Clear UV Block Interior, 3M Prestige 90 Exterior, and 3M Prestige 70 Exterior all share one defining strength: they leave your glazing visually unchanged. No added tint. No mirrored look. No shift in perceived light levels. Just the same clear glass you started with, but far better protected.
Fading isn’t caused by one thing. It’s a combination of different parts of the solar spectrum working together:
40% – UV Light The biggest contributor to fading. UV breaks down dyes, pigments, and fibres, causing flooring, artwork, fabrics, and furnishings to lose colour. It’s also the part of sunlight responsible for age spots and long-term skin damage.
25% – Visible Light The light you see also plays a role in fading. Even though it’s essential for natural brightness, it still contributes to material degradation over time.
25% – Solar Heat (Infrared) Heat accelerates chemical breakdown. Warm surfaces fade faster, dry out quicker, and become more brittle.
10% – Material & Dye Composition This final portion has nothing to do with sunlight. It’s determined by the inherent stability of the dyes, inks, and materials themselves. No film, coating, or glazing system can influence this 10%, because it’s built into the chemistry of the product being protected.
A high‑performance interior-applied film that removes the UV portion of sunlight while keeping the glass completely clear. Ideal when exterior access isn’t possible or when you need a heritage‑friendly solution.
A spectrally selective exterior film that targets near‑infrared heat while remaining almost invisible. It reduces heat without darkening the glass, helping slow fading beyond UV protection alone.
A slightly stronger version with more solar control. Still clear to the eye, but with increased heat rejection and improved fade protection thanks to its selective filtering of the infrared spectrum.
Both Prestige films work because they reduce heat and visible light in addition to UV, addressing all three contributors to fading while keeping the glazing’s appearance unchanged.
Darker tints can reduce fading even further by cutting more visible light and heat. But this particular range is designed for situations where you want maximum protection with no visible change. That’s why Clear UV Block and the Prestige Exterior series are the go‑to options when clarity is non‑negotiable.
The Need For Protection
No. Clear UV Block Interior, 3M Prestige 90 Exterior, and 3M Prestige 70 Exterior are all designed to keep your glazing looking exactly the same. They maintain the original clarity, reflectivity, and perceived light levels.
Window films can meaningfully reduce up to 90% of the controllable causes of fading. The remaining 10% comes from the inherent stability of dyes, inks, and materials, something no film or glazing system can influence.
However it’s about getting the right balance and this range maintains high visible light levels which does contribute to fading.
40% – UV light (the biggest contributor)
25% – Visible light
25% – Solar heat (infrared)
10% – Material & dye composition (uncontrollable)
This is why films that address UV, heat, and visible light offer the best overall fade protection.
Because UV is only part of the problem. Prestige films are spectrally selective, meaning they also reduce near‑infrared heat and a portion of visible light, both of which contribute to fading. You get stronger protection while keeping the glass clear.
Darker films can reduce fading further because they cut more visible light and heat. However, this range is specifically for customers who want maximum protection without altering the appearance of their glazing.
3M Prestige Exterior films are engineered for durability in UK weather conditions. Lifespan varies by exposure, but they are known for long-term performance and come with strong manufacturer warranties.
Yes, especially the Prestige 70 Exterior film. The infrared heat rejection helps keep interiors cooler and reduces temperature hotspots, all without adding tint.
No. Plants rely on visible light for photosynthesis, and these films maintain high levels of natural daylight. They remove UV, which plants don’t use, and selectively reduce heat, so most plants actually benefit from the more stable environment.
Yes. Because they leave the glazing visually unchanged, they are often accepted in heritage settings where appearance is tightly controlled.
Contact Our Specialists
For an immediate call back, please phone
01256 345580.
Our receptionist will gladly schedule a consultation for you.
For a more detailed and personalised call, please use the form below. By telling us about your project in advance, our specialists can prepare tailored advice. We will call you back at your chosen time.
