3M Window Film vs. Avery Dennison: Is 3M Really Better?

Aug 1

3 min read

3M authorized dealer installing residential window film on a sunny day in Orange County California

If you've been researching home window tinting, chances are you've come across 3M.

And there's a good reason. 3M is a massive brand, and its window film marketing features some impressive numbers — especially “up to 97% infrared rejection.”

But here's the question most homeowners never ask:

What does that 97% actually mean?

3M Window Film: The 97% Infrared Number Sounds Better Than It Tells You

3M Prestige window film does advertise up to 97% infrared rejection. That number is legitimate, but there's an important detail behind it.

3M states that its infrared rejection figure is measured specifically from 900–1000 nanometers.

That's only one portion of the infrared spectrum.

This doesn't mean 3M's film isn't good. It means infrared rejection by itself isn't the best way to compare how much solar heat a window film can keep out.

And that's where another number becomes much more useful:

TSER — Total Solar Energy Rejected

TSER measures the total percentage of solar energy rejected by the glass and film combination.

That's important because the sun's energy isn't made up of infrared alone. Visible light and other portions of the solar spectrum contribute to the heat entering through your windows.

So when you're comparing 3M window film, Avery Dennison window film, or any other solar film, don't just ask:

“What's the infrared rejection?”

Ask:

“What's the TSER?”

3M Prestige vs. Avery Dennison

Let's look at the manufacturer's published numbers.

3M Prestige 70 lists 50% TSER on 1/4-inch clear glass under its published test conditions, along with its 97% infrared rejection figure.

Avery Dennison SP e-Lite 70X lists 53% TSER on single-pane glass and 61% on double-pane glass. Avery also publishes separate measurements for Selective Infrared Reduction and Infrared Energy Rejection.

The important takeaway isn't that one number automatically makes one film better. It's that the 97% infrared number doesn't tell the entire story.

The published TSER numbers show that a film doesn't need a huge “97% infrared” claim to provide strong overall solar energy rejection.

So Is 3M Really Worth More?

This is where things get interesting.

A lot of homeowners assume that because a film says 3M on the box, it must automatically outperform other premium window films.

That's not necessarily the case.

3M makes very good window film. Avery Dennison makes very good window film. The real question is which film makes the most sense for your glass, your home's exposure and what you're trying to accomplish.

You're paying for the film itself, but you're also paying for the installation.

So before spending more simply because you recognize the name 3M, compare the actual performance specifications.

Look at:

TSER — Total Solar Energy Rejected
Infrared rejection
Visible light transmission
Glare reduction
UV protection
Solar heat gain
Warranty
How the film performs on your specific type of glass

What About Sun Fade?

Heat rejection isn't the only reason homeowners install residential window tinting.

Quality solar window film can also block up to 99%+ of UV radiation, helping protect flooring, furniture, artwork and other interior surfaces from sun exposure. Both 3M and Avery publish very high UV-blocking performance on their solar films.

But again, don't confuse UV protection with heat rejection.

UV protection, infrared rejection and TSER are three different measurements.

Understanding the difference makes it much easier to compare window film based on performance rather than marketing.

The Bottom Line

If you're searching for 3M window tint, don't automatically assume the biggest number on the brochure means the best performing film.

97% infrared rejection sounds impressive — and it is — but it only tells you part of the story.

TSER gives you a better picture of how much total solar energy a film rejects.

That's why at Calview Films, I don't recommend a film simply because it has the biggest name or the biggest number.

I look at the glass, the sun exposure, the amount of light you want to keep, the appearance you're after and the actual performance specifications.

If you're comparing 3M window film with Avery Dennison or another solar film, I'll show you the numbers side by side so you can see exactly what you're paying for.

Because when it comes to home window tinting and heat rejection, the biggest number isn't always the most important number.