Bravo Protection Products answers your frequently asked questions about auto and building window tinting, installation, and LLumar window film {source: LLumar.com}. For even more information, visit the FAQ pages on LLumar.com.
LLumar Window Film – Features and Functions
- What are LLumar window films?
- How do LLumar safety and security films work?
- Will LLumar window films stop a bullet?
- Do LLumar window films provide UV protection? How much?
- Will LLumar films distort my vision when looking out the window?
- I see purple bubbling on some car window films. Will LLumar film do this?
LLumar Window Film Installation and Care
LLumar Window Film – Features and Functions
What are LLumar window films?
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)
How do LLumar safety and security films work?
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)
Will LLumar window films stop a bullet?
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)
Do LLumar window films provide UV protection? How much?
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 percent and reduce solar heat gain by 77 percent. (top)
Will LLumar films distort my vision
when looking out the window?
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)
I see purple bubbling on some car window films.
Will LLumar film do this?
No. Purple, bubbling film is a sign of a very low-grade window film in which the 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 worldwide 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)
LLumar Window Film Installation and Care
Can I install LLumar window film myself?
Yes. However, Bravo Protection Products HIGHLY recommends using a professional installer to achieve the best look and fit. (top)
Do LLumar window films require special care?
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)