Most of us enjoy the occasional home project. The feeling of accomplishment and learning adds to the experience. But what about the final product? Are we happy with that aspect of the project? Installing window film isn’t quite the same as painting a bedroom wall. It’s a craft. And that craft takes time and practice to cultivate.
It’s a more cost-effective effort, in the long run, to hire a professional, certified installer to do the job for you. The reason is, there are phenomenal warranties attached/applied to 3M window films when they are applied by 3M window film-certified installers. A professionally installed window film project is sure to last longer than if someone inexperienced performed the application.
Moreover, 3M has certain window films that are warrantied only when they have been professionally installed by 3M certified window film installers.
3M certified window film installers
A good window film installer knows the ins and outs of window films. Applying window film of any type requires a level of expertise most of us will never have. Because we don’t do it 8 plus hours a day 5 or more days a week, we lack that level of knowledge or experience. We simply haven’t developed the ability to dispense the craft adequately.
Window film installation: What to look for in your installer – NGS Films and Graphics
In fact, only an Authorized 3M™ Window Film Dealer can purchase, install and warranty 3M’s high-end specialty films. Both 3M™ Sun Control Prestige Series and 3M™ Sun Control Film Ceramic Series are window films that are only warrantied when installed by 3M certified contractors.
3M certification process includes four different levels of authorization: premier, premier elite, 3M certified, and 3M large commercial certified. As the leading manufacturer of window films, 3M takes their certification process very seriously. As a result, that certification is coveted within the industry. If you want a job done well. That is guaranteed to last as long as possible, hire a 3M certified installer for the project.
For further details on each level of certification review our blog: How to Choose 3M Window Film Installers – NGS (filmsandgraphics.com)
How to install window film
Can you install window film? Of course, you can. We can do anything we put our minds to. But the question remains: are you going to get the greatest impact from self-installing? Will your window film last as long and be as seamless if you install it, rather than hiring a professional?
The fact is your install will not be of the same quality as a certified installer. (Our apologies if we hurt your feelings. We really do believe in you!) You simply don’t know all the tricks of the trade. There are a lot of extenuating circumstances that can affect the project. Even the weather can impact a window film installation.
It isn’t that you aren’t capable. Instead, it’s more about having the job done well and warrantied rather than investing your time and money into a project that could easily go astray. You want to be happy with the results and have the window film last as long as possible. This is guaranteed with a 3 M-certified window film installer.
The video below takes you through the tools and process of a window film installation. Watch it and determine whether you think the project justifies a professional installation. Remember the more glass you need to cover, the more likely you are to have issues.
So, can you install window film yourself? The answer is yes. But unfortunately, it cancels out the warranty on many of 3M window films.
3M warranties
Obviously, not all window film installation companies are certified. As you begin to research certified installers, feel free to ask if they have been certified and if so, to what extent. It’s the same as if you were to ask a general contractor if they are insured. It isn’t offensive. Instead, it’s a part of the process.
NGS is the leading 3M window film installer in the country. We even add an additional 2 years to the 3M warranty because we stand confidently behind our certified window film installations. Moreover, NGS is a Premier Elite certified contractor and installer. This is the highest certification honored by 3M.
Now that you know – let’s leave the window film installations to the professionals and save the next “do it yourself” project for something that requires less technique. We are confident you can find your niche. But perhaps choose a DIY project that if you do botch it, you can more easily hide it in a closet.
