What is the best Clear Solar Film? Is it 3M™ Prestige70 ?

Albert Regalado
Jul 22
4 min read

Window films have long been associated with dark, mirrored, or frosted finishes. While effective, these traditional films often alter the appearance of windows, affecting natural light and curb appeal. However, a new generation of spectrally selective window films offers powerful heat and UV rejection while remaining virtually invisible. These are commonly referred to as “clear window films.”

Let’s explore how modern clear window film—particularly 3M Prestige 70—delivers high performance without compromising your view, design aesthetics, or wireless connectivity.

What Are Clear Window Films?

Clear window films are engineered using advanced nanotechnology to block heat and UV rays while maintaining a high level of visible light transmission (VLT). Unlike traditional tinted films that darken a space, clear films are designed to be optically transparent, giving the illusion of untreated glass.

3M Prestige 70 on Fisher Island Condo — Installing 3M Prestige 70 on a Fisher Island Condo Unit

Spectrally Selective Technology

These films are called spectrally selective because they are engineered to filter out specific wavelengths of light—primarily infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV)—while letting most of the visible light pass through. This precise filtration is what allows them to reduce heat gain and protect interiors without sacrificing natural daylight.

How Clear Window Films Reduce Heat and UV Exposure

To understand the performance of modern films, it helps to know how window films work. Solar radiation consists of:

Ultraviolet (UV) rays: Cause fading and skin damage
Visible light: What we can see
Infrared (IR) rays: Responsible for the sensation of heat

In older films, blocking UV and IR rays often meant also blocking a significant portion of visible light—hence the darker appearance. But today’s films, like 3M Prestige 70, selectively block harmful rays without impacting visibility.

3M Prestige 70: Industry-Leading Clear Film

3M Prestige 70 blocks up to 99% of UV rays and 97% of infrared rays, all while maintaining a 70% visible light transmission. This means your space stays brighter, cooler, and more comfortable—with no need for dark, reflective tints.

Clear Window Film vs. Traditional Tinted Film

While dark tints might seem more “powerful,” clear films can perform just as well—or better—thanks to innovations in window film science.

Benefits of Clear Films Over Darker Films

✅ Maintain Natural Daylight – Keeps your interior light and airy
✅ Preserve Exterior Appearance – No mirrored or smoky tint
✅ Improve Energy Efficiency – Reduce HVAC usage during hot months
✅ Fade Protection – Block 99% of UV rays to protect furniture and flooring
✅ Low Reflectivity – Less nighttime glare than untreated glass
✅ No Signal Interference – Unlike many metal-based films

Are Clear Films Truly Invisible?

Technically, no film—or even glass—is 100% optically clear. Clarity is measured using Visible Light Transmission (VLT):

Material	VLT (%)
Standard clear glass (1/4")	~83%
3M Prestige 70 window film	70%
Average window tint film	15%–50%
Sunglasses	15%–20%
Roller shades	1%–5%

By these standards, Prestige 70 ranks as one of the clearest window films available, with less interior reflectivity than standard glass.

Why 3M Prestige 70 Stands Out

Among spectrally selective films, 3M’s Prestige Series consistently ranks among the best in the industry. While some competing films may come close in performance, Prestige 70 accomplishes its results without using metals—a crucial distinction.

The Problem With Metalized Films

Many manufacturers rely on metalized layers to achieve solar rejection. These films may seem comparable on paper, but metal content can lead to:

📶 Signal Interference – Especially problematic for Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS
🌊 Corrosion – Accelerated by humidity and salty air in coastal environments
🌅 Increased Reflectivity – Both inside and out

3M’s non-metal, multi-layer construction avoids these issues entirely.

A Sustainable Choice for Energy Efficiency

Installing clear window film is more than a comfort upgrade—it’s an investment in energy savings. In fact, according to 3M’s Environmental Product Declaration, Prestige 70 can become carbon negative in as little as six months after installation.*

That means it offsets more energy than it takes to manufacture, transport, and install it—making it one of the most sustainable building enhancements available.

Perfect for Homes and Commercial Buildings

Clear window films are an ideal choice for a wide variety of applications:

🏡 Residential Homes – Improve comfort and reduce AC usage
🏢 Offices – Enhance productivity by eliminating glare without darkening rooms
🏛️ Historic Buildings – Maintain architectural integrity while upgrading performance
🛍️ Retail Spaces – Maximize natural light for displays while protecting merchandise

Whether you're a homeowner looking to keep your house cool or a building manager trying to reduce energy costs, clear films deliver without compromise.

Professional Installation Matters

To ensure peak performance and preserve your warranty, professional installation is essential. Always work with a certified 3M dealer and installer who understands the product and application techniques.

Improper installation can lead to bubbling, peeling, or sub-par performance—none of which you want in a product designed to be invisible.

Ready to Make Your Space Cooler, Clearer, and More Efficient?

Clear window films like 3M Prestige 70 offer the perfect balance between performance and aesthetics. They’re nearly invisible, yet highly effective at blocking heat, UV rays, and glare.

If you're interested in improving your comfort, energy efficiency, and fade protection—without changing the look of your home or business—contact Sea Cool today.