While there are several adhesive systems used on window
films today, only one is developed and made exclusively
for window film by the world's best adhesive innovator
the 3M Company. 3M window film uses a unique
pressure sensitive adhesive with over twenty-five years
of performance success unmatched by any other adhesive
system.
The truth is that window film is only as good as the
adhesive behind it. The long-term clarity of window
film rests primarily in the adhesive. With that in mind,
perhaps the following can help distinguish the good
from the very best.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA): PSAs are common,
but not by any means are they all the same. Unlike 3M's
PSA's, many are not as durable and temperature-resistant.
They tend to develop distortion from thermal cycling
and have field failures, such as adhesive bubbling and
blistering.
Water Activated Adhesives: Water activated adhesives
are used in response to some of the PSA clarity shortcomings.
These adhesives chemically bond to the glass when activated
by a solution. While they improve long-term visual quality,
they, too, fall short in performance. First, this adhesive
type is essentially permanent, making it very costly
to remove. Second, water activated adhesives do not
offer the shatter-resistant benefits that PSAs do as
they often lack the shock absorption qualities needed
to resist glass shattering.
Fortunately, there is an adhesive that combines the
best performance traits of the above two systems. An
adhesive that provides long-term visual clarity, removability,
and shatter resistance is offered by only one company
3M.
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