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While natural disastersare, for the most part,unavoidable there are

some things that can help betterprotect those in nature’s way. Therecent earthquakes and tsunami inJapan have led to discussionsabout the role window film canplay in mitigating such disasters.

A product such as security filmcan assist in protecting victimsfrom shards of glass or the dangerof objects entering through brokenwindows during a hurricane orearthquake. In the case of Japan,film may not have made any differ-ence during the tsunami’s push,but it may have provided extra pro-tection during the earthquake.

“With Japan’s tsunami, filmwouldn’t have been able to do awhole lot because of the force of

the water. However, film has beenused for to help mitigate damage inthe case of seismic activity,” saysLewis Pitzer, special projects coor-dinator for American StandardWindow Film in Las Vegas, Nev. “Wecan put the film on and in the eventof racking or seismic activity it canhelp make the glass break safely.”

How it Works“Window films manufactured

specifically for adding safety orsecurity properties to the glass orwindow on which they are installedoffer extremely valuable benefits tothose occupying a building or own-ing a building,” says Darrell Smith,executive director of theInternational Window FilmAssociation (IWFA). “The benefitsfor residential users include added

protection from the hazards of flyingglass and ultra-violet protection, at aminimum, and may also offer provenenergy savings, glare control andoccupant comfort, depending on theproduct selected. For commercialusers…there are the added benefitsof protection for tenants or buildingvisitors, possible extended useablelives of furniture and furnishing, low-ered operating costs, and minimalinvestment to achieve bettereconomies of operation.”

In addition to these benefits,being able to control or manage theglass breakage has become impor-tant in protecting those inside thebuilding. Breaking safely meansthat the film will hold the glassshards in place as opposed toallowing them to become possiblylethal projectiles. With the addition


In Case of EmergencyHow Window Film Can Mitigate Damage from Natural Distastersby Katie Hodge

This government research

facility in Kansas City,

Mo., received extra

protection from 8-mil

clear film with two-sided

mechanical attachment.


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of attachment systems, film cankeep these shards intact in the win-dow frame and allow for a moresecure building envelope.

Even stronger glasses, such astempered, benefit from the addi-tion of window film.

“There is a benefit to adding filmto tempered glass because youmight not want to lose that open-ing. When thinking of contingencyplanning, if it‘s an area where youneed to stay open like such as anemergency response center or abusiness corporate headquarterson the trading floor, you still mightnot want to have a situation wherethe tempered glass breaks andexits the frame and you are sittingthere with open windows,” saysPitzer. “With film and the properuse of an attachment system ontwo vertical sides it will hold thewhole broken piece in place. Youwill have a membrane that keepsthe building envelope contained.That can be very important for abuilding like a hospital.”

A variety of buildings in Japancould have benefited from the useof film. Film used on school win-dows can protect children inside.Hospitals and clinics need the abil-ity to remain open and manageableand film can assist with that goal.

“What we found in the Bay Areaafter the 1989 earthquake was a lotof glass breakage. As widespread asthe glass breakage was, there wasno way to get everything boardedup,” says Scott Haddock, presidentand CEO of Glasslock Inc. in Easton,

Md. “There was lousy weather for aweek after the earthquake and itwas really difficult to close up theenvelope of all of these buildings.The good thing about film is that, aslong as you can keep it in theframes, you can protect the enve-lope of your facilities.”

“There was a school system inCalifornia where there was a seis-mic event and they had annealedglass on the buildings. The glassbroke and pieces broke off andwent into the desk of the children.The kids weren’t there thankfully,but they realized the hazard andput film up,” says Pitzer.

After the 1989 earthquake thatrocked California, new programswere put in place to better protectresidents.

“After the 1989 quake, Californiaimplemented a program whereschools installed film or replacedtheir windows with laminatedglass,” recalls Haddock.

While the products has greatbenefits, the challenge for the win-dow film industry has been pro-moting film’s properties carefullyand promising only benefits thatfilm actually delivers.

Promote With CareIt’s important for dealers to

remember that window film is not ahurricane-proof product. No prod-uct is. Film can help mitigate theeffects of a hurricane, but it cannotoffer total protection. What prod-ucts such as security films andattachment systems can do is min-

imize damage. They can’t stop alldamage from taking place, but itcan keep occupants safer and keepthe building sealed in some cases.

“With any type of product tech-nology that has this many benefitsand application, it can be easy toconfuse benefits or overstate per-formance for a given situation,”says Smith. “For that reason, sell-ers of window films for safety/secu-rity purposes should be very care-ful to make only performanceclaims which are backed by manu-facturer literature and publishedperformance specifications, whichmay include test reports and certi-fications.”

“It’s like a bomb blast scenario—typically the target buildingdoesn’t have a lot you can do for it,but it can help when it comes tothe collateral affects of buildings inthe outer-lying areas that weren’tso close to the epicenter. It canminimize the collateral affects ofthings like broken glass,” saysHaddock. “As long as it’s not over-



“There is a benefit to adding film to temperedglass because you might not want to lose that

opening. When thinking of contingency planning,if it‘s an area where you need to stay open likean emergency response center or a business cor-porate headquarters on the trading floor, youstill might not want to have a situation wherethe tempered glass breaks and exits the frameand you are sitting there with open windows.”

—Lewis Pitzer, American Standard Window Film

A Glasslock installer puts film on a

building in Washington, D.C.


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sold it’s an excellent way to miti-gate glass fragments in an eventwhether natural or man-made.”“One of the things that is really

important for the industry tounderstand is what film can’t do.Security film has so many benefitsthat there is no reason to need toover-sell it,” adds Pitzer.Using care to promote the prod-

uct can result in an educated cus-tomer and extra protection forbuildings and occupants in dan-ger’s way. Making unsubstantiatedclaims can put both people and theproduct’s reputation in danger.“Making a mistake or overstate-

ment on the energy performance ofa product may cost the consumersome minimal amount of money;

overstating the safety/security per-formance of a film may lead tomore serious life safety issues.And the benefits are so great fromtheir use, these products do notneed to be oversold,” says Smith.

Continued ImprovementLike many products, security films

and attachment systems have thepotential to grow stronger in theircapabilities. Technology is constant-ly improving productswhichwe con-sider cutting edge now.“One of the things that might

help down the road would be athinner film that would have thesame properties as a thicker film interms of tear-resistance. It wouldbe easier to install which wouldhelp the dealer and the end con-sumer because it’s less expensivefor a thinner film to go up. Plus,they are easier to use with attach-ment systems,” says Pitzer. “I thinkwe are just scratching the surfaceof different configurations of waysto attach the film so it will hold theglass during various threats. Thatis one thing I love about the indus-try is that there are new people outthere that are always coming upwith new techniques.” WF

Katie Hodge is the editor of WInDoW FIlm

magazine.

The Washington, D.C. building has mechanically-attached fragment retention film installed to protect the building

against the unexpected.


In Case of Emergencycontinued from page 41

Four Ways Impact Resistant Film Can Help1. Protect Interior from Exterior

Impact resistant films can help keep the storms outside. By creating a

stronger barrier against winds and projectile objects windows covered in film

can hold up longer than just glass. Keeping out rain or debris can provide

added comfort and security to those still inside the building.

2. Minimize Injury from Glass Breakage

With the addition of attachment systems, impact resistant films can hold

broken glass in place.This pair of products can help prevent glass shards from

impaling inhabitants and belongings. In the event that a window is broken this

allows for the building envelope to remain secure from the elements.

3. Ease Clean-Up

After the storm ends the use of impact resistant films allows for the clean-

up to be easy and minimizes the effects of the event within the building. If the

film keeps the windows intact in the attachment system this can prevent rain

flooding inside the building and damage to carpet and drywall from rain. In the

case of an earthquake, film can keep a building like a bank or hospital secure

from falling debris or looters.

4.Added Benefits

Impact resistant films also have many of the same benefits that regular win-

dow film does. Consumers can get this film with ultraviolet protection as well

as glare control and plenty of energy savings benefits. These added benefits

make film valuable whether it’s storming or bright and sunny outside.

Do you have a sales technique for selling impact resistant films that works

for you? E-mail [email protected] and share your experience.


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means

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Your complete source of tint and toolsä Vast choice of tintsä Competitive ä We are not 100% satisfied unless you are

WORLD WIDE SUN CONTROL45945 Trefoil LN, Unit 142 Sterling VA 20166

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Leading “Dyed Film” Manufacturer since 1982,brings to you Window Films that:ä “No fade to purple” warrantyä Great factory color match


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http://www.suncontrolusa.com






DistributorsArchitectural Film

SAGR Products Int'l1785 Biglerville RoadGettysburg, PA 17325800/223-4385; fax: 717/334-6483 [email protected]

Solar Control Films Inc. 1499 N Post Oak Rd; 214 Houston, TX 77055 877/989-3456; fax: 713/681-3040 [email protected]

Solar Gard Window Films 4540 Viewridge AvenueSan Diego, CA 92123877/345-9478fax: 858/514-4231www.solargard.com

Sun-Gard Window Films2630 Fairfield Avenue S.St. Petersburg, FL 33712888/887-2022www.sun-gard.com

Automotive Film

Huper Optik International Pte Ltd12, Jalan Kilang Barat, #04-03Singapore 159354(65) 6276-4555; fax: (65) 6276-9917www.huperoptik.com

SAGR Products Int'l1785 Biglerville RoadGettysburg, PA 17325800/223-4385; fax: 717/334-6483 [email protected]

Solar Control Films Inc. 877/989-3456 [email protected]


Starco Distributing1441 N. Cayamaca St.El Cajon, CA 92020619/937-0367; 888/359-3456fax: 619/937-0369

Sun-Gard Window Films888/887-2022www.sun-gard.com

Decorative Film

Solar Graphics Inc.12167 49th St., Unit 100Clearwater, FL 33762800/869-8468Fax: 727/321-6004www.coloredfilms.com

residential Film

Johnson Window Films Inc.20655 Annalee Ave.Carson, CA 90746310/631-6672; 800/448-8468fax: 310/[email protected]

Midwest Solar Control Films 1220 N Price Rd; #B St. Louis, MO 63132 866/973-3456 www.midwestsolarcontrol.com

security Film

HanitaTEK Window Films800/[email protected]

Madico Window Film888/887-2022www.madico.com

FiLM iNstALLAtioN sErViCEsU.S. Film CrewP.O. Box 17235Pittsburgh, PA 15235877/946-3693; fax: 412/[email protected]

MANuFACturErsArchitectural Film

3M Renewable Energy Division3M Center, Bldg. 235-2S-27St. Paul, MN 55144800/480-1704; fax: 651/636-0611www.3m.com/windowfilm

CPFilms Inc.P.O. Box 5068, Martinsville, VA 24115276/627-3000; 800/255-8627fax: 276/[email protected]

Hanita CoatingsKibbutz Hanita, 22885, Israel+972-4-985-9919fax: [email protected]

Madico Window Film2630 Fairfield Avenue S.St. Petersburg, FL 33712727/[email protected]

Solamatrix, Inc.2630 Fairfield Avenue S.St. Petersburg, FL 33712888/[email protected]


SunTek™/Commonwealth Laminating & Coating, Inc.P.O. Box 4668345 Beaver Creek Drive Martinsville, VA 24112276/632-4991; fax: 276/632-0173www.suntekfilms.com

Automotive Film


A DIRECTORY OF INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS


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http://www.SolarControlFilmsInc.com



http://www.huperoptik.com



http://www.SolarControlFilmsInc.com



http://www.coloredfilms.com



http://www.midwestsolarcontrol.com


http://www.hanitatek.com

http://www.madico.com


http://www.usfilmcrew.com

http://www.3m.com/windowfilm


http://www.llumar.com


http://www.hanitacoatings.com




http://www.solamatrix.com








May-June 2011 window filM 45

3M Window Films866/499-8857www.3m.com/window

Erickson Intl./American Standard Window Film3135 Marco St.Las Vegas, NV 89115800/835-9676; fax: 702/643-0509


Madico Window Film727/[email protected]



Commercial Film


Decorative Film


Artscape Inc.3487 N.W. Yeon Ave.Portland, OR 97219888/503-0354; fax: 503/[email protected]

Madico Inc.64 Industrial Pkwy.Woburn, MA 01801781/935-7850; 800/225-1926fax: 781/935-6841www.madico.com

Film Shades

Midwest Marketing2000 E. War MemorialPeoria, IL 61614800/638-4332; fax: 309/[email protected]

Solar Screen Co. Inc.53-11 105th StreetCorona, NY 11368718/592-8222; fax: 718/271-0891

Residential Film


Security Film



Madico Window Film727/[email protected]



SeCuRity pRoDuCtSAttachment Systems

FilmFastener LLC featuring BondKap™8206 Copeland Rd.Odessa, FL 33556813/926-8721; fax: 813/920-8662 www.FilmFastener.com

toolS AnD SupplieSPerformance Tools Distributing7640 Commerce PlacePlain City, OH 43064866/448-6657 or 614/873-4800Fax: 614/[email protected]


WebSiteS to ViSitSolamatrix, Inc.888/887-2015www.solamatrix.com

training School


Windowtinting.com800/580-7953 wf

To place your listing(s) in the Suppliers’ Guide,

please contact Janeen Mulligan at 540/720-5584 Ext. 112

or e-mail [email protected]


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http://www.energy-film.com












http://www.FilmFastener.com










www.windowtinting.com

September 15-17, 2011International Window FilmTint-Off and Conference™Sponsored by WIndOW FIlM magazineMemphis Cook Convention CenterMemphis, Tenn.Contact: WIndOW FIlM magazine at540/720-5584 or visitwww.windowfilmmag.com/tintoff.

September 15-17, 2011Auto Glass Week™Co-sponsored by AGRR™ magazine,the Auto Glass Replacement SafetyStandards Council Inc., theIndependent Glass Association, thenational Glass Association and thenational Windshield RepairAssociation. Includes Auto GlassRepair and Replacement Olympics. Memphis Marriott downtown andMemphis Cook Convention Center.Memphis, Tenn.Contact: AGRR magazine at 540/720-5584 or visit www.autoglassweek.com.

october 19-21, 2011SGIA Expo 2011Organized by the Specialty Graphics Imaging AssociationErnest n. Morial Convention Centernew Orleans, la.Contact: www.sgia.org

november 1-4, 2011SEMA Show 2011Sponsored by the Specialty EquipmentMarket Associationlas Vegas Convention Centerlas Vegas, nev.Contact: www.semashow.com

november 7-10, 2011nFRC Fall 2011 Membership MeetingOrganized by the nationalFenestration Ratings CouncilAtlanta, Ga.Contact: www.nfrc.org

January 19-21, 20122012 International Mobile Tech ExpoOrganized by Mobile Tech ExpoOrlando Sun Resort and Convention CenterOrlando, Fla.Contact: www.mobiletechexpo.com WF

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Subscriptions are free to all qualified recipients. Digital edition is free worldwide. Addresses outside theU.S. requesting the print edition, please add $40 for postage fees. By subscribing and signing thisform, I also agree to allow publisher to contact me via fax, e-mail and/or telephone in the future.

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Please answer the following questions: PRIMARY WINDOW FILM BUSINESS: (check one only)

A � Dealer B � DistributorC � Manufacturer D � Attachment/Component Manufacturer Z � Other (please specify)

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A � President, Owner or other Corporate executiveB � ManagerC � Film Applicator/InstallerZ � Other (please specify)

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WindoW Film magazineis bringing back the Tint-off™!

Join us September 15-17, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee to see the best automotive tinters compete

for the title of “World’s Best Tinter.” Stay tuned to www.windowfilmmag.com/tintoff

for more details as the event approaches!


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http://www.autoglassweek.com

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http://www.glass.com/subcenter.php






ADVERTISING INDEXPage Company Phone Fax Web Address

1 3M 866/499-8857 651/733-5502 www.3M.com

24-25 Aegis Films 800/438-8468 678/333-0892 www.aegisfilms.com

22 ATR Adhesive Solution Inc 714/883-1939 Not Available www.windowtintremover.com

4-5 Bekaert Specialty Films LLC 727/437-1035 858/571-3605 www.panoramafilm.com

20-21 Commonwealth Laminating & Coating Inc. 888/321-5111 276/632-0173 www.suntekfilms.com

28-29 Directed Electronics 800/361-7271 450/635-9858 www.viper.com

22 Glass TEXpo™ 540/720-5584 540/720-5687 www.usglassmag.com/texpo

49 Global Window Films 866/664-5622 813/814-2080 www.globalwindowfilms.com

50 Hanita TEK Window Films 800/660-5559 262/754-3776 www.hanitatek.com

C2 Johnson Window Films 800/448-8468 310/631-6672 www.johnsonwindowfilms.com

32-33 International Window Film Tint-Off & Conference™ 540/720-5584 540/720-5687 www.windowfilmmag.com/tintoff

11 Madico Window Film 800/225-1926 888/553-8468 www.madico.com

8-9 Nexfil USA 310/516-8986 310/538-1137 www.nexfilusa.com

37 NTech Window Film 82-2-782-7790 82-2-782-9284 www.ndfos.com

7 OLFA North America Division 847/233-8718 847/233-8907 www.olfa.com

17 Scorpion Window Film 800/483-9087 765/653-7175 www.scorpionwindowfilm.com

13 Solamatrix Inc. 888/887-2022 727/327-7132 www.sun-gard.com

3 Solutia’s Performance Film Division 314/674-1000 314/674-1585 www.solutia.com

19 U.S. Film Crew 877/946-3693 412/798-0900 www.usfilmcrew.com

14-15 Wintech Window Films 888/983-3356 714/522-1448 www.wintechusa.com

43 World Wide Sun Control 800/786-9990 703/665-1021 www.suncontrolusa.com

For more information on these companies’ products, visit http://products.windowfilmmag.com.

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Windowfilmmag.com is your news source for the film industry


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Scott Crary just happened tobe in the right place at theright time. Crary’s tinting

career began five years ago byaccident when he was at work nextdoor to Eclipse Window Tinting inCincinnati, Ohio.

“I worked at a detailing placeright next door to where I cur-rently work and the owner [ofEclipse Window Tinting] askedme to go help one of the flat glassinstallers on a pretty big jobsince they were shorthanded atthe time,” says Crary. “I said Iwould and I did pretty well for myfirst time. After that they askedme if I wanted to help out with anumber of different things andthen eventually I started workinghere full-time.”

Since Crary started his windowfilm career he has become the leadinstaller in his shop and can’t doany job, whether commercial orautomotive. His ability to do excel-lent work on any job has made himespecially valuable to his boss.

“His quality is unsurpassed,”says Richard Puthoff, president ofEclipse Window Tinting. “He is aprodigy in the film industry. He iscapable of all film services weoffer, but specializes in automotivetinting and paint protection film.He, also, manages our schedule,and oversees all installs.”

What makes Crary stand out ishis natural talent for tinting. He isdetail-oriented and strives for per-fection every time he touches film.

“I think I have a natural abilityfor it. I don’t let anything roll out of

my bay that’s not perfect,” saysCrary. “I think a lot of people getahead of themselves and just wantto do car after car and let thedetails go. To me those details area big deal.”

Crary’s eye for detail and hislove of cars have made some of hisautomotive tinting jobs his all-timefavorite projects.

“Everytime I do a high-end car Ireally want to make sure thosethings are perfect,” says Crary.“One time we had a Bentley in hereand it was my first time working onone. I did the quarter glass. Thatwas one of the hardest windows I

had done and after four hours onthose two little windows I wasimpressed with myself. The firsttime I did a Corvette back windowI nailed it on the first try and I waspretty happy after that too.”

Despite his natural ability, Craryremembers what it is like to be newin the industry.

“Hang in there,” he says to newtinters. “It’s definitely an art or skillacquired with time. At first youmay want to yank your hair out,but if you hang in there and payattention to the details and takeyour time you will learn. Don’t rushyourself with it.”

Outside of Eclipse WindowTinting you can find Crary golfing,hunting, fishing and working torestore his classic car. WF

It’s All Natural

INSTALLER PROFILES

Do you know someone who is a star among window tinters? Then we want

to hear from you with your nominations for “Film Stars.” E-mail your nomina-

tions to Katie Hodge at [email protected].


Scott Crary stands out as an installer at Eclipse Window Tinting due to his

natural talent and his constant desire for perfection on every job.


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Finally—A Tint Tool thatTrims Wasted Time

Your time and materials are valuable—maximize both with InfoZone™, Hanita Coatings’ new

iPhone App. InfoZone calculates how much film you need in each width for your entire job,

trimming time and increasing accuracy from the old paper and calculator method. You can

even email the results to your shop to get a start on the project. Plus the glass breakage

warranty info is right on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Trim your budget and your time spent. Get InfoZone. It’s Free.

Learn more at www.hanitatek.com/app.

And our film is pretty great too.

800.660.5559 www.hanitatek.com facebook.com/hanitatekProud Supporter of the 2011 International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference™


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46 l l - mag

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